1. US steps up Pacific engagement to challenge China’s clout: Washington plans to open embassies, increase funding, and expand aid presence to bolster its status as a regional power broker. WSJ
2. The metaverse in 2040: Hype? Hope? Hell? Maybe all three. Experts are split about the likely evolution of a truly immersive ‘metaverse.’ They expect that augmented- and mixed-reality enhancements will become more useful in people’s daily lives. Many worry that current online problems may be magnified if Web3 development is led by those who built today’s dominant web platforms. Pew
3. The Tory right favors betrayal over reality: Every leader eventually disappoints the Brexiteers because what they want bears no resemblance to what is possible. Daniel Finkelstein
4. Squid Game makes history with Emmy nod: WSJ reports the Korean drama is the first non-English series to be nominated in a major category.
5. More with less: Why Wayne Rooney may just be the ideal fit for DC United: Even the intricacies and idiosyncrasies of Major League Soccer will feel like a breeze for the former England star compared to his experience at Derby. Guardian
ITK Daily is global business news at the intersection of globalization, disruption, and politics.
