The emergence of data centers in Missouri has transformed from a quiet infrastructure development into a flashpoint of public contention, leaving residents and local officials caught between promises of technological progress and fears of environmental and social degradation. As massive facilities—designed to house the servers powering the global digital economy—begin to sprout across the regional landscape, the dialogue surrounding their presence has become increasingly volatile. On one side, industry proponents paint a picture of economic revitalization, claiming these sites will anchor the state in the 21st-century digital gold rush. On the other side, concerned citizens and community activists are raising…

The digital battleground has become the primary theater for modern statecraft, and for Australia and Japan, the stakes have never been higher. A recent collaborative report from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) and Japan Nexus Intelligence highlights a critical, urgent need: both nations must formally prioritize counter-disinformation as a core pillar of their bilateral relationship. As Beijing intensifies its influence operations—deploying a sophisticated mix of state media, orchestrated social media campaigns, and swarms of inauthentic accounts—the ability to protect the public’s perception of reality has become a matter of national security. By appointing dedicated mission leads within Australia’s Office…