Wessel van Rensburg
@wildebees.bsky.social
The digital policy strategist you didn’t know you needed—using terms like 'sovereign data assets' as casually as most would say 'hello'.
Also geopolitics, innovation, industrial policy.
Location: Den Haag 🇳🇱 From: 🇿🇦
Also geopolitics, innovation, industrial policy.
Location: Den Haag 🇳🇱 From: 🇿🇦
Pinned
Why stablecoins are Silicon Valley's Pandora's box
Stablecoins betray the essence of money itself: credit.
www.reaction.life
New essay ↓ with Andreas Dombret www.reaction.life/p/why-stable... #stablecoins
Stablecoins are Silicon Valley's Pandora's box. The Trump admin just signed the GENIUS Act, but the warnings should be louder.
Here's what everyone's missing about why stablecoins betray the essence of money itself 🧵
Stablecoins are Silicon Valley's Pandora's box. The Trump admin just signed the GENIUS Act, but the warnings should be louder.
Here's what everyone's missing about why stablecoins betray the essence of money itself 🧵
“LLM grooming”
Researchers say Russia-aligned Pravda network is engaging in "LLM grooming", flooding the internet with disinformation to influence chatbots like ChatGPT (Aisha Down/The Guardian)
Main Link | Techmeme Permalink
Main Link | Techmeme Permalink
November 22, 2025 at 4:29 PM
“LLM grooming”
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
Read my scoop overnight from Kyiv, where US army secretary Dan Driscoll’s brief meeting (he was running late after calls with Vance) with European ambassadors at the US ambassador’s residence in Podil left one feeling “nauseated” and others “shocked.” W/ @henryjfoy.ft.com
on.ft.com/43GWpxI
on.ft.com/43GWpxI
Trump envoys issue ultimatum to Ukraine to sign peace deal by Thursday
Hardline message over US-Russia plan at volatile meeting in Kyiv sparks alarm among European allies
on.ft.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:52 AM
Read my scoop overnight from Kyiv, where US army secretary Dan Driscoll’s brief meeting (he was running late after calls with Vance) with European ambassadors at the US ambassador’s residence in Podil left one feeling “nauseated” and others “shocked.” W/ @henryjfoy.ft.com
on.ft.com/43GWpxI
on.ft.com/43GWpxI
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
cryptography is a mathematical system for transforming problems which aren't key-management problems into key-management problems
November 22, 2025 at 2:15 AM
cryptography is a mathematical system for transforming problems which aren't key-management problems into key-management problems
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
Brazilian police arrest Bolsonaro amid suspicions he was about to flee www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Brazilian police arrest Bolsonaro amid suspicions he was about to flee
Politician reportedly taken from his villa into custody at a federal police base about 7 miles from presidential palace
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Brazilian police arrest Bolsonaro amid suspicions he was about to flee www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
EU official: “In particular, some elements of the draft plan concern directly and solely the EU. The implementation of these elements must be agreed within the EU.“
This includes Russia’s immobilised assets, economic sanctions, Ukraine’s EU accession, post-war reconstruction.
This includes Russia’s immobilised assets, economic sanctions, Ukraine’s EU accession, post-war reconstruction.
Just in: joint statement on Ukraine by 🇪🇺🇩🇪🇫🇷🇬🇧🇮🇹🇪🇸🇫🇮🇳🇱🇮🇪🇳🇴🇨🇦🇯🇵
The 28-point plan has "important elements" for a just and lasting peace but "will require additional work."
"We are concerned by the proposed limitations on Ukraine's armed forces, which would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attack."
The 28-point plan has "important elements" for a just and lasting peace but "will require additional work."
"We are concerned by the proposed limitations on Ukraine's armed forces, which would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attack."
November 22, 2025 at 2:53 PM
EU official: “In particular, some elements of the draft plan concern directly and solely the EU. The implementation of these elements must be agreed within the EU.“
This includes Russia’s immobilised assets, economic sanctions, Ukraine’s EU accession, post-war reconstruction.
This includes Russia’s immobilised assets, economic sanctions, Ukraine’s EU accession, post-war reconstruction.
Zhang Xuezheng (“Wing”) is still suspended as CEO of Nexperia by order of the Amsterdam Enterprise Chamber. He is not acting as CEO; Nexperia’s CFO Stefan Tilger continues as interim CEO. Wingtech remains the formal parent, main shareholder, but its voting rights are parked by the court.
November 22, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Zhang Xuezheng (“Wing”) is still suspended as CEO of Nexperia by order of the Amsterdam Enterprise Chamber. He is not acting as CEO; Nexperia’s CFO Stefan Tilger continues as interim CEO. Wingtech remains the formal parent, main shareholder, but its voting rights are parked by the court.
He is from the VVD, Rutte’s centre right party.
Nexperia bombshell from NRC: suggests Dutch ministry *did* try to sway the court
"Karremans knew his controversial intervention... had little chance of success without judicial intervention. Therefore, he urged the court to impose additional measures"
"Karremans knew his controversial intervention... had little chance of success without judicial intervention. Therefore, he urged the court to impose additional measures"
Karremans wist dat de oorlogswet voor Nexperia tekortschoot
Interventie: De obscure oorlogswet die chipmaker Nexperia moest redden, was onvoldoende. Minister Karremans besefte dat en rekende daarom op tussenkomst van de rechter.
www.nrc.nl
November 22, 2025 at 10:22 AM
He is from the VVD, Rutte’s centre right party.
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
Nexperia bombshell from NRC: suggests Dutch ministry *did* try to sway the court
"Karremans knew his controversial intervention... had little chance of success without judicial intervention. Therefore, he urged the court to impose additional measures"
"Karremans knew his controversial intervention... had little chance of success without judicial intervention. Therefore, he urged the court to impose additional measures"
Karremans wist dat de oorlogswet voor Nexperia tekortschoot
Interventie: De obscure oorlogswet die chipmaker Nexperia moest redden, was onvoldoende. Minister Karremans besefte dat en rekende daarom op tussenkomst van de rechter.
www.nrc.nl
November 22, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Nexperia bombshell from NRC: suggests Dutch ministry *did* try to sway the court
"Karremans knew his controversial intervention... had little chance of success without judicial intervention. Therefore, he urged the court to impose additional measures"
"Karremans knew his controversial intervention... had little chance of success without judicial intervention. Therefore, he urged the court to impose additional measures"
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
Trump administration told Ukrainian and European officials there is little room to negotiate its plan to end the war, and heaped pressure on Zelenskyy to sign a deal drawn up with Moscow by Thursday.
One senior European official described the tone of the meeting as “nauseating”
One senior European official described the tone of the meeting as “nauseating”
November 22, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Trump administration told Ukrainian and European officials there is little room to negotiate its plan to end the war, and heaped pressure on Zelenskyy to sign a deal drawn up with Moscow by Thursday.
One senior European official described the tone of the meeting as “nauseating”
One senior European official described the tone of the meeting as “nauseating”
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
1/6
SCMP: "China is preparing for an unprecedented wave of new university graduates next summer – a record 12.7 million outgoing students – intensifying pressure on an already strained job market and a slowing economy."
sc.mp/o7wwf?utm_so... via @scmpnews
SCMP: "China is preparing for an unprecedented wave of new university graduates next summer – a record 12.7 million outgoing students – intensifying pressure on an already strained job market and a slowing economy."
sc.mp/o7wwf?utm_so... via @scmpnews
‘Unpredictable risks’: China to see record graduates next year amid jobs crunch
Employment pressures facing graduates will reach unprecedented levels over next decade, top economist warns.
sc.mp
November 22, 2025 at 6:45 AM
1/6
SCMP: "China is preparing for an unprecedented wave of new university graduates next summer – a record 12.7 million outgoing students – intensifying pressure on an already strained job market and a slowing economy."
sc.mp/o7wwf?utm_so... via @scmpnews
SCMP: "China is preparing for an unprecedented wave of new university graduates next summer – a record 12.7 million outgoing students – intensifying pressure on an already strained job market and a slowing economy."
sc.mp/o7wwf?utm_so... via @scmpnews
Have not been as excited about a rugby game as Ireland 🇮🇪 vs South Africa 🇿🇦 tonight — in a while.
November 22, 2025 at 7:40 AM
Have not been as excited about a rugby game as Ireland 🇮🇪 vs South Africa 🇿🇦 tonight — in a while.
In the modern world small states are dependent on larger ones — because of the impact of technology. It’s why the UK suffers more being outside of Europe, but also why Europe, which is only a quasi state, struggles to live even next to Russia. bsky.app/profile/john...
@jonathanfreedland.bsky.social, citing our paper, says the government should seek a much more comprehensive Brexit deal. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Rachel Reeves is studiously ignoring the cause of Britain’s woes: the Brexit-shaped hole in its roof | Jonathan Freedland
The autumn budget will mop up some damage, but the true source of the economic crisis is clear. The government should now fix it – tragically, it won’t, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:34 AM
In the modern world small states are dependent on larger ones — because of the impact of technology. It’s why the UK suffers more being outside of Europe, but also why Europe, which is only a quasi state, struggles to live even next to Russia. bsky.app/profile/john...
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
Ex Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis
"If you're a European leader asking your team to book you the next flight to Washington to go talk to Daddy, please don’t
Not without a plan, not cap in hand, not humiliating us all in front of cameras at the Oval office"
"If you're a European leader asking your team to book you the next flight to Washington to go talk to Daddy, please don’t
Not without a plan, not cap in hand, not humiliating us all in front of cameras at the Oval office"
November 21, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Ex Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis
"If you're a European leader asking your team to book you the next flight to Washington to go talk to Daddy, please don’t
Not without a plan, not cap in hand, not humiliating us all in front of cameras at the Oval office"
"If you're a European leader asking your team to book you the next flight to Washington to go talk to Daddy, please don’t
Not without a plan, not cap in hand, not humiliating us all in front of cameras at the Oval office"
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
A Chinese manufacturer that sells most of the world’s Bitcoin-mining machines — including 16,000 to a venture backed by Trump’s sons — has been the focus of a months-long federal investigation to assess if its products pose risks to US national security
Chinese Maker Behind Most of World’s Bitcoin Miners Has Been Focus of US National Security Probe
Investigators have sought to assess whether Bitmain Technologies’ products pose risks of espionage or sabotage, according to people familiar with the matter. The company says they don’t.
www.bloomberg.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:44 PM
A Chinese manufacturer that sells most of the world’s Bitcoin-mining machines — including 16,000 to a venture backed by Trump’s sons — has been the focus of a months-long federal investigation to assess if its products pose risks to US national security
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
@jonathanfreedland.bsky.social, citing our paper, says the government should seek a much more comprehensive Brexit deal. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Rachel Reeves is studiously ignoring the cause of Britain’s woes: the Brexit-shaped hole in its roof | Jonathan Freedland
The autumn budget will mop up some damage, but the true source of the economic crisis is clear. The government should now fix it – tragically, it won’t, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:12 AM
@jonathanfreedland.bsky.social, citing our paper, says the government should seek a much more comprehensive Brexit deal. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
the country whose bureaucrats got their King to invite Trump for [very Nicholas Witchell voice] an unprecedented second State Visit, probably needs to let this pass www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Swiss gold and Rolex gifts to Trump arouse ‘disgust’ in Europe
Billionaires gave desk clock and engraved gold bar weeks before Trump slashed tariffs on imports from Switzerland
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:53 PM
the country whose bureaucrats got their King to invite Trump for [very Nicholas Witchell voice] an unprecedented second State Visit, probably needs to let this pass www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
All the rape, torture, and murder will be brushed under the carpet, a great lesson for any future war criminals.
November 21, 2025 at 7:08 AM
All the rape, torture, and murder will be brushed under the carpet, a great lesson for any future war criminals.
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
"so deep was the fiscal crisis that public spending was cut and taxes on the rich went up. The result is that Britain’s top 10 per cent is the only segment paying more in taxes today than in 2010" on.ft.com/4a6clNL
if this were more widely understood, Reeves' job would be somewhat easier
if this were more widely understood, Reeves' job would be somewhat easier
Britain’s tax system combines the worst of the US and Scandinavia
The UK’s experiment in eating the rich while shrinking the state has left everyone worse off
on.ft.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:38 AM
"so deep was the fiscal crisis that public spending was cut and taxes on the rich went up. The result is that Britain’s top 10 per cent is the only segment paying more in taxes today than in 2010" on.ft.com/4a6clNL
if this were more widely understood, Reeves' job would be somewhat easier
if this were more widely understood, Reeves' job would be somewhat easier
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
More China from Kallas @ Bloomberg this week - she wants Nato Article 5 style response to coercion
“Problem is that we are not united. If we had sort of economic Article 5 alliance that, if coercive practices are used against one, others take the front that it isn't OK"
“Problem is that we are not united. If we had sort of economic Article 5 alliance that, if coercive practices are used against one, others take the front that it isn't OK"
November 20, 2025 at 9:44 AM
More China from Kallas @ Bloomberg this week - she wants Nato Article 5 style response to coercion
“Problem is that we are not united. If we had sort of economic Article 5 alliance that, if coercive practices are used against one, others take the front that it isn't OK"
“Problem is that we are not united. If we had sort of economic Article 5 alliance that, if coercive practices are used against one, others take the front that it isn't OK"
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
European nations should develop a joint tactical nuclear deterrent to counter Russia’s expanding arsenal, Airbus board chair René Obermann said today, breaking one of Europe’s biggest defense taboos.
Europe needs tactical nukes to counter Putin, says Airbus chief
European aerospace heavyweight warns that the continent must have a stronger deterrent against Russia’s massive arsenal.
www.politico.eu
November 19, 2025 at 4:37 PM
European nations should develop a joint tactical nuclear deterrent to counter Russia’s expanding arsenal, Airbus board chair René Obermann said today, breaking one of Europe’s biggest defense taboos.
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
Dozens of senior officials from across Asia, Africa and the Pacific will touch down in Brussels on Thursday, as the EU tries to convince them it is a more reliable partner than the United States and China.
My preview of this week's EU Indo Pacific forum
My preview of this week's EU Indo Pacific forum
Europe seeks common ground with Indo-Pacific nations bruised by US-China rivalry
Senior officials and diplomats from Asia, Africa and the Pacific will attend a forum in Brussels. Beijing and Washington aren’t invited.
www.scmp.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Dozens of senior officials from across Asia, Africa and the Pacific will touch down in Brussels on Thursday, as the EU tries to convince them it is a more reliable partner than the United States and China.
My preview of this week's EU Indo Pacific forum
My preview of this week's EU Indo Pacific forum
This is worth a listen. There’s a political storm brewing in the US over AI and data-centres.
baby’s first odd lots shoutouts today over my month long investigation into bipartisan opposition to data centers
thanks @bloomberg.com @weisenthal.bsky.social
thanks @bloomberg.com @weisenthal.bsky.social
The Politics of AI Are About to Explode
open.spotify.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:16 AM
This is worth a listen. There’s a political storm brewing in the US over AI and data-centres.
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
There's a new bipartisan Section 230 reform bill, and it uses a tactic that's very similar to KOSA in hopes of holding social media platforms responsible for their recommendation algorithms. www.theverge.com/policy/82405...
Lawmakers want to let users sue over harmful social media algorithms
Section 230 is facing a new kind of attack.
www.theverge.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:50 PM
There's a new bipartisan Section 230 reform bill, and it uses a tactic that's very similar to KOSA in hopes of holding social media platforms responsible for their recommendation algorithms. www.theverge.com/policy/82405...
Reposted by Wessel van Rensburg
Alphabet's stock rose as much as 6.9% on Wednesday, its biggest gain since early September, amid a wave of glowing reviews for Gemini 3 (Ryan Vlastelica/Bloomberg)
Main Link | Techmeme Permalink
Main Link | Techmeme Permalink
November 19, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Alphabet's stock rose as much as 6.9% on Wednesday, its biggest gain since early September, amid a wave of glowing reviews for Gemini 3 (Ryan Vlastelica/Bloomberg)
Main Link | Techmeme Permalink
Main Link | Techmeme Permalink
Belgium has very little sea to play with and huge shipping lanes, so it has chosen to squeeze maximum capacity into a small legal box.
The Dutch have far more offshore area, so they can space turbines to maximise energy yield and economics, even if the map looks “wasteful”.
The Dutch have far more offshore area, so they can space turbines to maximise energy yield and economics, even if the map looks “wasteful”.
November 19, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Belgium has very little sea to play with and huge shipping lanes, so it has chosen to squeeze maximum capacity into a small legal box.
The Dutch have far more offshore area, so they can space turbines to maximise energy yield and economics, even if the map looks “wasteful”.
The Dutch have far more offshore area, so they can space turbines to maximise energy yield and economics, even if the map looks “wasteful”.