Ana Lankes, Brazil correspondent for The Economist, dives into political chaos in South Korea where President Yoon Suk Yeol's abrupt martial law declaration sparked outrage but was swiftly overturned. She contrasts this turbulence with Brazil’s gang violence, explaining how organized crime is now intricately tied to political spheres, particularly in Rio de Janeiro. Lankes also highlights the disturbing rise of militias overlapping with politics, showcasing the global implications of such corruption and violence.
President Yoon's rapid reversal of martial law underscores the instability of his administration and the resilience of South Korean democracy amidst political turmoil.
Brazil's political landscape is increasingly marred by gang violence and corruption, exemplified by the assassination of politician Marielle Franco and the entrenchment of organized crime.
Deep dives
Political Crisis in South Korea
A significant political crisis erupted in South Korea when President Yoon imposed martial law, which was the first of its kind in over four decades. This drastic measure was intended to address claims of a dysfunctional National Assembly but lacked any substantial evidence, leading to widespread disapproval and protests. The parliament's resistance culminated in a chaotic scene where lawmakers barricaded themselves while the armed forces intervened. The reversal of the martial law within hours highlighted the fragility of Yoon's administration, facing imminent calls for impeachment and raising questions about the future of South Korean democracy amidst deep political polarization.
Gang Violence and Political Corruption in Brazil
Brazil is grappling with profound issues of gang violence and political corruption, exemplified by the unsolved murder of politician Marielle Franco, whose death is believed to be linked to political actors. Recent convictions of two former policemen for her assassination have underscored the deep entrenchment of local armed groups in Brazilian politics, raising concerns about the influence of organized crime on governance. The situation varies significantly across regions, with Sao Paulo experiencing a rise in the political power of its largest gang, the PCC, which has expanded its operations into legitimate businesses and local elections. As politicians and law enforcement confront these challenges, calls for a cohesive national approach to crime-fighting and governance have emerged, though resistance from local governments complicates this scenario.
Designing Optimal Badminton Arenas
The physics of badminton demands specialized arena designs to mitigate the effects of air movement, a challenge that has led researchers to investigate optimal ventilation systems for indoor sports venues. A study highlighted the importance of arena architecture, revealing that placement of ventilation openings significantly affects air flow and shuttlecock stability during matches. The preferred design features ventilation holes on the gable ends, enabling calmer conditions on the court while maintaining adequate airflow for spectators. As badminton gains prominence in various regions, especially in East Asia, the findings from this research may influence future arena constructions, improving competitive conditions for athletes.
The country’s increasingly unpopular president, Yoon Suk Yeol, backed down six hours after his shocking move of imposing martial law. South Korea’s democracy has held firm—so far. Brazil’s gangsters have found a neat way to launder assets through the legal economy: by getting involved with politics (7:26). And the hefty computations going into the design of breeze-free badminton arenas (15:17).