Join Sasha Eisenberg, Monocle's US politics correspondent, as he dissects the upcoming US election landscape. Political analyst Mark Gagliotti offers fascinating insights into the BRICS summit under Putin's gaze, exploring tensions among China and India. Steve Tsang from SOAS elaborates on BRICS' global implications. James Crabtree discusses the intricate dynamics of India-China relations. Plus, hear from Lieutenant Yulia Mstitenko about life on the Ukrainian front line. There's also a look at King Charles’s contentious visit to Australia.
Putin's hosting of the BRICS summit signals the bloc's ambition to counter Western influence and invite new members like Iran and UAE.
As the US presidential election approaches, the political landscape intensifies with Trump's uncertain behavior and Harris's efforts to reach disillusioned voters.
King Charles's visit to Australia faces challenges from republican sentiments and highlights significant Indigenous rights issues within the country.
Deep dives
BRICS Summit Insights
The BRICS summit, hosted by Vladimir Putin, marks a significant gathering of emerging economies, including members like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with aspirations for expansion. This bloc serves as an alternative to Western-dominated structures, aiming to project a unified front against traditional power dynamics. Notably, new invitations extended to countries like Iran and the UAE indicate a desire for a broader coalition, as geopolitical interests align with economic aspirations. The complexities within BRICS, especially between members like China and India, underline the diverse agendas and the potential challenges in reaching cohesive agreements.
US Election Campaign Update
With the US election nearing, both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are intensifying their campaigning strategies amidst increasing scrutiny and concerns regarding democracy. The current political landscape is characterized by heightened tension, particularly in anticipation of Trump's potential refusal to concede if he loses. Harris aims to galvanize support from skeptical voters, including disillusioned Republicans, while Trump faces criticism for a declining public demeanor and erratic campaign behavior. The outcome of this election could have profound implications, potentially sparking unrest regardless of the result.
Australia's Monarchy Debate Rises
King Charles III's visit to Australia is overshadowed by calls for republicanism, highlighted by a controversial heckling incident from Indigenous senator Lydia Thorpe during his parliamentary address. Thorpe’s challenge reflects deeper societal divisions regarding Australia's ties to the monarchy and raises questions about Indigenous rights and representation. While some Australians support transitioning to a republic, this incident could hinder the momentum of the republican movement, particularly given the backlash against Thorpe's actions from various political figures and Indigenous leaders. The current context suggests that, despite the push for change, the sentiment for remaining a constitutional monarchy remains strong.
Middle East Tensions and Developments
In the Middle East, escalating violence in Lebanon and increased military action by Hezbollah highlight the instability in the region amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Recent strikes near hospitals have exacerbated fears and frustrations among Lebanese citizens, reflecting a precarious situation as tensions rise between numerous factions. Additionally, North Korea's reported military support to Russia intensifies concerns regarding international security dynamics, as South Korea has urged against such actions. The intertwining of regional conflicts emphasizes the increasingly complex geopolitical landscape and its implications for global stability.
Urban Transformation in San Francisco
San Francisco is currently hosting the Urban Transformation Summit, focusing on strategies for revitalizing urban spaces post-pandemic. The summit aims to foster collaboration between public and private sectors to address challenges such as homelessness and downtown revitalization. Key themes include sustainable urban innovation and the need for resilient infrastructural investment to combat climate change impacts. Discussions are expected to explore the future of tourism and how cities can balance economic growth with maintaining social equity and environmental integrity.
Vladimir Putin brings Brics leaders to Kazan, our US politics correspondent brings us the latest two weeks before the presidential election and we discuss King Charles’s testy visit to Australia. Plus: a check-in from San Francisco’s Urban Transformation Summit.