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Benjamin A. Olken

Benjamin A. Olken

2 commentaries

Benjamin A. Olken, Professor of Economics at MIT, is Director of MIT’s Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab.

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  1. Battle for Belarus SERGEI GAPON/AFP via Getty Images

    Belarus Reborn?

    Nationwide protests against President Alexander Lukashenko’s 26-year rule have escalated in the aftermath of the flagrantly fraudulent election on August 9. With factory workers striking and security forces quitting in disgust, could Lukashenko’s usual response to street demonstrations – mass arrests and escalation of official violence ­– fail to save him this time?

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  2. GettyImages-1228027308 Natalia Fedosenko/TASS via Getty Images

    Belarus’s Moment of Truth

    Sławomir Sierakowski

    While the Belarusian security apparatus has stepped up its violence against peaceful protesters, the demonstrations themselves have evolved to maintain the moral high ground. There is no longer any question that President Alexander Lukashenko has lost any remaining shred of legitimacy.

     reports that persistent protests in response to escalating state violence may be starting to split the regime.
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  5. op_drew2_Win McNameeGetty Images_trump Win McNamee/Getty Images

    Deconstructing Donald

    Elizabeth Drew

    Although it is difficult at this point to say anything new about Donald Trump, it is never too early to start reckoning with the implications of his presidency. The only thing more disturbing is the possibility of what may lie ahead in – and after – November's election.

     reviews six recent books on the Trump presidency and the incalculable damage it has already done.
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