Walter Russell Mead discusses America’s new lithium wealth; the Palestinians’ bargaining position in Saudi-Israeli peace talks; the drugs, violence, and migration problems in America’s backyard; and why you should read Sir Walter Scott on his podcast What Really Matters.

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US President Donald Trump reacts after signing executive orders imposing tariffs on imported goods in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnik via Getty Images)