Walter and Jeremy discuss US military advice to Ukraine, Latin America’s economic future, and the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. They also delve into Canada's successful program to recruit skilled immigrants, the broken immigration system, Russia's attack in northeastern Ukraine, and the ongoing relevance of civil rights laws. Additionally, they offer advice for college students and parents on maximizing their college experience.
Canada's program to recruit highly skilled immigrants reflects frustration with the US visa system.
Latin America's potential as a commodity superpower is driven by increasing demand, fertile land, and geopolitical tensions.
Deep dives
Canada launches program to recruit skilled immigrants from the US
Canada has launched a program aimed at recruiting highly skilled immigrants from all over the world, especially from the United States. The program offers a three-year work permit to anyone holding a USH1B visa, the most common entry permit for immigrants working in the tech sector. This initiative reflects frustration among migrants who struggle with the difficult and slow US visa system. Canada's program received 10,000 applicants within its first 48 hours.
Latin America's potential to become a commodity superpower
According to The Economist, three forces are driving Latin America to potentially become the commodity superpower of the 21st century. First, the demand for metals and minerals, like copper and silver, is increasing due to the green transition. Latin America has abundant supply of these resources and the renewable energy needed to process them. Second, the region's fertile land allows for prolific production of grains, animals, coffee, and sugar, contributing to global food supply. And third, geopolitical tensions between the US and China are making Latin American countries attractive for investments. However, it's important to note that the history of commodity dependency and boom-bust cycles in Latin America raises concern about the sustainability of this potential.
Russia's ongoing aggression in northeastern Ukraine
Russia is currently launching an offensive in northeastern Ukraine, attempting to regain territory that was captured by Ukraine last fall. The main fighting is occurring just 16 miles from the Russian border, with Russia trying to cross Ukrainian minefields to advance toward the city of Kupyansk. Ukraine, on the other hand, has been counter-offensive in the south and east to liberate Russian-occupied areas. This ongoing conflict, reminiscent of trench warfare, highlights the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces, including the strategic use of landmines by Russia. The situation raises concerns about the lack of air power involvement and the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the escalating tensions.
Walter and Jeremy discuss US military advice to Ukraine, Latin America’s economic future, the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, and whether a worthwhile Canadian initiative qualifies as news.
Each week on What Really Matters, Walter Russell Mead and Jeremy Stern help you understand the news, decide what matters and what doesn’t, and enjoy following the story of America and the world more than you do now. For more, check out tabletmag.com/whatreallymatters. You can read Walter Russell Mead’s Tablet column here, and check out more from Tablet here.