Nature Magazine – November 16, 2023: The latest issue cover features how echinoderms such as starfish and sea urchins have evolved five-fold symmetry, with five limbs radiating from a central mouth.
The Economist The World Ahead 2024 (November 14, 2023) – Future-gazing analysis, predictions and speculation including Ten trends to watch in 2024; 2024 will be stressful for those who care about liberal democracy; America will need a new vocabulary to discuss its presidential election; Europe needs to step up support for Ukraine; Don’t give up on peace in the Middle East, and more…
Life comes at you fast. Whether it’s the upsurge in armed conflict, the redrawing of the global energy-resources map or rapid progress in artificial intelligence (ai), the world is changing at mind-boggling speed. From the situation in the Middle East to the adoption of electric vehicles to the treatment of obesity, things look very different from the way they did just a year or two ago. Our aim is to help you keep your worldview up to date—and tell you what might be coming next. To kick things off, here are ten themes to watch in the coming year.
In theory it should be a triumphant year for democracy. In practice it will be the opposite
By Zanny Minton Beddoes
More than half the people on the planet live in countries that will hold nationwide elections in 2024, the first time this milestone has been reached. Based on recent patterns of voter turnout, close to 2bn people in more than 70 countries will head to the polls. Ballots will be cast from Britain to Bangladesh, from India to Indonesia. Yet what sounds like it should be a triumphant year for democracy will be the opposite.
The fragility of the Western coalition is a crucial weakness
By Patrick Foulis
As 2023 drew to a close, wars were raging in Africa, Israel and Gaza, and Ukraine. These crises are explosive in their own right. Combine them with a presidential race in America and 2024 promises to be a make-or-break year for the post-1945 world order.
The 2020s were destined to be dangerous. The West’s share of world gdp has fallen towards 50% for the first time since the 19th century. Countries such as India and Turkey believe the global institutions created after 1945 do not reflect their concerns. China and Russia want to go further and subvert this system.
nature Magazine – November 9, 2023:The latest issue cover features the changes in dopamine signals in male zebra finches (depicted on the cover), as they engage in activities such as drinking, song evaluation and courting. The researchers found that dopamine responses are dynamically adjusted based on the birds’ current priorities.
The Globalist Podcast (November 6, 2023) –Israel-Hamas conflict tensions flare at Israel’s northern border with Lebanon; the experience of medics working under bombardment in Gaza; a look at the papers with journalist Vincent McAviney; and Joe Biden’s unexpected challenger.
Plus: we look ahead to Cop 28, hear the headlines from the Balkans and find out about a bevy of new K-pop boy bands.
The Globalist Podcast (November3, 2023) –Sari Bashi, programme director of Human Rights Watch in West Bank, and journalist Robin Lustin join Georgina Godwin to discuss the leaked Israeli government proposal for Gaza and the new emergency radio station for the territory.
We also examine public trust in the Ukrainian government and why Latin America’s aviation industry is booming. Plus: Andrew Mueller’s wry musings on the past week.
The Globalist Podcast (November 2, 2023) – International Crisis Group’s Palestine analyst, Tahani Mustafa, joins Georgina Godwin to discuss the purpose of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s second visit to Israel and the reported increase in settler violence in the West Bank.
Plus: we explain the biggest challenges addressed at London’s AI Safety Summit and why Switzerland is handing out iodine pills.
nature Magazine – November 2, 2023: The latest issue cover features an artist’s impression of the collision between the protoplanet Theia and proto-Earth about 4.5 billion years ago. It has been suggested that it was this ‘Giant Impact’ that formed the Moon, but direct evidence for the existence of Theia remains elusive.
The Globalist Podcast (November 1, 2023) –The World Health Organization warns that civilians in Gaza face a looming health crisis, Ursula von der Leyen continues her Balkans tour and we hear from The Netherlands’ ambassador for the Arctic.
Plus: is the future of the pharmacy in jeopardy and how is climate change affecting cheesemakers?
The Globalist Podcast (October 31, 2023) – As Israel intensifies its attacks on Gaza, we assess the humanitarian situation on the ground.
Also, The Nordic Council meets in Oslo, the US and South Korea begin joint air drills and we speak with the mayor of Tromsø, Gunnar Wilhelmsen. Plus: Portuguese newspaper ‘A Mensagem’ unveils a mural in Lisbon’s port.
The Globalist Podcast (October 27, 2023) – Can Europe’s leaders find common ground on the Israel-Gaza conflict? We discuss the European Union’s fractured approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Will the bloc’s leaders come to an agreement on their stance?
Plus: Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi’s visit to Washington and highlights from the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo.
News, Views and Reviews For The Intellectually Curious
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