By Invitation

Japan
Abe Shinzo was the most important Japanese leader in the past 50 years, says Kevin Rudd
The former Australian prime minister considers Abe’s international achievements

Finance
The global economy needs to be better prepared for the coming storm, says Kathryn Judge
The law professor says systemic fragility is a choice made through design

Finance and economics
Brad DeLong asks what America can learn from its past bouts of inflation
In 1947 and 1951 the problem went away by itself. In 1920 the Fed tightened too much, says the economist

Russia and Ukraine
Boris Bondarev on Vladimir Putin’s craven diplomats
And why the war in Ukraine drove him to resign from Russia’s UN team in Geneva

Nuclear energy
John Barrasso wants America to lead the world in nuclear energy
The senator says smarter subsidies and domestic production of nuclear fuel would revive his country’s sector

Tech and diplomacy
Linda Thomas-Greenfield believes the UN Security Council should make better use of technology
America’s ambassador to the UN wants to fight hunger with specialised digital tools

Roe v Wade
Federalism worsens divisions over abortion in America, believes Jamal Greene
The law professor says it also thwarts the introduction of social policies that might calm the rancour

Roe v Wade
Abortion would be best governed by legislatures, says O. Carter Snead
The law professor says such a change would bring America into line with many other countries

Russia and Ukraine
There will be African victims of Russia’s war, warn Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Olusegun Obasanjo
The former presidents of Liberia and Nigeria believe the UN is no longer fit for purpose

Measuring misery
Unhappiness is soaring around the world, laments Jon Clifton
The head of Gallup says the problem began long before the pandemic

Russia and Ukraine
Nuclear plants could become dirty bombs in Ukraine, warns Serhii Plokhy
The Harvard historian says governments should agree to protect them in war

Russia and Ukraine
Moldova’s deputy prime minister urges the EU to expand its membership
Nicu Popescu says his country is eager to join