VIENNA/CHICAGO — Across Western democracies, a profound political transformation is underway. Radical right-wing parties have steadily advanced by effectively weaponizing demographic anxieties, tapping into a pervasive sense of voter vulnerability by linking immigration directly to diffuse fears regarding economic stability, personal security, and shifting cultural identities. Rather than dismissing these…
By Filip Milačić, Eli Rau, and Susan Stokes September 16, 2026 VIENNA / CHICAGO Main Facts The political landscape across Western democracies is undergoing a profound and volatile transformation. Radical right-wing parties have made sweeping electoral gains in recent years, systematically capitalizing on public anxiety by linking the complex issue…
NEW YORK — When the Kremlin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, shockwaves reverberated far beyond the borders of Eastern Europe. While Western capitals united in swift condemnation and unprecedented economic warfare against Moscow, major Asian democracies and rising economic powerhouses adopted a posture of strategic neutrality. At…
GENEVA/PARIS — When the European Union sits down to deliberate over what constitutes a strategic economic asset, its gaze is invariably drawn to the volatile horizons of global technology and heavy industry. Brussels fixates on semiconductors, advanced batteries, critical rare earth minerals, and green hydrogen—commodities where foreign rivals like China…
By Gabriela Ramos Published: September 14, 2026 Section: Innovation & Technology Main Facts The debate over the trajectory of artificial intelligence reached a critical inflection point following a provocative essay by Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei. In a 3,850-word manifesto titled "Pace the Frontier," Amodei called for an industry-wide slowdown in…
By Stephen Holmes Published: September 14, 2026 NEW YORK — At first glance, the rising tide of populist anxiety regarding immigration and the growing community pushback against the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence data centers share a common psychological DNA. Both phenomena reflect deep-seated insecurities about individual and collective agency…
RIO DE JANEIRO — Six months into the devastating war involving Iran, the ongoing standoff and closure of the Strait of Hormuz continue to violently rattle the global economy. While international traders, financial institutions, and governments frantically monitor the maritime chokepoint for signs of military escalation, households and corporations worldwide…
