The fallout of Hurricane Milton and its effect on the US election
Oct 9, 2024
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Natasha Linstead, a Professor of Government at the University of Essex, discusses how Hurricane Milton's devastation could sway U.S. voter behavior. Guy Delaunay shares insights from Bosnia, highlighting the regional crises caused by recent floods. Alessio Patelano examines ASEAN's ambitions for regional connectivity. Shyam Saran emphasizes global cooperation against rising cybersecurity threats. Meanwhile, Nick Manese explores cutting-edge sustainable design trends, blending heritage with innovation to address modern challenges.
The politicization of Hurricane Milton's disaster response highlights how natural disasters can significantly influence voter sentiment in the upcoming US elections.
The ASEAN Summit aims to facilitate discussions on defense and security amidst regional tensions, despite varying national interests among member states.
Bosnia's severe floods underscore systemic governance failures, prompting public demands for accountability in managing disaster preparedness and response.
Deep dives
Impact of Hurricanes on the US Presidential Election
Hurricane Helene has significantly affected key battleground states in the US, particularly Georgia and North Carolina. Both President Biden and Vice President Harris have responded proactively by visiting affected areas to offer support and relief. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has politicized the disaster by alleging that federal disaster relief funds are being misappropriated, which the Biden administration has countered through a misinformation campaign to protect public perception and ensure accurate information regarding federal aid. The ensuing chaos and mixed messages surrounding the hurricanes may have a lasting impact on voter sentiments as the election approaches.
ASEAN Summit Focus on Defense
The ASEAN Summit in Laos centers on defense and security amidst growing regional tensions, particularly regarding the South China Sea. With significant political turnover among member states, including new leaders from Thailand and Singapore, the summit aims to address pressing security issues while facilitating discussions on cooperation. Despite the leadership changes, differences in national interests among member states create challenges in reaching consensus on defense and security strategies. The meeting also includes discussions on Myanmar's political crisis, reflecting the broader issues facing the ASEAN community.
Bosnia's Devastating Floods
Bosnia is grappling with the aftermath of severe floods and landslides, which are being described as among the worst disasters since the war three decades ago. The situation has been exacerbated by the collapse of a quarry that allegedly operated without proper permits, raising concerns about governance and regulatory failures within the country. Villages, particularly Doña Jablaniča, have been destroyed, resulting in significant loss of life and property. The public is seeking accountability from authorities, pointing to systemic issues that have allowed such tragedies to occur repeatedly.
Political Tensions in Kosovo
Kosovo has recently lifted a ban on Serbian goods at one border crossing, which was previously a controversial political gesture intended to exert pressure on Serbia. The ban adversely impacted local consumers, leading to public dissatisfaction and economic upheaval, as food prices surged. The international community criticized Kosovo's actions for violating free trade agreements and posed a risk to economic ties with the European Union. The partial lifting of the ban marks a precarious step toward potential rapprochement but reflects ongoing tensions within the region.
Inaugural Film Festival for Journalism in Prague
A new film festival dedicated to journalism, called Press Play, has launched in Prague, seeking to address challenges faced by both the journalism sector and the film industry. The festival showcases documentaries that highlight important social issues, providing a platform for both investigative journalism and films about journalists' work. However, the claim of being Europe’s first journalism film festival is met with skepticism, as several established festivals already include similar themes. Organizers aim to attract audiences by emphasizing the importance of high-quality journalism amidst the overwhelming sea of content available today.
We discuss the politicising of disaster response and how devastating back-to-back hurricanes could affect voting in the US election. Plus: what can the ASEAN Summit accomplish? And: a special interview with the former foreign secretary of India, ambassador Shyam Saran, on increasing cybersecurity threats and the need for global cooperation.