Simon Rabinovich, Asia economics editor based in Shanghai, and Georgia Banjo, a writer for The Economist, delve into the rising consumer boycotts of Western brands in China amidst political tensions over human rights issues. They explore how these boycotts impact trade and ethical business practices. Additionally, Georgia highlights the overlooked connection between traumatic brain injuries and criminal behavior, examining how this affects individuals in the justice system. The duo also touches on the rise of Clubhouse in the Arab world as a space for free expression amid strict media controls.
Western fashion brands are in Chinese consumers’ crosshairs, the victims of political wranglings over sanctions and human-rights issues—a spat that may soon consume other industries. A striking number of people in the criminal-justice system have had traumatic brain injuries; our correspondent investigates how much that link has been overlooked. And why the audio app Clubhouse has stormed the Middle East.