Global Street Smarts.
Happy Tuesday.
Here’s today’s ITK Daily.
To be ITK, know this:
Today: Russia celebrates Victory Day.
WP: Russia preparing to evacuate nuclear plant, Ukrainian operator says
OTD: In Joe Biden signs the 2022 Lend-Lease Act into law, a rebooted World War II-era policy expediting American equipment to Ukraine and other Eastern European countries.
Turkey: One week before elections, Erdogan defends record and attacks challengers: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a bellicose speech on Sunday in Istanbul, defending his record and attacking the opposition. Le Monde
If Erdogan is defeated, the West must help Turkey succeed Asli Aydintasbas
How many covert Swedish operatives are working the streets of Istanbul this week?
Sudan: In Khartoum, 'the bodies are rotting in the streets': Le Monde reports since April 15, the clashes have left more than 700 people dead and 5,000 wounded, according to a committee of doctors, while the flow of humanitarian aid has been slow.
Arab League to readmit Syria after decade-long hiatus: FT reports Damascus was banned from the regional organization following the brutal crackdown against 2011 uprising.
The path to a new Iran deal: A regional agreement could succeed where Washington failed. Ali Vaez + Vali Nasr
To counter Russia in Africa, Biden deploys a favored strategy: As in the weeks before the Ukraine invasion, the US is sharing what it knows about Putin and his paramilitary force. Politico
China v America: How Xi Jinping plans to narrow the military gap: From subs to nukes, he is adding firepower despite a slower economy. Economist
Ukraine looms over Chinese foreign minister's European visit: AFP reports Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang will visit Europe this week, Beijing said on Monday, as China pushes to act as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict and rebuild ties with the continent.
OTD: In 1955, West Germany joins NATO.
China’s foreign minister meets US envoy and urges Washington to reflect: The meeting was one of the highest-level engagements between American and Chinese officials since the downing of a suspected Chinese spy balloon in February. NYT
WP: China says relations with US must be stabilized, avoid ‘downward spiral’
US sanctions drive Chinese firms to advance AI without latest chips: Research in China on workarounds, such as using software to leverage less powerful chips, is accelerating. WSJ
Biden Administration tamps down talk of US-China decoupling: Recent speeches by Yellen and Sullivan seek to reassure allies that economic conflict between the two superpowers can be contained. Bloomberg
South Korea and Germany share same geopolitical dilemma: South Korea and Germany both have close economic ties with China, and they rely on the US for their security. Growing tensions between Beijing and Washington pose a challenge to both of them. DW
South Korea and Japan seek to unite in face of common threat: The Times reports Chinese and North Korean aggression is top of the agenda as a Japanese prime minister visits Seoul for the first time in 12 years.
Tokyo, Seoul seek to maintain diplomatic momentum after latest summit: Nikkei reports both sides eye differences over radar incident and Fukushima water dumping.
TST: Joint Philippines-US patrols in South China Sea may begin by third quarter: Envoy
Philippines' Marcos muscles up ASEAN's South China Sea posture: China tensions loom over bloc summit as Malaysia asserts gas rights, Vietnam hones defense. Nikkei
In new battle for the Pacific, US and China force regional states to take sides: Xi Jinping’s aggressive stance and ‘wolf-warrior’ diplomacy drive the Philippines and other vulnerable countries into Washington’s arms. Simon Tisdall
Canada expels Chinese diplomat for allegedly targeting lawmaker: Foreign minister says the country ‘will not tolerate any form of foreign interference.’ FT
All hail Queen Ursula! The European Commission president’s likely bid for a second term is looking more like a coronation than a democratic deliberation. Politico
Labour to clamp down on foreign buyers of UK properties: FT reports Starmer plans rise in stamp duty and restrictions on new-build purchases.
One of my top geopolitical mantras: "Good politics rarely makes good economics."
Nice example here.
Tories shouldn’t panic — but must speed up: A change of direction in response to bruising local elections isn’t the answer, the party needs to bring reforms to life. William Hague
Bloomberg: Kamala Harris is finding her stride as Team Biden’s voice to black voters
+ Vice President finds visibility addressing issues dear to base.
+ Early missteps and concerns about Biden’s age make her GOP target.
How Joe Biden should solve the Kamala Harris conundrum Matt Bai
Imagine if another Bernie Sanders challenges Joe Biden Peter Beinart
‘Really weak option’: Wall Street sours on DeSantis as Trump challenger: Ron DeSantis’ gubernatorial reelection campaign is still loaded with cash, giving him big advantages over possible competitors. But many now say he no longer seems so formidable — at least on Wall Street. Politico
DeSantis continues to test the waters of 2024, and supporters are getting restless: The Florida governor looked to excite voters in Wisconsin, finding supporters — but also doubters — in the competitive Midwest. NYT
‘Over our dead bodies’: Backlash builds against $3 trillion clean-energy push: The ballooning size of wind and solar projects draws local ire as they march closer to populated areas. WSJ
US entrepreneurship is increasing—and getting more diverse: A new study suggests that more people are trying out self-employment, including more women and people of color. FC
2023 World Changing Ideas Awards FC
In Norway, the electric vehicle future has already arrived: About 80 percent of new cars sold in Norway are battery-powered. As a result, the air is cleaner, the streets are quieter, and the grid hasn’t collapsed. But problems with unreliable chargers persist. NYT
Japan to require disclosure of CO2 emitted by EV battery production: Nikkei reports subsidies for electric cars could be tied to manufacturing emissions.
FT: Lucid Motors says it has enough liquidity for a year after missing estimates
AFP: Virgin to launch commercial spaceflights in June
Why disinformation and misinformation are more dangerous than malware: Combatting misinformation and disinformation online is no easy task, but the cybersecurity community needs to fight it anyway, experts argue at RSAC 2023. PC Mag
The grim new consensus on social media and teen depression Benjamin Hart
Corporate giants buy up primary care practices at rapid pace: Large health insurers and other companies are especially keen on doctors’ groups that care for patients in private Medicare plans. NYT
The famed Mavericks surfing contest drowned in acrimony. Can it be saved? WP
Pickleball is the worst Rick Reilly
Leeds United: What happened? The Athletic
Bloomberg: NBA looks to open more stores abroad in international push
+ League seeks to grow by developing its fanbase abroad.
+ NBA currently has 37 official stores across 12 countries.
NBA = No Borders Association
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
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