Reflections on Authoritarian Times

On May 10, 2025, after four terrifying days of shelling and missile and drone attacks along the northern and western border states between India and Pakistan, a ceasefire was ceremonially announced. The US President was among the first to claim credit for it, praising the “common sense and great intelligence” of leaders of both countries — until it became clear that promises of trade deals were what “Trumped” the war. Closer to home, with the polemics of an unabashed bloodthirst losing immediate relevance, the overwrought nerves of a cheerleading troll army had to be directed elsewhere.