Caracal Daily | September 10
Caracal Daily is geopolitical business news + intelligence for comms pros.
Geopolitics is disrupting every business and industry. Caracal is here to help.
Always Be Communicating.
Happy Tuesday.
Here’s today’s Caracal Daily:
*** Globalization + Geopolitics ***
A tug between Russia and Europe divides a tiny Balkan nation: A falling-out between former political allies in Montenegro has complicated the country’s efforts to join the European Union and curb pro-Russian influence. NYT
The Times: Suspicion falls on Moscow after drones force Sweden to shut airport
The Times: Germany ‘risks chaos’ after announcing checks at all borders
WSJ: Kate Middleton to return to royal duties after completing chemotherapy
‘One of the most consequential changes to royal comms. Certainly the most intimate’: The video released to mark the end of the Princess of Wales’s cancer treatment is groundbreaking. The Times
Macron’s Faustian bargain could be a dire turning point for France Lee Hockstader
Can anything spark Europe’s economy back to life? Mario Draghi, the continent’s unofficial chief technocrat, has a plan. Economist
Tebboune, reelected in Algeria, faces turbulent regional geopolitics: Le Monde reports Abelmadjid Tebboune will have to re-establish Algiers' strategic position, weakened by tensions along its borders with Morocco, the Sahel and Libya.
Killing of opposition politician in Tanzania casts shadow over upcoming elections: FT reports the death comes amid crackdown in run-up to polls despite president signalling break with hardline policies of past.
Pope Francis's historic Asia Pacific tour: 'China is following the trip very closely': Le Monde reports the Vatican's relations with China, the weight of Catholicism in Asia, interreligious dialogue and sexual violence are some of the issues that will come up on the Pope's trip. Singapore-based researcher Michel Chambon says that Francis is seeking to 'demonstrate the universal sovereignty of the papacy' in the region.
Tough-on-China bills set for approval by US House this week: 'China Week' legislation to head to the Senate before Congress winds down. Nikkei
Bloomberg: US House passes bill to blacklist some China biotech firms
$14.8bn: The amount of foreign direct investment in China in the second quarter of this year, a record low.
*** US Politics + Elections ***
How Harris and Trump will try to win the debate: In their first face-to-face encounter, the two candidates will try to draw contrasts with each other before a closely divided electorate. WSJ
Harris and Trump prep for debate that could define rest of campaign: Tuesday’s faceoff, which may be the only presidential debate between the two nominees, could draw the largest audience either one faces before Election Day. WP
Will the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump matter? Normally presidential match-ups hardly move the needle—but this is no ordinary year. Economist
As debate looms, Trump faces questions about age and capacity: Donald Trump’s rambling, sometimes incoherent public statements have raised questions about his cognitive health and stirred concern among voters. NYT
Actually, Harris’s job at the debate is quite simple Matt Bai
Kamala Harris has to dazzle in the debate: The Democratic candidate badly needs a breakthrough to restore momentum to her campaign. Gideon Rachman
Seven tips for Harris to win her debate with Trump: The former president will be on the attack, ill-informed, dismissive, and histrionic. Here’s how the vice president can counter that. Timothy L. O'Brien
Harris vs. Trump: Debate-winning tactics, explained by a champion coach: Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump face off in their first presidential debate Tuesday. An award-winning collegiate debate coach explains the tactics each candidate could use to their advantage. WSJ
Vice President Kamala Harris is pledging to end subminimum wages for tipped workers, widening a push to eliminate taxes on tips as she jockeys with Donald Trump ahead of their first debate Tuesday.
Trump signals support for Biden plan to loosen marijuana restrictions: WP reports the former president suggested he wants to see marijuana reclassified as a Schedule III drug, the first time he has endorsed the easing of federal restrictions.
Donald Trump escalates tariff threat in vow to protect dollar: FT reports the ex-president’s latest broadside warns countries to stick with US currency in trades or face 100% levy.
Google faces blockbuster antitrust case—again: WSJ reports a federal judge heard opening statements in a case alleging Google has an unlawful grip on the market for software used to buy and sell digital ads.
US argues Google created ad tech monopoly: NYT reports the tech giant went to court on Monday in a second antitrust trial, this one focused on its dominance in advertising technology software. The case could reshape its business.
Searches in New York mayor’s inner circle suggest intensifying investigations: NYT reports experts said that investigators looking into Eric Adams’s administration would not have taken recent steps if they did not see sufficient reason for doing so.
Jorge Ramos, star news anchor, to leave Univision after 40 years: NYT reports TelevisaUnivision announced on Monday that Ramos and the network had mutually agreed not to renew his contract.
*** Disruption + Innovation ***
Apple unveils an AI iPhone: WSJ reports the company, which has faced slumping sales in its signature product, released the iPhone 16, with an upgraded Siri, AI text editing and photo-recognition tools.
Apple launches iPhone 16 as it bets on AI future: FT reports the tech giant seeks to put new tools at centre of its flagship smartphone in effort to entice customers.
Apple unveils new iPhones with built-in artificial intelligence: NYT reports the company also showcased a new Apple Watch and AirPods that can reduce noise at concerts or near construction sites.
Apple looks to entice iPhone 16 shoppers with not-quite-ready AI: Bloomberg reports the company also debuts a new version of its lower-end AirPods.
iPhone 16 is all about Apple Intelligence. Previews show it can be kind of dumb. Testing a prerelease version of the software, I’ve found it sometimes helpful — and sometimes laugh-out-loud weird. Geoffrey A. Fowler
Nikkei: Apple unveils iPhone 16, but AI unavailable in Japanese, Chinese till 2025
AI exuberance masks broad weakness in tech sector, say investors: Many companies unconnected to artificial intelligence boom are yet to recover from post-pandemic downturn. FT
AI: too much information? Yuval Noah Harari and Parmy Olson on how the race for superintelligence may amplify the worst of human nature. FT
AI started as a dream to save humanity. Then, Big Tech took over. A new book, Supremacy, delves into the drama behind the technological revolution and how visionaries like Sam Altman and Demis Hassabis helped consolidate power among corporate giants. Parmy Olson
X hires Hyundai’s former CMO to lead global marketing: WSJ reports Angela Zepeda, until recently the top marketer at Hyundai Motor America, will become the new global head of marketing at the social-media platform.
Greed, gluttony, and the crackup of Red Lobster: This is how missed opportunities, a $1.5 billion real estate deal, all-you-can-eat shrimp, and the global pandemic sank America’s largest seafood chain. NYT
*** Culture ***
George Clooney and Brad Pitt at the Venice International Film Festival. Does anyone care? The American acting duo, who star in Jon Watts' new film ‘Wolfs,’ shown out of competition at the Venice Film Festival on September 1, charmed Venice. Marc Beaugé
A tour of London with the collective making architecture more conscious: POoR Collective works with local communities to co-design spaces they actually want to use. They took us around some of their favourite spots in the capital. FT
WSJ: James Earl Jones, stage and screen actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93
*** Sport ***
Questions remain after police briefly detain Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill: WSJ reports a police union and the NFL player’s agent are offering different accounts of what happened before Sunday’s game.
Tyreek Hill’s unsettling question should bother us all: The Miami Dolphins wide receiver asked a piercing question after he was detained by police on his way to work: What if he wasn’t Tyreek Hill? Candace Buckner
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
Caracal Daily | September 9
Caracal Daily | September 9
Caracal Daily is geopolitical business news + intelligence for comms pros.
Geopolitics is disrupting every business and industry. Caracal is here to help.
Always Be Communicating.
Happy Friday.
Here’s today’s Caracal Daily:
*** Globalization + Geopolitics ***
China is becoming much harder for Western scholars to study: Some researchers revert to Mao-era techniques as Beijing curtails access; suspicions in Washington threaten to exacerbate knowledge gap. WSJ
China’s ‘disappeared’ foreign minister demoted to low-level publishing job, say former US officials: WP reports Qin Gang, an aggressive “wolf warrior” diplomat, had a meteoric rise and an even faster fall from grace. He’s now said to be taking a salary at a Beijing state-run bookseller.
Today: Norway’s prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre commences official visit to China.
Tuesday: China kicks off legislative meeting: China's National People's Congress Standing Committee convenes to review a range of bills, including legislation against money laundering.
The Chinese Communist Party helps train African elites: To export its model, the state party is backing leadership schools in several African countries. Le Monde
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un underscored the importance of strengthening naval power as he toured a naval base construction site, state media KCNA reported on Sunday.
SIN: Singapore’s prime minister, Lawrence Wong, said that work would begin next year on a fifth “mega terminal” at Changi airport.
WP: Biden decision to kill Nippon Steel deal could spark legal challenge
Japan's first casino resort is likely to open as soon as fall 2030, with the company seeking to run the facility set to forfeit the right to exit the project without a penalty, Nikkei learned Saturday.
Military AI summit in Seoul: South Korea co-hosts Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) summit in Seoul along with the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya and the United Kingdom. Government and military officials as well as business leaders from more than 90 countries are set to discuss responsible development and use of AI in the military sector and how to establish international norms for the matter.
Russia said that its armed forces had gained full control of Novohrodivka. The small town lies less than 9km from Pokrovsk, a strategically important city in eastern Ukraine because of its rail and road links.
War in Ukraine: 'It's only possible to talk to the Russians from a position of strength': Le Monde reports Oleksandr Lytvynenko has been secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council since March. In an interview with Le Monde, he describes the Kursk offensive as a 'significant success,' but acknowledges that 'it does not change the situation.'
Ukraine’s Kursk offensive has triggered doubts among Russian elite, spy chiefs say: CIA director Bill Burns and MI6 chief Richard Moore made first joint public appearance onstage at the FTWeekend festival in London. FT
Friday: In the Czech Republic, the NATO Military Committee Conference opens.
Intelligence partnership helps the US and UK stay ahead in an uncertain world: Technological advantage is key to ensuring the special relationship maintains its lead. Bill Burns + Richard Moore
Olaf Scholz coalition support at just 29% in blow for chancellor: The Times reports the German leader denies claims he may have to give way to Boris Pistorius, his more popular defense minister, after slump in polls.
France's Le Pen urges Macron to hold referendum to break political statemate: Le Monde reports last week the French president appointed the center-right Michel Barnier as prime minister, trying to move forward after snap elections that resulted in a hung parliament.
Michel Barnier shares our views on stopping migrants, Marine Le Pen says: The Times reports National Rally figurehead claims Macron appointed the veteran as prime minister because his stance on immigration is backed by her party.
How Paris plans to capitalize on the success of the 2024 Olympics: Hoping to encourage patronage in France and abroad, the capital's sites and monuments are planning to host other sporting events. Le Monde
Wednesday: National Day of Catalonia, commemorating the defense against the siege of Barcelona.
Greece to restrict cruise visits as islands struggle With tourist crowds: NYT reports in a country where vacationers are a keystone of the economy, Greece’s prime minister is embracing a European trend toward tighter tourism regulation.
Greece cracks down on excessive tourism: FT reports curbs on short-term rentals and cruise ship traffic could damage crucial sector, warns hospitality industry.
Thursday: In Belgium, the AI Regulation Forum.
Tuesday: Global AI summit in Riyadh: Industry experts gather in Saudi Arabia to discuss how to "balance theory and reality" on the potential of artificial intelligence.
Brazilians take to streets to protest ban on X: WSJ reports tens of thousands of supporters of Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro rallied in the heart of São Paulo to protest the Supreme Court’s ban on Elon Musk’s X platform.
Wednesday: Anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The battle to secure economically critical metals: To limit China’s leverage, the west needs concerted action on mining, refining and research. FT - Editorial
*** US Politics + Elections ***
Tuesday: Harris-Trump presidential debate: US Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will face off in their first debate, hosted by broadcaster ABC.
Trump and Harris get set to debate: He needs to demonstrate that he’s sane, stable and knowledgeable. She needs a show of good faith. Peggy Noonan
Harris can win the debate by making it about who’s hopeful — and normal: Pennsylvania voters are crucial. Here’s how Kamala Harris can win them. EJ Dionne Jr.
The Hill: Harris, Walz to launch ‘New Way Forward’ tour following debate
The Times: Kamala Harris loses her polling lead as TV debate looms
Trump and Harris neck and neck after summer upheaval, Times/Siena poll finds: Ahead of the debate, the survey found that Donald Trump is retaining his support and voters are unsure they know enough about where Kamala Harris stands.
Kamala Harris faces crucial debate as polls hint at slipping momentum: FT reports surveys show voters are unsure of where the Democrat stands on issues ahead of Tuesday’s face-off with Trump.
Bloomberg: Warren Buffett’s Nebraska becomes sudden political battleground
+ Trump is up, but also mixed voter tendencies in US Heartland
+ GOP battling to keep Senate seat and key House district
Trump’s latest problem? Republicans for Harris: High-profile GOPers aren’t just planning to vote for the Democrat, they’re organizing and working to convince others. Patricia Lopez
Trump cashes in during final weeks of his presidential campaign: WSJ reports no presidential candidate has ever so closely linked his election with personal for-profit enterprises, selling items from shoes to books to pieces of his suit.
GOP report to denounce Biden administration over Afghanistan withdrawal: NYT reports in an election-season document, Republicans are set to offer few new revelations but instead heap blame on the “Biden-Harris administration” while absolving former President Donald J. Trump.
Crypto plan creates potential conflicts for Trump: WSJ reports the former president’s digital-currency efforts bring his campaign closer to an industry that is spending to limit regulations.
MJS: Hannibal Lecter, Al Capone, and a list of promises. Takeaways from Trump's Mosinee rally
Trump’s problem in Michigan: A county where Republicans can’t get along: Some party leaders there refuse to follow the campaign’s ground strategy; ‘People should know what’s going on here.’ WSJ
CNN: GOP plots Pennsylvania onslaught as Democrats battle to keep ‘really difficult’ Senate seat
The Texas billionaire who has Greenpeace USA on the verge of bankruptcy: Kelcy Warren’s company, Energy Transfer, is behind a long-running court battle over the Dakota Access Pipeline that Greenpeace says could bankrupt the environmental group’s US affiliate. WSJ
How Boston became the safest big city in America: Murder is declining across the country, but Boston has led the way. Economist
*** Disruption + Innovation ***
Musk’s xAI has discussed deal for share of future Tesla revenue: WSJ reports under a proposed arrangement, the startup would give Tesla access to its artificial-intelligence technology in exchange for a slice of the carmaker’s software revenue.
Nvidia draws antitrust scrutiny as enforcers signal early interest in AI: WSJ reports the Justice Department probe of chip company highlights interest in being more aggressive than in years past.
Alibaba is expected to be added to the Stock Connect system linking Hong Kong with mainland China.
Today: Apple will unveil its latest iPhone series in Cupertino, California.
Apple’s new iPhone will use Arm’s next-generation chip technology for AI: Tech giant pushing to bring generative artificial intelligence features to its smartphones. FT
How Apple rules the world: How Apple went from underdog to $3.4 trillion global force. Bloomberg
The Palace Coup at the Magic Kingdom: Read the inside story of how Bob Iger undermined and outmaneuvered Bob Chapek, his chosen successor, and returned to power at Disney. NYT
Is the era of the mega-deal over? Nippon’s acquisition of US Steel is not the only mega-merger falling apart. Economist
BYD + Geely Automobile Holdings were among China's major private automakers to report profit growth in the January-June half, while SAIC Motor and other state-owned operators struggled in a crowded market.
Today: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch, carrying EU navigation satellites.
The weird truth about work is we actually like it: Satisfied employees are convinced they are lucky exceptions in a world of toxic bosses and burnout. Pilita Clark
*** Culture ***
Moments of love, captured by a street photographer: The Post’s director of photography spent the summer documenting acts of affection and connection in the DC region. Here’s what he saw. WP
Snow Patrol: U2 showed us you could be Irish and touch the world: Gary Lightbody and Johnny McDaid on writing music with Ed Sheeran, living with Courteney Cox and making their new album in a little Somerset house. The Times
Thursday: London Fashion Week begins.
*** Sport ***
WSJ: Jannik Sinner sweeps aside American Taylor Fritz in US Open Final
New Jersey is prompting a new sports identity crisis in Philadelphia: The state is already home to four teams whose uniforms say “New York.” Now it’s trying to lure the NBA’s 76ers. NYT
Le Monde: Rap legend Kendrick Lamar will headline the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show
Swimming, a golden activity for your health: A complete, non-impact sport, swimming is beneficial for both prevention and existing chronic illnesses. It can be practiced at any age, as numerous studies have shown. Pascale Santi
Friday: Funeral service for former England men’s football manager Sven-Göran Eriksson.
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal