iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Connor Echols

Akbar Shahid Ahmed @akbarshahidahmed.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

“As numerous Biden aides have asked me, can you really blame bureaucrats for implementing the whims of an obstinate president? In “Crossing the Red Line,” Akbar Shahid Ahmed offers the first comprehensive opportunity to evaluate this scapegoating exercise” responsiblestatecraft.org/biden-gaza-s...

responsiblestatecraft.org

Ex-Biden officials are desperate for a Gaza scapegoat

Journalist Akbar Shahid Ahmed's 'Crossing the Red Line' is a searing indictment of the former president's inner circle and its disastrous Israel policy

2269

Reposted by Connor Echols

Syrus Solo Jin, PhD @syrussolojin.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

@connorechols.bsky.social , in a wild story, uncovers how an obscure staffer, David Milstein, in the State Department has blocked diplomatic cables, pushed for the firing of colleagues, and hunted for US diplomats he views as insufficiently pro-Israel. responsiblestatecraft.org/david-milste...

responsiblestatecraft.org

How a little-known embassy aide hijacked US Israel policy

David Milstein, top adviser to Amb. Mike Huckabee, has stoked a culture of fear at the State Department, current and former officials say

033

Connor Echols @connorechols.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

Are you a terrorist? Given the ever-expanding definition of "terrorism," it can be hard to know for sure. So I've created a handy guide to help keep you on the right side of the law. My latest for @nonzeronews.bsky.social www.nonzero.org/p/are-you-a-...

nonzero.org

Are You a Terrorist?

As the definition of terrorism expands, NonZero has compiled a handy guide to keep you on the right side of the law.

031

Reposted by Connor Echols

Neysun Mahboubi @neysunm.bsky.social · 12/07/2025

I really enjoyed chatting with @connorechols.bsky.social for Nonzero World, getting a chance to reflect on some key takeaways from my last two months in China, especially in relation to the issue of academic exchange. Full video here youtube.com/watch?v=Sqvx..., and a representative clip below:

021

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 12/07/2025

An American Scholar in China | @neysunm.bsky.social joins @connorechols.bsky.social to discuss his experience bringing American students and scholars to China—including one meeting in which his student pressed a Chinese official on human rights.

youtube.com

A Journey Into the New Cold War | NonZero World feat. Neysun Mahboubi

YouTube video by Nonzero

032

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

If international norms are sober motoring, then Trump has declared that drunk driving is actually pretty cool. More from @connorechols.bsky.social:

102

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

Enforcement with firepower is only part of what makes a legal regime effective. In practice, both domestic and international law derive much of their power from norms. @connorechos.bsky.social buff.ly/RDjBAqD

021

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

NEW: "International law is dying. We'll miss it when it's gone." Our latest newsletter explores how the post-WWII order is crumbling—and why Trump's indifference to international law signals a dangerous return to the jungle.

nonzero.org

International law is dying. We’ll miss it when it’s gone.

Welcome to the jungle.

121

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 28/06/2025

How power really works in DC | @connorechols.bsky.social talks to best-selling author Barry Eisler about his new novel, The System.

youtube.com

How America's 'System' Shuts Down Dissent | NonZero World feat. Barry Eisler

YouTube video by Nonzero

012

Reposted by Connor Echols

Robert Wright @robertwrighter.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Had a great time talking to @alexgibneyfilm.bsky.social about the riveting documentary The Bibi Files, which helps explain why Netanyahu is always in the mood for war. www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG9Y...

youtube.com

Why Bibi Always Needs More War | Robert Wright & Alex Gibney

YouTube video by Nonzero

0115

Reposted by Connor Echols

Danny Postel @dannypostel.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

Iranian dissidents—including former political prisoners—almost unanimously oppose military intervention, notwithstanding their deep animus toward the Islamic Republic. An in-depth report on this from 10 years ago is suddenly more relevant than ever. My 2015 piece 👇 inthesetimes.com/article/iran...

inthesetimes.com

Iranian Dissidents Explain Why They Support the Nuclear Deal

We know what politicians from the U.S. to Israel think about the Iran nuclear deal. How about asking some opponents of Iran's regime?

0158

Reposted by Connor Echols

Jake Werner @jwdwerner.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

I had a great conversation with @connorechols.bsky.social on @nonzeronews.bsky.social about Trump’s lurching diplomacy with China, the scary path we’re traveling right now, and some narrow possibilities to change the trajectory. www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_Ac...

youtube.com

Is the US-China Trade War About to Explode? | NonZero World feat. Jake Werner

YouTube video by Nonzero

012

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

Trump targets Chinese students’ visas, China courts Southeast Asia, and an AI model goes rogue. More news updates in this week’s Earthling: @robertwrighter.bsky.social @connorechols.bsky.social

buff.ly

Trump’s National Security Carousel

Plus: AI whistleblowers, Erik Prince returns, good climate news, cold war updates, and more!

102

Reposted by Connor Echols

Robert Wright @robertwrighter.bsky.social · 24/05/2025

In this episode of @connorechols.bsky.social's show NonZero World, we cover a lot: AI & bioweapons, Trump's star wars plan, scary JD Vance, link between foreign wars & domestic terrorism, pernicious 'Putin talking points' meme, etc. Plus check out the cool visuals. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9sc...

youtube.com

Israel and its Enemies | NonZero World feat. Robert Wright

YouTube video by Nonzero

031

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

NEW–The Trump administration’s proposed NASA budget would realign the agency toward the priorities of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, adding $1 billion in funding for a Mars mission while imposing deep cuts on other programs. @robertwrighter.bsky.social @connorechols.bsky.social

nonzero.org

Hot Wars, Cold Wars, and Strange Orbs

Plus: Interplanetary oligarchy, controversial cloud seeding, Gaza escalation, legally dubious deportations, and more!

032

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 11/05/2025

Is Trump breaking with Israel? | Jon Hoffman of @cato.org and @connorechols.bsky.social discuss the Houthi ceasefire, US-Iran talks, whether Trump has given up on Gaza, and more.

youtu.be

Is Trump breaking with Israel? | NonZero World feat. Jon Hoffman

YouTube video by Nonzero

011

Reposted by Connor Echols

Robert Wright @robertwrighter.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

I had a great chat about Trump foreign policy w/ @connorechols.bsky.social on his new show NonZero World. (And check out the cool set design by Nikita Petrov of @psychopolitica.bsky.social.) www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu_s...

youtube.com

Trump Doubles Down on the Law of the Jungle | NonZero World feat. Robert Wright

YouTube video by Nonzero

042

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 27/04/2025

Research compiled by the Guardian suggests that most people underestimate how much their fellow Earthlings care about fighting climate change. www.nonzero.org/p/trumps-spe...

133

Connor Echols @connorechols.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

Trump's pick to head up NIH said he hoped to foster “a culture of respect for free speech in science.” Now, he's saying you can't get a grant if you boycott Israel. New in @nonzeronews.bsky.social, with @robertwrighter.bsky.social www.nonzero.org/p/trumps-spe...

nonzero.org

Trump’s Speech Crackdown Makes a Quantum Leap

Plus: Job-stealing AI, Space Force gets offensive, papal foreign policy, the ‘holier-than-thou’ effect, a novel climate argument, and more!

030

Reposted by Connor Echols

New Lines Magazine @newlinesmag.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

NEW: The detention of Georgetown University postdoctoral fellow Badar Khan Suri parallels the cases of Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk. His colleague Nader Hashemi reflects for @newlinesmag.bsky.social on his recent visit with Suri in an ICE facility in Texas. newlinesmag.com/first-person...

newlinesmag.com

Teaching Gandhi in a Texas Detention Center

A visit to the ICE facility housing the Georgetown postdoctoral fellow Badar Khan Suri, whose case parallels those of Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk

05129

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 12/04/2025

The Trump administration is of two minds about Iran talks. The success or failure of negotiations—and the possibility of full-scale war—will likely depend on which mind prevails. @robertwrighter.bsky.social and @connorechols.bsky.social

nonzero.org

Tariffs, Tech, and the View from China

Plus: US-Russia cooperation, thirsty data centers, tariff fears, AI fears, US-Iran conflict fears, and more!

101

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 05/04/2025

Finland, citing preparations for potential conflict with Russia, will become the fifth country to withdraw from a treaty banning the use of anti-personnel landmines. Can the anti-landmine movement survive in a world at war? @connorechols.bsky.social

nonzero.org

Elon Musk’s NASA Takeover

Plus: Brain implant advances, international law regressions, Trump-Mao comparisons, a “massive show of force,” and more!

012

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

NEW: Elon Musk wants to scrap NASA’s plans for a base on the Moon in order to focus on sending humans to Mars. And he might have the president’s backing to do it. More from @connorechols.bsky.social below:

buff.ly

Elon Musk’s NASA Takeover

Plus: Brain implant advances, international law regressions, Trump-Mao comparisons, a “massive show of force,” and more!

022

Connor Echols @connorechols.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

Elon Musk hopes that, by taking over NASA, he can launch humans on a trip to Mars during Trump's presidency. In my latest for @nonzeronews.bsky.social, I explain why this is absurdly ambitious, even by Musk-ian standards www.nonzero.org/p/elon-musks...

nonzero.org

Elon Musk’s NASA Takeover

Plus: Brain implant advances, international law regressions, Trump-Mao comparisons, a “massive show of force,” and more!

020

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

Lessons from the Signal snafu | Kelley B. Vlahos and @connorechols.bsky.social break down what leaked messages tell us about the intra-MAGA battle over Trump's foreign policy. youtu.be/1u9YiuJ5hCE?...

youtu.be

The MAGA Foreign Policy Battle | NonZero World feat. Kelley Vlahos

YouTube video by Nonzero

021

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

American military planners hope Typhon missile systems will help to deter China from attacking Taiwan or the Philippines. But are they really just creating a spiral of escalation? More from @robertwrighter.bsky.social and @connorechols.bsky.social

nonzero.org

The Untold Stories of the Signal Snafu

Plus: East Asia escalation, AI loners, not-so-damning evidence, good(ish) climate news, and more!

011

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Hegseth axed the Pentagon office in charge of preventing civilian harm. Now, top officials are celebrating the destruction of a residential building in Yemen. With emojis. @robertwrighter.bsky.social & @connorechols.bsky.social

nonzero.org

The Untold Stories of the Signal Snafu

Plus: East Asia escalation, AI loners, not-so-damning evidence, good(ish) climate news, and more!

022

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

NEW: The Trump administration is vowing that the Houthis will be “completely annihilated” while saying that military action against Iran is on the table. What ever happened to “America First”? @robertwrighter.bsky.social @connorechols.bsky.social www.nonzero.org/p/trumps-isr...

nonzero.org

Trump’s Israel First Agenda

Plus: Unnerving AI progress, a ‘coup’ in Turkey, military-industrial chic, space junk risks, the return of mercantilism, and more!

153

Reposted by Connor Echols

Robert Wright @robertwrighter.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

Good question raised by @connorechols.bsky.social here: If Trump is really devoted to 'America First,' why does he spend so much time doing Israel's bidding--much of it at America's expense? www.nonzero.org/p/trumps-isr...

nonzero.org

Trump’s Israel First Agenda

Plus: Unnerving AI progress, a ‘coup’ in Turkey, military-industrial chic, space junk risks, the return of mercantilism, and more!

172

Reposted by Connor Echols

Robert Wright @robertwrighter.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Excellent piece by @connorechols.bsky.social in @nonzeronews.bsky.social about how America under Trump is crossing the line from plutocracy into full-blown oligarchy. www.nonzero.org/p/oligarchy-...

nonzero.org

Oligarchy in overdrive

Two months into his second term, Trump is making mere plutocracy seem quaint.

052

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

If you’re a billionaire and you want Trump’s favor, there’s a playbook: 1. Donate big 2. Use your platform for propaganda 3. Align your business with MAGA Elon Musk has already mastered this approach. Others appear eager to follow. @connorechols.bsky.social

nonzero.org

Oligarchy in overdrive

Two months into his second term, Trump is making mere plutocracy seem quaint.

021

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

Billionaires aren’t just cozying up to Trump, or vice-versa— Instead, they're working together to inaugurate a full-blown oligarchy. @connorechols.bsky.social

nonzero.org

Oligarchy in overdrive

Two months into his second term, Trump is making mere plutocracy seem quaint.

021

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

Awed by Elon Musk’s growing power in the Trump administration, many American billionaires are now trying to follow his playbook. @connorechols.bsky.social

nonzero.org

Oligarchy in overdrive

Two months into his second term, Trump is making mere plutocracy seem quaint.

022

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

NEW: Are we witnessing America’s slide from plutocracy to oligarchy? Last week’s Tesla infomercial on the White House lawn is a not-so-subtle sign of Trump’s vision for transforming America’s political system, argues @connorechols.bsky.social www.nonzero.org/p/oligarchy-...

nonzero.org

Oligarchy in overdrive

Two months into his second term, Trump is making mere plutocracy seem quaint.

012

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

Some health researchers warn that microplastics alarmism may be overblown—contamination in labs could be skewing the data, including the infamous "plastic spoon in your brain" study.

nonzero.org

The real message from China’s latest AI sensation

Plus: Genetically modified pigs, weapons galore, backsliding at home, backsliding abroad, solar surge, and more!

001

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

The US now controls 43 percent% of the global weapons trade. (read the full newsletter below) www.nonzero.org/p/the-real-m...

033

Reposted by Connor Echols

Robert Wright @robertwrighter.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

Had a great end-of-week cover-the-waterfront conversation with @connorechols.bsky.social on the @nonzeronews.bsky.social podcast. www.youtube.com/watch?v=LThg...

youtube.com

Another DeepSeek Moment? | NonZero World feat. Robert Wright

YouTube video by Nonzero

133

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

NEW: China’s new AI agent, Manus, is generating debate about the AI race—but most commentary is missing something crucial. The real takeaway? The US and China must cooperate on AI risks, or we all lose, writes @robertwrighter.bsky.social www.nonzero.org/p/the-real-m...

nonzero.org

The real message from China’s latest AI sensation

Plus: Genetically modified pigs, weapons galore, backsliding at home, backsliding abroad, solar surge, and more!

022

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

Is “Manus AI” a game-changer or just hype? The real story isn’t about US-China competition—it’s about the urgent need for global AI governance. www.nonzero.org/p/the-real-m...

nonzero.org

The real message from China’s latest AI sensation

Plus: Genetically modified pigs, weapons galore, backsliding at home, backsliding abroad, solar surge, and more!

023

Reposted by Connor Echols

NonZero @nonzeronews.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

Another DeepSeek Moment? | @connorechols.bsky.social @robertwrighter.bsky.social break down the Manus AI mania and also discuss the Columbia free speech case, Trump's Russia-Ukraine strategy, and more. www.youtube.com/watch?v=LThg...

youtube.com

Another DeepSeek Moment? | NonZero World feat. Robert Wright

YouTube video by Nonzero

053

Reposted by Connor Echols

Elizabeth Beavers @elizabethrb.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

more and more people are saying bsky.app/profile/conn...

011