Cerca

The August 15th events in Afghanistan caught off guard not only the Afghans but much of the rest of the world. Following intensified negotiations between the Taliban and the US government and Biden’s announcement to withdraw troops by 11th September 2021, many Afghans expected a major shift in the country's political landscape, especially the return of the Taliban in some form. However, no one anticipated what transpired on August 15th, which was largely precipitated by former President Ghani's escape.

If the "Pivot to Asia" — the strategic rebalancing of American interests from Europe and the Middle East to East Asia — was former President Barack Obama’s goal, it seems to be now more than ever US President Joe Biden’s mantra, given the bolder approach of the current administration to counter Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s increasingly assertive policy. This is happening not without jolts from Washington, which has pulled more than a few blows to its allies.

The need to fight climate change and keep the global temperature increase below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels is challenging policy-makers whilst raising expectations and concerns across society. This challenge requires the profound transformation of nearly all sectors of the economy towards a decarbonized system that respects both planetary boundaries and intergenerational justice.