New Year’s Resolutions for Trump, Putin, Netanyahu & Global Leaders
okay, here’s a breakdown of the advice given to various figures in this excerpt, summarizing their situations and the proposed New Year’s resolutions for 2026. I’ll organize it by the person/group addressed:
1. Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) – Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia
* Situation: LIV Golf is “tolerably well” despite setbacks. Though, larger “mega-projects” (like NEOM) are showing signs of failure, mirroring ancient examples of aspiring but poorly planned initiatives (Khrushchev’s Virgin Lands campaign, Mao’s great Leap Forward). The core issue is overconfidence, ignoring expert advice, and relying on unrealistic assumptions.
* Resolution for 2026: Read James C. Scott’s Seeing Like a State (translated into Arabic) and actively listen to dissenting opinions and be willing to admit mistakes. The author emphasizes the importance of humility and incorporating diverse perspectives.
2. Marco Rubio – U.S. Secretary of State
* Situation: Rubio is criticized for allowing the State Department to be “gutted” (reduced in staff and resources) at a time when strong diplomacy is crucial, especially in countering China’s growing influence. His actions – skipping major conferences, leaving embassies without ambassadors, and abruptly recalling ambassadors - are seen as signaling contempt for the rest of the world.
* Resolution for 2026: Threaten to resign if Trump doesn’t stop dismantling the State Department. The author argues this is a bold move that would demonstrate leadership and differentiate Rubio from other Republicans,potentially boosting his future political prospects (hinting at a presidential run).He needs to “grow a spine” and show he stands for more than just regime change in the Western Hemisphere.
3. The “Tech Bros” (Tech Titans)
* Situation: While generally accomplished (except for Elon Musk’s disastrous stint as head of the Department of Government Efficiency), these tech leaders are accused of arrogance and indifference to the wider societal impact of their wealth and actions. The author predicts a “winnowing out” in the AI industry and a growing backlash against their perceived lack of concern for the struggles of ordinary people. Specifically, rising electricity costs due to data centers and the Trump governance’s actions against renewable energy are cited as potential flashpoints.
* resolution for 2026: Learn from the fate of aristocrats and priests during the French Revolution and commit to helping those less fortunate. The author suggests that progressive policies are necessary to save capitalism from its own excesses.
Overall Themes:
* Humility and Listening: A recurring theme is the need for powerful figures to be more humble, listen to experts, and consider the consequences of their actions on others.
* Avoiding Hubris: The author warns against overconfidence and the dangers of ignoring dissenting opinions.
* Social Responsibility: There’s a strong call for those wiht wealth and power to address societal problems and contribute to the well-being of others.
* Political Courage: rubio is challenged to demonstrate courage and stand up to trump, even if it means risking his position.
Let me know if you’d like me to elaborate on any of these points or analyze the author’s tone and viewpoint further.