This chapter examines how individual background characteristics of leaders, such as military service, rebel experience, age, and education, influence their propensity to engage in armed conflict. It highlights that leaders with military experience but no combat experience are among the most conflict-prone. The chapter also discusses how leaders like Mao Zedong and Muammar Qaddafi, with rebel backgrounds, are more inclined to use violence due to their personal beliefs. Contrary to expectations, the chapter finds no significant relationship between a leader's education and their likelihood to seek peaceful resolutions.

The study examines changes in public support for AI-enabled autonomous systems, particularly autonomous vehicles and surgery, between fall 2018 and fall 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores whether the pandemic increased comfort with these technologies due to a shift in perceived risk from machine error to human contact and transmission of the virus. The study presents three hypotheses: increased support for autonomous vehicles and surgery in 2020, unchanged opinions about these systems despite the pandemic, and increased support for autonomous surgery among those directly impacted by COVID-19. The results show no significant increase in support for autonomous vehicles, a statistically significant decline in support for autonomous surgery, and increased support for autonomous surgery among those who knew someone who died from COVID-19. The study also analyzes factors influencing support for autonomous technologies, such as prior AI experience, gender, education, and partisanship.

Michael Horowitz, a geopolitical analyst, discusses the West's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, criticizing the search for a non-existent 'line' that Putin will not cross. He argues that the West's hesitancy and belief in a limit to Putin's aggression are misguided, as Putin's actions are driven by internal insecurities and a desire to protect his regime. Horowitz suggests that Putin's history, from Chechnya to Syria, shows a pattern of aggression justified by fabricated provocations. He also criticizes the West's susceptibility to Russian propaganda, which sows doubt and hinders decisive action. The article calls for a more proactive approach, including arming Ukraine, and warns that inaction leads to more Ukrainian casualties. Horowitz emphasizes that the West is already a party to the conflict and must acknowledge this reality.

Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukraine's electricity network, targeting civilians and infrastructure to increase the hardship during winter. The strategy aims to force negotiations or buy time for military operations, while also attempting to suppress domestic criticism of the war. Ukraine's energy grid, heavily reliant on a few plants and nuclear power, has been compromised, with technicians working tirelessly to repair damages amidst ongoing missile and drone strikes. Despite the challenges, Ukraine has managed to maintain power, though the future holds more difficulties with colder temperatures and potential energy deficits. The international community is urged to resist Russia's tactics and support Ukraine with weapons and technical assistance.

The life of Countess Triangi, a flamboyant figure in interwar Vienna, was marked by self-presentation, self-overestimation, and dazzling escapades. Known and often ridiculed as a flutist, singer, and dancer, she insisted on being addressed by her full name, which included a long list of titles. Her presence in popular spots like the Graben, the Ringstraßenkorso, the Hotel Bristol, and her regular café brought a smile to the faces of the staff and patrons, momentarily distracting them from their activities, including discussions about the Great Depression.

Josef Bratfisch, known for his singing talent, was the discreet personal coachman of Crown Prince Rudolf and took the truth about the Mayerling tragedy to his grave. The Mayerling incident, which shook the monarchy and alarmed the world, remains a source of endless speculation and theories among historians. It is generally agreed that on the morning of January 30, 1889, the married heir to the throne, Rudolf, shot his underage mistress, 17-year-old Countess Mary Vetsera, at the imperial hunting lodge in the Vienna Woods, before taking his own life.

Maxi Böhm, an Austrian comedian, actor, and the country's first 'Quizonkel', is portrayed as a public favorite who attempts to mask his sorrow with perpetual joviality. He purchases a collection of jokes from the widow of comedian Armin Berg, which he uses for various performances, including New Year's Eve galas and store openings. Böhm, known for his relentless schedule, sometimes exceeds 15 performances a day, similar to other beloved entertainers of his time such as Heinz Conrads, Ossy Kolmann, and Fritz Muliar.

Ernst Molden is described as a versatile artist brimming with euphoria, drive, and sadness. He is an imaginative interpreter of the new Viennese song, and refers to himself as a 'creative raghead'. The music industry often compares local idols to international stars, giving them monikers such as Adele from Amstetten or Amy Winehouse from Wieselburg.

Matthias Sindelar, known as the 'Papierene', was a brilliant footballer renowned for his imagination and playful wit on the field. Celebrated by literary figures like Friedrich Torberg, Hans Weigel, and Alfred Polgar, Sindelar was one of the best European footballers of his time and a beloved figure in Vienna. His exceptional ball control and playful, trick-filled style earned him the title of 'artist on the ball' among coffeehouse literati.

Oskar Sima, renowned for his cunning and choleric comedic characters, starred in over 250 films and formed a memorable Viennese triumvirate with Hans Moser and Paul Hörbiger. Despite his doctor's advice to diet, Sima succumbed to a heart attack after indulging in a roasted duck, becoming a legendary figure discussed at local taverns in his birthplace, Hohenau an der March.

Russia's announcement of a new phase in its operation in Ukraine to 'liberate' Luhansk and Donetsk contrasts with its initial all-out attack. The Russian military underestimated the Ukrainian forces, leading to a climb down from their grand objectives. The Donbas region, defended by experienced Ukrainian units, poses significant challenges to Russia's tactics, including large-scale 'pincer moves' and maintaining supply lines. The appointment of General Aleksandr Dvornikov as the new commander is unlikely to resolve the Russian army's logistical issues and disconnect between President Putin and his military commanders. With Putin seeking a victory for the upcoming 'Victory Day,' the pressure on Russian forces increases, but the flawed decision-making process and the need for heavy firepower raise concerns about the destruction of cities and the potential for more atrocities like Bucha.

Josef Holaubek, the popular police chief of Vienna, peacefully and unarmedly resolves a hostage situation, demonstrating his sensitivity to the concerns of the population. He gains significant popularity for his actions during the 1956 Hungarian uprising against Soviet tank communism, as he dedicates the entire police force to the care of refugees fleeing to Austria.

The article discusses the potential for student loan forgiveness to alleviate economic burdens and serve greater social needs. It critiques the current Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for its low acceptance rate and proposes three key actions: lowering interest rates on federal student loans, creating transparent paths to loan forgiveness with shorter time frames, and investing in student financial literacy. The author emphasizes the role of government and higher education in supporting these changes to improve individual prosperity and address workforce shortages in public service sectors.