For the rest of us, 2021 revealed what the new “outside” looks like. Now we have our own “Evil Empire.” Now we have a target. Now we can build a strategy. Today, you are either pro-regime or anti-regime. Yes, even in New Zealand. Especially in New Zealand.

You need at least a Silver membership plan to access Insight articles.

Nathan Smith is a former business journalist and columnist at the NBR. He also worked as the chief editor at the New Zealand Initiative policy think tank. He is now a freelance writer and copy editor.