0. Global socio-economic, geo-political developments affecting AEC
Return to August 2020 update
The pandemic is affecting elections around the world - at least 70 countries and territories have rescheduled elections since mid-February; this includes 25 nationwide elections or referendums. Data shows that such suspensions have been carried out across the spectrum, from bona fide democracies to authoritarian states. [151] Democracy finally wins in Guyana and Suriname. [152] The November Election in the US is greatly anticipated globally, e.g., in Europe. [153]
North Korea's leader used his own private food reserve to feed the country, and it could be a worrying sign. [154] Israel and the UAE establish 'full normalization of relations'. [155][156][157] Social justice movement in the US in previous months triggered further protests and violence in the US. [158] Brazil’s president Bolsonaro's erratic behavior is making his military backers nervous [159]. Beirut explosion will worsen Lebanon’s crises. [160][161] Activists pump up Hong Kong media stock 1,000% after its pro-democracy founder was arrested. [162]
For more information please visit the Introduction chapter in the uploaded August report.
Previous July Category Summary
References
[145] “Elite U.S. Schools Face a Rude Awakening With Asian Students Staying Away,” Bloomberg.com, Aug. 27, 2020.
[146] “America musters the world’s biggest naval exercise,” The Economist, Aug. 16, 2020.
[147] “China Brands Trump’s Demands on TikTok Sale a ‘Smash and Grab,’” Bloomberg.com, Aug. 04, 2020.
[148] “Wuhan coronavirus: From silent streets to packed pools,” BBC News, Aug. 18, 2020.
[149] “Wuhan Beat the Virus. Now It’s Shut Itself Off From the World,” Bloomberg.com.
[151] “The pandemic is affecting elections around the world,” The Economist, Aug. 17, 2020.
[152] “Democracy wins in Guyana and Suriname,” The Economist, Aug. 06, 2020.
[153] “The November Election Could Not Be Bigger — for Europe,” Bloomberg.com, Jul. 25, 2020.
[156] “Israel and UAE strike historic deal to normalise relations,” BBC News, Aug. 13, 2020.
[159] “Bolsonaro’s Erratic Behavior is Making His Military Backers Nervous,” Bloomberg.com, Jul. 31, 2020.
[160] “How the Beirut Explosion Will Worsen Lebanon’s Crises,” Bloomberg.com, Aug. 05, 2020.
[161] “Beirut after the blast: the crunch of glass, acrid smoke and stairs slick with blood,” The Economist, Aug. 05, 2020.