Shashank Joshi, Defence editor for The Economist and expert on intelligence, delves into the fragility of America's international intelligence-sharing relationships and how Donald Trump's influence may jeopardize them. He discusses the historical significance of the Five Eyes alliance and the integrity issues arising from political tensions. Joshi also highlights China's swift leap in biotechnology, forecasting a future where Western markets might soon adopt cutting-edge Chinese medicines. Plus, catch new recommendations for your weekend viewing!
The integrity of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance faces challenges due to the current U.S. administration's unpredictable approach to intelligence sharing.
China's biotech industry has rapidly evolved into a global leader through strategic investments and reforms, underscoring its growing pharmaceutical capabilities.
Deep dives
China's Emergence in Biotech
China has made significant strides in the biotech sector, recently emerging as the second-largest developer of new drugs globally, behind the United States. This transformation can be attributed to strategic government decisions aimed at strengthening the biotech industry, including regulatory reforms that simplified the drug approval process. By fostering a conducive environment for smaller biotech companies and boosting investment from approximately $1 billion in 2016 to over $13 billion in 2021, China has positioned itself as a formidable player in pharmaceutical innovation. Additionally, the return of Chinese scientists educated abroad has brought valuable knowledge and expertise back to the country, further accelerating advancements in drug development.
Threats to Intelligence Alliances
The integrity of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, comprising the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, is reportedly under threat due to the current U.S. administration's approach to intelligence agencies. There are concerns that political shifts and the appointment of ideologically driven leaders within these agencies could hinder the effectiveness of intelligence operations and sharing. Instances where the U.S. President has threatened to exclude Canada from the alliance exemplify the tension that may arise among partners, potentially disrupting crucial intelligence flows. Additionally, fears of reduced collaboration could lead to less comprehensive sharing of vital information, which is necessary for responding to threats and ensuring national security.
Cultural Insights and Viewing Recommendations
With an overwhelming variety of films and TV shows available, understanding what to watch can be a daunting task. A curated approach by cultural experts aims to guide audiences toward noteworthy content by focusing on new releases as well as hidden gems that may otherwise be overlooked. This new feature seeks to recommend a selection of six shows each weekend, ensuring quality rather than quantity, while also providing insights into less compelling options to avoid. Recent highlights include critically acclaimed works such as 'Adolescence,' which tackles intense themes through strong performances, emphasizing the desire to balance enjoyment with meaningful narratives.
America’s international intelligence-sharing relationships have been decades in the making and rely not on a treaty but trust. Could Donald Trump damage the powerful spy alliance? Why we may soon be buying cutting-edge medicines developed in China (11:00). And introducing a new regular feature, “What to watch this weekend” (17:39).
