Ukraine War Upd. EXTRA: HIMARS vs M270, Prigozhin, & Misinformation Rant
Table of Contents 📖
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"Speech can cause harm as well. where my goodness it's spreading around causing harm and then people at university have to kind of measure that and work out what we do to try and mitigate against um you know misinformation"
Hello Team!
Jonathan provides an update on the frontline around Vuhledar, where Ukrainian troops have reportedly advanced up to a kilometer, particularly to the south and southwest of Pavlivka. There appears to be some activity around Vuhledar, but not in the town itself.
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HIMARS vs M270
Jonathan clarifies the difference between HIMARS and M270 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). Both are types of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) and fire the same rockets. The key differences are:
- M270 has 12 rocket launchers while HIMARS has 6
- M270 is heavier, less mobile, and track-based; HIMARS is lighter, more mobile, and wheeled
- M270 has better armor and off-road capability; HIMARS is faster on roads
Jonathan believes there is a shift towards using GMLRS like HIMARS over traditional tubed artillery due to their precision strike capability, despite higher costs. He speculates HIMARS are being used to replace artillery in the current Zaporizhzhia counteroffensive.
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Misinformation and Morality
Jonathan goes on a passionate rant about the dangers of misinformation and fake news. Key points:
- False news spreads much faster than truth on social media
- Repeated exposure to false information makes it seem more credible (illusory truth effect) and morally acceptable to share
- This poses a threat to "epistemic security" - the security of truth and knowledge in society
- Social media algorithms (e.g. Twitter's suppression of pro-Ukraine accounts) can amplify the spread of misinformation
- Some regulation of speech is necessary to combat harm, just as the free market needs regulation to prevent abuse
Jonathan argues pure free speech absolutism is problematic as there need to be some constraints on the time and place for certain speech (e.g. hate speech, pornography). He advocates for sensible regulation while preserving forums for free discussion.
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Russian Militarization of Children
A church in Saratov, Russia has begun providing military training to children as young as kindergarten age every Sunday after services. Children are taught marching, bayonet fighting, and unarmed combat. This is part of a broader trend of militarization of children in Russia to instill "military patriotic" values. Jonathan finds this "pretty horrible" and an insidious activity pushed on children.
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Prigozhin and Wagner's Political Influence
The Wagner Group is reportedly seeking to increase its political influence within Russia by holding public rallies and actions, ostensibly to promote military patriotic education for youth. However, a Russian source claims the real aim is to "nightmare" (intimidate) competitors and demonstrate popular support for Wagner and Prigozhin. Wagner has increased its actions in the regions, particularly Rostov, and is trying to boost its political sway there. This comes as many ordinary Russians still do not know much about Prigozhin due to the lack of state TV coverage. The moves are likely to increase tensions with the Russian military and Kremlin.
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Wrap up
Jonathan expresses his appreciation for all his viewers' support, even when they may disagree with his opinions. He notes the channel is close to hitting 19,692 subscribers, an arbitrary milestone he intends to celebrate. Jonathan plans to hold an Ask Me Anything or celebratory livestream for the occasion (jokingly saying the magic number is 19,847). He thanks those who gave away memberships in a recent livestream and promises to try to avoid philosophy rants in the Q&A.
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