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As G20 host, Saudi Arabia might ease its alcohol ban

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SAUDI ARABIA

Following the high-profile end to the female driving ban in mid-2018, the Riyadh leadership launched a slew of social reforms, including new entertainment opportunities. Most…

Pope's visit will not slow secularisation in Chile

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CHILE

The pope’s visit came as Chile is becoming increasingly secular and the Catholic Church is regarded as having taken a weak stand on sexual abuse cases and as having lost touch…

Japan GDP slump masks social and economic change

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JAPAN

Japan's changing services sector.

US political battle over social media will grow

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UNITED STATES

The boycott is the most coordinated yet against Facebook over hate speech and misinformation on its platforms. Facebook and Twitter have become lightning rods for challenges to…

Succession change could spark Saudi policy volatility

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SAUDI ARABIA

King Salman on June 21 named his 31-year-old son to succeed him, dismissing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef from all positions, including that of interior minister. Mohammed bin…

The Middle East’s young people face lifetime struggles

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MIDDLE EAST

The fallout from conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic also clouds the horizon for many. The survey suggests an increasing divide between young people in the Gulf states, who seem…

Lockdown exit strategy optimality will impact recovery

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INTERNATIONAL

Lockdown exit optimality.

Saudi social reforms will create economic openings

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SAUDI ARABIA

The rapid social changes under way, such as letting women drive and reopening cinemas, largely focus on creating new economic opportunities. They also serve a political purpose…

Saudi social change will lag, especially for women

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SAUDI ARABIA

Nearly a year into the ‘Vision 2030’ strategic plan, Riyadh is also seeking to boost the economy and combat boredom among Saudi youth through some cautious steps towards social…

China’s ‘masculinity crisis’ reflects economic change

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CHINA

Expectations of male behaviour have changed in ways the authorities and social conservatives disapprove of. While the authorities censor media depictions of ‘effeminate’ men and…