Happy Thursday Morning.
Here’s today’s ITK Daily | Bulldog Edition.
To be ITK, know this:
TOP FIVE
1. Who is China’s new no. 2? Pragmatist or loyalist?
2. World's biggest iPhone plant locked down
3. WFH trend may have peaked
4. Inside the Biden team’s fixation on gas prices
5. Billions flow through youth sports - some of it keeps disappearing
GLOBALIZATION + STATECRAFT
CNN: Warring parties in Ethiopia agree on ‘permanent cessation of hostilities’
WP: Ethiopian government, Tigrayan forces agree to truce after two years of war
Mexico’s dying democracy: AMLO and the toll of authoritarian populism. Denise Dresser
German companies ignore major risks in China: Critics like Economy Minister Robert Habeck are warning Germany's industrial giants from becoming too dependent on Beijing. But it seems many haven't the learned the lesson from Russia of the perils of doing business with autocratic countries. Der Spiegel
German business is unusually reluctant to untangle itself from China: It should know better. Economist
Who is China’s new no. 2? A business pragmatist or a party loyalist? Li Qiang’s record suggests he could serve as a moderating influence on Xi Jinping, but he has also fallen in line when it mattered. WSJ
China's elders defend party charter from Xi onslaught: Retired leaders block path to lifetime leadership. Nikkei
China docks final module to space station: WP reports the joining of the Mengtian to the previous two modules marks a milestone on Beijing’s way to becoming a global space power.
China COVID: Area around world's biggest iPhone plant locked down: BBC reports that Chinese authorities have locked down a district in Zhengzhou city - which is home to the world's largest iPhone factory - under the country's strict coronavirus measures.
Japan weighs hypersonic missile deployment by 2030 to boost deterrence: Nikkei reports that Chinese and North Korean threat spurs push for stronger counterstrike capability.
AP: N Korea fires 23 missiles, prompting air raid alert in South
North Korean missile crosses maritime border for 1st time; South returns fire: WP reports around noon local time, South Korea’s armed forces said that an undisclosed number of its fighters had fired three air-to-ground precision missiles near North Korean waters.
North Korea is secretly supplying Russia with ammunition, Kirby says: Politico reports the shipments are being disguised as deliveries to the Middle East and North Africa.
Russia is fighting by the book. The problem is, it’s the wrong book. Max Boot
Russian military leaders discussed use of nuclear weapons, US officials say: NYT reports the conversations alarmed the Biden administration because they showed how frustrated Moscow had become over its battlefield setbacks in Ukraine.
It's time to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table Charles A. Kupchan
Reuters: Ukraine grain export deal resumes days after Russia breaks off
DISRUPTION + INNOVATION
The world tech made: Can Silicon Valley be redeemed? Margaret O’Mara
+ Today, six of the ten most valuable corporations in the world are US computer hardware and software companies. A seventh, Tesla, produces electric cars that are essentially supercomputers on wheels. All of these companies hail from the West Coast.
Is email making professors stupid? It used to simplify crucial tasks. Now it’s strangling scholars’ ability to think. Cal Newport
Jony Ive on life after Apple: The mastermind behind Apple’s most iconic products reveals how his design philosophy guides collaborations at his creative collective, LoveFrom. WSJ
Hotels pitch Peloton bikes, private gyms to lure guests: WSJ reports Hilton and Hyatt are among the major chains pushing fitness options meant to mirror home routines.
Starbucks is rethinking almost everything, including how to make frappuccinos: WSJ reports changing tastes and frazzled workers prompt CEO Howard Schultz to press for a reset; ‘we will design new stores from scratch.’
Meta plans to let Instagram influencers launch NFTs: The social media company is pushing for new revenue streams amid digital advertising challenges. FT
Disney tries mixing streaming with shopping: The Walt Disney Company announced that it would experiment with offering Disney+ subscribers exclusive access to themed merchandise. NYT
US workers have gotten way less productive. No one is sure why. Bosses and economists are troubled by the worst drop in US worker output since 1947. WP
WFH trend may have peaked, LinkedIn survey finds: The social network also found a growing disconnect between what employees want and what their employer demands. Bloomberg
POLITICS + CAMPAIGNS
AFP: UK turning against Brexit and Tories look doomed: top pollster
Inside the Biden team’s fixation on gas prices: Many Biden aides say the president’s popularity is closely tied to a single economic number. They could be right. WP
What to expect in the 2022 midterms: Grab some snacks and get ready for a long night of surprises and Republican victories. Karl Rove
This will be the mother of all American midterm elections: The enduring belief that Donald Trump was robbed in 2020 has put the US political system itself on the ballot. Edward Luce
Why does The Associated Press call US elections? AP
For the good of the country, Biden and Harris should bow out of the 2024 election George F. Will
AP: Trump 2024 campaign prepares for post-midterms launch
+ "Trump... is eager to be back in the political game... aides and allies are now eyeing the two-week stretch after the Nov. 8 midterms as a possible window for an announcement."
Me on October 27: @marcaross: I am guessing that Donald J. Trump announces a 2024 presidential campaign on November 15
+ A source tells Vanity Fair that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has led donors “to believe he will not run if Trump does.”
SPORT
Feeling the blues at Chelsea, can the US’ top star rise? English fans love to laugh at Christian Pulisic. As he prepares to face the Three Lions in the World Cup, now is his chance to prove them wrong. SI
Steve Nash is gone, and the Brooklyn Nets reboot. Again. A chronically chaotic basketball franchise confronts turmoil once more. Jason Gay
Billions flow through youth sports. And some of it keeps disappearing. In cities across the US, allegations of financial misconduct divide non-profit clubs and communities. WP
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Founder + Team Principal @ Caracal
Caracal produces ITK Daily.
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Clients are Chief Communications Officers with global responsibility who rely on Caracal for help navigating today's interconnected business environment with geopolitical intelligence, strategic planning, and economic diplomacy.
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