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The recent video of McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski sampling the chain's new 'Big Arch burger' sparked widespread ridicule. This incident highlights a growing trend: CEOs and corporate leaders increasingly seeking to center themselves in the spotlight. This phenomenon, which can be termed 'CEOism,' raises important questions about the motivations behind it and its impact on consumers.Examples of CEOism abound. During the Super Bowl, the founder of Ring featured in the company's ad, only to face backlash for the dystopian undertones of the doorbell technology being promoted. In the sporting world, Fifa president Gianni Infantino has taken to inserting himself into high-profile events, including interrupting the start of the World Cup to give a welcoming address and unveiling the official sticker album.The reasons behind CEOism are complex and multifaceted. On one hand, companies are seeking to be seen as more relatable and approachable, which may explain why CEOs want to center themselves in advertising. On the other hand, the current cultural and political climate appears to have emboldened corporate leaders, who now seem more willing to express their opinions and insert themselves into public discourse.The article's author, Larry Ryan, expresses skepticism about the trend, suggesting that CEOs are mistaking interest in their products with interest in the people themselves. He longs for a time when CEOs focused on financial performance rather than seeking to be in the spotlight.However, some argue that audiences want to hear from the people behind brands and that 'CEOism' can be an effective marketing strategy. The success of podcasts like 'The Diary of a CEO' and social media influencers suggests that people may indeed be interested in hearing from corporate leaders.

Nepal's new prime minister, Balen Shah, has taken office after a landslide win in the recent elections. Shah, a rapper-turned-politician, leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which is expected to have a two-thirds majority in parliament. This mandate comes with high expectations from young Nepalis who drove the 2025 Gen Z protests against corruption, poor governance, and lack of accountability.The RSP, barely four years old, and Shah, with no prior political experience except as mayor of Kathmandu, have a historic opportunity to deliver on the aspirations of young Nepalis. However, analysts and voters warn that with this opportunity comes significant risks. Political analyst Bishnu Sapkota notes that expectations are enormous, and it may be unrealistic for Shah to fully meet them.One of Shah's immediate challenges will be implementing the findings of the Karki Commission, which investigated the killings and property damage during the Gen Z movement. The commission's report, submitted on March 8, 2026, is expected to be made public and implemented quickly. This will require careful management of political reactions and potentially difficult decisions.Another challenge Shah faces is the relationship between him and Rabi Lamichhane, the founder of the RSP. Lamichhane faces allegations of fraud, organized crime, and money laundering, and has previously served jail sentences. Experts describe their alliance as a 'marriage of convenience' and note that differences could emerge later.Shah's popularity was the main factor behind the RSP's success, and analysts suggest that he may end up having a stronger grip on the party than its president. RSP leader Shishir Khanal emphasizes that Shah will lead the government, while Lamichhane will lead the party, and both will have to face challenges and manage expectations on their own respective fronts.In the first 100 days, the RSP plans to prioritize anti-corruption measures, including investigations into the wealth of senior officials and politicians since 1990. These steps respond directly to the demands of last year's Gen Z protests. Gen Z activist Yujan Rajbhandari notes that the new government must prioritize good governance and protect civic freedoms, or face pushback from the same movement that enabled its rise.Shah's critics have questioned his diplomatic skills, citing past social media posts attacking Nepal's neighbors, including India and China. However, analyst Sapkota argues that Shah's lack of political baggage could allow Nepal to pursue a more independent diplomacy. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already signaled a willingness to work with Nepal's new leadership, and Shah has emphasized the importance of maintaining close relations with India.

The documentary 'Keir Starmer: Where Did It All Go Wrong?' presents a critical analysis of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership, highlighting his historically low approval ratings and the public's perception of him as 'incompetent', 'useless', and 'weak'. The program, presented by political broadcaster Lewis Goodall, explores the reasons behind Starmer's unpopularity, including his lack of clear political strategy and vision.According to the documentary, Starmer's promise of change was a key factor in his election campaign, but little has changed for ordinary citizens. A survey conducted for the program revealed that a majority of respondents believe Starmer should resign, citing his slow pace of change and lack of a clear plan. The documentary also examines Starmer's shift to the right during his leadership campaign, which may have opened up space for the Greens to attract progressive voters.The program features interviews with various politicians, including Alan Johnson and Bridget Phillipson, who defend Starmer, while John McDonnell and Kim Johnson offer a more critical perspective. The documentary concludes by questioning whether Starmer can find the qualities needed to turn his leadership around and restore public trust.However, the article suggests that the documentary may be avoiding a deeper analysis of Starmer's ideology and the potential reasons behind his actions, including the possibility that he may be intentionally maintaining the status quo. The article also notes that Starmer's dealings with Donald Trump and his stance on Iran have been presented as positive aspects of his leadership.

European intelligence agencies have gathered evidence suggesting that Russia is on the verge of supplying drones to Iran for use in its ongoing conflict with the US and Israel. This development could significantly escalate tensions in the region.According to a senior European official, Russia has already been providing intelligence sharing with Tehran to help target US forces. The upcoming delivery of explosive-laden drones would be the first instance of lethal support from Russia to Iran since the start of the war.The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed a report by the Financial Times that western intelligence found Russia was close to completing a phased shipment of drones, medicine, and food to Iran. Drone deliveries could be completed by the middle of next week.In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “There are a lot of fakes going around right now. One thing is true – we are continuing our dialogue with the Iranian leadership.”Russia and Iran have signed a strategic partnership agreement and Moscow has sent over 13 tonnes of medicine to Iran through Azerbaijan. Moscow's growing involvement could expand and escalate the conflict, which has been criticized for its ill-defined objectives and resulting geopolitical and economic chaos.European foreign ministers have expressed concern over Russia's support for Iran, with German foreign minister Johann Wadephul accusing Russia of helping Iran identify potential strike targets. “Putin cynically hopes that the escalation in the Middle East will divert our attention from his crimes in Ukraine,” he said.

The notion of governments controlling prices has long been considered taboo in modern economics. However, with the resurgence of inflation and its far-reaching consequences, this stance is beginning to shift. Politicians are now exploring the possibility of intervening in the market to regulate prices, a move that would have been deemed unthinkable just a few decades ago.The Austrian economist Friedrich Hayek had argued that governments lacked the necessary information to make informed decisions about prices, leading to inefficiencies in state-run economies. Nevertheless, as market economies have struggled to provide affordable essentials like energy and housing, interest in state-regulated prices has begun to grow.Examples from Mexico and Spain demonstrate the effectiveness of government intervention in controlling prices. In Mexico, the left-wing president Andrés Manuel López Obrador and his successor Claudia Sheinbaum have capped the prices of essential goods, while in Spain, the centre-left government of Pedro Sánchez has implemented a national rent freeze and energy price cap.In the UK, Zack Polanski of the Green party has advocated for a wider price reset, while Andy Burnham, a possible Labour leadership candidate, has also called for more state involvement in the economy to reduce prices. Burnham's experiences as mayor of Greater Manchester, where he has brought buses back under public control, have informed his arguments.The pressure for the UK to adopt similar measures is mounting, with a majority of British voters supporting nationalizations to get prices under control. As inflation continues to rise, it remains to be seen whether the UK government will follow the example of countries like Spain and Mexico.

Ed Miliband's stock is rising in the Labour Party as he fills a void left by Morgan McSweeney's departure, becoming a key figure in shaping the party's thinking. His influence has grown significantly in recent weeks, with some suggesting he is the real prime minister, calling the shots on key issues. Miliband's popularity among Labour members has increased, with him leapfrogging Angela Rayner as the membership's favourite cabinet minister. This surge in popularity has led to speculation that he could potentially win a leadership contest if one were to happen. The Labour Party's shift to the left, partly due to the Greens' victory in Gorton and Denton, has contributed to Miliband's rise. His reputation as a deep thinker and intellectual heavyweight has become increasingly valuable in a time when the party needs to address complex global challenges. Miliband's background in intellectual pursuits has prepared him for this role. Having cut his teeth in Gordon Brown's court, which was known for its intellectual voraciousness, Miliband has developed a unique ability to think through complex arguments from first principles. The current political landscape, marked by an energy crisis, potential recession, and rising populism, has highlighted the need for big ideas. Miliband's approach, which emphasizes thoughtful consideration and intellectual rigor, is seen as a welcome change from the party's previous focus on small, practical solutions. While Miliband is not infallible, his tendency to think years ahead of his time has been noted by those who have worked with him. His ideas, though not always successful, have the potential to sharpen the party's mental blades for the challenges ahead. In conclusion, Ed Miliband's rise to prominence is a reflection of the Labour Party's need for intellectual heavyweights who can provide big ideas and thoughtful leadership in a rapidly changing world.

Fears of economic strain are mounting across Europe as the United States-Israel conflict with Iran approaches its one-month anniversary. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has described the situation as an economic 'catastrophe' for global economies, with impacts already becoming evident.Speaking during a meeting with Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, Pistorius emphasized Germany's willingness to contribute to peace efforts. He stated that Germany is 'ready to secure any peace' and would discuss operations to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz if a ceasefire were implemented.The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has further exacerbated concerns by revising global growth projections. The international body cut its 2026 forecast for British economic growth by half a percentage point to just 0.7 percent, while downgrading the eurozone by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, the US received a 0.3 percentage point upgrade to its growth forecast.Addressing reporters in Canberra, Pistorius criticized the lack of consultation with Germany before the commencement of hostilities. 'Nobody asked us before. It's not our war, and therefore we don't want to get sucked into that war,' he stated, adding that there is no clear strategy, objective, or exit plan from the conflict.The economic repercussions are particularly severe in energy markets. Natural gas prices in the European Union have surged by more than 30 percent since the conflict began, with prices spiking following Israel's attack on Iran's critical South Pars gasfield and subsequent Iranian retaliation against Qatar's Ras Laffan facility.European leaders are increasingly vocal about the economic dangers. European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen has called for negotiations with Iran and an end to hostilities, while urging member states to accelerate preparations for meeting winter gas storage targets. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has described the situation as 'far worse' than the 2003 Iraq invasion, warning of broader and deeper potential impacts.The economic consequences extend beyond Europe, with the OECD noting that the global economy, previously on a path toward growth, has now veered from that trajectory. Planned fiscal tightening and higher energy prices are expected to keep growth subdued in the United Kingdom, though somewhat mitigated by lower policy rates anticipated for the following year.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have signed a friendship treaty aimed at deepening ties between their countries. Both leaders are close allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin.The treaty was signed on Thursday during Lukashenko's two-day trip to Pyongyang. He told Kim that relations between their countries were entering a 'fundamentally new stage', according to the Belarusian state news agency Belta.Lukashenko emphasized the need for independent countries to cooperate closely in today's global transformation, where global powers often ignore and violate international law. Kim expressed opposition to undue pressure on Belarus from the West.The North Korean leader gave Lukashenko a lavish welcome, including a white-horsed cavalry, flag-waving children, and a 21-cannon salute. Both nations have backed Russia's war in Ukraine.Kim has reportedly provided Moscow with ammunition and sent soldiers to help Russia expel Ukrainian forces from its western region of Kursk in 2024. Lukashenko allowed Belarus to be used as a launchpad for Russia's invasion in February 2022 and has agreed to allow Russian tactical nuclear missiles on its territory.The Belarusian leader, in power since 1994, is politically and economically dependent on Putin. North Korea and Belarus conduct a small volume of trade but share long experience of surviving under international sanctions. North Korea has been sanctioned due to its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and Belarus over its human rights record and backing for Putin in Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran's leaders are desperate to reach a deal with the United States, saying, 'They are begging to make a deal, not me.' He added that he is unsure if the US is willing to negotiate. This development comes as tensions escalate following an Israeli air strike reportedly targeting and killing Alireza Tangsiri, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy.The situation between Iran and the US remains volatile, with Tehran criticizing Washington's plan as 'one-sided and unfair'. The US and Israel have confirmed the strike, but Iran has yet to officially verify the incident. This exchange highlights the continuing strain in international relations between these key global players.