This week we analyse the consequences of Iran’s unprecedented missile attack on Israeli soil. In other news, we look at: Slovakia’s presidential election outcome; how preparations to the upcoming Olympic games are changing a struggling Paris suburb; and the EU recognizing abortion access as a fundamental right. Read more to start your week well-informed!
Spotlight: Iran and Israel’s “shadow war” out in the open.
by Elisa Latora
After decades of fighting through proxies, Iran and Israel’s “shadow war” was brought into the open as Iran carried out an unprecedented missile attack on Israeli soil on Saturday night – to read more about the attack scroll down to our analysis in the Around the World section.
For years, the two parties carefully avoided any form of direct military confrontation. Instead, the conflict was characterized by cyber-attacks, economic sanctions and terrorist attacks outside the enemy’s soil. In recent years, Iran invested on expanding what it calls its “axis of resistance”, a collection of militant groups stationed across Iran, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria and Gaza. These groups are joined through Iran’s objective of countering Israel and US influence in the Middle East.
Saturday’s attack constituted, first of all, a form of retaliation to the bombing of Iran’s embassy in Damascus on April 1st, an act through which Israel is likely to have broken diplomatic norms. For weeks afterwards it was largely expected that Iran would respond through a major attack. This indeed occurred on Saturday night. Nonetheless, it implied that Israel was highly prepared for such an attack, meaning that 99% of projectiles sent by Iran were intercepted, some even before they had crossed Israel’s borders. There were no casualties. Experts believe that the attack was not simply about inflicting physical damage on Israel, which it did not, but about showing strength to its domestic audience. Iran would probably not be able to finance a full-on war. Hence, this stands as the country’s forceful attempt to restore deterrence against Israel following the Damascus attack.
What comes next? A lot depends on how Israel will respond. Intercepting Saturday’s attack cost a whopping $1.3 billion, and was possible with the support of US forces. In the aftermath of the attack, Netanyahu stated his country would strike back. The president was reportedly later dissuaded by a call from Joe Biden who urged for restraint given that in physical terms the attack caused little damage, and should rather be taken as a “clear message” that Iran cannot “effectively threaten” Israel. The US has also issued a statement saying it would not participate in any counter-strike. While Netanyahu is yet to declare a formal decision regarding Israeli response, the crisis threatens to tip the Middle East into further conflict.
Around the World
by Chiara Todesco and Vatsal Aggarwal
South Africa’s Jacob Zuma wins court bid to contest upcoming election. [link to Al Jazeera]
A South African court has overturned a previous decision barring former President Jacob Zuma from running in the upcoming general election. The ruling allows Zuma to contest the presidency under the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK), a group he joined last year after distancing himself from the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Initially disqualified due to his criminal record, Zuma’s eligibility was reinstated by the Electoral Court, setting the stage for a contentious election on May 29. Despite ongoing legal battles and controversies, Zuma’s influence remains strong, particularly in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal, potentially reshaping the political landscape.
South Korean opposition wins parliamentary vote in landslide. [link to BBC News]
South Korea’s liberal opposition, led by the Democratic Party (DPK), clinched a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections, securing 192 seats alongside smaller factions out of 300 in the National Assembly. The results, viewed as a midterm evaluation of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s tenure, signal a setback for his People Power Party (PPP). With DPK dominance, legislative processes are expected to expedite. DPK leader Lee Jae-myung hailed the win as a triumph for the people, pledging to address economic crises. Yoon faces mounting pressure over inflation and controversies, including allegations against his wife and party members. The DPK also faces its own internal challenges and corruption allegations.
Mexico calls on UN to expel Ecuador over embassy raid as tensions soar. [link to The Guardian]
Mexico has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations, urging the expulsion of Ecuador from the organization in response to a recent police raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito. The raid, aimed at apprehending Ecuador’s former vice-president seeking asylum, has escalated tensions between the two nations. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced Mexico’s appeal to the International Court of Justice, stressing the need for Ecuador’s expulsion without UN Security Council veto. Additionally, Mexico demands a public apology, compensation for damages, and assurances against future violations. Despite Ecuador’s defense of its actions, international condemnation persists, with concerns over diplomatic norms and precedents raised by the Organization of American States.
Iran launches hundreds of missiles, drones in first direct attack on Israel. [link to Al Jazeera]
Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, deploying hundreds of drones and missiles in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria. The assault, involving over 300 projectiles, was largely thwarted by Israeli air defenses with assistance from allies. Though some minor damage occurred, casualties were limited. Iran’s IRGC confirmed responsibility, warning of harsher reprisals if provoked again. Regional tensions have escalated amid ongoing conflicts, with Western condemnation and calls for restraint. Despite the severity of the attack, efforts to prevent further escalation are evident, as analysts suggest Iran’s actions aim to assert deterrence without provoking wider conflict.
European News
by Pietro Ferrari and Zoe Di Lieto
This week’s focus on: Slovakia’s Presidential Race
As the polling stations closed around Slovakia it became suddenly clear who had just won the 2024 presidential elections. It’s Peter Pellegrini, the leader of the left-populist party Hlas (The Voice). The newly elected president is supported by the government of Robert Fico. He and his coalition are described by international observers as pro-Russians, against NATO and the EU.
The president of Slovakia doesn’t posses any real executive power and it’s elected directly by the people. He still can veto laws and formally nominate the prime minister, even if this nominee is usually the leader of the party which receives the most votes.
Since Robert Fico won the election last autumn Slovakia has moved away from pro-European positions, strengthening the relationship with Hungarian leader Victor Orban. The now former president Zuzana Caputová was a strong supporter of sending Ukraine military and economical help, something which cannot be said about Pellegrini. He stated in an interview that he wished to “ensure that Slovakia remains on the side of peace and not on the side of war”.
EU votes in favour of classifying abortion access as a fundamental right. [link to Euronews]
This week, the European Parliament voted in favour of adding access to abortion within the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights. The proposal was approved by 336 votes to 163 against. Large support came from left-wing and centrist members. Regardless of the vote’s largely symbolic message, the resolution is non-binding and would need the backing of all 27 member countries to be included in EU’s charter. This is unlikely to occur given the existence of some member states where abortion remains heavily restricted, such as in Poland.
Chechnya reportedly bans music that is too fast or too slow. [link to Euronews]
The federated republic of Chechnya, under the control of the Russian federation, has become known to the world in the last years mainly due to its eccentric and authoritarian leader Ramzan Kadyrov. The latest example of this peculiar behavior has come this week: from June 2024 onward no music outside the range between 80 and 116 BPM (beats per minute), will be played in Chechen territory. Such measure is aimed at protecting this people from the western influence, conforming all the played music to the “Chechen Mentality”.
In Ukraine’s West, Draft Dodgers Run, and Swim, to Avoid the War. [link to NYT]
Many have tried to escape the military draft swimming cross the Tysa River at the border of Romania. On the 13th of April, Lt. Vladyslav Tonkoshtan detained a man for such practice: he was trying to reach his family on the other side of the river. “We cannot judge these people, but if all men leave, who will defend Ukraine?”. President Volodymyr Zelensky has been seeking to increase the size of the troops for a while now. In fact, the Ukrainian Parliament recently eliminated some medical and other exemptions and increased the soldier’s pay.
Even Before the Olympics, a Victory Lap for a Fast-Moving French Mayor. [link to NYT]
St.-Ouen, a former economically depressed northern suburb will be hosting the athletes’ village in this year coming Olympics. Such event was made possible thanks to a transformation that took place in the area starting from the election of Mr. Boumrane’s as major in 2020. Mr. Boumrane is now a source of inspiration as his background story sees him moving to Paris to work on a construction site. “I’m using the Olympic Games as a political weapon, in a noble way, to raise awareness and empower a whole generation” he said to Tony Estanguet, the head of the Paris Olympic Committee, during lunch.
Bocconi news
The temperature continues to rise at Bocconi University as we approach the final session of the academic year. As usual, the campus is abuzz with a series of unmissable events on the agenda.
One of the most significant occasions of the week was the hosting of the Presidential Summit of the U7+ Alliance. The summit brought together representatives from prestigious academic institutions from around the world, united in the mission to promote inclusive education. The event resulted in the drafting of a statement containing concrete proposals to be presented at the G7 summit in June, which will be held in Italy. A challenging responsibility that the academic community at Bocconi has embraced with determination.
But that’s not all. On the occasion of Design Week, the University showcases its commitment and interest in the design sector. Curated by architect Roberto Palomba, the exhibition “Bocconi in 8 expressions of design” presents a selection of objects, ideas, campaigns, and personalities that embody the essence and importance of design in contemporary society. A celebratory event is scheduled for April 18th, promising to be a moment of reflection and inspiration.
But the focus on design doesn’t end there. The Domus Breakfast returns, following the success of the first edition in 2023. On April 16th and 17th, as part of Design Week 2024, the morning appointment will be a unique opportunity for networking and debate. Walter Mariotti, editorial director of the Domus system, will join faculty from the University and the SDA Bocconi School of Management in interviewing distinguished figures from the worlds of industry, architecture, finance, art, culture, and design. The common goal is to analyze the evolution of design, discussing process, product, and future vision.Inizio modulo
Other events are of huge importance, don’t miss them! Here below you can find a list.
Upcoming events:
On April 15:
6:30pm: “Game Changers: EURO2032 tra infrastrutture e sostenibilità” | BOCCONI STUDENTS FOR SPORT MANAGEMENT | Room to be confirmed
6:30pm: “From Inert to In-art: a dialogue between Culture and Statistics” | MASS MEDIA AND CULTURE | Online Microsoft Teams
6:30pm: “Finance and Fashion: the role of Private Equity in the fashion industry” | LUXURY BOCCONI STUDENT SOCIETY | Room NOTARI
On April 16:
6:15pm: “IP Law nel settore Fashion & Luxury” | CORPORATE LAW ACADEMY | Room to be confirmed
On April 17:
6:15pm: “Il calcio è un gioco semplice” | ASTRA BOCCONI | Room to be confirmed
6:15pm: “Evoluzione della Sanità: Come le Misure di Performance Plasmano la Salute Pubblica” | THE HEALTHCARE HUB BOCCONI STUDENTS | Online Microsoft Teams
6:30pm: “Italia e Germania: confronto tra eccellenze” | B.LAB BOCCONI | AULA NOTARI
6:30pm: “Innovation Unveiled: Reshaping the Future of Luxury” | BOCCONI STUDENTS FOR FASHION AND LUXURY | Room N01
6:30pm: “M&A and Capital Markets after 2008” | BOCCONI STUDENTS FINANCE SOCIETY | Room to be confirmed
6:30pm: “Data Economy: il Buono, il Brutto ed il Futuro” | STUDENTI BOCCONIANI LIBERALI-MILTON FRIEDMAN SOCIETY | Room to be confirmed
6:30pm: “Spotlight on Alternative Investments: Markets, Perspectives and Careers” | BOCCONI STUDENTS CAPITAL MARKETS | Room to be confirmed
On April 18:
6:30pm: “Building a New Economy” | RETHINKING ECONOMICS BOCCONI STUDENTS | Room to be confirmed
Every week, your TiL Monday Briefing 🗞: you better read it with a cup of coffee! ☕️
Head of the Monday Briefing column: Pietro Ferrari. Current writing staff: Vatsal Aggarwal, Cristiana Murè. Cartoons by Polina Mednikova. The Monday Briefing column was established in its current form in 2021 by Bojan Zeric.
I'm Chiara Todesco, I live in Milan where I'm attending the first year at Bocconi’s bachelor in International Politics and Government. I have done classical studies at liceo classico Carducci and I'm interested in humanities and politics. I like to study and deepen my knowledge about international dynamics. I'm active in my territory as “consigliera di municipio”.
Hi, it’s Zoe Di Lieto here, student from the Economic and social sciences course here in Bocconi. I grew up in Rome and I’ve only recently moved to Milan for university. I’m a passionate reader, I love to travel and I like to play a little guitar occasionally. I’d say the fields I’m most interested in are literature, philosophy and cultures, especially how different cultural background affects social behavior.
I have spent most of my life in India before recently moving to Milan, where I am pursuing an MSc in Finance at Bocconi. I am interested in politics, art and culture, cinema, and travelling. Through my writing, I aspire to document important voices and present opinions. In my free time, I try to keep up with my movies-to-watch list, sample as many restaurants as I can, and find cats to pet.
I am a cosmopolitan human being, deeply passionate about journalism, political economics, equality and sustainability. I started reading and writing at the age of 4, which have been my lifelong saviors. As a child, I enjoyed playing and painting. Furthermore, my wanderlust has led me through scout, exchange and Interrail adventures. Now, as a former 'BIG' student, I immerse myself in politics and policy analysis, creating new kind of canvases and traveling by data.
Having lived both in Italy and the UK, I enjoy exploring how multiculturalism affects our personal identities. I use language, writing and journalism as tools to decipher the world around me. And, I will of course never turn down a lively convo about current news. With a degree in Economic and Social sciences, I’m now pursuing a master’s in Politics and Policy Analysis.
