Security implications of novel quantum information technologies Background New quantum technologies promise exponentially faster computing and ultra-secure encryption systems. In the global race to build these systems no state actor can afford to come second as quantum computers promise ultimate strategic-military advantages. By Juljan Krause
Egypt today: Covid-19 on top of repression, repression on top of Covid-19 Interview Amidst the Covid-19 crisis in Egypt, a recent chain of events reveals the systemic violence that the regime of President al-Sisi exerts. To address those developments, what’s behind them and how international actors might respond to them, we are speaking with Amr Magdi, Middle East researcher at Human Rights Watch. By Johannes Gunesch
Racism and the Infrastructure of Injustice - in the United States and Europe Editorial The murder of George Floyd amidst of a global pandemic has triggered a global conversation among the Black diaspora and its progressive allies. In the editorial for our #BlackLivesMatter focus, award-winning journalist Gary Younge analyses the current debates in the U.S. and in Europe.
Infected texts: disinformation meets polarization in Brazil Feature The fight against Covid-19 in Brazil has developed into an ideological battle, pitting President Jair Bolsonaro - who wants to reopen the country - against those who defend the WHO protocols. Brazil’s WhatsApp culture has opened the gate to a flood of rumors and fake news, some of which can allegedly be traced back to Bolsonaro’s inner circle. But the favelas are seeking their own solutions to counter disinformation. By Helena Costa and Mônica Chaves
The EU’s Digital Policy Conversation How did the coronavirus impact digital rights, the introduction of contact tracing apps, as well as the daily use of digital tools and artificial intelligence. What does this mean for current and future policy? By Zora Siebert
The Future of Multilateralism Conversation How does the current pandemic influence multilateralism? Which role can the European Union play in shaping its future? A debate. By Bastian Hermisson
Profiteering from the pandemic: How India’s lockdown paved the way for big e-commerce disaster capitalism Commentary COVID-19 has become a moment of opportunism for Indian e-commerce companies to consolidate their market power, insert themselves into local supply chains and co-opt neighborhood stores. Policy interventions are urgently needed to preserve the autonomy of the traditional retail sector and prevent Big Tech’s takeover of local economies. By Anita Gurumurthy and Nandini Chami
How COVID-19 pandemic affected women in Russia COVID-19 The pandemic demonstrated once more the persistence of gender inequality in our society. The disease outbreak and lockdown affected the situation of women around the globe. In Russia, the issue of women’s rights is acute as well. By Larisa Zhukova
Can the COVID-19 Crisis Become a Turning Point Toward a Shared Society in Israel? Analysis In Israel, as in other parts of the world, the COVID-19 virus crisis is not only a health challenge. By Edan Ring
"The Coronavirus has declared war on Armenia" Interview While restrictions against the pandemic are gradually being lifted throughout Europe, the situation in Armenia is worsening. The capacities of hospitals are exhausted. Armenia is in a de facto state of emergency as a result of the pandemic, which could turn into a political crisis. Our colleague Eviya Hovhannisyan from Yerevan reports the current developments in the interview. By Katja Giebel