The Intelligence from The Economist On the edge of his seat: Stephen Breyer
Jan 27, 2022
The looming retirement of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer opens the door for pivotal nominations, particularly under President Biden's promise to appoint a Black woman. Meanwhile, the chaos following Burkina Faso's coup raises concerns for regional security and the fight against jihadism. The podcast also discusses Indonesia's ambitious plan to shift its capital to Nusantara, exploring the motivations and challenges of moving capital cities, with historical context from Nigeria's transition from Lagos to Abuja.
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Instability in West Africa
- The military coup in Burkina Faso highlights instability in West Africa, where governments are struggling against jihadism.
- This instability creates opportunities for insurgents.
Breyer's Retirement Impact
- Breyer's retirement allows Biden to appoint a liberal justice, maintaining the court's current ideological balance.
- However, the timing is crucial due to the upcoming midterm elections and potential Republican control of the Senate.
Potential Nominees
- Biden has pledged to nominate the first black woman to the Supreme Court.
- Ketanji Brown Jackson and Leondra Kruger are the top contenders.