Carla Subirana Artús
Showing 1–2 of 2 transcripts.
- The Economist6 min
Why are so many Colombians becoming mercenaries? | The Economist
Carla Subirana Artús, Rosie Blau
Colombia is rapidly emerging as a primary global source of mercenaries driven by a cohort of 13,000 soldiers exiting the military under President Gustavo Petro's policies combined with a lack of domestic veteran support. These former soldiers are increasingly recruited via social media to serve in high-risk foreign conflicts ranging from Sudan to Ukraine, while their deployment facilitates serious international crimes such as the assassination of Haiti's president. Although Colombia ratified the UN Anti-Mercenary Convention, experts argue that without comprehensive domestic pension reforms, the economic incentives for this growing export of armed labor will remain unchecked.
- The Economist8 min
Why are so many people joining cults? | The Economist
Carla Subirana Artús, Rosie Blau
Contemporary cults have evolved into fragmented digital networks that exploit online isolation to recruit vulnerable individuals through disguised wellness communities and gaming platforms like Roblox. These groups enforce control via charismatic leaders and algorithmic reinforcement, resulting in rising global reports of financial exploitation and physical abuse. While nations like France have criminalized psychological manipulation, experts argue that societal education remains the most effective defense against these rapidly scaling threats.