It is not uncommon to see sharply divided reactions to films like The King’s Man. Some viewers dismiss it as chaotic or historically confusing, while others appreciate its deeper narrative structure and references. The difference, more often than not, lies not in the film itself, but in the viewer’s familiarity with history—particularly the complex web of European political relations before and during the First World War.
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Incentives, Burden-Sharing, and the Reconfiguration of the International Security Order
In the current international security landscape, one can observe a phenomenon that deserves careful and dispassionate analysis. The pressure exerted by Donald Trump on NATO allies—particularly regarding defense spending and strategic responsibility—has, in the short term, led several member states to reassess their own security obligations. One visible consequence has been a renewed European attention to strategic chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy flows.
This development has attracted criticism. Some argue that such pressure undermines the so-called “postwar international order.” Yet this criticism often rests on an insufficiently examined premise: that the existing order is both neutral and self-sustaining. A closer look at the historical evolution of that order suggests otherwise.
Continue readingWhy Western Europe Is Falling Behind: Welfare States, Interventionism, and the Loss of Economic Vitality
To say that Western Europe is “poor” would be inaccurate and intellectually dishonest. Compared with developing countries, Western Europe remains wealthy. But that is not the correct benchmark. The real question is whether Western Europe has reached the level of dynamism, innovation, and economic vitality that its history, institutions, and human capital should allow. On this standard, the answer is increasingly no.
Continue readingAttitude, Curiosity, and the Formation of Serious Scholars
In many situations, attitude is decisive. This is not a motivational cliché, but a structural fact about intellectual life. Over the years, when I speak with younger scholars in the Austrian School—particularly in Spain—I repeatedly observe a striking pattern. Those who listen attentively, reflect carefully, and actually put suggestions into practice tend to achieve excellent results. Their academic trajectories advance more quickly, but more importantly, they grow as individuals. Their confidence deepens, their intellectual independence strengthens, and their capacity for judgment matures.
Continue readingThe Perils of Secondhand Knowledge: Socialism, State Intervention, and Intellectual Responsibility
In every field of human endeavor—religion, economics, politics, and scholarship—there is a temptation to rely on secondhand knowledge. It feels safe, it feels convenient, but it is profoundly dangerous. Secondhand commentary not only distorts the truth; it also blinds us to reality and opens the door to errors with consequences that stretch across nations and generations. From theology to international policy, from economic reform to ideological conflict, the lesson is clear: nothing can replace firsthand study, serious engagement, and intellectual humility.
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William Wang 