Recent content from John Rash
Ukraine aid vote is a domestic and geopolitical inflection point
Renowned Russia expert Fiona Hill reflects on the Kremlin's propaganda program, what President Vladimir Putin is thinking and how U.S. divisions impact international issues.
Film festival shows the transformative power of art
At the 43rd Annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, movies like "Sing Sing" and "The Movie Teller" reflect "how cinema or art in general moves us."
NATO's strength in numbers makes U.S. more secure
The transatlantic alliance, now up to 32 members, has protected the West for 75 years.
McDaniel mess suggests a more profound pundit problem
The "revolving door" of the political media industrial complex hurts journalism and democracy.
Osterholm: As politics infect science, new tactics critical
The widening partisan divide may make responding to the inevitable next pandemic even more difficult.
Photo flap a tempest in a (royal) teapot compared to coming AI era
Photoshop fails are more easily detectable than the insidious artificial-intelligence images that may threaten society and democracy itself.
The complexities of age and ethics in the presidential race
The numbers voters may mostly focus on aren't economic metrics, but Biden's age and Trump's indictments.
Film shows what doing 'whatever the hell they want' looks like
Oscar-nominated documentary "20 Days in Mariupol" depicts the results of an unrestrained Russia and Vladimir Putin.
The global impact from local human-rights activism
New U exhibit explores how Minnesota-based organizations often have had a worldwide influence in the enduring struggle for human rights.
Higher education takes a tough test
The University of Minnesota and other institutions face campus controversies, concern over cost and value from an increasingly skeptical public.
![Dean Phillips held an election eve rally in his New Hampshire campaign headquarters Monday, Jan. 22, 2024 Manchester, New Hampshire ] GLEN STUBBE �](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZKH3BO2ZM5FAXDIZ3BT7UZJLIE.JPG?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Why Dean Phillips continues against-the-odds quest
The Minnesota Democrat, who acknowledges a "steep slope ahead," has focused more on politics than policy while largely being ignored by the national news media.
Presidential candidates should run everywhere, for everyone
Biden, by bypassing Iowa and New Hampshire, reinforced Democratic drift from rural America.
The link between global connectedness and geopolitical outlook
Two new Pew Research Center reports reflect the value of international travel.
In war-torn world, the Peace Corps endures
"Do whatever is in your sphere of influence," Peace Corps director Carol Spahn tells attendees at a summit of internationally involved Minnesotans.
U.S. is at peace, but Biden is increasingly a wartime president
Crises in the Mideast, Eastern Europe and elsewhere reflect the possibilities, and limits, of being commander-in-chief.
Ukraine, Israel inspire clashing reactions in foreign lands
President Joe Biden legislatively and geopolitically tied the wars between Russia-Ukraine and Hamas-Israel together, but much of the world may see it differently.
Casualties, including truth and truth-tellers, keep mounting in the Mideast
A wave of mis- and disinformation and the deaths of journalists imperil the ability to get verifiable information about the war in Gaza.
A new film right on the (Dumb) Money
A comedy about 2021's GameStop stock-frenzy dramatically shows the inequity in equity markets — and the rest of society.
A Minnesota lens: Defending democracy in Ukraine and beyond
At a Twin Cities event, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Sen. Amy Klobuchar reflected on today's key geopolitical divide.
Elon Musk shouldn't command Ukraine decisions
Governments, not individual citizens, should make — and be held responsible for — military policies.
John Rash: Respect voters by improving debates
Fox News and former President Donald Trump should show more regard for the electorate as the debate schedule rolls on.
With newspapers, don't try that in a small town
A police raid on a Kansas newspaper galvanizes press advocacy organizations and everyday citizens to defend the First Amendment.
John Rash: As heat broils the planet it may roil geopolitics, too
The effects of climate change can spur migration — and subsequent political — crises that endanger democracy.
Oppenheimer-era blast radius still reverberating
The threat of nuclear war — and of silencing scientists — is more dangerous than ever.
Ukrainian soccer team returns to USA Cup, U.S. 'family'
For the squad's head coach, it's a respite from the war yet an opportunity to share "what's going on in Ukraine."
Drawing out — and calling out — Vladimir Putin
Graphic novel "Accidental Czar: The Life and Lies of Vladimir Putin" examines and explains the Russian president.
U.S., Biden approval ratings on the rise — abroad, at least
New Pew poll in 23 countries across continents shows increasing international support for America and its commander in chief.
Why one tragedy at sea eclipsed another
The search for the submersible Titan generated a level of media coverage far beyond the attention paid to the Adriana and the deaths of hundreds of migrants.
In Ukraine and the U.S., a reckoning on classified information
When secrets are "divulged through whatever means, you are literally putting people's lives in danger," said a top defense expert.
Carleton students attempt virtual peacemaking in War College exercise
The U.S. Army War College's International Strategic Crisis Negotiation Exercise focused on the South China Sea.
Finland strengthens, and is strengthened by, NATO
Finland's ambassador to the U.S. shares his views on his nation, NATO ascension, Russian aggression and tighter ties with Minnesota.
2023's most important election
Just months after devastating earthquakes, Turks head to the polls for a vote that has global implications.
Gerald Ford, an extraordinary 'ordinary man'
A new biography of America's 38th president offers a lesson for today's leaders contending with a riven nation.
'Discord Leaks' sows an evolving surveillance era
Discord, the online site popular with video gamers, is where classified U.S. government documents were initially posted.
International film festival seeks to 'unite, inform and transform'
Close to 200 short and feature films from around the world will screen between April 13-27 at the 42nd annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival.
Russia must free reporter Evan Gershkovich
"Wrongfully detained" Wall Street Journal correspondent shows the severity of Russia's repression of media freedom — and ultimately the truth.
Campaigns past and present reflect on Reagan's legacy
Allegations about the 1980 campaign surface as the GOP's top 2024 candidates veer from Reagan's resolute stand against totalitarianism.
China's unexpected diplomatic coup changes the Mideast puzzle
A Beijing-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia alters regional, and maybe even geopolitical, dynamics.
U.S. must be a beacon for democracy for Mexico, Israel
As protests roil its two allies, America needs to live up to its own democratic ideals.
An exemplary post-presidency. (And a pretty good presidency, too.)
Belying public (and often pundit) perceptions, Jimmy Carter had an often consequential and constructive White House tenure.
Avoiding 'Munich' at the Munich Security Conference
World leaders gathering at the annual meeting seem resolute in rejecting further appeasement of Russia.
In a new documentary, as in life, LBJ looms large
"Turn Every Page: The Adventures of Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb" focuses on the 50-year collaboration between the legendary writer and editor.
In tank debate, all was not quiet on the German front
Oscar-nominated "All Quiet on the Western Front" reminds why Germany's history plays a role in present-day politics, too.
Geopolitical, global-warming angst in the Alps
The climate crisis is the type of challenge meant for the business and political leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
On black swans, gray rhinos and white doves
Geopolitical experts consider the conflicts and top risks of 2023.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Time's 'Person of the Year,' channels Chaplin as much as Churchill
In a compelling profile, the Ukrainian comedian-turned-statesman lauds unconventional voices against totalitarianism.
At the Walker Art Center, the best of Britain's (deeply) moving images
The annual Arrows Awards screening, featuring the best of British advertising, begins its holiday-season run.
World Cup in Qatar is an 'own goal' by FIFA
Soccer's governing body, as well as the International Olympic Committee, should live up to ideals in awarding events.
Democracy on the ballot — Ukraine's democracy, that is
A campaign focused on domestic dynamics may have major global implications.
Starvation stalks the Horn of Africa
Concurrent crises across the world have meant less attention on a looming human catastrophe.
Nuclear threats prove prescience of former Peace Prize laureate
2017 Nobel winner Beatrice Fihn and ICAN continue to push for the U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
The West calls out Putin's imperialism
After world leaders mourn a queen, but not the British Empire, they warn of the Kremlin leader's drive to resurrect a Russian Empire.
Yet another crippling 20th-century scourge makes a comeback
Polio, which along with extremism was foretold and forewarned by novelist Philip Roth, re-emerges.
McCullough, Mar-a-Lago and the enduring search for historical truth
Histrionics, not historical context and method, marked the rush to judgment about the FBI search of former President Donald Trump's home.
White House photographer witnessed, and captured, history
Pete Souza, in Minneapolis for a Wednesday evening event, sees similarities between former Presidents Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama.
From Ukraine to Blaine: A soccer team's journey to the USA Cup
Two Minnesotans and a minister from Ukraine help a team get "out of the trauma and see there is some normalcy in the world."
Latvian prime minister's clear-eyed view of Russia
Krisjanis Karins, visiting Minnesota, says that Putin "will go as far as he is allowed to go."
Russian Nobel laureate's noble act for Ukraine
Journalist Dmitry Muratov auctions his 2021 Peace Prize to aid UNICEF's efforts on Ukrainian refugees.
Amid enduring challenges, U.S. journalists remain resilient
A new Pew poll shows that despite an increasingly difficult media, political and social environment, most would choose the career again.
Similarities, differences between Watergate and Jan. 6 eras
The political, social and media environments have changed in the half century between the two scandals.
Ukraine needs arms — and hearts and minds, too
As the war endures, so must support and attention from Americans and citizens of other countries.
'The Long Breakup' gives context to conflict in Ukraine
Filmmaker Katya Soldak will attend Sunday's Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival screening of her documentary about her country's turbulent post-Soviet era.
Elon Musk, CNN+ and the Times headline latest media tumult
How the new direction of social media and news organizations are received will tell a lot about where media — and democracy — is headed.
Ukrainian, Russian political cartoons draw upon antiwar sentiment
New exhibit at the Museum of Russian Art showcases satirists' work — and its unflinching support of Ukraine.
World food supply may be the next war casualty
Along with other destabilizing disruptions, Russia's attack on Europe's breadbasket producing "alarming cascading effects," according to the U.N.
Neighbors at war, two presidents a world apart
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's communication acumen and motivating message are a sharp contrast to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The consequences — and clarity — of calling Putin a 'war criminal'
President Joe Biden, "speaking from his heart," calls out the heartless Russian president for atrocities in Ukraine.
Playing Politics: Biden heads to Europe
The president looks to advance allied unity on Ukraine. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
Putin's propaganda hurts the world, but harms Russians most
What Russians read, hear and see — and what they don't — props up the Russian president, but at times the truth seeps through.
Playing Politics: Zelenskyy's address to Congress
The Ukrainian president's speech is analyzed by WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
Playing Politics: Report roasts Minneapolis riot response
Mayor Jacob Frey and other leaders failed to follow protocols. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
Playing Politics: The invasion — and sanctions — begin
The U.S. and Western allies react to Russian aggression in Ukraine. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
Playing Politics: Russia-Ukraine crisis
The status of Russian forces and communication between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents is analyzed on "Playing Politics" with WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.
Super Bowl belies smaller ratings for big events
Fractured TV ratings reflect a fragmented nation, with ever fewer shared cultural experiences.
Playing Politics: Locke shooting roils Minneapolis
Police-community relations in the city are once again national news. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Sheletta Brundidge and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
