…every problem starts to look like a nail. Europe’s self-mesmerization with “soft power,” encapsulated perfectly:

“What would it take,” I asked, “for Europe to stop treating Putin like a democrat? If all opposition parties are banned? Or what if they started shooting people in the street?” The official shrugged and replied that even in such cases, there would be little the EU could do. He added: “Staying engaged will always be the best hope for the people of both Europe and Russia.”

This and more from the invaluable and always interesting Garry Kasparov.

Confucius, Œc. Vol.

Don’t ask impertinent questions like that jackass Adept Lu.