World in Flames: Insights by David E. Sanger in "A World on Fire" (N.Y.T.)

Commonweal Magazine, the oldest independent Catholic opinion journal in the United States, celebrated its 100th anniversary last week at Chelsea Piers in New York City. The Centennial Gala was attended by the Holy Cross community, including students and faculty, who gathered to mark this significant milestone.

The keynote speaker at the event was David E. Sanger, White House and National Security Correspondent for The New York Times. His talk was entitled "A World on Fire: China, Russia, and the Challenges for the Next President." Sanger discussed the alliance between China and Russia, suggesting that this alliance will define the next twenty to thirty years.

Sanger's new book, "New Cold Wars: China's Rise, Russia's Invasion, and America's Struggle to Defend the West," delves deeper into this topic. He believes that Russia and China have overcome their own traditional ideological views, and America is no longer the sole, liberalized superpower.

In his talk, Sanger also claimed that he is somewhat responsible for Trump's use of the phrase "America first." He emphasised the importance of civil discourse, stating that it is a key to creating a space for effective political discourse on campus.

Meanwhile, distinguished author Kerri Arsenault gave a craft talk at Smith 201. Arsenault's novel, Mill Town, was inspired by her upbringing in a small paper mill town in Maine. The pollution caused by the paper mill influenced the title and themes of her book.

On a different note, the 46th Annual Festival of Lessons & Carols took place on Thursday, December 5th at 8 pm at Holy Cross. The event, a cherished tradition, brought together the community in a celebration of music and faith.

As Commonweal Magazine continues to shape discussions on a wide range of topics, its Centennial Gala served as a testament to its enduring influence and relevance in today's society.