A proposition on innovation: Getting rid of the old is harder than embracing new
One more from Andrade‘s "Gunpowder Age."
One more from Andrade‘s Gunpowder Age: He asserts that:
The problem for an old state isn’t so much embracing the new as getting rid of the old. … If the Qing had been able to devote to new armies the funds it was expending on decrepit ones, it would have done far better. The problem for the Qing wasn’t a lack of technology or know-how. It was lack of focus. Old institutions drained resources.
To me, this raises the question: What should we get rid of, or at least stop making more of? My answer, grasshopper knows, is the current aircraft carrier of the Big Fat Target class. But what do you think is the horse cavalry of today — or of 2026?
Image credit: Tom Freeman/CNAS
Thomas E. Ricks is a former contributing editor to Foreign Policy. Twitter: @tomricks1
More from Foreign Policy
Nobody Actually Knows What Russia Does Next
The West’s warnings about Vladimir Putin’s future plans are getting louder—but not any more convincing.
China Is Gaslighting the Developing World
Beijing’s promises of equality are a guise for hegemony.
Post-Erdogan Turkey Is Finally Here
Last weekend’s elections offer a first glimpse of a political future beyond the reigning strongman.
How the United States Lost Niger
Growing Russian, Chinese, and Iranian influence in the Sahel is testing Washington’s clout in an increasingly strategic continent.
Sign up for World Brief
FP’s flagship evening newsletter guiding you through the most important world stories of the day, written by Alexandra Sharp. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.