Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent, delves into Sweden's escalating gang violence, revealing alarming youth recruitment trends and the complexities of political responses. David Rennie, Beijing Bureau Chief, discusses China's strategic maneuvering in Middle East diplomacy, highlighting its role in the Gaza conflict and implications for global politics. The discussion also touches on maritime innovations, including advances in sailing technology that aim to shatter speed records. Join for insights into urgent social issues and evolving diplomatic landscapes.
Sweden is struggling to control rising gang violence and shootings, requiring comprehensive measures.
China is leveraging the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to enhance its global influence in the Middle East and beyond.
Deep dives
Growing organized crime problem in Sweden
Sweden is facing one of the worst organized crime problems in Northern Europe, with a rising number of shootings and gang violence. Gangs, such as the Foxtrot gang led by Rava Majid, have gained control of a significant portion of the Swedish drug market. The government has been toughening laws and increasing surveillance, but they struggle to catch up with the organized crime networks. The issue is a challenge for the Swedish government, and it highlights the need for more comprehensive and proactive measures.
China's diplomatic role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
China is positioning itself as a diplomatic player in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, seeking to broker peace and become a key influencer in the region. Beijing has been building diplomatic ties through significant investments in the Middle East, offering an alternative to Western-led initiatives. China's interest in stability and a secure energy supply drives its engagement in the conflict. By presenting itself as a pragmatic and non-judgmental alternative to the US, China aims to gain a strategic advantage in the global competition for influence.
Advancements in sailboat speed and design
Advances in aerodynamics and hydro mechanics have revolutionized sailboat design, resulting in radical-looking vessels and increased speeds. The current world speed record for a sailing vessel is 120 kilometers per hour, but new contenders, such as the SPA-C and Cyroco, are aiming to break that record. These boats feature unconventional designs, such as the use of kites for propulsion and rising above the water to minimize drag. The technological developments in sailboat design could have practical applications, such as more fuel-efficient cargo ships and improved shipping efficiency.
Drug-related shootings and bombings are on the rise. Policies are changing and law-enforcement budgets rising, but stemming the violence is proving politically tricky. Our columnist considers how China is using the war in Gaza to burnish its diplomatic credentials (9:36). And the teams vying to smash a long-standing sailing-speed record (18:27).
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