Ana Lankes, Brazil correspondent for The Economist, dives into South Korea's turbulent political landscape following President Yoon Suk Yeol's abrupt martial law declaration. She reveals how quickly public backlash forced a retreat on this controversial move, emphasizing democracy's resilience. In a stark contrast, Lankes also discusses the alarming violence in Rio de Janeiro, exploring the dangerous alliance between armed groups and politics, and drawing parallels with Brazil's evolving criminal dynamics. Tune in for insights that cross borders!
President Yoon's ill-fated imposition of martial law has plunged South Korea into a severe constitutional crisis, reflecting the fragility of democracy.
In Brazil, the intertwining of gang violence and politics poses serious threats to governance, highlighting the urgent need for effective crime intervention strategies.
Deep dives
Political Crisis in South Korea
The recent imposition of martial law in South Korea by President Yoon has plunged the country into a constitutional crisis, marking the first such declaration in over 40 years. Yoon's justification was a claim about the National Assembly becoming a 'monster,' suggesting collusion with North Korean forces, though he provided no evidence to support this. This drastic move backfired quickly, leading to protests, armed forces breaching parliament, and Yoon facing calls for impeachment from a coalition of opposition lawmakers. The implications of this political turmoil extend beyond South Korea, as a shift in power could reshape international relations, particularly with Japan and North Korea.
Gang Violence and Political Corruption in Brazil
In Brazil, the murder of politician Marielle Franco in 2018 highlights the deep intertwining of gang violence and political spheres, prompting recent convictions of two police officers for her assassination. Franco's activism against violence in Rio de Janeiro demonstrated the reach of armed groups into local governance, raising concerns over increasing political corruption fueled by gangs. In São Paulo, the powerful criminal organization First Capital Command (PCC) is now influencing local politics, reportedly funding candidates to gain political leverage and launder money. With public safety concerns escalating, the Brazilian government is initiating plans to tackle organized crime through integrated intelligence systems, although resistance from state governors complicates the implementation.
Optimizing Badminton Arena Design
Researchers are exploring innovative designs to create ideal conditions for badminton by minimizing the impact of airflow within sports arenas. Recent studies focused on identifying the best ventilation strategies in arenas, examining configurations that can reduce disturbances during play. Among various designs, the optimal setup features ventilation openings at the gable ends of the structure, allowing for calmer playing conditions without sacrificing air quality for spectators. This approach not only aims to improve competitive play, especially in countries where badminton is a major sport, but also provides insights for potential future arena constructions.
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).