In The News

US Withheld Ukraine Military Aid: Washington Post

Seung Min Kim and Colby Itkowitz September 24, 2019
A political leader can legally use aid money and other policies as leverage in guiding countries on specific behaviors. Use of government money or policies for personal political gain is corruption. Donald Trump confirms that he delayed almost $400 million in aid for Ukraine due to concerns about levels of funding provided by European nations. On July 25, shortly after the aid was delayed, the US...

Singapore-Style UK: Guardian

Daniel Boffey and Jon Henley September 12, 2019
The economic warnings for a post-Brexit United Kingdom are dire: shortages, traffic and chaos. That could make the country desperate and ruthless, eliminating social and environmental regulations to compete. The country could become a Singapore-on-Thames, she suggested. The UK prime minister’s negotiator advised that the UK seeks a “clean break” from the EU. “Merkel also warned of the economic...

Armed Conflict Possible in Europe? Spiegel

Dirk Kurbjuweit September 6, 2019
The rise of antagonistic nationalism triggered World War II – and a wake of destruction with more than 60 million dead worldwide. Fears emerge that another wave of nationalism, with disregard for minorities and democratic institutions and emphasis on competition, could put an end to 75 relatively peaceful years. Writing for Spiegel Online, Dirk Kurbjuweit summarizes the events leading to the...

No-Deal Brexit Opponents Want Commons Control: BBC

September 3, 2019
The United Kingdom faces an October deadline, already extended, for exiting the European Union. A majority of UK parliament members from a mix of parties united in emergency debate to defeat the government on a no-deal Brexit after the prime minister announced a five-week suspension. The opposition fears economic chaos, disruption to travel and basic supplies and a hard border for Ireland, but...

How a Lifeline From China Changed Greece: Fortune

Vivienne Walt September 1, 2019
China’s investment in the historic port of Piraeus has lifted Greece’s economy and dampened populist opposition to foreign investment. “Situated at the edge of Athens – a short sail from the Middle East and Africa – the port has been a strategic jewel for nearly 2,500 years, ever since the Athenians and Spartans defeated the Persian emperor in a nearby sea battle for Mediterranean supremacy,”...

Italy Has New Government: ANSA

August 29, 2019
Italy has formed a new government under Premier-designate Giuseppe Conte nine days after he resigned. The new coalition of the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and the center-left Democratic Party is less hostile to the European Union than the previous coalition that included the far-right Nationalist League. The 5-Star Movement led all parties in the 2018 legislative election, with more than...

China's Social Credit System: DW

August 29, 2019
China already ranks its companies and citizens on social reputation, and plans to extend rankings to individuals and firms with China operations by 2020. Large firms can expect to be ranked on about 30 categories and as many as 300 requirements including licensing, tax payments, environmental protections, billing, logistics and more. China’s government regards the system as a prerequisite for...