Economist Podcasts In neither camp: Neutrality and war
Apr 19, 2022
James Bennett, a senior editor at The Economist specializing in international relations, joins Elise Burr, a Middle East reporter with expertise in social issues and gender dynamics in Egypt. They discuss the neutrality of nations amid the Ukraine conflict, revealing that a third of the world is not taking sides. Elise highlights the struggles of women in Egypt who navigate housing challenges and societal norms, using innovative strategies for independence. The conversation also touches on New Jersey's quirky law against self-service petrol, balancing convenience with local culture.
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Global Opposition to Russian Invasion
- Global opposition to Russia's Ukraine invasion appears overwhelming, but the reality is more nuanced.
- Only a third of the world's population lives in countries sanctioning Russia.
Commercial Incentives for Neutrality
- Many countries abstain from condemning Russia due to commercial incentives, like reliance on Russian grain and fertilizer.
- Rising agricultural and fuel prices due to sanctions disproportionately affect developing nations.
Ideological Factors and Non-Alignment
- Ideological factors and historical neutrality influence some countries' stances, particularly in Latin America.
- The non-aligned movement, prominent during the Cold War, is regaining traction due to issues like climate change and vaccine rollout.