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Intelligence for the New World Economy

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Intelligence for the New World Economy
Semafor World Economy
Prashant Rao

Prashant Rao

Global Managing Editor

Email Prashant@prashantrao

Prashant Rao is Global Managing Editor at Semafor, where he is responsible for all global coverage — spanning the Gulf, Africa, and China — as well as energy coverage. Prior to joining Semafor, he was International Editor at The Atlantic, Deputy Europe Business Editor at The New York Times, and Iraq Bureau Chief at AFP.

The West’s age of ‘hyperpolitics’

The West is in an age of “hyperpolitics” in which polarization has surged but institutions are incapable of delivering change, a leading researcher argued.
Congress building.Kent Nishimura/Reuters

Chinese leader Xi Jinping plans North Korea visit

Xi aims to court the pariah state’s dictator, Kim Jong-un, who has been strengthening ties with Moscow while tightening his own grip on power.
Kim and Xi. KCNA via Reuters.

Israel, Lebanon agree ceasefire

The ceasefire is part of efforts by the Trump administration to inject momentum into negotiations with Iran.
The aftermath of an Israeli strike on Lebanon. Stringer/Reuters

Japan capitalizes on China backlash, courts Pacific island nations

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said her government would help smaller states strengthen their “autonomy and resilience,” part of an anti-China push by Japan.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attends a press conference.Kiyoshi Ota/Pool via Reuters

US proposes new tariffs

The new levies add to the mounting threats against international commerce and disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
A view of the Port of Felixstowe. Peter Cziborra/Reuters

Economic fears over US-Iran conflict mount

The OECD warned of slowing growth internationally, with prospects worsening considerably if the Iran conflict persists.
A TV screen broadcasts U.S. President Donald Trump’s speech about the Iran war next at the foreign exchange trading company in Tokyo.Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters

War and changing weather intensify food security concerns

Analysts and humanitarian groups warn that the El Niño phenomenon and the Middle East conflict threaten to make what is a grim situation worse.

Gig economy spurs revival in Chinese worker’s literature

A raft of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction is emerging about, and by, working-class laborers.

Stephen Curry signs deal with Chinese sportswear giant

The partnership underscores the growing global footprint of Chinese brands.

Violence against migrants in South Africa worsens

Mozambique said five of its citizens were killed in anti-migrant attacks across the country.

Russia suspends jet fuel exports

The suspension further upends trade in a product already hugely affected by the Iran war.

Russia launches barrage of strikes on Ukraine

The 700-plus drones and missiles came after it fired more than 1,500 over two days last month.

Taiwan opposition leader to visit DC

The visit comes at a time when Washington’s commitment to the self-governing island has been cast in doubt.

US, Iran trade blows again, driving oil prices higher

The US hit Iranian radar and drone installations, while the Islamic Republic targeted an American military base in Kuwait.

UK universities face funding crisis over foreign student cuts

Following government cuts, institutions have increasingly relied on fees — particularly from international students — to generate revenue.

Net migration to the UK falls, despite Britons’ belief it is rising

Immigration peaked at almost 1.5 million a year in 2023, though the subsequent collapse has not reached the public consciousness.

Israel expands its control over Gaza, launches strikes on Beirut

Critics argue that the operations are motivated at least in part by Israel’s coming elections and are amplifying dire humanitarian situations.

Oil prices fall, stocks rise on potential Iran deal

Analysts warned that huge challenges still remained for the global energy market.