Welcome to World Policy’s weekly newsletter, featuring the latest news from across our major platforms—media, programming, and fellowship.
Around the World
As Nigerians prepare to vote in a landmark election this weekend, Carl Unegbu examines the strength and weakness of the two leading candidates: Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari. Jonathan, as the incumbent, may have a competitive advantage, but Buhari, who has a strong military background, may be best prepared to thwart the violent and predatory advances of Boko Haram. To the East, Dr. Mehari Taddele Maru and Abel Abate argue Ethiopia must develop a full-fledged strategy to address the African Union. It is vital not only for Ethiopia’s transformation, but for the security of the entire continent. Meanwhile, Jordan Clifford explores how Cyprus has managed to bounce back from the brink of financial collapse in under four years. Creating a wealth of investment opportunities in sectors as varied as tourism and renewable energy, the island nation has succeeded in restoring faith in its economy.
Finally, in this week’s episode of World Policy On Air, our host David Alpern and Hong Kong-based attorney Alvin Y.H. Cheung discuss how 25 years after Tiananmen Square Massacre, Hong Kong finds itself at a critical crossroads. Cheung explains that the pro-democracy Umbrella Movement, which took the world by storm last September, will continue to play a central role in shaping the city’s future.
Around the Institute
This Monday March 23, 2015, World Policy Institute hosted former President of Mexico, Vicente Fox. In this private event, President Fox shared his thoughts on his historic presidency, how it shaped his nation’s economic strategy, and his current quest to make his country a hub for technology. Check back next week for a full recap of the event.
As the U.S. prepares to assume chairmanship of the Arctic Council next month, World Policy Institute, in partnership with Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the Canadian Embassy, will host its next Arctic roundtable. The rapid receding of Arctic ice has created social, economic, and environmental challenges with global consequences demanding critical and collaborative leadership. Next month’s roundtable in Washington, D.C. will feature U.S. Senior Arctic Official Julia Gourley on Arctic energy and sustainable growth.
And if you haven’t already picked up a copy of the Spring issue of World Policy Journal, go online now. We explore The Unknowns—from looming environmental disasters to our next big global security threat to the next generation of tax havens few have yet discovered.
From the Fellows
Alon Ben-Meir, in his latest article for Huffington Post, examines the cost of Likud’s victory for Israel’s future diplomatic relations.
Jim Nolt, in his latest blog for Polarizing Political Economy, explains how there is no economic state that is either good or bad for everyone.
William Powers' newest book, New Slow City, has just been announced as a Foreword Reviews' 2014 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award Finalist in Ecology & Environment. New Slow City explores the viability of slow food and slow money, technology fasts, and urban sanctuaries, and offers inspiration for anyone trying to make urban life more people- and planet-friendly.
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[Lead photo courtesy of Juju Films]