Are we living in a dystopian novel?

[Click here to view this message in your web-browser]. Edition: US 27 January 2017 [[The Conversation]Academic rigor, journalistic flair] Editor's note The best selling book on Amazon.com yesterday was “1984.” George Orwell’s classic, originally published 68 years ago, describes a dystopian future under a totalitarian regime. John Broich, a historian at Case Western Reserve University, revisits the story, considers its newfound popularity and asks how it can help us understand our present political reality. As part of that reality, President Trump is pondering a “reset” of relations with Russia. [He would be wise], however, to heed the history of past resets and the pivotal role American oil companies played in each, writes Amy Myers Jaffe, executive director for energy and sustainability at the University of California, Davis. And as we commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Colorado State’s Yerachmiel Gorelik explains why the issue of forgiveness needs a “[profound examination]” of Judaism’s ethics and beliefs. Emily Costello Senior Editor, Politics + Society Top story REUTERS/Toby Melville [2017 isn't '1984' – it's stranger than Orwell imagined] John Broich, Case Western Reserve University The best selling book on Amazon is '1984' – which was originally published in 1949. A historian from Case Western Reserve University considers how the novel resonates with today's reality. Economy + Business - [As Trump mulls another 'reset' with Russia, he should consider perils of Big Oil diplomacy] Amy Myers Jaffe, University of California, Davis As Trump explores warmer ties to Russia, he'd be wise to brush up on the history of past resets and the role the oil industry played in each one. The results weren’t good. Education - [Exploring the complexities of forgiveness] Yerachmiel Gorelik, Colorado State University Can the Nazis be forgiven? A rabbi explains why this question needs a more profound examination of some of Judaism's deepest ethical mores and theological beliefs Politics + Society - [Trump takes on federal workforce of 2.8 million that's showing signs of stress] David E. Lewis, Vanderbilt University The president manages more than 200 organizations that make up the federal government. A survey of 3,500 federal managers shows they struggle with recruiting and retaining skilled workers. Arts + Culture - [Trump isn’t lying, he’s bullshitting – and it's far more dangerous] Lauren Griffin, University of Florida Inflating his own grand persona is Trump's sole goal, and he doesn't care whether or not you believe him. - [How the graphic novel got its misleading moniker] Joel Priddy, Pennsylvania State University The graphic novel has become a literary phenomenon, but the name doesn't adequately describe the medium's flexibility, diversity and potential. Science + Technology - [What drones may come: The future of unmanned flight approaches] Brandon Stark, University of California, Merced Get a taste of a drone-enabled future by looking at innovations and explorations from researchers, students and employees at one of the nation's largest university systems. - [SmallSat revolution: Tiny satellites poised to make big contributions to essential science] J. Vanderlei Martins, University of Maryland, Baltimore County As technology advances, tiny satellites no bigger than a loaf of bread have advanced from just proving they work to being big contributors in answering science questions. Environment + Energy - [Research challenges the view that environmental regulators are anti-business] Sara Rinfret, The University of Montana We may picture regulators tying businesses up in red tape, but research shows that many environmental regulators have collegial relationships with the companies they regulate. - [Food security: how drought and rising prices led to conflict in Syria] Aled Jones, Anglia Ruskin University Food, water and climate are complex, interconnected systems that when disrupted can cause severe social and political shocks. Health + Medicine - [Why advances in treating those with brain injuries require advances in respecting their rights] Joseph J. Fins, Cornell University Neuroscience can now make a difference in the lives of people with severe brain injury, but will they get the care they deserve? More than a question of entitlements, this is an issue of civil rights. Rest of the World - [Scientists have unlocked the secret of making tomatoes taste of something again] Colin Tosh, Newcastle University; Niall Conboy, Newcastle University; Thomas McDaniel, Newcastle University New research pinpoints the genes that could counteract decades of bland breeding. - [No longer tied to Britain, Australia is still searching for its place in the world] Gregory Melleuish, University of Wollongong Having moved so far from its origins in 1788, perhaps Australia Day should now be a celebration of Australian 'ordinariness'. - [Auschwitz to Rwanda: the link between science, colonialism and genocide] Heike Becker, University of the Western Cape Significant links connect racial science in colonial southern Africa with the holocaust of the European Jews. Colonial racial science also contributed to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. [The Conversation on Twitter] [The Conversation on Facebook] You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation]. Not interested anymore? 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