OCTOBER 19, 2020
In this edition of Comm(Unity), we recap last week’s special event with John Brennan, examine how digital liberties have been thwarted around the world and suggest a new, global way to use those cans of pumpkin this fall.
Weekly Episode
On our latest episode — We talk with John Brennan, Former Director of the CIA, on his over 30 years of government service and his latest book, Undaunted, out now. Moderated by Janet Napolitano, Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.
Stream Now.
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Read John Brennan’s new book, Undaunted, to get a glimpse of a life in the CIA and his battles against our nation’s biggest enemies.
Weekly Article Roundup
Follow along with the CTWAC staff on this week’s article roundup (with some special recommendations!):
Thailand recently banned gatherings of over five people due to escalating pro-democracy protests targeting King and Prime Minister
Read this explainer on why the protests broke out and where they are going
The economic downturn in Venezuela is the largest in the history of Latin America—so how is the U.S. helping Maduro survive?
A ruined economy hasn’t brought the regime down
In Tanzania, increasing access to education is important to politicians because it is easily attributable, but implementation is much harder
Explore the link between politics and education in Tanzania
Internet freedom has taken a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic as governments exploit the virus to crack down on digital liberty
Countries around the world use the Internet for arrests to censorship
The 2020 Nobel Peace Prize highlights the link between hunger and conflict, awarded to the UN World Food Program
More than 820 million people suffer from food insecurity and more
Weekly Entertainment
READ
Check out this open-access, peer-reviewed journal on international issues and diplomacy
LISTEN
This podcast explores rhyme and punishment: the link between hip hop and mass incarceration in America
STREAM
Botanical artist and former punk musician Azuma Makoto is the star of this delightful documentary
PLAY
Play this game that teaches about the Heckscher-Ohlin theory as you make a country prosperous through trade
COOK
Replace some of your classic pumpkin recipes this fall with these South African pumpkin fritters. These fluffy fritters in caramel sauce are sure to melt in your mouth
Global Good News
Machu Picchu reopens for a single tourist who’s been stranded in Peru for seven months
Jesse Katayama arrived in Peru in early March with the hopes of visiting Machu Picchu until it was closed down to visitors. Since then, he has lived in a local village, running by the UNESCO heritage site every morning. Read about how he finally got to visit the famous site — alone.
Read More.
Weekly Cartoon
Check in next week for another CTWAC exclusive cartoon:
Since the pandemic began, we have all settled into new work flows, home offices and irregular circumstances. We encourage you to join us this week for our conversation in the Future of Work with Ravi Kumar, President of Infosys, to explore which changes are permanent and what we can expect in the future.
Megan Clark Torrey
CEO
Image Credits: [1] John Brennan: Washington Speakers Bureau; [2] Janet Napolitano: UC Berkeley ; [3] Nicolas Maduro: Cancillería del Ecuador via Flickr / cropped from original; [4] Pampoenkoekies: Simply Delicious blog; [5] Flowers: Azuma Makoto via CNN; [6] Jesse Katayama: Jesse Katayama via CNN; [7] Cartoon: Caroline Schaefer; [8] Megan Torrey: Caroline Schaefer
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