As Putin threatens to strike Ukraine with tactical nuclear weapons and Biden warns that this risks escalation to nuclear Armageddon, many observers have wondered aloud whether the septuagenarian or the octogenarian or both have lost touch with reality. Pundits declare Putin’s threats “irrational,” since according to them no rational leader could order a nuclear strike on another state.
Leído y recomendado
Paschal Donohoe on how the euro will thrive in spite of the war in Ukraine
Europe is facing a time of great challenge and uncertainty, with soaring energy prices driving inflation to record highs. The economic test is great. In the midst of this, the euro is our most tangible demonstration of European strength and unity.
Democrats Beat Expectations in 2022. Their Brand Is Still in Tatters
FROM THE OUTSIDE, THE DEMOCRATIC Party has enjoyed a good run lately: beating historical trends in the House, holding the Senate, and expanding its power in state capitals. That doesn’t mean Democrats actually merited that success in November’s midterm elections—or can depend on it going forward.
Bolsonaro rechaza de forma tibia intento de golpe de Estado de sus seguidores
El expresidente repudió en su mensaje las acusaciones, sin pruebas, emitidas por el actual jefe de Estado, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, quien el domingo recriminó a su predecesor estimular los actos golpistas de sus partidarios más radicales
Top Global Risks of 2023
Threats to the future of democracy look overrated these days, given the glaring leadership weaknesses now evident in Russia, China, and Iran. Add relief that the U.S. midterm election came off with few of the stresses we saw in 2020. And don’t overlook increasingly strong cohesion in EU policymaking.
The death of Pope Benedict removes a problem for liberal Catholics
The moon was high over the avenue that stretches away from St Peter’s, yet a stream of visitors was still issuing from the great basilica. Inside, the body of Pope Benedict XVI was laid out for people to pay their respects before his funeral on January 5th. Vatican officials were reportedly taken aback by the size of the crowds. On the first day, January 2nd, visitors had to queue for three hours. By the next evening, they were still waiting for 40 minutes.
What the great reopening means for China—and the world
This year’s biggest economic event is already under way
The Age of Inflation
oming on the heels of the pandemic-induced economic slowdown, the inflation crisis of the past two years seemed to catch much of the world by surprise. After three decades in which prices grew slowly across the world’s advanced economies, suddenly the United Kingdom, the United States, and the eurozone were contending with near or above double-digit inflation.
El problema migratorio cubano no es de normas, es y será económico
El director de asuntos consulares y de cubanos residentes en el exterior del Minrex, Ernesto Soberón, ha declarado a la prensa estatal que “una relación migratoria más normal contribuiría a disminuir el potencial migratorio”.
Israel’s new government will test the ties with Arab states
Even a right-wing cabinet stocked with ultra-nationalists may not derail the deepening relationships