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Polls open in Thailand with three main parties vying for power
No single party is expected to secure a clear majority in Sunday's vote, raising the spectre of political instability.
Record-Breaking One-Off Bugatti Brouillard Could Become the Most Expensive Bugatti Ever
A one-off aimed at a historic record Bugatti’s latest one-off, the Brouillard, steps onto the hypercar stage with the quiet confidence of a record-breaker. The brand’s tradition of bespoke excellence meets a bold new aesthetic, positioning this unique commission to potentially become the marque’s most expensive creation. Built on the proven underpinnings of the Chiron/Mistral architecture, yet transformed by distinctive craft, the Brouillard is both homage and innovation. A name born from equestrian legend More than a century ago, a striking white horse captivated Ettore Bugatti in Molsheim. That equine myth now informs the car’s name and its sensory identity. The result is an automotive portrait of athletic grace—surfaces that read like muscle, curves that suggest motion, and details that quietly speak of discipline and heritage. Embroidered horse motifs on door panels and seat backs echo the story, while a miniature glass sculpture of the steed crowns the shifter. Sculptural design with purpose The Brouillard’s silhouette favors sinuous surfaces over hard creases, allowing light to glide over its form like a tendon under skin. Aerodynamics inform elegance: an integrated ducktail replaces a deployable wing, cleansing the airflow and boosting stability at speed. Its stance is athletic, its volumes taut, and its visual language unmistakably Bugatti. “Sculptural, organic forms—like a tendon beneath the skin—hide immense power behind noble simplicity,” said design chief Frank Heyl, capturing the car’s philosophy in a single stroke. Craft elevated to an art The cabin embraces craftsmanship at an uncommon level. Custom-woven textiles from Paris introduce a discreet tartan pattern, while green-tinted carbon fiber nods to the exterior’s hue. A glazed roof creates a cathedral atmosphere, bathing the cockpit in natural light. A central spine appears to flow from exterior to interior, emphasizing continuity and structure. Highlights include: Custom textiles with subtle tartan motifs Green-tinted carbon fiber matched to the exterior finish A “cathedral” glass roof that elevates cabin ambience A sculptural centerline linking outside to inside Bespoke embroidery and glass equine detail W16 power at its absolute apex Under the sculpted skin, the final evolution of Bugatti’s 8.0‑liter, quad‑turbo W16 delivers a thunderous 1,600 hp at 7,050 rpm and 1,600 Nm of torque. This represents the pinnacle of nearly two decades of Bugatti engineering, honed to an ultimate state. The lightweight monocoque blends carbon fiber with aluminum, holding mass to around 1,900 kg for poise and control. Experts suggest the Brouillard could surpass the 282 mph (454 km/h) achieved by the Mistral, aided by more aerodynamic bodywork and the fixed ducktail. Whether or not it sets a new benchmark, its intent is clear: relentless speed paired with refinement. Exclusivity with an exacting timeline The commissioning process is intensive, with roughly 18 months of development leading to a 2027 delivery. Bugatti’s program limits itself to no more than two creations per year, ensuring focus and rarity. Each example leaves the atelier as a singular vision, shaped to the client’s collection and the brand’s ethos. An unveiling is planned for Monterey Car Week 2025, placing the Brouillard amid the world’s most discerning enthusiasts. Its patron is a European collector deeply invested in the Bugatti universe, from historic and modern cars to Carlo Bugatti furniture and Rembrandt Bugatti bronzes. A valuation poised to make history While Bugatti has not disclosed an official price, informed estimates place the Brouillard between €10 million and €30 million. Context matters: a series Mistral begins near €5 million, while the Brouillard adds profound personalization, sculptural changes, and a pace of production that keeps scarcity front and center. In an arena where uniqueness drives value, the path to a brand record is unmistakably open. What it signals for the marque The Brouillard crystallizes Bugatti’s dual identity: traditional savoir‑faire intertwined with boundary-pushing performance. It exhibits a narrative soul—the white horse of Molsheim—woven into modern materials and world-class aerodynamics. As a rolling statement, it reaffirms that the Bugatti idea is larger than speed alone; it is about story, craft, and the courage to pursue an ideal to its logical limit.
Stop cyber threats! Learn to use artificial intelligence as your small business security ally
This session will focus on the security and privacy issues associated with artificial intelligence, providing a clear roadmap for integrating artificial intelligence tools ethically and effectively to stay one step ahead of sophisticated cyber threats.
Trump says nuclear talks in Oman were 'very good,' claims Iran wants a deal 'very badly'
President Donald Trump says Iran "wants to make a deal very badly" after indirect nuclear talks mediated by Oman reportedly show diplomatic progress.
DC starts issuing fines for businesses, residents who haven’t cleared sidewalks
Nearly two weeks after a snowstorm, D.C. has resumed issuing fines to residents and businesses that fail to clear sidewalks as inspectors enforce snow removal rules to keep pedestrians safe.
US accuses China of secret nuclear test as Trump admin calls for broader nuclear weapons agreement
The United States on Friday accused China of carrying out a secret nuclear test in 2020 as the Trump administration calls for a broader nuclear weapons agreement including both China and Russia.
Experts Warn: The Dangerous Blur Between Science and Wellness in Mental Health Bestsellers
A marketplace where labels blur In many bookstores, titles rooted in clinical science sit inches from glossy self-help guides promising instant serenity. That proximity can make rigorous research look interchangeable with lifestyle advice, especially when everything shares the same bright displays. Readers encounter a single aisle labeled “psychology,” even when the content ranges from peer-reviewed evidence to spiritual rituals. The result is a subtle but pervasive blur, turning a complex health landscape into a grab-bag of mixed claims. Why the shelves can mislead Retail categories are built for convenience, not for methodological clarity or clinical accuracy. When “development personal” or “wellness” becomes the default bin, evidence-based psychology competes with coaching manifestos and mystical manuals. The visual language of covers—calming color palettes, confident subtitles, glowing endorsements—flattens the distinction between randomized trials and anecdotal wisdom. In that aesthetic harmony, a guide on cognitive behavioral therapy may appear no more “serious” than a book on moon manifestation. The stakes for readers and patients Confusion carries real risks, including delayed care when people self-treat serious symptoms with untested routines. Vulnerable readers—facing depression, trauma, or anxiety—may be swayed by charismatic voices over careful data. Some messages frame recovery as pure willpower, which can amplify shame when symptoms persist despite effort. Others overpromise universal solutions, ignoring cultural context, diagnostic nuance, and comorbidity. “Shelving is not neutral; it shapes beliefs, expectations, and choices.” What professionals and retailers are asking Clinicians and public-health experts argue for clear, readable signage that separates science-based mental health from broader wellness. Books by licensed psychiatrists or psychologists that cite peer-reviewed studies could be grouped under “Evidence-Based Mental Health.” Adjacent space might host reflective memoirs, coaching workbooks, or contemplative philosophy—valuable in their way, but clearly labeled as non-clinical guidance. Booksellers emphasize their dual role as cultural curators and commercial actors, noting they respond to demand while striving for quality standards. How clarity could look and feel The goal is not to police ideas, but to help readers navigate with confidence. Transparent categorization respects reader autonomy while lifting the signal of credible practice. Clear tags—such as “scientific references,” “clinical overview,” or “personal narrative”—can work like map legends, turning a maze into a route. And when a book blends modes, hybrid labels can acknowledge both insight and limitation. A practical checklist for choosing wisely Check the author’s credentials: clinical license, academic affiliation, or relevant training. Scan the references: citations to peer-reviewed journals or reputable guidelines. Look for scope limits: clear statements about who the book is and isn’t for, and when to seek care. Seek methods, not miracles: approaches tested across diverse groups, with measurable outcomes. Watch the language: be wary of absolute claims, stigmatizing tones, or one-size-fits-all promises. Cross-verify with trusted bodies: national psychology associations or public-health agencies. The publisher’s responsibility Publishers can raise the bar by standardizing disclosure on methods, sample sizes, and limitations. Editorial policies could require conflict-of-interest statements, transparent citations, and plain-language summaries of evidence. Marketing should avoid medicalized framing for books that lack clinical validation, even when sales incentives press for bold claims. When a manuscript mixes reflection with research, honest jacket copy can prevent false equivalence. Coexisting without confusion Wellness writing can offer genuine comfort, perspective, and daily habits that support well-being. Scientific texts can provide structured tools, validated therapies, and realistic expectations for progress. The aim is to let these strands coexist, while giving readers the navigational cues to tell them apart. With clearer shelves, informed labels, and modest design tweaks, we can protect reader trust—and keep the aisle both inviting and intelligent.
Healthy Returns: Pfizer execs chart out obesity strategy after encouraging drug data
Pfizer made one thing clear this week: It's officially back in the obesity race.
Analysis: Trump’s quest to name things after himself takes an even more desperate turn
Donald Trump’s insatiable desire to name things after himself has been clear for a very long time. And as president, he’s rapidly pushed the envelope in that regard, naming things after himself in ways it appears no previous president ever has.
Clutter, hoarding is 'visual noise' for the brain, Louisiana psychiatrist says
Here are some tips to kickstart decluttering and visually clearing the mind.
Live updates: The latest on the Trump administration as US-Iran talks are underway in Oman
Nuclear talks between the US and Iran are underway in Oman. Meanwhile, lawmakers remain sharply divided over DHS and ICE funding. Follow for live news updates.
Labour MP calls for a ‘clearout’ of advisers in Downing Street amid Mandelson scandal
Pressure continued to build on Keir Starmer to remove his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney
App issue triggers voluntary recall of some Siemens Healthineers CT systems
Siemens self-reported a problem with software being inadvertently delivered to U.S. systems when the applications have not yet been cleared for use by the FDA.
DC Wrap: Dems make DHS demands; nuclear treaty expires; Bessent defends tariffs
A look at the day's biggest stories in national politics
How 1 Tom Brady sentence ignited Patriots Super Bowl resentment
This has clearly irked the Patriots.
Bessent defends tariffs on Capitol Hill as SCOTUS decision looms
It’s unclear when the Supreme Court may issue its decision, but the nine justices don't return to the bench until Feb. 20 from winter recess
The Middle East’s Politics Come to NYC
Snow uncleared, garbage piling up? Mamdani’s remedy is to take a page out of the Middle Eastern playbook he’s spent his entire adult life admiring.
Organic & Natural Health Association Honors SENPA’s Debra Short with Champion Award at Conference Shaping Policy, and the Future of Retail
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Organic & Natural Health Association’s 11th annual conference, “The United States of Health: Building Bridges to Opportunity,” concluded Jan. 22 with a celebration of industry and a clear message: the future of natural health depends on independent retailers, credible science and modernized policy grounded in transparency and consumer protection. The conference convened Organic & Natural Health members, board leaders, and industry stake
Mobile sports betting bill passes Mississippi House
Mobile sports betting passed the House, clearing its first hurdle to becoming Mississippi law. Now, it faces an unfriendly Senate again.
How to build a business case for indirect tax process automation
Transforming your indirect tax process requires clear ROI metrics, proactive objection handling, a SMART roadmap, AI integration, and early planning.
Frozen on the Ice: The Brain Science Behind Perfect Olympic Timing
Research from Carnegie Mellon University helps explain why that split-second pause happens and how the brain controls it, offering insight not only into elite athletic performance, but also how people make everyday decisions when the outcome isn’t clear.
International science cooperation must go on, say research leaders
Science leaders in Europe and Canada say international cooperation must go on amid geopolitical turmoil. At the same time, Europe and like-minded countries should continue to enhance and diversify international partnerships, a Science|Business conference hears. Hugh Brady, president of Imperial College London, told delegates that Europe’s response to the current geopolitical climate should be to “diversify in terms of research partnerships and build resilience and scale into our own system.”A first priority should be for the EU to sort out the scope of the upcoming European Competitiveness Fund and ensure that, together with the next iteration of Horizon Europe, it can drive the development and scale up of new technologies. The EU and the countries associated to the Horizon Europe programme represent “the world's most successful research innovation ecosystem,” Brady said. In order to mitigate the negative effects of shifting geopolitics, the EU together with the UK, Switzerland, Canada, South Korea and others should talk about “building resilience” and address their own “regional needs,” he added. Responding to TrumpUnder Donald Trump’s leadership, the US government has slashed science budgets and shut down international research programmes. Nearly 8,000 grants at the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation have been frozen or terminated. Courts have overturned most of these cancellations, but the disruption caused remains significant. While Europe may persuade a few thousand disgruntled scientists to move across the ocean to work on topics that have been de-funded in the US, it’s unclear what should happen next with transatlantic scientific cooperation more broadly.“Now is the time for us to show [US researchers] our support as much as we can,” Brady said.The European Research Council (ERC), the EU’s basic science funder, has seen a surge in applicants from the US. According its latest data, US-based researchers submitted 347 proposals to the last three big funding rounds, up from 158 in the previous set of calls. The European Commission has also launched a €22.5 million pilot call in 2025 for the Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions, the EU’s researcher training scheme. It plans to extend this support with a €51.25 million call in 2027 as part of the Choose Europe initiative, which is intended to make the continent a more attractive place to pursue a career in research. Related articlesData corner: US researchers are choosing EuropeEU-India deal highlights growing alignment on technology policyMeanwhile, in the private non-profit sector, the Volkswagen Foundation is experimenting with a new type of grant that would allow US researchers to split their time between the US and Germany. While these schemes are useful, Europe should not bet on an exodus of scientists from the US. “The idea that we might all see them flocking over to Europe is naïve and counterproductive,” said Maria Leptin, president of the ERC, also speaking at the Science|Business conference on February 5. “We need research in the US to be as healthy as possible. I really admire those who are staying there with a will to fight and an optimism that the world will turn into a better place again,” Leptin said. Preserving dataDespite political disruption, academics have found ways to continue cooperating and sharing research data. Leslie Weir, president of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions and Canada’s national librarian, said the US cuts have raised concerns about research data security, after ideologically sensitive databases were limited or deleted by the Trump administration. But international organisations teamed up to ensure that the data is not lost. “It's interesting to see that researchers and libraries across North America are collaborating to make sure that data at risk is duplicated elsewhere outside [the US],” Weir said.
Oklahoma Supreme Court clears Rock Creek Entertainment District in Cleveland County
The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Rock Creek Entertainment District, allowing the $1.1 billion project in Cleveland County to proceed.
Fears of nuclear arms race rise as US-Russia treaty expires
The expiration of the last remaining nuclear treaty between the United States and Russia on Thursday has sparked fears about a nuclear arms race, with the two biggest nuclear superpowers without limits on their arsenals for the first time in decades.
Cursive, foiled again? House passes penmanship bill, but future unclear in Senate
The vote was unanimous in the House.
US-Russia nuclear treaty expires as warnings grow of new arms race
A nuclear treaty first signed in 2010 is expiring this week. If it's not replaced, experts say a global arms race could be in the cards.
It's time to think about human reproduction in space, scientists urge
"If reproduction is ever to occur beyond Earth, it must do so with a clear commitment to safety, transparency and ethical integrity."
Supreme Court Clears Way for California Voting Map
The state’s Republican Party had asked the justices to step in and block the new congressional maps, which give an advantage to Democrats, before the midterms.
Supreme Court clears way for Norman entertainment district, OU arena without public vote
The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled Tuesday the City of Norman can move forward with a controversial tax-increment financing plan for a massive entertainment district and new University of Oklahoma ba…
James Harden-Darius Garland trade grades: One team clearly comes out on top
The Cavaliers sent out an injured 26-year-old point guard to receive the 36-year-old Harden
Gemini ‘screen automation’ will place orders, book rides for you on Android [APK Insight]
It’s been clear for a while that Google is working to let Gemini control your Android phones, and we now have details on "screen automation."
Supplemental Health Care Earns Ninth Best of Staffing Talent and Client Awards in 2026
Supplemental Health Care (SHC), a leading tech-enabled workforce solutions provider, has been named a winner of ClearlyRated's 2026 Best of Staffing Client and Talent awards, underscoring the company's commitment to world-class service in behavioral health, education, and healthcare. In addition, SHC has maintained its prestigious Gold status, reflecting a sustained track record of excellence for five or more consecutive years.
Carbon Health files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief with more than $100M in debt
Primary care company Carbon Health filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief in Texas. | The company, which offers both in-person care at nearly 100 clinics and virtual care services, said Monday it reached a restructuring agreement with its existing lenders that establishes a "clear path to recapitalization and new ownership."
Braves' TV future unclear after FanDuel Sports Network deal collapses
The Atlanta Braves are heading into the season with a major question still unanswered: where and how fans will be able to watch their games.
Jim Cramer on Sysco: “The Business Is Clearly Doing Better Than People Thought”
Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer shed light on recently. Cramer called the stock “cheap,” as he said: Next, how about this rally in Sysco, and that’s the SYY kind, the food distributor, not the networking giant. Sysco shot up almost 11% on Tuesday in response to the company’s earnings report […]
Yankees' Aaron Boone makes outlook on Anthony Volpe crystal clear
Volpe will miss the start of the regular season after offseason surgery.
Google is finally fixing one of Pixel’s biggest connectivity headaches in Android 16
Android 16 QPR3 gives Pixel users clearer control over Adaptive Connectivity with two new toggles in the settings.
The last US-Russia nuclear treaty is about to expire. What happens now?
Is an arms race inevitable in the post-New START world.
A record breaking gravitational wave is helping test Einstein’s theory of general relativity
A newly detected gravitational wave, GW250114, is giving scientists their clearest look yet at a black hole collision—and a powerful way to test Einstein’s theory of gravity. Its clarity allowed scientists to measure multiple “tones” from the collision, all matching Einstein’s predictions. That confirmation is exciting—but so is the possibility that future signals won’t behave so neatly. Any deviation could point to new physics beyond our current understanding of gravity.
Scientists release a map of the clearest picture yet of what dark matter looks like
Dark matter makes up most of the universe, yet we have very little understanding of it. Scientists recently released a map that gives the clearest picture yet of what dark matter looks like.
The C-Suite Rewrites the Org Chart: How Health Systems Are Elevating Technology Leadership
Artificial intelligence, automation and advanced analytics are moving beyond pilot projects into core clinical and operational workflows, demanding clearer ownership and tighter alignment with organizational strategy.
CARBON HEALTH IMPLEMENTS FINANCIAL RESTRUCTURING
Carbon Health Technologies, Inc., (Carbon Health) a technology-enabled healthcare provider, announced today that it has reached an agreement with its existing lenders on the terms of a comprehensive restructuring that establishes a clear path to recapitalization and new ownership.
Here’s What to Know About the Partial Government Shutdown
A bipartisan spending deal couldn’t clear Congress in time to prevent a lapse in federal funding for some departments. The House must pass it to fully reopen the government.
Scientists Warn: This “miracle cure” works only by damaging human cells
MMS has long been promoted as a miracle cure, but new research shows it’s essentially a toxic disinfectant. While it can kill bacteria, it only works at levels that also damage human cells and beneficial gut microbes. Scientists warn that homemade MMS mixtures are especially dangerous due to wildly inconsistent dosing. The study calls MMS a clear case where the risks are high—and the benefits are effectively zero.
Jelly Roll Is Changing His Tune About Talking Current Events: ‘Everybody’s Going to Hear Exactly What I Have to Say in the Most Loud and Clear Way’
Jelly Roll is about to speak out on politics, he vows at the Grammy Awards.
Rose six clear as he chases 13th PGA Tour win
England's Justin Rose is in a strong position to secure a 13th PGA Tour win after extending his lead to six shots at the Farmers Insurance Open on Saturday.
'A pretty clear shift': Local law enforcement increasingly focusing on mental health
It’s no secret that law enforcement is a stressful profession. Compartmentalization is crucial, but one can only compartmentalize so much.
AND NEW! Stevenson Dominates Lopez To Become Four-Division Champion
If there was ever any doubt as to how good Shaker Stevenson really is he put it all to rest last night (Sat., Jan. 31, 2026) in New York City against Teofimo Lopez, dominating “The Takeover” for pretty much the whole fight inside Madison Square Garden. From the jump Stevenson made it clear to Lopez […]
Top 25 And 1: Michigan solidifies status as clear favorite in loaded Big Ten
The Wolverines left no doubt after their road win over rival Michigan State that they're the clear frontrunner to win the conference
Reusse: Latest generation of Pohlads has made it clear Twins are a business
An organization that was thick with camaraderie for decades appears to be a different entity with Derek Falvey’s departure.
Carbon Dioxide 'Pulses' Clears Toxins From Parkinson's Brains in Recent Study
A tantalizing possibility.
30% More Efficient? The Math Behind Aero vs. Steel
The data is clear: Aerodynamics provided a massive efficiency gain, allowing me to match a significantly stronger rider on the flats. Here is the math, plus the latest on the Vingegaard fan crash.
Louisiana’s members of Congress grapple with budget fallout from Minnesota protester killing
President Donald Trump worked out a short-term deal with Democrats. It’s not clear how it will go over in the House.
Let ABC15 Know helps local business stuck in 'Google jail' after 40 days.
A Surprise small business owner says his company was shut out of Google's platform for over a month, and he couldn't get a clear explanation why.
All of the Feelings: Emotional Diversity Linked to Health
A growing body of research demonstrates that feeling a wide range of positive emotions in a single day is linked to health and well-being.
The Observatory and WHO Ukraine reflect on productive partnership and continued collaboration
Why have some health systems coped better than others during the COVID-19 pandemic? Some answers might become clear if we could assess how resilient health systems are in response to crises or shocks, such as the current pandemic and other emergencies, including financial ones, or how well health systems were prepared for such events in the first place. The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies has just published a new policy brief, “Strengthening health systems resilience”, which includes a framework to help policy-makers understand health system resilience and how to strengthen it. This policy brief highlights the key features of resilience and provides examples of strategies which have been applied in different countries.
Windows 11 has hit 1 billion users just a hair faster than Windows 10 did
Windows 11 clears a milestone as Windows 10 continues its slow fade.
Tittle Law Firm Guides Dallas Businesses Through Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorneys Support
When debt problems escalate, local leaders can contact Tittle Law Firm, PLLC for Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys support and clear next-step direction. Tittle Law Firm Guides Dallas Businesses Through Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorneys Support When debt problems escalate, local leaders can contact Tittle Law Firm, PLLC for Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys support and clear next-step direction. Dallas, TX , Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dallas businesses dealing with mounting debt and tightening cas
Man clears driveway with autonomous snow blower during storm
Forget robotaxis — a man and his robo-snow blower were the envy of X during the weekend's winter storm.
Trump is scared of the politics of ICE. And it’s showing.
Even after a press conference Thursday morning from the new leader of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, Tom Homan, it’s still not clear exactly how much the mission will change in the aftermath of Alex Pretti’s killing.
Civic Science Media: Reimagining How We Communicate Science
A 2022 award winner of the National Academies’ Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications, J.D. Allen discusses his civic science media framework, his nuclear energy broadcast initiative, and how incorporating community engagement and solutions-focused journalism improves science storytelling.
ASNC says PET is now the preferred nuclear imaging test for CAD
Which imaging modality is better for evaluating heart patients, PET or SPECT? After years of discussions and debates, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology is now ready to point to PET as the No. 1 choice. “There are no clinical scenarios or patient subgroups where cardiac PET with myocardial blood flow should be excluded," the group wrote.
After D.C. clears homeless encampments, health workers warn of growing risks
While Trump administration officials say that sweeps of homeless encampments make public spaces safer, health workers say they are disrupting care for people with serious medical needs and increasing the risk of illness and death.
How to Communicate About Quantum Technology — Science-Backed Tips For Talking Quantum
Research shows that most people know little about quantum technology, making clear, balanced communication essential.
Why comedian Katherine Ryan won't make fun of her kids on stage: 'I don't wanna get Brooklyn Beckhamed'
The British-Canadian comedian says she steers clear of making any of her five children the punchline for fearing of stirring up Beckham-style family drama.
Investment and Statecraft: The International Politics of Sovereign Wealth Funds - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
In 1953, Kuwait established the world’s first sovereign wealth fund to invest the country’s oil revenues and generate returns that would reduce its reliance on a single resource. Since then, over 100 separate funds have been created to preserve national wealth and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. Today, they manage over $10 trillion in global assets. In this discussion with GJIA, political economist Kathryn Lavelle explains the increasingly novel dynamics that surround fund behavior and what the world can come to expect from their growing presence in international financial markets. GJIA: When it comes to the roles sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) play in global markets and politics, what would you say makes them unique? Kathryn Lavelle: Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) operate on behalf of governments as investors. That in itself is a strange relationship. Within them, a core contest takes place between the state’s interests (or sovereign) part of the dynamic, and the money interests (or wealth) part of it, and these two aspects are frequently in contradiction, serving fundamentally different goals. SWFs are also quite fascinating because when you talk to the people who manage these funds, they have an interest in convincing you that the decisions are made almost exclusively on a financial basis—they really will go to great lengths to differentiate their government owners and those who make the management decisions. At the same time, these people ultimately answer to someone in power. Therefore, for most SWFs, it remains deeply unclear who is actually making the investment decisions and for what purposes. Of course, it is not always clear how other vehicles, such as hedge funds and private equity make the decisions they do, but I think what a lot of people find particularly disconcerting about SWFs is that they seem to act on behalf of people who have a different identity from their own. People who could be trying to manipulate politics and markets in a way that would have a long-term effect on their own populations. Regular investors come and go at will, and they only share an interest in profit as far as most of us understand. However, SWFs have that extra “sovereign” part right behind them that obscures their true interest. GJIA: These funds can be found in countries all across the globe, in both authoritarian states and democracies. Would you say SWFs differ in their goals and structures between regime-type? KL: It is not necessarily regime type that makes the goals and structures of SWFs different. It has to do with their economies. Let’s look at a country like China. There’s going to be a debate about exactly how to characterize the regime, but it is a country with many different kinds of sovereign wealth funds, and a particularly opaque state connection to each. At one time, some of the state-owned Chinese oil companies created specialized investment vehicles listed outside Chinese markets that excluded parts of the firms that were more associated with human rights violations. At the same time, the China Investment Corporation (CIC)—China’s largest SWF—draws a lot of concern, not necessarily because of its investment activities, but because of the dynamics of global politics. So, I wouldn’t really tie differences to regime types themselves in a wholesale way, but rather to how such funds are perceived and how they are structured. Saudi Arabia’s SWF is getting all kinds of attention for its involvement in Hollywood, and this takes me right back to when I was a student in the 1980s, when people were concerned about Japanese investment entities buying assets in Hollywood. They aren’t quite the same in financial terms, but it’s the same kind of concern about foreign investment that drives people to be suspicious, and the whole idea that “foreigners are influencing Hollywood.” This holds true across industries, and it reflects where politics are in places like the United States right now. One metric we can try to look at is transparency, where all the funds will tell you, “we are transparent.” The problem you’ll keep running into with this approach is how you value things. When trying to do comparative studies of equity markets, you’ll find that every country doesn’t use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles like we do in the United States. A fund may appear opaque politically and not want people to show what they’re invested in or what their intent with that investment is, but they could also just not be able to report it because of the way it was purchased, or the kinds of shares they purchased. There are some assets out there that really are difficult to put a monetary value on. GJIA: To what extent do domestic politics shape SWF behavior in both the investing “home” country and the recipient “host” country? KL: This depends on the type of fund present and also on the extent to which voters’ political views are able to influence the fund. For example, in a democratic home state like Norway, the SWF doesn’t invest in nuclear weapons or tobacco because of social concerns, but there is a continuing debate over whether it should invest in oil, even though that’s where most of the money comes from. The degree to which Norway will continue to make those investments, and whether they contradict the government’s overall climate goals, is an open question in Norwegian politics. Because of the way the fund’s governance is structured, it may not be easy to resolve. On the other hand, some people consider pension funds, like the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) in Ohio, to be quasi-SWF. They have a very strict separation between the people who make up the management division and the fund owners. No teacher or professor would want to invest in things that may harm the future of their students. At the same time, a fund manager might see an opportunity in a diversified multinational corporation that offers a good return, despite it deriving part of its revenue from e-cigarettes. These contests are very apparent. Domestic politics can work in host countries too. A good example is Singapore’s SWF, Temasek, investing in Thailand’s telecommunications sector. If you study political economy, you already know that countries everywhere are uncomfortable with foreign ownership of their telecom sectors because a foreign entity could monitor or manipulate our communications with each other. In the case of Temasek, there was significant pushback from Thai citizens surrounding the deal, which went on to influence national political sentiment toward Singapore as a whole, underscoring the risks some SWFs may face with their investment choices. In this case, fund behavior led to the dissolution of the entire Thai government in 2006 and a subsequent coup d’état. GJIA: To address some of this unease, the Santiago Principles were established in 2009 to ostensibly promote trust and transparency. From your perspective, have these mechanisms actually changed fund behavior? KL: In international relations theory, we always like to have a clear set of norms and best practices—the orientation we want the proverbial ship to be going in. In that regard, the Santiago Principles at least got the discussion going about which direction SWFs should take at a time when people were very skittish about the growing size of these funds. Nobody wanted them to be out there and potentially destabilizing economies, so talks about disclosure, conditions for withdrawal, and the independence of managers were helpful when initiated. The biggest stumbling block was that there wasn’t exactly a good way to measure compliance with the Principles, let alone how to hold funds to them. If you read the Principles, they’re overall quite vague. In general, a fund doesn’t want to reveal how and why they make certain investment decisions because that information is proprietary—a fund makes money off of how and why it makes decisions—so how do you reconcile that with loosely-defined ideas of openness? Some decisions might have a political purpose. The bottom line is that trying to figure out and assign a score to compliance is not easy, and it is therefore the reason why the Santiago Principles never really got off the ground to the point where they could truly direct fund behavior. GJIA: Many emerging markets are looking to build their own SWFs from mineral and oil revenues. Historically, have funds shaped development trajectories in these countries? KL: I think the big story in international emerging markets investment is that the investment is increasingly no longer unidirectional. In the past multinational corporations of primarily Western background were the main form of foreign direct investment in a country. That has changed dramatically, to the point where you have companies from so-called “developing countries” taking over companies in the United States. Therefore, the landscape of international investment has changed, and I think SWFs are certainly a possibility to be the next step in the game. Historically, you didn’t need an entire financial vehicle to reinvest commodity revenues in your country, but as emerging markets get more financially sophisticated, their capacity to operate such funds has increased. SWFs would allow treasuries to move from relying on holding foreign exchange assets like cash or government bonds to having broader financial markets and targeted growth areas, while easing pressure on welfare expenditures. GJIA: With their increasing financial weight, do you see the presence of SWFs being a factor in the political choices leaders will have to make with regard to domestic and foreign policy? KL: It will depend on just how big the funds get. One of the reasons people are already apprehensive is because of their scale, and if certain SWFs in certain countries achieve a large-enough size, the presence will absolutely be cause for concern. The other factor political leaders will have to consider are their objectives. It’s not always clear how to define a SWF, or even where its activity is concentrated, but it is certainly a worry from the perspective of national security of opaque external investment. More than that, I think one of the most interesting questions going forward is whether the United States, the home to the world’s largest financial markets, will develop its own fund, for which the Trump administration announced a plan. There have also been several proposals in Congress. Were it to come into being, it would have tremendous weight. At the same time, one of the hallmarks of U.S. capitalism is a lack of government ownership of shares, so it would not be clear how such a fund would be received in domestic politics, or which direction it would take. Given how politically fragmented the country is, a Democratic administration would likely be concerned about different sectors of the economy, such as healthcare, and want investment there, rather than a Republican administration, which might prefer defense industries. No investment vehicle could thrive under conditions of such instability. Moreover, it remains unclear where the money to fund a theoretical U.S. SWF would come from. It would be a fundamentally different entity depending on whether it is financed with debt, economic surplus, commodities, or the sale of state companies, as in the case of Singapore. If it is debt, or government borrowing of some form, then the fund would have to outperform whatever the cost of that debt is, which is not an easy thing to do. I think our political leaders have enough on their plate. Our system has worked well keeping political and investment functions generally separate. We have seen different forms of business rise and fall, and even the perception of different countries, all of which funds are tied to. Unless a major SWF either starts—like in the case of the United States—or collapses—an issue that concerns the Saudis, I don’t see any political tsunamis on the horizon. . . . Kathryn Lavelle is the Ellen and Dixon Long Professor of World Affairs at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Her research explores the exchange between domestic and international and political institutions with a particular emphasis on political economy and multilateralism. Dr. Lavelle’s first book, The Politics of Equity Finance in Emerging Markets, explored the political circumstances that surround large issues of stock in the developing world. After being granted tenure at Case Western, she was awarded an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship and named the William A. Steiger fellow, a designation given to the most promising political scientist in her class of fellows. While in Washington during 2006-2007, she worked on the staff of the House Committee on Financial Services on issues related to domestic and international monetary policy. Dr. Lavelle holds a PhD in political science from Northwestern University; an M.A. in government and foreign affairs from the University of Virginia; and a bachelor’s degree in international economics from Georgetown University. She is a permanent member of the New York Council on Foreign Relations. This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and length. Interview conducted by Sid Mehrotra. Image Credit: Jason Leung, Unsplash Content Licenses, via Unsplash
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