Good morning,

This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about this quote:

Doing the right thing poorly is worth more than doing the wrong stuff flawlessly. Doing things with a negligible impact on the outcome is often easier than finding that one priority that will change the game. So, it is easy to get stuck doing too many things with too little impact because it makes us “feel productive”.

But if we instead focus on the things that substantially impact the outcome, we can achieve much more with less.

The trick is to be good at finding the right things.

Anna

China can now arrest foreign citizens endangering national security without evidence

GEOPOLITICS / SURVEILLANCE

China has expanded its capacity to arrest foreigners for espionage, further tightening its grip on dissent and foreign influence. The move has been criticised as another step towards an authoritarian state. Under the new rules, foreign citizens can be arrested for endangering China’s national security without substantial evidence, with potential punishments ranging from fines to life imprisonment.

The new measures come amid growing tensions between China and Western nations over human rights abuses, trade, and territorial disputes. China has been accused of detaining foreign citizens on trumped-up charges, including Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who have been held for over two years in retaliation for the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Canada.

The new rules also allow China to take retaliatory action against foreign countries that adopt measures that China considers harmful to its national interests. This could include sanctions, visa restrictions, or the seizure of assets.

The broad scope of the new rules has raised concerns among human rights groups and foreign governments, who fear that they will be used to suppress dissent and silence critics. The move is also likely to isolate China on the world stage further and increase tensions with Western nations. The impact of the new rules on foreign businesses operating in China remains to be seen. Still, many are likely to be wary of the potential risks of doing business in the country.

EU introduces new AI Act to regulate concerning usage of the technology

TECHNOLOGY

The European Union has announced a new Artificial Intelligence Act that will regulate AI technology within the bloc to ensure that it is developed and deployed safely and transparently and respects fundamental rights. The AI Act would require companies to conduct risk assessments before deploying high-risk AI applications and would create a new regulatory body to oversee AI development and implementation. The move comes amid growing concerns over using AI technology in surveillance and other applications that may infringe on privacy and civil liberties.

The new AI Act is notable for its focus on regulating the development and use of AI rather than seeking to promote the technology as the United States and China have done. The US has made significant investments in AI research and development, while China has set an ambitious goal of becoming the world leader in AI by 2030. In contrast, the EU is taking a more cautious approach to the technology, ensuring that it is used in a way that is safe, ethical, and respects human rights.

While some have praised the EU’s approach to regulating AI, others have criticised it for being too restrictive and potentially hindering innovation. For example, the AI Act’s requirement for companies to conduct risk assessments before deploying high-risk AI applications could make it more difficult for startups and small businesses to develop and bring new AI products to market. However, others argue that the potential benefits of regulating AI outweigh the costs and that ensuring the technology is used safely and ethically is essential.

The EU’s move to regulate AI also highlights the growing importance of international cooperation on AI regulation. As AI technology continues to advance and is adopted worldwide, it is becoming increasingly clear that there is a need for common standards and principles to govern its development and use.

More than half of graduates worry about working too much in their first jobs

WORK

A new survey shows that many college graduates are concerned about overwork and burnout in their first jobs, despite the high worker demand. The study found that more than half of college graduates worry about working too much in their first job, while only 31% feel confident that they will achieve “work-life balance”.

The survey also found that many college graduates are willing to work long hours to advance their careers, with 70% saying they would work more than 40 hours a week. However, they also said they would prefer to work from home or have flexible schedules, with 68% saying they would choose that over a higher salary.

The survey highlights the tension between the desire to advance in one’s career and the need for work-life balance. However, it also suggests that many college graduates are willing to make sacrifices, especially regarding their mental health, to achieve their career goals.

I’m not sure I believe in “work-life balance” as an end goal or think it is something any employer can ever deliver. To me, it is an ongoing process and state of mind. Still, employers should take note of these concerns and offer workers flexibility in schedules and work arrangements to attract and retain talented workers. Increased job satisfaction will lead to lower turnover and better performance overall.

Double-check the headlines

Just making sure you didn’t miss any major world events this week.

• After three weeks of clashes, the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighting in Sudan will begin talks in Saudi Arabia.

• King Charles III and Camilla, the queen consort, were officially crowned king and queen during a coronation ceremony Saturday at Westminster Abbey.

• Iran executed Swedish-Iranian Habib Chaab, accused of being behind a deadly 2018 attack on a military parade.

• Over 13,000 people were ordered to leave Alberta in Western Canada as 78 fires rage, and officials say blazes are expected to intensify.

• Indian military in the north-eastern state of Manipur has orders to “shoot on sight” as deadly clashes between tribal and non-tribal groups continue.

• Myanmar’s military rulers released over 2,100 political prisoners, but the deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi, remains in jail.

• Serbia grapples with two deadly mass shootings in only two days. Seventeen people were killed, and more than twenty injured.

• Russia claims two Ukrainian drones flew into the heart of Moscow under cover of darkness, reaching the Kremlin before being shot down at the last minute. But the story doesn’t add up.

One long

Stanford Business

“We Have 30 Extra Years”: A New Way of Thinking About Aging

People around the world are living, working, and learning longer. Get ready to upgrade your old ideas about longevity.

Five short

1. Watch

Look at this beautiful Starwars by Wes Andersson trailer generated using AI.

2. Listen

Instagram introduced me to Zusha, a Jewish duo from New York that makes music in Hebrew. I’ve now listened to their magical melodic chants on repeat all weekend—the musical version of comfort food. Start with When the Sea Split.

3. Remember

Rhubarb is the most underappreciated vegetable there is.

4. Change

Mercury retrograde or not, it feels like many people are going through a tough time. This article explains how to step out of “fixing” mode and into compassion. Including what to say (and not).

5. Try

Trusting people is a thing; I can recommend trying it.

Thank you for reading! Every time a post gets shared, it makes me very happy. /Anna