Benjamin Netanyahu visits Hungary despite the ICC arrest warrant
Apr 1, 2025
auto_awesome
David Schlesinger, an independent advisor on media and China, joins political journalist Theo Asherwood, Kyiv Independent's business editor Lilian Bavings, and Monocle's contributing editor Sheena Rossiter. They discuss Netanyahu's controversial visit to Hungary amid an ICC arrest warrant, Europe’s political response, and China's role in global conflicts. The group also delves into Ukraine’s innovative media projects and the cultural influence of J-pop aiming to go global, inspired by K-pop's success.
Netanyahu's visit to Hungary exemplifies a growing trend of nations defying international legal frameworks like the ICC, raising accountability concerns.
China's diplomatic maneuvers in the Ukraine conflict illustrate its ambitions to enhance global influence while supporting Russia against Western sanctions.
The launch of The Kyiv Independent's print magazine aims to showcase Ukraine's resilience, capturing diverse stories beyond the war narrative.
Deep dives
Netanyahu's Hungary Visit and ICC Implications
Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming visit to Hungary underscores a significant alliance between Israel and Hungary, particularly given the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's refusal to enforce the International Criminal Court's (ICC) warrant for Netanyahu's arrest on war crimes charges. This relationship signals a broader trend of certain states challenging international legal frameworks, which raises concerns about the credibility of the ICC in holding leaders accountable. Even with Hungary's compliance under the Rome Statute, Orban's invitation to Netanyahu illustrates a growing divide among member states regarding support for the ICC's actions. The case highlights the complexities of political and legal accountability on the international stage as countries strategize to align with allies while resisting legal interventions.
China's Role in Ukraine
China aims to enhance its influence regarding the Ukraine conflict, evidenced by its foreign minister's recent visit to Moscow for discussions with Russian officials. China has positioned itself as a steadfast ally of Russia throughout the ongoing war, leveraging this relationship against Western sanctions and isolation efforts. The evolving dynamics suggest a shift where China, alongside other major powers, is poised to play a more active role in mediation efforts, potentially shaping future negotiations. This development indicates a complex geopolitical landscape where allegiances are tested and refined, revealing deeper implications for international diplomacy.
Urban Resilience in Bangkok Post-Earthquake
The recent earthquake in Myanmar has caused significant ripple effects in Bangkok, illustrating the vulnerabilities of urban infrastructure amidst such disasters. A building collapse in the capital has led to widespread panic and concern over safety measures in high-rise structures, prompting the need for immediate accountability from the government. Bangkok's governor has taken a proactive role in addressing public anxiety, emphasizing the importance of communication and disaster preparedness in urban settings. The situation serves as a reminder of the critical role that effective leadership plays in navigating crises and maintaining public trust.
Kiev Independent's Print Magazine Launch
The Kiev Independent is poised to launch its first print magazine, featuring exclusive content that captures the diverse realities of life in Ukraine, integrating aspects beyond the ongoing war. This initiative comes as the organization seeks to provide a tangible representation of Ukrainian resilience, showcasing achievements in culture, creativity, and innovation amidst turbulent times. The publication aims to highlight the stories of individuals thriving despite adversity, countering the one-dimensional narrative often associated with war coverage. Through beautiful visual storytelling and long-form articles, this magazine aspires to create a lasting historical document reflecting Ukraine's spirit in this unprecedented period.
Japan's Quest to Rival K-Pop
Japan is navigating a strategic response to K-Pop's global dominance by analyzing its music industry and adopting successful elements from the Korean model. The Japanese government has initiated research to understand K-Pop's commercial strategies that have propelled it onto international stages, recognizing the potential for J-Pop to expand its reach. By enhancing their training methods and marketing approaches, Japanese artists are beginning to gain recognition through collaborations and a focus on global appeal. The emerging emphasis on utilizing shared cultural elements in music and media signifies a burgeoning potential for Japanese pop culture to carve out its niche in the competitive landscape defined by K-Pop's influence.
Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is visiting Hungary this week, despite an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over war crimes. How should Europe react to Viktor Orbán’s decision not to comply with the order? Also on the programme: we assess what role China wants to play in bringing the Ukraine-Russia war to an end, hear about the response of Bangkok’s governor to the recent earthquake and profile a new print title published by ‘The Kyiv Independent’. Plus: J-pop wants to follow K-pop and go global – but can it do it?
