OOO #30: Outfits, Ohio, and Other Things I Like
A repeat outfit, Cincinna-TAY, and a tripolar perspective on nuclear policy
Outfits
Ohio
This past weekend, I was lucky enough (seriously lucky) to attend the biggest party in Ohio: the Cincinnati stop of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
The weather report said that there was a 99% chance of thunderstorms during the concert, so my sister-in-law were prepared for not only a rain show but delays. I wore a bathing suit (in an homage to Swift’s Tay-merica days, especially since it was 4th of July weekend), anticipating that I would be soaked, but the weather was beautiful the entire time.
Swift performed for 3 1/2 hours (!!) without a break and included music throughout her 17-year career (I cannot believe it has been that long; the passage of time time is gross). It was an incredibly magical experience to be screaming along with 55,000 other people to songs I usually scream along to alone in my car… or in the shower… or while grading classwork. Swift still sounded great by the end of the show even after singing and dancing for 3 1/2 hours, but I did not.
I had no “favorite part” of the concert; the entire concert was my favorite part. I was so into the concert that I had completely forgotten about the 1989 era, and I was pleasantly surprised when “Style” started (which is my top 10 favorite TS songs). How had I forgotten about the existence of “Blank Space?” Unclear. I also really did love singing all 10 minutes of “All Too Well” (Taylor’s Version, From the Vault).
In general, it was a wonderful experience, and I’m so thankful my sister-in-law (and brother-in-law) got us tickets! It was so invigorating to be in a space where everyone was so happy and grateful to be there and full of excitement and creativity and joy. We were indeed the loudest women this town had ever seen. 10/10 (ok, fine, 13/10).
Other Things I Like
This past spring I edited a new book on nuclear policy and the changing structure of the international order: Tripolar Instability: Nuclear Competition Among the United States, Russia, and China. Tripolar Instability analyzes how the rise of China (and the reemergence of Russia) as a substantial world power changes the way that policy makers need to look at nuclear policy, especially nuclear escalation. Robert S. Litwak, Senior Vice President and Director of International Security Studies at the Wilson Center, discusses how this change in polarity reignites (and “recasts”) serious Cold War risks, particularly through the lens of the major ongoing security issues of Ukraine and Taiwan. Litwak provides historical context, deftly summarizes the current tri-polar power structure, and offers possible solutions for policy makers to manage instability. If you want to watch an interview about the book, this is a good one.
I have edited Litwak’s books for eight years (and even conducted research for one of them!), and Litwak always manages to clarify and outline the absolutely confusing mess that is the international political landscape. I also really liked “Deterring Nuclear Terrorism” and “Nuclear Crises with North Korea and Iran: From Transformational to Transactional Diplomacy.” All of these books are free to download and read via the Wilson Center’s website.
And yes, while I haven’t worked at the Wilson Center for five years, I still endorse their analysis!
That’s it! Have a great rest of your week!