国际政治的泰斗、哈佛肯尼迪学院前院长约瑟夫·奈（Joseph Nye）在5月6日去世，享年88岁。没有国际政治学生能够避开这位老爷 子，我也一样。 软实力衰退与否，有不同视角 作为软实力概念的奠基者，他的离开正值一个微妙的时刻——美国的国际软实力似乎正在以一种诡异的方式，从内部被破坏。 但在国关学者和其他国家来看，尽管约瑟夫·奈在历史上曾多次反思过美国的领导地位是否行将衰落，他很可能从来没像今天一样， 强烈地感受到下坡路的威胁如此迫在眉睫。在去世前，在老特的上一任期，他的看法可以用他自己的语言概括："川普担任总统四 年，对我、对美国和对世界来说都很煎熬。他很难相处，因为他对国际事务的情境智力很低，而且他高度自恋，限制了他的情绪智 力。" 一个难相处的人不一定是坏的共事者。有的领导很难相处，对下要求严格、挑剔，但你知道他会让你提升进步，并且分利益的时候 公平甚至大方，你不太会有怨言。但如果这个领导反复无常、苛刻且理由不能服众，很多时候让人觉得只是为了挑刺而挑刺，以批 评来立威，你不会敬佩，也不会想追随。 对外和对内不在自己阵营的人，老特无疑都是那个"难相处"的人。如果对内还有整体国力提升这样的业绩可以交待，对外 ...

"奈游走在理论研究和政策制定之间，这一经历使他对美国外交政策的运作机制有着独到的见解。"《金 融时报》评论称。报道援引美国前高级情报官员和政策制定者韦德宁的话称，奈既能进行高度理论化的 国际关系思考，又能将其转化为实际政策。 据肯尼迪政府学院创始院长艾利森称，奈最为自豪的是他曾通过双重途径为阻止核战争作出的贡献：既 以学者身份担任"避免核战争"项目联合主席进行智力输出，又以官员角色在克林顿政府中付诸实践。 在学术方面，奈提出的最著名的概念是"软实力"。1990年，他在自己所著的《注定领导世界：美国权力 性质的变迁》一书中创造了"软实力"一词，用来描述国家所具有的除经济及军事力量外的第三方面实 力，主要是文化、价值观、意识形态及民意等方面的影响力。至今"软实力"仍是国际关系专业教科书中 必备的术语。他也是国际关系理论中"新自由主义"学派的代表人物。 【环球时报报道 记者 白云怡 李艾鑫】美国哈佛大学肯尼迪政府学院7日发布公报称，学院前院长、美 国知名政治学者约瑟夫·奈于6日去世，享年88岁。据英国《金融时报》、新加坡《联合早报》等媒体报 道，"软实力"概念提出者约瑟夫·奈是国际关系领域最杰出的思想家和实践者之一 ...

Economic Overview - Germany's economy has been in stagnation since 2021, with predictions of continued recession through 2025, marking it as potentially the largest crisis since World War II [1][2] - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts a GDP growth of only 0.3% in 2025, placing Germany at the bottom among major economies [1][2] - The manufacturing sector, particularly the automotive industry, is facing significant challenges, including layoffs and reduced investment [2][10] Manufacturing Sector Challenges - The automotive industry, a key pillar of the German economy, is experiencing a collapse, with Volkswagen announcing a plan to cut 10,000 jobs [2][10] - Manufacturing job vacancy rates have dropped to their lowest since the 2009 financial crisis, indicating a shrinking labor demand [2][4] - The shift towards electric vehicles is hindered by rising costs and competition from Chinese manufacturers, impacting traditional German automotive firms [10][19] Trade and Export Dynamics - Germany's export model is under threat, with a notable decline in exports to China, down 9.7% year-on-year in 2024 [3][4] - The trade surplus with the U.S. has reached a record €65 billion, raising concerns about potential tariffs from the U.S. government [6][19] - The overall trade-to-GDP ratio fell to 90.11% in 2023, a decrease of 9.77% from the previous year, reflecting a downturn in international trade [8][19] Labor Market and Employment - The labor market is showing signs of strain, with job vacancies decreasing by 23% and unemployment expected to rise to 3.5% by the end of 2024 [14][21] - Despite a slight increase in disposable income, consumer confidence remains low, leading to reduced spending and further economic stagnation [13][14] Structural Economic Issues - Germany's reliance on exports and traditional manufacturing is becoming increasingly unsustainable, with a need for diversification and innovation [12][19] - The country faces significant challenges from rising energy costs and geopolitical instability, particularly due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict [9][18] - The economic model has been criticized for its over-reliance on external markets, making it vulnerable to global economic fluctuations [12][19] Policy and Economic Management - The current economic management approach, heavily influenced by neoliberal policies, has been criticized for failing to address underlying structural issues [11][22] - There is a call for increased public investment and a reevaluation of fiscal policies to stimulate domestic demand and economic growth [28][29] - The need for a shift towards a more balanced economic model that prioritizes long-term stability over short-term gains is emphasized [26][29]

Group 1 - The book "Nora in China: The Shaping and Evolution of the New Female Image, 1900-1930s" discusses the influence of Ibsen's play "A Doll's House" on Chinese women's liberation and identity during the early 20th century [1][2] - The character Nora serves as a model for women's self-liberation, inspiring intellectuals concerned about national strength and identity [2] - The book explores various interpretations of Nora's story in China, including themes of self-rescue, resistance to marriage, and career aspirations, highlighting women's journey towards independence [2] Group 2 - The book "Transitional Labor: Delivery Riders in the Platform Economy" examines the precarious nature of gig work, particularly focusing on delivery riders who often view their jobs as temporary or transitional [3][4] - The research indicates that the delivery economy has grown significantly, with riders becoming a common sight even in smaller cities, driven by algorithmic systems and surveillance capitalism [5] - The study concludes with concerns about the dignity and safety of individual laborers, emphasizing the fragmented helplessness experienced by riders in the gig economy [5] Group 3 - The book "The Cigarette Company: A Study of Sino-American Tobacco Trade, 1870-1930" analyzes the rise of cigarette consumption and its ties to capitalism, particularly through the lens of the British American Tobacco Company [10][11] - It details the establishment of the company's branches in China and the intricate "Bright Leaf Tobacco Network," illustrating the pervasive influence of cigarette culture across various social and cultural domains [12] - The book emphasizes the ongoing relevance of its themes, particularly regarding the establishment and functioning of networks in the context of capitalist expansion [12]