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From Clawdbot to Moltbot: How This AI Agent Went Viral, and Changed Identities, in 72 Hours
An AI tool that can text you and use your apps? It blew up online. What came next involved crypto scammers, IP lawyers and more.
Give Your Problems (and Passwords) to Moltbot, Then Watch It Go
A viral new virtual assistant formerly known as Clawdbot is complex and brings security risks—but some early adopters say it feels like the future.
America’s biggest science loss: federal government loses over 10,000 STEM PhD scientists in 2025 | - The Times of India
Science News: The US federal government suffered one of the most severe losses of scientific expertise in its modern history in 2025, with more than 10,000 STEM PhD.
Sacramento Bee adds political reporting firepower at California Capitol
Ben Paviour will join The Bee next month as California Political Power Reporter, delivering exclusive storytelling on Statehouse politics.
Amazon layoffs: Leaked memos explain job cuts amid startup shift
Amazon announced 16,000 corporate layoffs on Wednesday. Executives say it aims to transform into the 'world's largest startup' with a cultural reset.
The five biggest sports-business storylines heading into Super Bowl LX: MoneyCall
The latest edition of The Athletic's free weekly sports-business newsletter.
The five biggest sports-business storylines heading into Super Bowl LX: MoneyCall
The latest edition of The Athletic's free weekly sports-business newsletter.
Some of ‘Star Search’s’ biggest losers became megastars. Can the revival live up to its past?
Aaliyah, Britney and Beyoncé famously lost when they appeared on “Star Search” back in the day. Those who bested them look back as a new reboot takes off.
Fact check: Trump says Democrats don’t talk about affordability anymore (they do) because inflation is over (it isn’t)
President Donald Trump tried Tuesday to concoct an alternative reality on the subject of “affordability” – piling lie on top of lie to try to convince Americans that the issue has vanished.
The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold's Nearly $3,000 Price Might Unfold Your Whole Wallet
This double-folding phone will be the most expensive mainstream handset released in the US.
Google brings its Nano Banana image generator to Chrome
Following its recent AI makeover of Gmail, Google is bringing more Gemini-powered tools to Chrome. Starting today, a host of new features are rolling for the browser, with more to come over the next few months.
Live Nation Entertainment, DF Entertainment, and Dale Play Live Enter Into Long-Term Partnership With Club Atlético River Plate at Mâs Monumental Stadium
Live Nation Entertainment today announced a long-term partnership with Club Atlético River Plate, alongside DF Entertainment, Argentina’s leading international live entertainment company; and Dale Play Live, Argentina’s leading Latin live entertainment company, to further elevate Mâs Monumental Stadium as one of the world’s premier destinations for global touring artists and…
How your health is being commodified by social media
From heath tech developers to influencers, our health is being monetised – and we need to be aware of what's going on, says Deborah Cohen
Patriots Rival Reportedly Loses Defensive Coordinator, Longtime Coach To Packers
The New England Patriots are gearing up for the Super Bowl, but two of their division rivals are in the middle of coaching changes. The Miami Dolphins fired Mike McDaniel to hire Jeff Hafley, the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator for the last two years. The Buffalo Bills promoted Joe Brady to head coach from […]
Fake Moltbot AI Coding Assistant on VS Code Marketplace Drops Malware
A fake VS Code extension posing as a Moltbot AI assistant installed ScreenConnect malware, giving attackers persistent remote access to developer syst
Paramount+ plans move into short-form video, UGC: internal docs
Paramount executives want to add short-form video and user-generated content to Paramount+, according to leaked emails and presentations.
Brillstein Entertainment Partners Signs Comedian, Actor & Writer Paul Chowdhry
Paul Chowdhry, the comedian, actor, and writer, has inked with Brillstein for global management in all areas, Deadline can report exclusively.
Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors: Bucks listening on deals for star
Giannis Antetokounmpo has indicated he's ready to move on from the Bucks, and Milwaukee is reportedly willing to listen to offers. Here's the latest.
Community invited to Terry Schools Science Fair Feb. 3
Terry Schools will host a 7th–12th grade Science Fair on Monday, Feb. 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the study hall at Terry High School.
Justin Bieber Performance Locked In for Music’s Biggest Night at the 2026 Grammys
Justin Bieber has announced that he will be performing at the 2026 Grammy Awards, which will take place on Sunday, Feb. 1. Bieber is a two-time Grammy winner and also… The post Justin Bieber Performance Locked In for Music’s Biggest Night at the 2026 Grammys appeared first on Where Is The Buzz | Breaking News, Entertainment, Exclusive Interviews & More.
Laredo Chamber sets 2026 vision to strengthen business
With a vision of strengthening the Laredo business community at all levels as the nation's largest port, Monica Y. Martinez of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce is looking ahead to 2026.
Cleveland Browns to hire Todd Monken as new coach
The Cleveland Browns agreed to hire Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their head coach, a league source told UPI on Wednesday.
Healthy Returns: Botox, Trulicity among 15 drugs added to Medicare price negotiations
The Trump administration kicked off another round of Medicare drug price negotiations, while Kaiser Permanente agrees to pay a historic settlement.
Footy Fix: Catch Champions League action only on Paramount+
All eyes will be on Napoli where Chelsea chase top 8 and the hosts look to sneak into the top 24
Chia Pet Film and TV Rights Acquired by Rakia Media and Crystal City Entertainment: ‘We Can’t Wait for Audiences to Check Out the World of Chia in Theaters’ (EXCLUSIVE)
A Chia Pet movie or TV show could be on the horizon, as the media rights to the classic gift brand have been sold.
Searows: ‘Death in the Business of Whaling’ review
Searows' sophomore album Death in the Business of Whaling is an expertly crafted collection of songs. The album is sure to please fans of Phoebe Bridgers, Ethel Cain or Iron & Wine.
As the Trump administration targets NCAR, scientists rally to defend the ‘mothership’ of atmospheric research
A letter published by the National Science Foundation asks for ideas to dismantle the research hub. Scientists are responding en masse.
Review: AMD's Ryzen 7 9850X3D is a little faster and a lot more power-hungry
The tradeoffs for the $499 9850X3D make it hard to get excited about.
WATCH: Coons, Rubio disagree on whether Congress should’ve been consulted before Maduro ouster
Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said the Trump administration failed to properly consult with Congress in the months leading up to the dramatic U.S. military raid that ousted President Nicolás Maduro. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it was "a trigger-based operation."
PE-backed CT masonry business acquires New England manufacturer
US Masonry and Building Products said it purchased York Flashings LLC, which manufactures products designed to seal joints and channel moisture out of building walls to help prevent water damage.
Manu Ginobili among backers of new planned sports performance project in South Florida
Manu Ginobili is investing in South Florida’s potential with a new venture. The former San Antonio Spurs star is part of a group building the Sports Performance Hub in Homestead, Florida. It’ll be a next-generation sports, education and community development project. It will feature a 10,000-seat stadium for Miami FC, sports training facilities, a basketball facility, a boarding school and more. Groundbreaking is set for March, with plans to open in 2028. Ginobili, along with partners like Riccardo Silva and Juan Sebastian Veron, aims to connect sports training with academics. They believe Miami’s multicultural environment makes it an ideal location.
PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup for February 2026 announced
Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced the February 2026 Monthly Games lineup for PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers. All titles will be available from February 3, 2026 until March 2, 202…
Florida Sheriffs swing behind Byron Donalds in Governor’s race
Law enforcement support builds as Donalds consolidates Republican primary momentum statewide
Leadership turmoil returns to Hispanic Silicon Valley business group
For the second time in seven years, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Silicon Valley has found itself embroiled in a leadership dispute that has led to the sudden ouster and replacement of multiple board members.
Sames Auto Arena serves as entertainment hub with 2026 event lineup
In 2026, familiar and big names are returning to the stage, and the Sames Auto Arena is preparing for even more.
This 'perfect' Amazon Fire TV is on sale for under $200 right now — plus 5 more can't-miss TV deals
You don't need to spend a fortune to upgrade your TV.
Business groups back freight brokers in Supreme Court trucking liability fight
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Retail Federation among those supporting C.H. Robinson in the brief.
Business groups back freight brokers in Supreme Court trucking liability fight
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Retail Federation among those supporting C.H. Robinson in the brief. The post Business groups back freight brokers in Supreme Court trucking liability fight appeared first on FreightWaves.
Galaxy S26 Qi2 25W wireless charger is a MagSafe puck, hints you’ll still need a case
It’s no secret that the Galaxy S26 series is rumored to add Qi2 magnets to the device itself, but if...
Sergi López on 'Sirāt': A journey that makes you look inward
The movie “Sirāt” follows Luis as he treks through the North African desert with his son and dog to find his missing daughter.
Washington Capitals and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Pride Auction Raises $30,485
Proceeds benefit the Wanda Alston Foundation, with a portion of funds allocated for MSE Foundation
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon retiring as retailer gains more wealthy shoppers amid inflation
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon retires after 40 years, leaving behind a transformed retail giant that attracts higher-income shoppers through convenience.
New Sony WF-1000XM6 leak reveals new updated colour options
The WF-1000XM6 is set to debut with more launch colour options than Sony's WF-1000XM5 earbuds, according to a new leak. Tipped to debut next month for $329.99 in the US and €299.99 in the Eurozone, the change would be a first for the WF-1000X series.
Health insurers dodge Trump's pricing crackdown, for now
While the president's ire can return on a whim, the prospect of an Oval Office dressing down appears, for the moment, off the table.
Is Wyoming hoops stuck in purgatory within modern college basketball?
Every season for a reasonably successful mid-major university begins in a similar fashion. They schedule a few in-state cupcakes as the season and home openers before, if they are lucky enough, participating in an ever-declining MTE tournament during the week of Thanksgiving. Throw in a dash of high-major money labeled as “buy games” to help […]
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D Review - The Best Just Got Better
The AMD Ryzen 9850X3D builds on the already excellent 9800X3D without trying to shake up the market. Instead, it focuses on refining what already works. AMD delivers modest improvements with smarter tuning, and the same cache magic that gamers love. Thanks to a reasonable price increase, this processor will be a no-brainer pick for future high-end gaming rigs.
Samsung teases new privacy feature to hide your Galaxy phone screen from onlookers
Samsung said that the upcoming feature will let you protect selected parts of the screen like notification popup area.
2026 NFL mock draft: Senior Bowl week begins as Round 1 picture comes into focus
Here are our latest first-round projections with the draft order nearly set ahead of Super Bowl LX.
The Entertainment District Focus Group examining long term future of Berglund Center complex
Its called the Entertainment District Focus Group, a mostly citizen group asked to weigh in on a possible casino at the Berglund Center - just for starters. The Entertainment District Focus Group is centered around the Berglund Center Complex, as the city looks to generate more revenue. Is there sup
Apple's 'Creator Studio' App Bundle Now Available for $12.99 Per Month
Apple today launched the new Creator Studio that was initially unveiled two weeks ago, providing content creators with access to six Apple apps for $12.99 per month or $129 per year. Creator Studio includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro on Mac and iPad, along with Motion, Compressor, and MainStage on the Mac. Final Cut Pro is Apple's video editing software, Logic Pro is for audio editing and creation, and Pixelmator Pro is an image editing app that Apple purchased in 2024.
AEYE Health Expands Epic Integration for Portable Fully-Autonomous AI Eye Screening Across the US Healthcare System
/PRNewswire/ -- AEYE Health, the leading company in retinal diagnostics and developer of AEYE-DS, the fastest growing solution for diabetic eye exams in the...
As college sports look more professional, sponsors turn to high school
High school sports, some marketers are finding, can provide brands with national reach and inroads with potential future star athletes.
As More Founders Aim To Build Billion-Dollar, One-Person Businesses, New Research Points To High-Potential Niches
A new report points to areas where it is possible for solo founders to grow to $1 billion in revenue using AI, blockchain and a global team of freelancers.
Sword Health plans to acquire Kaia Health for $285M
Sword aims to raise about $500 million to fund more deals in the U.S. and Europe.
Davis Webb rumors reveal Raiders' competition for Broncos assistant coach
Denver Broncos passing-game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb has drawn a lot of interest this offseason and the Las Vegas Raiders have some competition for his services.
Moto G77 launches with a 108MP camera with 3x lossless zoom, 120Hz AMOLED display, and an IP64 rating
Motorola has grown its Moto G series line of smartphones with the launch of a new model. The new Moto G77 has a new camera, a bigger battery, and a brighter display than its predecessor, the Moto G75.
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D Linux Performance Review
Ahead of tomorrow's official availability of the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D at $499 USD, today the review embargo lifted.
China’s latest war game uses hospital and science ships for espionage
It is self-evident that Beijing is not promoting peace, health or scientific research.
Apple Creator Studio is now available for $13 per month: What's included and what it means for creators
Pay monthly or $129 annually for the new subscription bundle that includes a number of Apple's creative apps.
Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard nightmare continues with embarrassing moment
Things just aren't going well right now.
Pegula beats fellow American Anisimova to finally reach Australian Open semis
It marked Pegula’s 14th win in her past 15 matches against fellow Americans.
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.
Viral AI assistant Moltbot rapidly gains popularity but poses security risks
The open source "Jarvis" chats via WhatsApp but requires access to your files and accounts.
Sheldon Kasowitz Champions Science-Based Solutions for Addiction
For Kasowitz, the motivation is deeply personal and urgent
Firefighters respond to business fire in West Jordan
In and out of the buildling.Fans and a hose going into the building.Several firefighters and engines responded to the scene.Rocky Mountain Power responded
Peter Murray Tapped as CEO of Professional Bowlers Association and Head of Media for Lucky Strike Entertainment (Exclusive)
Murray had been the founding CFO of the MMA promotion Professional Fighters League.
FreshBooks 2025 Ontario Small Business Snapshot: Owners More Reserved Than U.S. Peers, but Most Say Their Businesses Are Stable
Ontario survey data shows lower optimism and higher interest-rate sensitivity than U.S. counterparts, while operating conditions stay steady for most businessesTORONTO, Jan. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ontario small business owners are entering 2026 with a more reserved outlook than their U.S. counterparts, reflected in lower economic optimism, softer financial sentiment, and greater sensitivity to interest rates, according to a new Ontario snapshot from FreshBooks’ 2025 State of Small Business
‘I don’t let bullies win’ Ilhan Omar says after attack, as Trump says he will ‘de-escalate’ in Minneapolis
President had mocked congresswoman hours before she was sprayed with unknown substance during a town hall event
The Two Big Decisions Facing Democrats Ahead of a Shutdown
Plus, senators work on a last-minute budget deal on immigration enforcement, and Tom Homan presented his list of demands to Minnesota leaders.
Barry Keoghan Is Nearly Unrecognizable with Long Hair in London, Plus Halle Berry, King Charles, Queen Camilla and More
Barry Keoghan is nearly unrecognizable with long hair in London, plus Halle Berry, King Charles, Queen Camilla and more. From London to Los Angeles, and everywhere in between, see what your favorite stars are up to.
Top Five Moments: Budget Committee Hearing on Skyrocketing Health Care Costs
The Official U.S. Congressional website of The Republican Budget Committee
Scientists turn tumor immune cells into cancer killers
Scientists at KAIST have found a way to turn a tumor’s own immune cells into powerful cancer fighters—right inside the body. Tumors are packed with macrophages, immune cells that should attack cancer but are usually silenced by the tumor environment. By injecting a specially designed drug directly into tumors, researchers were able to “reprogram” these dormant cells to recognize and destroy cancer.
Artemis II and III: The science that brings us back to the Moon
This week on Planetary Radio, Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by Kelsey Young, Artemis Science Flight Operations Lead and lead of the Artemis II Lunar…
As the U.S. bids adieu to the World Health Organization, California says hello
In the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from WHO, California is the first state to participate in the agency's disease monitoring network. Are others following?
5 things to know for Jan. 28: Minnesota ICE crackdown, Political violence, Severe weather, Social media trial, Epstein files
CNN’s 5 Things AM brings you the news you need to know every morning.
UCA to launch Innovation Campus - Talk Business & Politics
The University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees voted Tuesday (Jan. 27) to move forward with the development of a new “Innovation Campus,” an interdisciplinary initiative designed to strengthen workforce...
UCA to launch Innovation Campus - Talk Business & Politics
The University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees voted Tuesday (Jan. 27) to move forward with the development of a new “Innovation Campus,” an interdisciplinary initiative designed to strengthen workforce...
Exclusive: First look at Samsung’s 25W wireless charger, possibly for Galaxy S26
The Galaxy S26 Ultra supports up to 25W fast wireless charging, and we have the first images of its 25W wireless charger.
David Lammy to face Andrew Griffith at deputy Prime Minister's Questions
The pair will fill in for PM Keir Starmer and Tory party leader Kemi Badenoch in the Commons from midday.
Inside the minds of two US Olympians — and how they achieve greatness
U.S. Olympians Erin Jackson and Alysa Liu demonstrate how different personality traits and cognitive styles can lead to elite athletic success.
ZZ Top frontman to play solo, 3 plays to open, other things to do
Onstage events include plays and concerts, or if you prefer on-screen entertainment, there's a horror movie marathon. See what else is coming up!
New Jacksonville health center to bring expanded services, welcome patients regardless of insurance
A Jacksonville health center is expanding its reach to treat more people, especially those who do not have insurance.
iPhone 18 Pro Could Feature Teleconverter Alongside Variable Aperture
Apple's rumored new variable aperture camera system for this year's iPhone 18 Pro models has reached the sampling stage, according to a new claim from a Chinese leaker. Posting on Weibo today, the account known as "Smart Pikachu" said the feature had entered late-stage engineering samples, while a teleconverter is also "under evaluation" for the device. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to launch in September 2026.
Analysis: Trump’s team almost never backs down from its false claims. This past week has been different
From the start, this has been a say-anything presidential administration.
The surprising science behind how certain foods can make you smell more attractive
Beneath fancy perfumes and deodorants, our food choices may be quietly shaping our natural scent in unexpected ways
What to Know About Skimo, the 2026 Olympics' Only New Sport
Ski mountaineering makes its debut at the Milano Cortina Winter Games
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
Thousands of Californians move to Idaho every year. Who are they?
They’ve faced, at times, a chilly welcome from Idahoans. What the data tell us about the state’s largest group of newcomers.
One Supreme Court Case Is Most Responsible for Our Oligarchy. It’s Not the One You Think.
Whether or not money is the root of all evil, the root of our current American oligarchy is a single Supreme Court case.
Bengals player shoots down silly Joe Burrow narratives
A Bengals player had something to say about all the Joe Burrow rumors.
More 'No Kings' protests planned for March 28 as outrage spreads over Minneapolis deaths
Organizers are planning what they anticipate will be the largest “No Kings” protests yet, targeting what they call authoritarianism under President Donald Trump
Business owners moving forward as probe ongoing in Millcreek fire
As the investigation continues into a large fire that leveled a multi-tenant business building in Millcreek, firms seek new homes.
Movies and TV shows casting across the US
Backstage compiled a list of movies and TV shows casting across the US.
Ashley Capps named one of SPIN's 2026 most influential people in music
Ashley Capps, who created Big Ears and co-founded Bonnaroo, has enriched countless people by bringing them music from the world's best artists.
The Pressure Just Ramped Up for Three Vikings
It was the big decision of the Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 offseason. How would the Vikings move forward at quarterback? There […]
Scene Calendar: Local theater, Taiwanese sensation Feng E, fashion show
A comprehensive list of Gainesville-area entertainment events.
Parental firearm injury linked to increased mental health burden in children
Each year, 20,000 children and adolescents across the U.S. lose a parent to gun violence, while an estimated two to three times more have a parent who has been injured due to a firearm. To better understand ...