A letter to G20 governments: In 2008-2010, the Great Recession could be surmounted when the economic fault line – under-capitalization of the global banking system – was tackled. Now, however, the economic emergency will not be resolved until the health emergency is effectively addressed, and that requires coordinated global leadership – now. https://bit.ly/2x2wiVQ
Dani Rodrik: Will COVID-19 remake the world? No one should expect the pandemic to alter – much less reverse – tendencies that were evident before the crisis. Neoliberalism will continue its slow death, populist autocrats will become even more authoritarian, and the left will continue to struggle to devise a program that appeals to a majority of voters. The crisis seems to have thrown the dominant characteristics of each country’s politics into sharper relief. Countries have in effect become exaggerated versions of themselves. This suggests that the crisis may turn out to be less of a watershed in global politics and economics than many have argued. Rather than putting the world on a significantly different trajectory, it is likely to intensify and entrench already-existing trends. https://bit.ly/39Nwp4U
Richard Haass: At war with a virus: While war should normally be a policy of last resort, not confronting a determined enemy that poses an imminent threat can be deadly. Putting off the decision to go on the offensive against COVID-19 – treating a war of necessity as a war of choice – has proved extraordinarily costly in terms of lives lost and economic destruction. https://bit.ly/2XkHkR2
Harold Evans: In Queen's calm voice, a memory of war https://reut.rs/3bZGZqU
"So how comforting to hear the Queen’s voice again, convincing in its resolve. This time, her quiet poise echoed out of YouTube, rather than an old radio. And her last allusion to the war-time anthem “We’ll Meet Again” sung by World War Two sweetheart Vera Lynn instantly sent the vintage classic to number 22 on the iTunes chart. But the message is the same: Only united can we take on such a devastating challenge. Only then can we meet again."
Inside DOJ's nationwide effort to take on China: Federal prosecutors say the pandemic hasn't hindered their efforts to crack down on Chinese espionage. https://politi.co/2xcRyYU
John Thornhill: We need some ‘creative destruction’ now: COVID-19, tech revolution, and the environmental threat may spark a wave of innovation. https://on.ft.com/2wjO06F
The reasons why the US isn’t on track to open up: Politico reports, labs nationwide are overwhelmed by patient samples flooding in as they continue to face a shortage of critical supplies. https://politi.co/2y1Y4BD
Trader Joe’s employees say virus response was haphazard and chaotic: Interviews with dozens of crew members paint a picture of a tumultuous two weeks as the company’s policies rapidly changed. https://bloom.bg/3c0CpIT
Adam Problsky: What’s in your digital go-bag? Five essentials for communicators https://bit.ly/2UDVcUq
How coffee became a modern necessity: For much of its 500-year history, the drink was viewed with confusion, suspicion, and disgust. https://on.wsj.com/3aKLmWt
Fear of the unknown: Locked-down athletes face mental health challenge https://reut.rs/2RjQb1k
“Unknowns are quite challenging, especially for athletes whose days are mapped out from the minute they wake up to the minute they go to sleep.” -- Kyle Chalmers, Olympic swimming champion
