Four Pillars is unfortunately on break this week as we prepare for the upcoming publication of materials and multimedia from the ceremony and conference last week. In lieu of a full analysis article, here are some interesting issues and topics in the Four Pillars space in the past week, some articles are long-form, some just news worth keeping an eye on:
- [Politico EU] TikTok ban in EU is ‘not excluded,’ von der Leyen says (2024-04-29) — Another Pillar considers banning TikTok! As the EU is more robust in its regulatory frameworks, hopefully there is quick agreement on the issue.
- [Bloomberg] US Spies See China, Russia Militaries Working Closer on Taiwan (2024-05-02) — This is not a groundbreaking development, but rather an affirmation what many already know to be true – indeed China and Russia see each other as “natural allies,” and thus if the Pillars and democratic states want to continue upholding the rules-based order, the challenges of both Putin and Xi Jinping will have to be matched by the Pillars.
- [Reuters] Russia breached global chemical weapons ban in Ukraine war, US says (2024-05-01) — Russia continues to show the world what kind of government and military it is, and why it is necessary that the Pillars support Ukraine’s fight and a just peace.
- [Der Spiegel] How the AfD Became the Long Arm of Russia and China (2024-05-01) — Turning a blind eye to crises or issues within the rules-based order is of course not good, but if you wish to rebel against the system, be wary of who you make friends with.
- [Politico EU] Georgian parliament backs ‘Russia-style’ foreign agent law despite major protests (2024-05-01) — When given alternatives, the public prefers to stay or join the rules-based order, or join the liberal democratic world. In Georgia, despite various Russian meddling and vague Russophile sympathies from some parties, the public says they want to join the EU, a Pillar.
- [Kyodo News] Nippon Steel delays U.S. Steel purchase until after presidential race (2024-05-03) — Somewhat disappointing news, but with populist and protectionist rhetoric in an election year, it is understandable why it happened.
- [Mint] India, US to expand naval ship repair network (2024-05-01) — Another step in the improvement of relations between the two Pillars of USA and India, hopefully leading to furtherr cooperation between the two.
- [The Economist] A digital payments revolution in India (2023-04-15) — actually an article from 2023, but an interesting analysis given the Roundtable with Amitabh Kant in late April at Shorenstein Center at Harvard Kennedy School.
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. Photographer: Pavel Byrkin/AFP/Getty Images