Two interesting articles found via Complexity Digest:



”A Geriatric Peace? The Future of U.S. Power in a World of Aging Populations,” International Security, Mark L. Haas.

This is an interesting breakdown of the effects of global aging on the current set of major powers, which comes to the conclusion that aging alone — well, and all of its effects — pretty much ensures U.S. hegemony for the future. With this proviso: That our ability to engage in preemption, through nation building and otherwise, will be severely hindered.

I’m not sure I agree with the prognostication 100%.  For instance, certain assumptions which are founded upon old paradigms may prove irrelevant, including the nature of work/labor as well as the nature of the roles senior citizens will play — indeed, old assumptions about the very nature of aging. In fact, a seeming ignorance of the effects improved medical technology may have on these issues permeates the prognostication.



”Survival of the Likeliest?” PLoS Biology, John Whitfield.

Thrilling brainstorming material.  Can evolution, and life in general, be thought of in terms of physics and entropy?  This line of thinking may well lead to revolutionary breakthroughs in understanding geopolitics, the generations of war, and so forth.