Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent for The Economist, dives into Niger's recent coup, discussing the military junta's resilience against international pressure. He highlights the hesitance of ECOWAS to intervene militarily, pointing to regional divisions and growing local dissent. Salmon also touches on the troubling economic situation in Russia, detailing how the plummeting rouble affects both military funding and everyday life, adding a complex layer to global stability. The conversation offers insight into the intertwined fate of nations and their economies.
Military intervention in Niger after the coup is uncertain due to opposition from West African countries and doubts within the African Union.
The decline in the value of the Russian ruble poses challenges for President Putin, as sanctions and imports impact the economy and restrict options for boosting the currency.
Deep dives
Niger's ongoing political crisis
After the military coup in Niger, the democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum remains essentially a hostage. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been discussing potential military intervention, but there are doubts and opposition among West African countries and even the African Union about sending troops to Niger.
The impact of the weak ruble on Russia's economy
The Russian ruble has experienced a significant decline in value, impacting everyday Russians and raising concerns about President Putin's ability to wage war. The ruble's poor performance stems from a combination of sanctions affecting exports and increased imports. Russia's current account surplus has decreased by 80% this year, reflecting the decline in foreign currency movement. The Russian government faces limited options to boost the ruble, as increasing exports depends on oil prices and decreasing imports could harm both the military and civilian economy.
Richard Simpson's role in product safety regulation
Richard Simpson, the first chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, played a critical role in ensuring product safety and protecting consumers. During his tenure, he addressed various product-related risks, such as flammable mattresses, dangerous aerosols, and unsafe children's sleepwear. His efforts saved Americans from buying millions of risky products. Despite his successes, Simpson faced challenges in banning cigarettes due to jurisdictional limitations. His work highlighted the importance of balancing consumer protection with the interests of manufacturers.
For weeks, the regional bloc ECOWAS has threatened to undo the putsch by force. But appetite for a military response—the ultimate deterrent in a coup-prone region—seems small and waning. Russia’s rouble has become one of the world’s worst-performing currencies, and there are not many good options to rescue it (09:40). And a tribute to an American pioneer of consumer-product safety (16:22).
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