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The Intelligence from The Economist

Ukraine reaction: Russia deploys North Koreans

Oct 29, 2024
Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, delves into the ongoing struggles in Ukraine as Russia ramps up its military efforts, including the surprising involvement of North Korean troops. Tom Easton, Mumbai bureau chief, shares compelling insights on the hurdles overseas Americans face when trying to vote, raising questions about the integrity of democracy. Meanwhile, Catherine Nixie, Britain correspondent, humorously explores the complexities of the British citizenship test, highlighting its puzzling questions that even locals might find tricky.
25:14

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The difficulties faced by American citizens voting from abroad illustrate significant systemic shortcomings in the democratic process and electoral access.
  • Russia's troop deployment of North Koreans amidst their ongoing struggles in Ukraine highlights desperation and raises concerns about the sustainability of their military efforts.

Deep dives

Challenges of Voting Abroad

Voting from abroad has become increasingly challenging, highlighting systemic issues within American democracy. A correspondent faced significant obstacles when attempting to vote from India, including faulty mail services and confusing ballot instructions that lacked clarity. The experience illustrated how the voting process can become cumbersome for eligible citizens, with inadequate support from consulate officials further complicating matters. This underscores the paradox of America's commitment to democracy while struggling to ensure voting access for its own citizens overseas.

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