JAPAN: Abe’s resignation leaves successor to face a challenging policy agenda
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)’s executive council formally decided on Tuesday, 1 September, on the timing and method for selecting a leader to succeed Shinzo Abe as LDP president and prime minister. As expected, the party fended off calls from some younger lawmakers and pref… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
CHINA/US: Does Beijing intend to block the sale of TikTok?
New Chinese export-control rules require a license for exporting content-recommendation algorithms, giving Beijing the authority to block a pending sale of TikTok. But Beijing’s intentions are unclear; it is possible that Chinese authorities still intend to let the sale proc… Become a member to read the rest of this article
Latam Pulse
This week, new Covid-19 cases remain stubbornly high across much of the region. Meanwhile, Mexico’s Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) is likely to offer a rose-tinted view of the economy in an annual set-piece speech. Brazil will see renewed efforts to expand Covid-19 emergency … Become a member to read the rest of this […]
WEEKLY POLITICAL COMPASS
In Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party has agreed on the format for selecting Shinzo Abe’s successor. In Brazil, a new social program could be in the making. The normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo seems to be gaining momentum. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s prime ministe… Become a member to read the rest of this article
SOUTH AFRICA: Ramaphosa wins NEC battle, faces divisive anti-corruption war
President Cyril Ramaphosa won a preliminary battle at the ruling ANC’s 28-30 August special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which had to fall in line around his anti-corruption message.But this is a long way from winning the war, not least as the promised corruption … Become a member to read the rest of this […]
THAILAND: Finance Minister’s resignation is another blow for Prayuth
Finance Minister Predee Daochai resigned after 26 days in office. He cited health reasons, but the dominant speculation in Bangkok is that he found the ministry’s politics to be unmanageable. As reported by the Bangkok Post, Predee had earlier disagreed with his deputy, Santi Pro… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
MALAYSIA: A bad weekend for Muhyiddin and Mahathir
Two developments over the weekend seemed to confirm that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin remains vulnerable, not so much from the opposition, but from his own coalition allies. The status of the ruling coalition remains shaky, which sustains the chances of early elections. Muh… Become a member to read the rest of this article