Alec Russell makes an excellent point in his FT column “How the west should re-engage with the global south” (Opinion, October 31) when he takes note of the rise of Brics and states that “global power is shifting” and “the post-1945 order is crumbling”.
The expanding Brics is but one response to the malaise afflicting the world order. This malaise is centred on the failure of the west, led by the US, to account for the rise of the global south, a meta-region stretching from Latin America to south-east Asia and the Pacific containing about 70 per cent of the global population and most of the world’s growth in people and economic output.
Russell correctly prescribes climate finance as a pathway to repairing west-south relations. However, given the constraints of domestic politics, it is hard to see the US and Europe committing to the much greater spending needed to bridge the yawning financing gap on climate mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage.
Global south states are not just looking for more money. They are also looking to rise in the international order in terms of their national power and influence. Brics is an important sign of their investment in collective action. But most of these states’ efforts are focused on their autonomous rise in what is increasingly a self-help international system.
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Thus, a key ask from global south states is for greater respect for their sovereignty.
Two actions from the west, especially from the US, would help here. First, a pullback on punishing secondary sanctions that are illegal under international law and mostly target the global south. Second, a rethink of the obsession among both the left and the right in the west to rewire the global south’s domestic economic systems. This push, whose unstated goals are often protectionist, is increasingly packaged under the label of environmental and labour standards.
Both correctives will go a long way in bridging the divides between the west and the global south.
Sarang Shidore Director, Global South Programme, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, Washington, DC, US
Emirates and renowned Danish design firm Copenhagen Design have collaborated on an exclusive collection of everyday items inspired by Emirates’ signature gold hue.
In seeking solutions to a nation’s security, Elisabeth Braw suggests “governments should crowdsource defence ideas” (Opinion, October 24) in order to bring new and innovative ideas forward by unleashing the public’s imagination. She cites the example of Ireland’s fishermen devising a clever and peaceful scheme to see off the Russian navy’s plans to stage a maritime exercise in Ireland’s exclusive economic zone.
But what happens if the overarching national defence strategy is fatally flawed? Would crowdsourcing have enabled the US to win the Vietnam, Afghan and second Iraq wars? Unlikely.
Reality is important. In the case of the US (and the UK too), its defence strategy is to deter, and if war comes to prevail. But aside from stopping a nuclear Armageddon, deterrence has not prevented Russia from twice invading Ukraine; hasn’t stopped China from a major military build-up threatening Taiwan with an invasion; and hasn’t prevented the Houthis from blocking the Suez Canal. And where has the US and the west prevailed in a war? At least the British had the Falklands war in 1982.
Unless or until the fundamental mismatch has been resolved between strategy and force planning and the budget, do not expect crowdsourcing — or Irish fishermen — to serve as surrogates for improving a nation’s defences.
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Harlan Ullman Chairman, The Killowen Group, Senior Adviser, The Atlantic Council, Washington, DC, US
THE festive season has kicked off with a bang. There are now so many Christmas adverts on TV in early November that you need both hands to count them.
Whether you love them or aren’t a fan, the commercials are the true sign that the big day is not far around the corner.
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Here, we review ten of the new festive mini-blockbuster adverts – such as this one from Morrisons – giving each a rating out of five for entertainment valueCredit: Morrisons
While we eagerly await the big reveal of the John Lewis ad, lots of other retailers have already aired their seasonal offerings.
Here, we review 11 of these festive mini-blockbusters, giving each a rating out of five for entertainment value.
Debenhams – 4/5
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With a star-studded cast including Elizabeth Hurley, above, Leomie Anderson, Ellie Taylor, and Hannah Cooper-Dommett, this ad suggests how easy festive online shopping can beCredit: Debenhams
THE 2024 “Duh, Debenhams” advert is a playful take on the festive madness we know all too well.
With cheeky nods to the usual Christmas chaos, the celebs hilariously answer the question: “Why does Christmas shopping have to be so hard?” with a sassy, “Duh, Debenhams”.
This ad is sure to bring a smile to your face and remind you that Christmas shopping does not have to be so stressful.
Aldi – 3/5
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Aldi’s offering sees Xmas-favourite Kevin and pal Katie navigate perilous situations and dodge booby traps to free the Spirit of ChristmasCredit: Ruckas
KEVIN the Carrot is back for the ninth year running, and this time he is on a mission to save Christmas.
In a new adventure, Kevin and pal Katie navigate perilous situations and dodge booby traps to free the Spirit of Christmas and show the humbugs that “Christmas is better when goodwill is returned”.
It’s still a fun watch for the kids, but alas I fear Kevin is fast approaching his expiry date.
EMBARGO FOR MONDAY 4TH– M&S reveals SIX different Christmas food adverts featuring comedy legend and music star
Morrisons – 2/5
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Morrison’s oven gloves sing in support of the nation’s family chefs as they prepare an array of indulgent Christmas dishesCredit: Morrisons
MORRISONS has brought back its singing oven gloves. Only this time, there’s more of them.
Set to the catchy tune of Bugsy Malone track You Give A Little Love, the music is performed by a choir of 26 Morrisons staff.
The gloves, now fully animated, sing in support of the nation’s family chefs as they prepare an array of indulgent Christmas dishes.
It’s on the mark, but I worry this jingle will become grating.
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Greggs – 5/5
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Set to an instrumental version of Carol Of The Bells, the ad opens with Nigella Lawson in her festive London townhouseCredit: Greggs/Alex Lambert
GREGGS has set the bar high with its first Christmas advert, which featurescelebrity chef Nigella Lawson.
Set to an instrumental version of Carol Of The Bells, the ad opens with Nigella in her festive London townhouse.
She calls Christmas her “favourite time of year” and enjoys a Greggs Festive Bake, describing it as a “rapturous riot of flavour” with a “succulent filling”, playfully mimicking her saucy TV style.
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Lidl – 3/5
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Lidl delivers a touching message of sharing the magic this ChristmasCredit: Lidl
THE Lidl Christmas advert tells a heartwarming tale of a little girl who, after helping an elderly woman, makes a wish to share her Lidl woolly hat with a boy she noticed earlier, who looked cold.
This touching gesture embodies Lidl’s message of sharing the magic this Christmas.
It also highlights the return of Lidl Toy Banks, with the aim of collecting and distributing more than 100,000 toys donated by customers to needy children.
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Argos – 3/5
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Argos mascot Trevor the dinosaur lives out his rock star fantasy, belting out T-Rex’s classic 20th Century Boy atop a mountain of Marshall speakersCredit: Supplied
THE Argos Christmas advert features brand mascots Connie the doll and Trevor the dinosaur.
Seen in a dazzling dreamscape, Trevor lives out his rock star fantasy, belting out T-Rex’s classic 20th Century Boy atop a mountain of Marshall speakers.
The scene is electric as Trevor headlines for a crowd of adoring fans, all of whom are his best friend Connie.
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This whimsical promo will charm audiences of all ages.
Sainsbury’s – 4/5
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The BFG asks: ‘Hey Sainsbury’s – how can we make this Christmas a bit more . . . phizz-whizzing?’Credit: YOUTUBE
THE star here is the Big Friendly Giant from Roald Dahl’s beloved book, voiced by Stephen Fry.
The BFG asks: “Hey Sainsbury’s – how can we make this Christmas a bit more . . . phizz-whizzing?”
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Enter Sophie, a Sainsbury’s staffer, who helps him gather food from the supermarket’s trusted suppliers.
The heart-warming promo ends with Fry inviting viewers to, “ask Sainsbury’s” for a truly spectacular festive feast.
M&S Food – 4/5
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As the fairy sprinkles her magic across Dawn French’s home, Christmas comes alive with M&S treats, twinkling lights and Christmas cheerCredit: M&S
AUDIENCES are in for a treat as Dawn French and her fairy alter-ego from past ads share the screen for the first time.
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As Fairy sprinkles her magic across Dawn’s home, Christmas comes alive with M&S treats, twinkling lights and Christmas cheer.
Six variations will air, with a special cameo by Katherine Jenkins on December 17.
But a second year without Jennifer Saunders does take away some of the magic.
Asda – 3/5
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A team of ceramic gnomes arrive to save the day in Asda’s adCredit: Asda
THE ad opens with Asda staff Maggie and Bill gazing out at a massive snowstorm.
Maggie frets: “Every road is closed between here and Sheffield – how are we going to get the store ready for Christmas?”
Enter a team of ceramic gnomes who transform the store into a Christmas wonderland, all set to The A-Team theme tune.
It’s time to get your tissues ready for this gut-wrenching festive ad from ShelterCredit: Shelter
GET your tissues ready because Shelter has done it again with its heart-wrenching Christmas ad.
The film opens in an imaginary world where little Mia and her dad are walking across an alien landscape.
They wave to Father Christmas and high-five an alien octopus.
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But reality intrudes, revealing their actual life in temporary accommodation and the dad’s efforts to shield Mia from the harsh conditions through make-believe.
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