Political Risk Must-Reads

Eurasia Group’s weekly selection of essential reading for the political-risk junkie — presented in no particular order. As always, feel free to give us your feedback or selections by tweeting at us via @EurasiaGroup or @ianbremmer. Must-reads "The New Isolationism: Why the World’s Richest Countries Can’t Work Together" Mohamed A. El-Erian, the Atlantic What does America’s inability to ...

Eurasia Group's weekly selection of essential reading for the political-risk junkie -- presented in no particular order. As always, feel free to give us your feedback or selections by tweeting at us via @EurasiaGroup or @ianbremmer.

Eurasia Group’s weekly selection of essential reading for the political-risk junkie — presented in no particular order. As always, feel free to give us your feedback or selections by tweeting at us via @EurasiaGroup or @ianbremmer.

Must-reads

"The New Isolationism: Why the World’s Richest Countries Can’t Work Together"
Mohamed A. El-Erian, the Atlantic
What does America’s inability to form a coalition for action against Syria say about the state of global leadership? What are the economic implications in a world where developed countries cannot coordinate?

"Amid Coral Reefs and Ruins, Ripples of Fear Over a Recent Attack"
Nicholas Kulish, New York Times
Tourism accounts for more than a quarter of Zanzibar’s economic activity. Could a recent attack labeled as Islamist extremism undermine the sector? What does it mean for Zanzibar’s push for more autonomy from mainland Tanzania?

Corruption in China

"Follow the Money: Who Benefits from China’s One-Child Policy?"
Yueran Zhang, Tea Leaf Nation
The demographic turmoil of China’s one-child policy has been widely reported. Are vested interests at the local government level slowing reform?

"How a smile brought down China’s corrupt ‘Brother Watch’"
Associated Press
Chinese citizens may not have a voice at the ballot box, but they have other means of speaking out against leaders they don’t like. A smile — and some expensive watches — were the undoing of one safety official, who fell victim to what has been dubbed China’s "human-flesh search engine."

Weekly Bonus

"Inside the Magical Patch That Gives You a Powerful Anti-Mosquito Force Field"
Vivek Kemp, Fast Company
In 2010, an estimated 219 million people were infected with malaria. Could this technology — and a clever business model — do something about it?

"National Flags Created From the Foods Each Country Is Commonly Associated With"
Paul Caridad, Visual News
Warning: This might make you hungry.

More from Foreign Policy

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping give a toast during a reception following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping give a toast during a reception following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21.

Can Russia Get Used to Being China’s Little Brother?

The power dynamic between Beijing and Moscow has switched dramatically.

Xi and Putin shake hands while carrying red folders.
Xi and Putin shake hands while carrying red folders.

Xi and Putin Have the Most Consequential Undeclared Alliance in the World

It’s become more important than Washington’s official alliances today.

Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

It’s a New Great Game. Again.

Across Central Asia, Russia’s brand is tainted by Ukraine, China’s got challenges, and Washington senses another opening.

Kurdish military officers take part in a graduation ceremony in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, on Jan. 15.
Kurdish military officers take part in a graduation ceremony in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, on Jan. 15.

Iraqi Kurdistan’s House of Cards Is Collapsing

The region once seemed a bright spot in the disorder unleashed by U.S. regime change. Today, things look bleak.