Volume XLIV

Welcome and welcome back!


In this edition of the Pragmatic Papers, we discuss drone warfare both from a birds eye view and on the ground. Want a representative to support Ukraine? Revisit our last release with What is Track Ukraine and Why It Matters. Our international work continues in a discussion on Cuba. This volume also features two articles on the future of space both from a philosophical and an engineering lens. Finally, we have two interesting works from Digital Ground Game: an interview with an on the ground canvasser in Maine and the June midterm report.


Happy reading!

Cara, Editor-in-chief

Articles in this Volume

UkrainianAna on Drone Warfare, Survival, and Life Facing Russia’s Invasion

Interview with the volunteer keeping troops safe on the frontlines of Russia's war in Ukraine.

The Drone Revolution (?)

An analysis of how drones are transforming modern warfare and whether UAS truly represent a military revolution.

Risks of LARPing as a Cuban Humanitarian

Hasan Piker subpoenaed over Cuba trip. Did he actually violate U.S. sanctions?

Meet the Canvasser Flipping Maine One Door at a Time

Real life action impacting real life politics. Maine is a hot topic state for the midterms, and one volunteer is making the difference.

A Long Time Ago, or the Final Frontier

At the crossroads of AI, space, and geopolitics: are we building Star Trek or Star Wars?

Digital Ground Game Logo with blue text on a white background

Digital Ground Game June Midterm Report

Alaska primaries are coming up. Learn about the candidates on the ballot for Alaska's important races. What is the state of Trump's influence?

The Price of the Bleeding Edge

SpaceX and Blue Origin failures aren't an aberration—explosive setbacks are the historical norm for rocketry, and human deaths stay remarkably low.

Meet the Authors

Thomas R Ullmann

ReasonRiffs

After completing my philosophy degree in 2009 I turned down the opportunity to continue his studies, disillusioned with what accademic philosophy had become. By the end of that year I worked as a farm hand in Belgium. The following year, accompanied by…

Marcus C.

Demosthenes Rex

Politics, geopolitics, history and stuff. I came up through a state university system, picking up a BA in political science and later a master’s in public administration, formalizing what was already a long standing fascination with how societies organize…

Case Newmark

Pragmatic Papers writer, and cyberpunk enjoyer. I tend to talk about foreign affairs. casenewmark.substack.com

Sixpaths

Digital Ground Game

Sixpaths is a digital marketing and communications professional who puts his skills where it counts. With a background spanning SEO, content strategy, social media marketing, and audience growth, he has helped organizations across industries expand their…

Erik Muir

The Candor Project (https://thecandorproject.org)

Software engineer, musician, and writer based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founder of The Candor Project, a civic policy initiative aimed at establishing a professional accountability framework for politicians and the press.

Stone Steinert

Seattle based author focused on policy and communications. sstonewrite@gmail.com

Jacob Mills

Digital Ground Game

Jacob is a aerospace engineer currently working in industry specializing in fluids analysis. He also works with Digital Ground Game on their 2026 canvassing program for the midterm elections. Jacob enjoys spending as much time in his home mountain range,…