AFAIK, this makes RAND the only ones going into the nitty-gritty of ending armed violence, acknowledging how it is difficult not just politically, but technically, that it is hard work that needs planning and resources. I worry that's not a popular message these days.

ON EDGE: The final panelists of this year's Vienna Humanities Festival are psychiatrist Victor Blüml (MedUni Wien) and historian of psychology Hannah Zeavin (UC Berkeley). In conversation with Leonard Benardo, senior vice president of Open Society Foundations, they will explore the state of our

Argerich and Abbado 1967, a collaboration of two giants in their own field.

Moderator: Leonard Benardo (OSF) Opening remarks: Andi Dobrushi (OSF-WB)

A fantastic conversation with Leonard Benardo about the history of the Open Society Foundation Open Society Foundations and the need to engage with new ideas. Stimson Center podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the…

Ray Davies (“Life Goes On”) and Frank Zappa (“Suicide Chump”) both wrote songs about failed suicides.

Listen to Peter Slezkine's full conversation with Leonard Benardo for these and other observations covering decades. If you're surprised, you shouldn't be. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leo…

The pre-forum program of #IgnitaForum2025 wrapped up with “Nocturnal Ideas”! Director Andi Dobrushi invited the audience to see Ignita as a space for critical reflection where regional voices and young thinkers come together to exchange ideas that transcend borders. Huge thanks to

“The Western Balkans can remind Europe what its values truly mean.” Leonard Benardo reflecting on why the region still carries the spark of European ideals- today at the Ignita Express Corner. In collaboration with @Kosovo2point0 #IgnitaForum2025 #OnTheEdge #OSFWB

Shelly Manne plays on Zappa’s masterwork Lumpy Gravy.

Mahmood's Mamdani's new book (just released from Harvard University Press) is an account of the fate of postcolonial Uganda, intertwined with a intellectual and political autobiography.

I have a new, long piece in The Ideas Letter called “The Great Reckoning: What the West Should Learn from China.” Link below.

Please give it a read here! theideasletter.org/essay/the-grea…

This essay by Kaiser Kuo is the best piece of writing I've read on China's transformation. It invites especially Westerners to approach China's progress differently. Whatever you think about China, the essay will challenge you. Link to the full essay in replies.

I forgot to share this fabulous conference on the crisis of protest movements, which is taking place today and tomorrow and which you can watch online. With brilliant, provocative speakers, including Nino Khelaia, Volodymyr Ishchenko, Dirk Moses, Hans Kundnani and Leonard Benardo.

House of Pittsburgh architect Tasso Katselas, one of the Architectural Record Houses of 1964 Photo Credit: Marc Neuhof

So happy I can finally share this fabulous Rahmane Idrissa memoir on his “discovery” of America. equator.org/articles/state…

Mamdani's campaign has been dazzling, but best supporting actor should go to Brad Lander for his solidarity, humor, heart and for being the nicest guy in NYC politics