China’s equivalent of generation Z is beginning to flex its economic muscle. These young men and women - there are over 400 million of them - grew up in the 2000s and 2010s at a time when China was experiencing rapid economic growth. Their purchasing power is substantial and they’re making their preferences felt in their choice of local brands over foreign ones. Their ‘consumer nationalism’ extends to punishing global companies they see as hostile to their culture or political system. Tom Harper explains.

The arrest of over 1 000 people by Brazilian police broke the back of a massed attack by supporters of ex-president Jair Bolsonaro on Brazil’s key centres of power on Sunday. The chaotic scenes happened just a week into Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s new administration. Guilherme Casarões sets out how Bolsonaro’s anti-democratic movement has been able to attract supporters increasingly suspicious of the political system.

Jonathan Este

Associate Editor, International Affairs Editor

China: the rise of gen Z will have massive consequences for business and politics

Tom Harper, University of East London

For China’s new youth generation, shopping has become an outpost of politics.

Brazil insurrection: how so many Brazilians came to attack their own government

Guilherme Casarões, São Paulo School of Business Administration (FGV/EAESP)

Ousted right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro had been mobilising supporters with talk of electoral fraud.

Ousmane Sembène at 100: a tribute to Senegal’s ‘father of African cinema’

David Murphy, University of Strathclyde

Born 100 years ago this year, Africa’s most legendary filmmaker - and a prolific novelist -remains relevant through his beautifully crafted political works.