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 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.