One of the characteristics of a “nation” is a shared emotional bond among the citizens of a “state.” One of the more interesting bonds is language, and those nations with a single shared language are generally more unified. But many unified nations have different languages, and the US is one such nation. The Pew Foundation did a study of the languages spoken in the home in the US in 2011 and the results are quite intriguing.
Benjamin GInsberg, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, has written a very provocative essay for the Chronicle of Higher Education, entitled, “Why Violence Works.” It is a very thoughtful and learned essay that is hard to acept but difficult to refute. I recommend it highly.
The trial of Bo Xilai in China is scheduled to begin soon. One of the most powerful (and wealthy) politicians in China, he is on trial for economic crimes and his role in the murder of a business associate. Primarily, however, he is on trial for being a strong contender for power with Xi Jinping, the current ruler of China. Xi won the power struggle and Bo lost, but Bo remains popular with the “leftist” (Maoist) wing of the Chinese Communist Party. The trial will be closely watched for evidence of the rival factions within China right now.
World Politics News 
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