Paul van Zyl, Daily Maverick
A world short of decent leadership needs Archbishop Desmond Tutu's unfailing moral compass more than ever. One of the many remarkable things about ‘The Arch' (as he was affectionately known) was his unfailing ability to provide ethical clarity when the right answer wasn't always obvious.
Thembisa Fakude, M&G
Archbishop Desmond Tutu will be remembered differently by many people around the world. He was a Nobel Peace prize laureate, a man of God, fervent freedom fighter and a man of peace with an amazing sense of humour. Tutu was an architect of the South African democratic society. He fought and led during the most difficult time in the history of South Africa — a time when many political leaders were either in exile or prison.
Stephen Sestanovich, CFR
With large numbers of Russian troops massed on the border with Ukraine and Russian President Vladimir Putin regularly issuing new threats, U.S. President Joe Biden's administration faces a genuine danger of war in Europe. How well have the president and his senior advisors handled the crisis? The record is mixed: they have shown diplomatic skill in some elements of their response but have conveyed confusion in others. The administration may yet be able to defuse tensions... Читать дальше...
William Bratton, Nikkei
The four significant macro risks will all prove relatively uneventful over the year.
Ryan Hass, Taipei Times
The year 2021 began with triumphal statements from Chinese leaders about "time and momentum" working in China's favor. The year ends with American power in Asia on the rise and China's power falling, according to the Asia Power Index, an annual data-driven assessment of relative power of states in the Indo-Pacific conducted by the Lowy Institute.
Jeff Kingston, The Diplomat
Even from retirement, former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo continues to cast a long shadow over Japan's foreign policy.
Liana Fix, Moscow Times
The new Berlin government is in a difficult spot when it comes to dealing with Russia.
Neville Teller, Jerusalem Post
By reducing ISIS power and status, global terrorist activity that linked itself to ISIS would be inhibited.
Shikha Aggarwal, IE
In order to exert supreme authority over the Zhengfa system and prevent any machinations designed for outside interference, Xi Jinping once again reduced the strength of the PBSC to seven members and demoted the CPLAC head to the politburo. Both of Zhou's successors in CPLAC, Meng Jiangzhu and Guo Shengkun have been members of the politburo, and not the standing committee.
M. Saito, Y. Lee & D. Lague, Reuters
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen is wielding a mixture of soft and hard power as she seeks to fend off a more assertive China under President Xi Jinping. Associates tell the story of her journey from academia to the thick of the U.S.-China cold war.
Raghida Dergham, The National
This is undoubtedly a high-stakes game, but will Russia risk being isolated by the West or the possibility of a return to the kind of Cold War hostilities seen during the heyday of the Soviet Union? Or is this just a ruse on Moscow's part to keep the West second-guessing? Is there a way out for both sides while still being able to save face? The confrontation seems at its peak now - despite an agreement to hold talks next year - with the Russian military pitted against western sanctions. Читать дальше...
Ivana Stradner, Foreign Affairs
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the beginning of the Yugoslav wars, Europe's bloodiest conflict since World War II. Although the Balkan states moved toward democratic governance and integration with NATO and the European Union in the immediate aftermath of the wars, consistent neglect on the part of the West has contributed to a dramatic backsliding in recent years. Now Russian President Vladimir Putin is seizing his opportunity and using the former... Читать дальше...
