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How the African Continental Free Trade Area Can Fulfill Its Potential

The Editors Friday, July 19, 2019

Leaders from across Africa gathered in Niamey, the capital of Niger, earlier this month to officially launch the African Continental Free Trade Area, or AfCFTA. In an interview, Trudi Hartzenberg discusses the most significant obstacles to the AfCFTA’s implementation and how member states can overcome them.

Africa Watch

What the WHO’s Emergency Declaration Means for Congo’s Ebola Outbreak

Andrew Green Friday, July 19, 2019

The Ebola outbreak that began in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo more than a year ago is now officially a global health emergency. The World Health Organization declared the epidemic a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, or PHEIC, after declining to do so on three previous occasions.

China Note

The Trade War Is Not the Only Drag on China’s Slowing Economy

Benjamin Wilhelm Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Economic data published Monday revealed China’s economy is growing at its slowest pace since at least 1992. A slump in trade was a main reason for the slowdown, and President Donald Trump greeted the news with delight. But in addition to trade concerns, China’s financial system is also showing signs of weakness.

South Korea and Japan Are Embroiled in a Trade War. Can the U.S. Step In?

Elliot Waldman Wednesday, July 17, 2019

As the U.S.-China trade war casts a pall over the global economy, a separate dispute between two of China’s neighbors—and two U.S. allies—is adding to the gloomy outlook. The Trump administration had stayed on the sidelines, but the severity of the standoff between Japan and South Korea is now forcing its hand.

Q&A

Same-Sex Marriage Is Legal in Ecuador, but Will All Ecuadorians Accept It?

The Editors Monday, July 15, 2019

Ecuador’s highest court ruled last month that the country’s prohibition on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. The 5-4 verdict was a victory for LGBT activists in the heavily Catholic country, but it is not clear that the decision will be accepted among all segments of Ecuadorian society, says Amy Lind.

Africa Watch

What Can the African Continental Free Trade Area Really Deliver?

Andrew Green Friday, July 12, 2019

It took four years of discussions, but the African Continental Free Trade Area, or AfCFTA, is officially operational. African leaders gathered in Niger’s capital last weekend to launch the trade zone, which they hope will create a $3.4 trillion economic bloc and bolster development across Africa.

China Note

China’s Plan to Deal With Its Trash by Burning It Provokes a Public Backlash

Benjamin Wilhelm Wednesday, July 10, 2019

The central Chinese city of Wuhan put a garbage-burning power plant on hold this week after days of protests against the project. As the government struggles to come up with solutions to China’s waste problem, one of the country’s most pressing environmental issues, city-dwellers must fend for themselves.

Q&A

Under Threat of U.S. Sanctions, India Is Reevaluating Its Ties With Iran

The Editors Tuesday, July 9, 2019

After the U.S. announced in May that it was ending sanctions waivers for countries to purchase oil from Iran, India has been forced to diversify its suppliers. In an interview, Harsh V. Pant explains how the Trump administration’s sanctions are forcing New Delhi to reassess its economic ties with Iran.

Q&A

Trump Has Exaggerated the Threat of China’s Monopoly on Rare Earths

The Editors Monday, July 8, 2019

The U.S. wants to diversify its supply of rare earth elements in order to address China’s near-monopoly control over these important minerals, which are used in an array of products. While that may sound sensible on paper, it is based on an unrealistic portrayal of the threat, says Eugene Gholz in an interview.

Africa Watch

Will Nigeria Be the Launchpad for Africa’s #MeToo Reckoning?

Andrew Green Friday, July 5, 2019

Can a #MeToo moment that originated in Nigeria’s evangelical community last week spark a regional movement? A rape allegation against the head of an influential church in Nigeria has prompted calls for a broader reckoning with sexual abuse and harassment, as well as gender inequality, in Nigeria and across Africa.

China Note

Will the Storming of Hong Kong’s Legislature Doom Its Protest Movement?

Benjamin Wilhelm Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Hong Kong was rocked by more protests Monday, the 22nd anniversary of its return to Chinese rule. While hundreds of thousands of peaceful protesters took to the streets, a smaller group of activists stormed the city’s legislature, revealing a divide in the protest movement that could undermine it.

Do Dire Economic Conditions in North Korea Threaten Kim’s Legitimacy?

Elliot Waldman Tuesday, July 2, 2019

A prolonged drought and harsh economic sanctions have made already lean times in North Korea especially dire, with the United Nations warning in May of a “hunger crisis.” Last year’s harvest was the worst in 10 years. Will these difficult economic conditions lead to a change in Kim Jong Un’s behavior?

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