Ian Bremmer

Eurasia Group’s weekly selection of essential reading for the political risk junkie – presented in no particular order. As always, feel free to give us your feedback or selections @EurasiaGroup or @IanBremmer.

Must-reads:

“Beijing is choking (and can’t hide it anymore)�

Avinash Godbole, Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses

The pollution in China’s capital is off the charts; it’s an issue that unites China’s wealthy and poor against the government. What can Beijing do about it? 

“Gaffe-prone Merkel rival drags down centre-left as vote looms�

Erik Kirschbaum, Reuters

Angela Merkel has done an outstanding job juggling the demands of her constituents and the crisis-riddled eurozone at large. It’s no wonder her approval ratings are sky-high and her reelection prospects are bright.  Opposition candidate Peer Steinbrueck? Not so much. His amusing gaffes make headaches for his party – and life easier for Merkel.  

“The Next Quagmire?�

Alexis Okeowo, The New Yorker

The situation in Mali is deteriorating; the French intervention encountered much more capable opposition than expected. The potential for spill over of violence and refugees is growing.

“Pakistani Preacher Ends Protest in Government Deal�
Declan Walsh and Salman Masood, New York Times

An outspoken cleric makes his demands for government dissolution from a bulletproof encasing in the center of Islamabad. Pakistan’s Chief Justice calls for the Prime Minister’s arrest on corruption charges. As the dust begins to settle, where does Pakistan stand?

“Borderlines: photography special�

Simon Kuper, FT Magazine

A wonderful piece on the erosion of man-made borders over time. The focus is on Europe, but we get an around the world tour of current boundaries. The photographs are an enjoyable complement.