The MERIP Podcast The MERIP Podcast Episode 13: Ned Leadbeater Today on the podcast we have an interview with Ned Leadbeater, a researcher and analyst based in Britain who recently wrote an article for our Summer/Fall double issue on the material politics of normalization titled, “Fiber Optics and the Hidden Politics of Connectivity.” His article explores the politics surrounding James Ryan, Ned Leadbeater • 1 min read
The Rubymar cargo ship sinking off the coast of Yemen, February 27, 2024. Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images Issue 315-316 Fiber Optics and the Hidden Politics of Connectivity On February 18, 2024, Houthi forces in Yemen fired two ballistic missiles at the MV Rubymar, a Belize flagged, British owned, bulk carrier cargo ship. The crew dropped anchor and evacuated, but the ship began to drift. Six days later it crossed the path of three intercontinental submarine data cables— Ned Leadbeater • 10 min read