Ana Lankes, Brazil correspondent for The Economist, discusses the turbulence in South Korea as President Yoon Suk Yeol controversially declared martial law, leading to widespread protests and calls for his resignation. She also dives into Brazil's political fabric, exposing how local gangs intertwine with politics, notably following the assassination of Marielle Franco. Further, Lankes shares insights into innovative airflow designs for badminton arenas that could revolutionize sports facilities. It’s a blend of political intrigue and unexpected connections!
President Yoon Suk Yeol's imposition of martial law resulted in widespread protests and highlighted the fragility of South Korea's democracy amidst political unrest.
The assassination of Marielle Franco in Brazil underscores the perilous connections between crime syndicates and politics, threatening democracy and public safety.
Deep dives
Political Turmoil in South Korea
The imposition of martial law by President Yoon in South Korea sparked significant political unrest and a constitutional crisis, unprecedented in over 40 years. Yoon justified his decision by claiming a threat from the National Assembly, which he accused of colluding with North Korean forces, but failed to provide any evidence for this assertion. This move has led to widespread protests, as well as calls for Yoon's impeachment from nearly 190 lawmakers across opposition parties. The political landscape is now marked by heightened polarization and concerns that such an extreme measure could set a dangerous precedent for future governance in South Korea.
The Murder of Marielle Franco
The assassination of Marielle Franco, a prominent Brazilian politician and critic of systemic violence, highlights the dangerous intertwining of local armed groups and politics in Brazil. Two former police officers were convicted for her murder, but suspicions remain that powerful political figures orchestrated the attack to silence her. Franco's killing underscores a legacy of violence in Rio de Janeiro, where militias are not only involved in drug trafficking but are also becoming increasingly influential in political spheres. The ongoing connections between crime and government threaten democracy and public safety, raising alarms about the future of governance in Brazil.
Innovative Solutions for Badminton Arenas
Researchers in India have applied computational fluid dynamics to design badminton arenas that minimize wind interference, which is crucial for the sport's precision. The study focused on different arena designs, specifically examining ventilation placements and roof heights, ultimately concluding that ventilation openings at the gable ends provide the most stable playing conditions. Past events, such as accusations of ventilation manipulation during competitions, emphasize the need for optimized arena designs. These findings could influence future construction of badminton venues, particularly in regions where the sport holds significant economic importance.
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).