u/BigNics

Last week, I was a part of the University of Kansas Model NATO Event conducted by NATO's Allied Command Transformation. I had the opportunity to step into the role of being the Permanent Representative of Sweden and took part in a realistic North Atlantic Council session. It was a great experience and I really do feel proud of what Sweden is doing on the global stage. 

I’m sure you guys are probably sick of Americans apologizing, but I also wanted to say there is still room for love in the heart of the American people for Sweden, NATO and the world. Call me hopelessly optimistic, but I’m studying Diplomacy and International Relations to build this love. As a Chinese American with experience living in both the U.S. and China, I understand what it means to bridge divides that many people think are impossible.

I visited Sweden last summer, and I remember seeing the American flag wave on top of the Grand Hotel and feeing touched that there still could be space for love in the Swedish people’s hearts for the U.S. My experience in Sweden made me truly feel that it is a beautiful place with kind people and a deep history. 

Tack så mycket!

Recently I was reviewing the Chinese classic the Thirty-Six Stratagems (三十六计 - Sān shí liù jì) after hearing it mentioned on the show Nippon Sangoku (btw check it out it's great). The writings are pretty similar to the Art of War in the ways it's so foundational in it can seem trite and simple.

Despite that, I think Stratagem 18. To Catch the Bandits First Capture Their Leader is particularly tied to the York New City Arc, even if incidental.

The translation goes: If the enemy's army is strong but is allied to the commander only by money or threats then, take aim at the leader. If the commander falls the rest of the army will disperse or come over to your side. If, however, they are allied to the leader through loyalty then beware, the army can continue to fight on after his death out of vengeance.

Usually I wouldn't say there's a significant connection, but the question of what happens after Chrollo's death is a big one. Despite his claims the Phantom Troupe doesn't need him, the group exists because of Chrollo's declaration of purpose and identity. They suspend everything to recover him and his Nen when Kurapika takes him, contradicting his "headless spider" ideology.

Chrollo believes in this stratagem and thinks he's the second type of commander, but he's actually an inversion of it. That's why Kurapika's capture of Chrollo is so effective. The Troupe isn't motivated by their loyalty to a cause or selfish gain as much as their personal ties with Chrollo. Without him, the "spider" might really collapse.

I don't believe it's a huge revelation, but I wanted to add another fun lens to look at the story with.