Fair Observer

What makes the classical music concert such a powerful cultural institution? In our latest Culture of Culture column, Peter Isackson sits down with Emily Hehl, a renowned theatre and opera director, for an engaging conversation exploring the evolution of classical music and its place in today’s world. Join Peter and Emily as they dive deep into the history, significance, and future of the classical music concert. From its origins to its evolving role in modern society, this conversation touches on the cultural, artistic, and social dynamics that continue to shape the experience of music. Watch the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/eMT6NX8z #ClassicalMusic #CultureOfCulture #Opera #Theatre #MusicInSociety #CulturalEvolution #Arts #PeterIsackson #EmilyHehl #MusicHistory #Creativity Atul Singh Helen Hass Andrew Colwell Peter Isackson Thomas Isackon TeeKay (Thorsten) Kreissig Estelle Revaz Anna Bottani Christophe Bennet Antoine Marguier 马吉乐 Eduardo Lála Patrick Kabanda Warren Williams Mikey Shulman Camille McClain

Estonia is leading the way in AI education, aiming to transform classrooms with its ambitious AI Leap 2025 initiative. It envisions AI as a tool to build a more cohesive, democratic society. In an interview with Peter Isackson, Riin Saadj?rv, Estonia’s Head of Education Technology, shared her insights on how the country is proactively integrating AI into education for a better, more democratic society." A bold leap Riin Saadj?rv explains Estonia’s bold move to integrate AI into the nation’s educational system, building on the success of its Tiger Leap program from decades ago. The program is designed to teach students not just what to learn, but how to learn in a world shaped by AI. Collaboration is key Unlike traditional education, Estonia’s approach focuses on collaboration between students and teachers. AI will serve as a tool to foster interactive, emergent learning, making the educational process dynamic and social. Teacher-Led Training The program involves teachers who already use AI to train their peers, ensuring that learning and teaching are both organic and responsive to real classroom needs. This bottom-up approach strengthens teacher involvement and adapts the program as it progresses. A Vision for Society Estonia’s initiative goes beyond preparing students for the workforce—it envisions AI as a tool to build a more cohesive, democratic society. By incorporating AI into education, Estonia is ensuring that students are equipped for civic engagement in the AI-driven future. Read the interview here https://lnkd.in/eb5gjZyS #AIinEducation #Estonia #AIEducation #Innovation #Democracy #TeachingWithAI #EdTech #FutureOfLearning #TeacherTraining #ArtificialIntelligence Danièle Castle Criscillia Benford Bill Softky Mark Cummings,Ph.D. Atul Singh Alexander Gloy Laura Tocmacov (Venchiarutti) Audrey Parrone Djamileh Aminian Ferdian S. Jordan Weide Sievering Johann Sébastien Di Nicolantonio

The Fight Against #Drugs: Is #Duterte’s Legacy Too Costly? In 2017, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, alongside fellow politicians and a lawyer, filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against #Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, accusing him of crimes against humanity due to his brutal war on drugs. Since Duterte’s administration began in 2016, thousands of deaths have been reported—many attributed to extrajudicial killings in a campaign that left the Philippines deeply divided. Despite his popularity, which peaked at 90% early in his presidency, Duterte’s methods and their tragic consequences raised alarms worldwide. In 2019, the Philippines pulled out of the ICC, yet the court still retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was a member. This means Duterte could still be held accountable for his actions. In two interviews with Peter Isackson, Senator Trillanes elaborated on the growing disillusionment with Duterte's tactics and his waning popularity. As public sentiment shifts, especially after events like the death of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos, the international community remains watchful. Duterte’s stance on drug control has been praised by some, yet condemned by others for its human cost. As the ICC examines whether to pursue an investigation into the war on drugs, one thing remains clear: justice must be served. While the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC complicates matters, crimes committed before the pullout remain within the court's jurisdiction. The world will be watching. Read the two interviews here https://lnkd.in/e_KeW_Rj https://lnkd.in/eau7UWv3 #Philippines #Duterte #WarOnDrugs #HumanRights #ICC #CrimesAgainstHumanity #InternationalLaw #AntonioTrillanes #PeterIsackson #HumanRightsWatch #JusticeForTheVictims Peter Isackson Atul Singh International Criminal Court Geneva Centre for Security Policy Sebastian Sch?ffer Jean-Daniel Ruch Jason Phillip Villamor Gutierrez Jose Maria G. Carlos

Germany’s 2025 election results have triggered a major shift in both national and European politics. With the Christian Democrats’ narrow victory and the rise of the far-right AfD, Germany faces pivotal changes that could reshape its fiscal policy and its role in Europe. Read the full article by Alexander Gloy https://lnkd.in/euvWt-Qb Election Outcome and Coalition Negotiations The conservative CDU/CSU's narrow victory and the AfD's historic rise reflect growing populist sentiment. Merz’s potential coalition with SPD might lead to unexpected power shifts despite the SPD's loss. Controversial Fiscal Reform Friedrich Merz’s proposal to loosen Germany's constitutional fiscal constraints sparks debate. His plan to bypass the “Schuldenbremse” could fund military and infrastructure investments, but challenges from opposition parties and legal hurdles complicate its future. Impact on European Politics Germany’s shift away from fiscal austerity could ease financial constraints across the EU, with potential impacts on defense spending, economic growth, and European unity. However, the populist surge may challenge the government's ability to address domestic concerns. Market Reactions and Geopolitical Implications As Germany seeks fiscal flexibility, markets are reacting to the potential for increased defense spending, while broader European stability may be at stake as Germany rethinks its defense and fiscal policies. Atul Singh Myret Zaki Sebastian Sch?ffer Geneva Centre for Security Policy Malwina Talik #GermanyElection #FiscalPolicy #CDU #AfD #EuropeanPolitics #Populism #MerkelLegacy #FiscalReform #EU #Geopolitics

When diplomacy turns into a public spectacle: Trump's confrontation with Zelenskyy signals a dangerous shift in global politics, raising questions about the reliability of US alliances and the future of international security. The US abandons Ukraine. Trump’s harsh treatment of Zelenskyy, and the failure to finalize key deals, signals a troubling pattern of US abandoning its allies, undermining global trust in its security commitments. This impacts #NATO and Europe. The incident has shaken NATO’s faith in US assurances, leading European leaders to consider alternative strategies for regional security, particularly in the face of Russian aggression. #China inevitably grows more confident. The US retreat from Ukraine may embolden China, accelerating its strategic ambitions in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, reshaping global security dynamics. Economic opportunism is surpassing #diplomacy. The confrontation underscores a shift where US foreign policy is increasingly driven by economic interests, questioning the ethical implications of alliances based on resource extraction rather than mutual security. Read the whole article by Abbas Farasoo https://lnkd.in/eDtyTxax #USForeignPolicy #GlobalPolitics #NATO #Ukraine #Trump #Zelenskyy #USChinaRelations #Security #InternationalRelations #geopolotics #EconomicDiplomacy #GlobalPowerShift Atul Singh Peter Isackson

Capitalism Kills—Is It Time to Rethink the System? Donald Trump’s return to the White House signals a deepening crisis—not just politically, but economically and socially. While his inaugural speech promised change, it reinforced the same corporate-driven policies that have widened inequality for decades. And this might be just the continuation by other means of extreme competition, that begins with a healthy fight for innovation, then turns into a monopoly and then it has to take political power to avoid even the slightest demands of accountability. ?? Freedom of speech or ideological control? – Trump vowed to protect free speech but also to discipline schools for teaching “anti-American” views. Can real freedom exist when only certain perspectives are allowed? ?? A healthcare system that works for whom? – The U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other country, yet millions lack access to basic care. With corporate leaders standing beside Trump, does his administration signal reform—or further privatization? ?? The myth of American democracy – Is the U.S. a true democracy, or simply a capitalist empire run by a single business party with two factions? The ever-growing wealth gap suggests the latter. The system is broken. The question is: Will we challenge it before it destroys everything? Read the whole article : https://lnkd.in/eK4FK6iN #Capitalism #WealthInequality #USPolitics #FreedomOfSpeech #trump #HealthcareCrisis #EconomicJustice #RethinkTheSystem #inequality Peter Isackson Emma Woods Jesús Martín González Nataliya Prongue Emmanuel Ruzé, PhD, MCF Dr. Hazbi Avdiji Paula Dupraz-Dobias Roberta Ordonez Miguel Quintana Jess Hackett Graziella Bomio Thomas Klaffke Thomas Fazi

According to author and investor Nicolas Granatino the rise of DeepSeek marks more than just a technological breakthrough—it’s a call for open source AI and global #collaboration, with history shaping its significance. From Jaipur to the future of AI, the fight for technological sovereignty has begun. DeepSeek’s rise in Asia is rooted in the region's historical struggles against Western dominance, reflecting a desire for self-reliance and technological independence. Open source AI, led by European and Asian labs, has become a symbol of #resistance against proprietary AI giants like #OpenAI, pushing for global collaboration and innovation in the field. Inspired by the #HumanGenomeProject, the proposal for a #Human AI Project seeks to create an international, open-source AI initiative to ensure ethical development and equitable distribution of AI benefits worldwide. Open source AI enables a broader, more #transparent approach to AI safety, ensuring that global collaboration can address existential risks and develop AI systems responsibly Laura Tocmacov (Venchiarutti) Audrey Parrone Peter Isackson Yves Zieba Yann FERGUSON Benoit Rottembourg Konstantinos Pitas Luca Marchesotti Guido Lê Nguyên Christophe Wagnière Ataa Dabour Bruno Giussani Danièle Castle Vardaan Nayar Christopher Schwartz Mauktik Kulkarni Giovanna Di Marzo Serugendo #OpenSourceAI #AI #DeepSeek #TechnologicalSovereignty #GlobalCollaboration #AIRevolution #AIethics #AIforGood #TechInnovation #HumanAI #AIsafety

We asked Alexander Gloy hat happens when trade policies backfire? Higher prices for consumers, strained international relations, and disrupted supply chains. Here's how Trump's tariffs on Canada and Mexico could be a costly own goal for the US. Economic Impact of Tariffs on Consumers: The tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on #Canada and #Mexico have led to higher prices for American consumers. Products like fruits, vegetables, and automobiles are becoming more expensive, and the additional costs could result in a typical household facing up to $1,200 in extra expenses annually. Disruption of #Trade and #SupplyChains: These tariffs strain the crucial economic ties between the US, Canada, and Mexico, especially in industries like crude oil. The tariffs could disrupt efficient supply chains, increasing costs for US businesses and leading to potential job losses. US businesses may struggle to find alternative sources, and retaliatory tariffs from Canada and Mexico could hurt American exports. Long-Term Consequences for International Relations: The tariffs not only affect trade but also damage diplomatic relations. The example of Canadian spectators booing during a Toronto Raptors game highlights the growing frustration with the US's trade policies, underscoring the broader political and economic fallout. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eyC8iSMP #TradePolicy #Tariffs #USCanadaRelations #Economy #ConsumerCosts #SupplyChain #InternationalRelations #CrudeOil #USMexicoTrade #GlobalEconomy #trump Alexander Gloy Atul Singh Myret Zaki

Why is Donald Trump obsessed with Greenland? Trump’s fixation on Greenland isn’t merely about territorial expansion—it’s a bold, unapologetic move in a high-stakes geopolitical chess game. His ambitions aren’t driven by a search for oil or gas but by a relentless quest for control over critical minerals like graphite and rare earth elements, essential for the future of green technology. In a stunning paradox, while his policies seem intent on stalling the green energy revolution at home, he’s simultaneously maneuvering to boost U.S. mining operations and undercut China’s growing dominance in this vital sector. Key points: ? Greenland’s rich deposits are the real prize—minerals that power everything from lithium-ion batteries to next-generation renewable technologies. ? Trump’s strategy is less about military might and more about economic and strategic leverage, aiming to block China’s access to these resources. ? This audacious play raises profound questions about neocolonial ambitions and the impact on Greenland’s Indigenous communities, who are determined to defend their land and heritage. Read the whole article by Joshua Frank (@joshua__frank on x) here https://lnkd.in/ecnxWBAJ Atul Singh Peter Isackson Dr David Williams, BA (ICU, Tokyo), DPhil (Oxford), FRSA Roberto Estellés Thomas Hale Victor Ablard-Chauvet Joe Crowther, MA #Geopolitics #CriticalMinerals #GreenTech #USChina #ResourceRace #Neocolonialism #EnergyTransition #GlobalStrategy

Is ChatGPT really smart enough to take a pizza order? In his company, Sanjay Mittal, put ChatGPT 3.5 to the test in a simulated restaurant scenario—and the results were eye-opening. Despite its impressive language skills, it struggled with: ? Logic & Consistency: ChatGPT repeatedly failed at handling customizable options and enforcing quantity limits. ? Arithmetic & Details: Even simple calculations and following clear business rules proved too challenging, highlighting the need for human oversight. Our experiment reminds us that while generative AI holds great promise, robust validation is essential before deploying it in business-critical tasks. Here you can read the whole article (long read) https://lnkd.in/eDspymBN #ChatGPT #AI #ConversationalAI #GenerativeAI #FoodTech #Innovation #Predictika #BusinessLogic Atul Singh Laura Tocmacov (Venchiarutti) Timothy O'Hear Yves Zieba Peter Isackson Cyril Picard Konstantinos Pitas Yann FERGUSON