Neom was never real.
This was obvious in July 2023. It's obviouser now
The Global Impact of Trump’s Isolationism
A free excerpt from my new book, published by Literary Hub.
Live with Michael McFaul on his new book, “Autocrats vs. Democrats”
A recording from Michael McFaul and Luke Johnson's live video
A Huge Thank You!
Wrap-Up to "Pub Week" for Autocrats vs Democrats
Next Stop on the Book Tour, Georgetown University, November 3rd.
hope to see some of you there!
Autocrats vs. Democrats: Launch Week Highlights
Media moments and key discussions from the book’s first week.
In the Firing Line
My recent conversation with Margaret Hoover.
Big Tech Needs $2 Trillion In AI Revenue By 2030 or They Wasted Their Capex

As I've established again and again, we are in an AI bubble, and no, I cannot tell you when the bubble will pop, because we're in the stupidest financial era since the great financial crisis — though, I hope, not quite as severe in its eventually

A world without Keir Starmer
Is it time to change the Labour leader?
A world without Keir Starmer
Is it time to change the Labour leader?
A Conversation on 'Autocrats vs. Democrats' with Ambassador McFaul and Lt. Col. Vindman
Oct 31. 1:30pm PT/4:30pm ET, on Substack Live!
Elemental: How we will live in a warming world
I'm excited to share with you the cover of my upcoming book, out in March.
Live with Preet Bharara
A recording from Michael McFaul and Preet Bharara's live video
Autocrats vs. Democrats: In the News & On Air
Clips and takeaways from recent discussions about my new book.
Autocrats vs. Democrats is now out!
A book years in the making — and urgently relevant to our world today.
A Look Inside My New Book
An excerpt from Autocrats vs. Democrats — out tomorrow!
the steorn orbo

We think that we're converting time into energy... that's the engineering principle.

In the 1820s, stacks, ovens, and gasometers rose over the docklands of Dublin.

Reflections on Writing Autocrats vs. Democrats
On the challenge of weaving history, ideas, and policy into one story
Today, it rains only on you
No, you're not depressed. You're just British.
Today, it rains only on you
The aching permanent sadness of the British climate
Live with Molly Jong-Fast
A recording from Ian Dunt and Molly Jong-Fast's live video
What's up with FUTO?

Some time ago, I noticed some new organization called FUTO popping up here and there. I’m always interested in seeing new organizations that fund open source popping up, and seeing as they claim several notable projects on their roster, I explored their website with interest and gratitude.

A Thank-You Gift for Subscribers
An exclusive preview from my upcoming book, Autocrats vs. Democrats.
This Is How Much Anthropic and Cursor Spend On Amazon Web Services

So, I originally planned for this to be on my premium newsletter, but decided it was better to publish on my free one so that you could all enjoy it. If you liked it, please consider subscribing to support my work.

The Ascent to Sandia Crest II

Where we left off, Albuquerque's boosters, together with the Forest Service, had completed construction of the Ellis Ranch Loop and a spur to the Sandia Crest.

OpenAI Needs $400 Billion In The Next 12 Months

Hello readers! This premium edition features a generous free intro because I like to try and get some of the info out there, but the real indepth stuff is below the cut. Nevertheless, I deeply appreciate anyone subscribing.

On Monday I will have my biggest scoop ever, and it'

Frightened and desperate: EHRC anti-trans campaign loses its momentum
A week of absolute scenes leaves the organisation in limbo.
The EHRC looks frightened and desperate
A week of preposterous drama as the anti-trans organisation seems to fall apart completely.
The Case for Renewed Liberal Internationalism
Why we must revive American engagement and democratic leadership.
Credit where due...
Trump, yes. And Qatar. And Turkey. And Jonathan Powell. And European countries...
Five Lessons for a New Age of Great-Power Competition
How the struggle between democracies and autocracies is reshaping global politics – and what the past reveals about the future.
Thank You!
Initial Success for Autocrats vs Democrats