Alexandria Innes brings up an interesting question about international relations (IR): if IR experts treat states like people, then why don’t we hold states to a higher standard regarding violence? Adam B. Lerner posits the racist, sexist, and elitist work of Gustave le Bon in crowd psychology tainted IR experts’ early understanding of nationalism and large-group politics. He posits that if IR experts had a more optimistic view of how people come together to achieve peaceful, productive goals, we could begin holding states to a higher standard. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
