The Triumph of Mamandani and the Democratic Renaissance
Zohran Mamdani wins the New York mayoralty with a speech against Trump, promising to hold abusive landlords accountable and end corruption. He mobilizes young people with a dynamic social media campaign, becoming the youngest mayor since 1892 and the first born in Africa, of Indian and Muslim descent. He achieves broad electoral participation, marked by the support of young and low-income voters. He proposes progressive measures such as free buses, rent controls, affordable housing, municipal supermarkets, universal childcare, tax increases for large fortunes and a $30/h minimum wage.
Brookings AGI at Annual Meetings: OECD on sustainable infrastructure, education, and debt in Africa.
During the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, key issues for Africa’s development, such as infrastructure, education and sustainable debt management, were discussed. Arthur Minsat of the OECD Development Centre, highlighted the need to invest in infrastructure, improve education quality and address sustainable debt in a context of fiscal constraints and high financing costs. The importance of attracting more private investment to support growth in Africa was also emphasized.
The Urgent Need for Coalition
Regional leaders in the United States must create quality jobs and expand economic mobility. Intersectoral coalitions are effective at integrating talent, innovation, and development strategies. This report offers five pillars for forming successful coalitions, including a shared approach, governance structure, operational tempo, sustainable financial performance management. Government funding is crucial to strategically align sectors, facilitate collaboration, monitor regional progress, reduce private investment risks, and validate regional competitive advantages.
Ukraine: Peace or Surrender?
The US peace plan for Ukraine, negotiated with Moscow, worries Kiev and Europe as it appears to be a surrender. Proposal of territorial cession to Russian control, reduction of the Ukrainian army and unfavorable conditions for Ukraine. Although there is no official confirmation, the plan generates agitation in Europe. It is feared that it is pressure from Washington on Kiev. Russia continues its military actions.
Sovereign Funds of the Gulf: Global Financial Powers
The Gulf sovereign funds, historically financed by oil revenues, accumulate long-term savings through diversified investments. During the 2007-2008 financial crisis, they rescued the financial system, and now lead investments in artificial intelligence and energy transition, with assets growing from $2 to over $5 trillion in a decade, representing nearly 40% of global sovereign funds.