Pressure Systems edition
Albanian Resorts and Taiwan Arms Deals Stress Global Alliances
June 21, 2026
What this edition shows
The convergence of Jared Kushner’s Albanian luxury developments with high-level drug trafficking probes illustrates how private real estate interests are blurring the lines of state diplomacy. Meanwhile, Taipei’s precarious reliance on U.S. arms sales and the rise of Sweden’s far-right signal a broader retreat from neoliberal stability toward a volatile era of transactional geopolitics and emergency state powers.
Reporting and analysis behind this edition 8 sources
-
MSF says conditions in Lebanon’s Nabatieh resemble a ‘death trap’
Israel has stepped up attacks on parts of southern Lebanon, including Nabatieh, since midnight on Friday.
-
Albanian Drug Trafficking Investigation Overlaps with Probe into Planned Resort that Sparked ‘Flamingo Revolution’
Protests continue in Albania against a luxury hotel development boosted by Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump's son in law. Prosecutors are investigating an individual who sold land for the proposed project.
-
How Sweden’s far right went from political pariah to powerbroker
Once shunned by every major party, the Sweden Democrats have gone from political pariah to the heart of government.
-
Taiwan Bet Too Big on Washington
Trump’s willingness to sell out allies should cause a rethink in Taipei.
-
The End of Neoliberalism
The virtues it extolled—cosmopolitanism and competition—led to its demise.
-
Albanian Authorities Target Alleged Cocaine Kingpin's Network
Albanian prosecutors announce arrest warrant for Dritan Gjika and seizure of roughly 150 million euros in assets, in action against a suspected international cocaine trafficking and money laundering network.
-
Bolivia declares state of emergency to clear protest blockades
Bolivia declares state of emergency to clear protest blockades
-
Taiwan hopes US arms sale package can be approved soon, president says
Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te reiterates his desire for talks based on 'parity and respect' with China.