Hong Kong Protests: Danger, Democracy, and Disillusionment in the Far East

“A lot of people, young people, do not see hope in their future. They cannot afford to get married, they cannot afford to have children, they cannot afford to sustain themselves.” Facing a future of widespread income inequality, surging house prices, and a faltering democratic process, Hong Kong citizens are fighting to maintain their autonomy from the Chinese mainland. Why did protests cascade to this level, and how can freedom be restored?

Over the past 50 years, staggering progress has been made to achieve worldwide universal literacy. Yet, youth's rise has created a gap that may be impossible to bridge anytime soon. #WESinfographic

Welcome and congratulations to all incoming Warwick freshers! Each new academic year means a new cohort of ambitious and talented students, and with them: a new WES! Exciting times lie ahead as we enter 2020: this means a new debate. By joining WES, you will become a crucial component in developing our global reach, currently spread over 5 continents and 40+ universities. As part of the WES team, you gain the exclusive opportunity to meet a diverse set of high-profile speakers and to help shape the conversation. Our positions vary. Find your spot and your second home within our team! We’ll be posting updates on our page throughout the week. In the meantime, like this page and follow us on Instagram (@warwickeconsummit)! #WES2020

The Roar of the Asian Economy: If Asia is the economic engine of the future, who drives the car?

Ask any business leader if Asia will be the future of economic power, and they will likely agree. But ask if political power will shift as well, and you’ll get a more interesting answer. In the second part of our series on Asia, we seek to explore just that: If Asia becomes the world’s economic centre, will China dethrone the United States as the global political leader? Catch our big read here!

The Roar of the Asian Economy: Consumption growth is set to make Asia the economic centre of the world

In this era of globalisation and seamless connectivity, Asia has benefited the most with the region experiencing exponential growth in both economic numbers and business opportunities. In a two-part series, we explore how Asia is set to transform the world over the course of the next decade. Primarily using research from McKinsey, we discuss how changing consumption, trade and business patterns are set to reshape the global economy, and how the might of the Asian consumer is pulling the centre of economic gravity towards them.

The amount of evaded taxes has fallen from 16% to 12% since 2009 in the EU. Nevertheless, the level of tax evasion remains high as EU member states lost EUR 824 billion in tax money in 2015. #WESinfographic

Into the Heart of Darkness: Combating the DRC’s resurgent Ebola crisis

On the 17th July, the WHO declared the DRC's Ebola Outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. How can health interventions succeed to combat the deadly epidemic amidst a climate of misinformation, violence against health workers, and conflict between warring militias?

WES Exclusive: The Center for China and Globalisation on US Protectionism and China’s faltering growth

China’s faltering growth came at the back of a tumultuous trade war with Washington, where its exports suffered heavily due to tariffs from the US. In turn, this affected the GDP numbers for China which recorded a year-on-year growth of 6.2 percent, its lowest since records began. Donald Trump triumphantly claimed his tariffs are the primary cause for China’s slowest GDP growth in three decades. Unconvinced, we asked the Center for China & Globalization for their views in this edition of #WESExclusive.

While association football remains the most popular sport in most countries, the American market is undoubtedly where the money is at. Out of the top ten most valuable sport teams as listed by Forbes, seven almost purely cater to North American viewers. The Dallas Cowboys, for instance, sold their stadium's naming rights to AT&T for a staggering USD 400-600 million in 2013. #WESinfographic

WES Exclusive: The European Peace with The European Neighbourhood Council (ENC)

The European Union is not one without flaws, that much is accepted. But amidst the many issues that plague the EU, it is easy to overlook the most remarkable and arguably the most important accomplishment by the EU – its ability to achieve peace. In partnership with the European Neighbourhood Council, we explore their thoughts on the drivers of peace, as well as on EU-Turkey relations and the steps needed to move forward. Catch our #WESExclusive right here, and for a greater in-depth commentary on the issue, take a look at ENC's booklet "Future of Europe" at the link below! http://www.encouncil.org/ourwork/r/

WES Exclusive: The European Neighbourhood Council (ENC) on the Japanese Oil Tanker Attack and its consequences for Europe

On June 13th, a Japanese tanker was attacked off the Gulf of Oman, provoking accusation by the US of Iranian culpability. Conflicting reports have cast doubt on these claims and ignited uncertainty of how Europe should best respond. WES had the privilege of receiving comment on the matter from the European Neighbourhood Council (ENC), an independent think-tank focused on European, Central Asian, and Middle Eastern regional policy. Catch our #WESExclusive right here!

The common agricultural policy, which guarantees EU farmers a fixed price for their produce, presents approximately 38% of the EU budget. The European Union is not alone with such protectionism. An OECD report outlines that an average of USD 601 bln was transferred to agricultural producers annually during 2012-14 in 49 countries – representing a massive 88% of global value added in the sector. Does agricultural policy in developed countries excessively stifle growth elsewhere, or is it a tool to promote local and responsibly grown food? #jointhedebate #WESinfographic