Politics
The political fallout from the Fujimori pardon
Few political developments, in Latin America’s democratic life, have been as unexpected and controversial as Peru’s former president, Alberto Fujimori, receiving a presidential pardon. Having served less than half his sentence – 25 years for serious human rights violations that include killings, kidnapping, and torture, in addition to corruption and bribery – the now infamous Christmas pardon has placed Peru’s rule of law and presidential legitimacy under intense scrutiny.
The Week Ahead: 18 – 24 March 2018
Impeachment proceedings begin against Peruvian President Kuczynski. UK sanctions against Russia likely to escalate. US tariffs expected to take effect. All in the Week Ahead
Competition between China and India heats up in the Maldives
The growing political turmoil in the Maldives could become a major point of conflict between India and China, as the regional giants support opposite sides of a rapidly evolving political crisis.
Book Review: “Janesville” holds lessons for both parties going into midterms
“Janesville: An American Story” is a captivating account of the impact of the economic crisis and local auto plant closure on a whole community. Despite Trump’s promises, these are problems the current administration is nowhere near addressing – but do the Democrats know what needs to be done either?
The Week Ahead: 11 – 17 March 2018
Putin set to win another presidential term. Special election in Pennsylvania provides political bellwhether. Bank of Japan releases meeting minutes. All in the Week Ahead. RUSSIA: Putin set to win
Ramaphosa’s land reform gamble
On December 20th 2017, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) voted to lay the groundwork for the expropriation of land without compensation, marking a departure from a ‘willing buyer willing seller’ model. This was the easy part – actual implementation will be decisive for the country.
Duterte leverages popularity to push for constitutional change
The Congress of the Philippines has begun formal proceedings on changing the government of the Philippines into a federal system. The move is extremely divisive and is interpreted as a power grab. Its success will depend on Duterte’s political capital.
The Kremlin’s anti-corruption campaign comes to the Caucasus
In recent years, anti-corruption campaigns in Russia has led to multiple arrests and trials of high-level officials, including several regional governors. In early 2018, they came to the republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus.
Tunisia’s phosphate mines – between a rock and a hard place
The ongoing strikes in Tunisia’s phosphate mines offer a valuable insight into structural deficits of the Tunisian economy.
New elections could bring political insecurity to Germany
With new elections in the realm of possibilities, Germany is likely to turn towards domestic stability rather than prioritizing European issues.
