International Relations

Barcelona protests: An expert take

Barcelona erupted in chaos and violence in October after Spain’s Supreme Court sentenced former leaders of Catalonia’s independence push to steep prison sentences. Three Penn experts talk to Penn Today about the ruling, the protests, and what it all means for the upcoming Spanish elections.

Kristen de Groot

The role of UN ambassador, explained

Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, distinguished global leader-in-residence at Perry World House, describes the workings of the U.S. ambassador to the U.N.—and whether it matters that it’s no longer of cabinet status.

Brandon Baker

Will stalemate lead to resolution in Venezuela?

In a Q&A, political science professor Dorothy Kronick says negotiation is an uphill battle but may be the only way to settle the dispute over who will lead the troubled country.

Gwyneth K. Shaw



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In the News


Associated Press

Far fewer young Americans now want to study in China. Both countries are trying to fix that

Amy Gadsden of Penn Global says that American interest in studying in China is declining due to foreign businesses closing their offices there and Beijing’s draconian governing style.

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Voice of America

U.S. bolstering Philippines amid increasing assertiveness by China

Thomas J. Shattuck of Perry World House says that greater interest in the Philippines by the U.S. and Japan will have a positive impact on Taiwan’s security.

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Toronto Star

Few options available to Western leaders weighing response to Vladimir Putin critic Alexei Navalny’s death

Kimberly St. Julian-Varnon of the School of Arts & Sciences says that Western countries have little practical leverage to push Russia off its authoritarian path after Alexei Navalny’s death, given the economic and diplomatic sanctions already levied against Vladimir Putin.

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The Hill

We must protect the right to seek asylum

In a co-authored Op-Ed, Sarah Paoletti of Penn Carey Law says that U.S. immigration and deportation systems are failing to adequately protect people in need of asylum.

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The Washington Post

China’s cautious, curious Middle East game

Neysun Mahboubi of Penn Global says that China’s persecution of Uyghur Muslims doesn’t resonate as strongly in the Muslim world as the Palestinian issue.

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CNN

Detained, missing or under investigation: Business leaders in China face an ‘aggressive’ crackdown

Mauro Guillén of the Wharton School says that global investors are already weary about rising tensions between China and the West, as well as the country’s sluggish growth and large corporate debt.

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