WSJ What’s News: Europe’s Dawning Terror Threat? Young Online Radicals Released on May 9, 2025

The Wall Street Journal’s “What’s News” episode delves into pressing global issues, ranging from economic shifts and technological competition to rising security threats in Europe. Hosted by Luke Vargas, the episode features insightful discussions with experts, including foreign correspondent Suna Rasmussen and Asia finance editor Peter Landers. Below is a comprehensive summary of the episode’s key segments.

1. Chinese Economic Shifts and Global Trade Dynamics

Chinese Exports to the U.S. Decline, Overall Growth Continues

The episode opens with an analysis of China's export landscape. Chinese exports to the United States plunged by 21% in April 2025, a direct consequence of the Trump administration's stringent tariff policies. Despite this downturn, overall Chinese exports saw an 8.1% increase compared to the previous year.

Insights from Peter Landers [01:30]: Peter Landers, Asia finance editor, explains, “This suggests there will be a shift in global trade flows where China continues to export a huge amount. But fewer of those exports go to the US and more of them go to other countries around the world.”

Landers further elaborates on China’s robust export-oriented economy, highlighting that “China is making more cars than its domestic consumers are willing or able to buy, and they're looking for all those other markets that might be a receptacle for China's excess production” ([02:06]).

2. Technological Competition and AI Policy Concerns

Challenges for Chinese Semiconductor Industry

Chinese chip manufacturers, including SMIC and Hua Hong Semiconductor, reported weak first-quarter results, leading to a sharp decline in their stock prices ([02:38]). The U.S. export restrictions have hindered access to essential equipment for advanced semiconductor production, intensifying domestic competition and impacting profitability.

AI Race and U.S. Policy Implications

American tech leaders have voiced concerns over the U.S. potentially falling behind in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector if Washington does not streamline AI policies or relax export controls on semiconductors to allied nations. Microsoft President Brad Smith emphasized, “The AI race will be determined by whose technology is more widely adopted in the rest of the world” ([03:38]).

Suna Rasmussen on Huawei and 5G [03:38]: Suna Rasmussen highlights the strategic importance of 5G technology, stating, “The lesson from Huawei in 5G is whoever gets there first will be difficult to supplant. We need to export with the right kinds of controls... we need to have the financial architecture that gets not only to the countries that are industrialized, but the nations across Africa, where typically China and Huawei have done so well” ([03:38]).

3. U.S. Domestic Politics: Tax Policy and Judicial Appointments

Consideration of the "Millionaire Tax"

President Trump is contemplating reinstating the top individual income tax rate to 39.6% for individuals earning over $2.5 million, a policy previously rejected by him just 15 days prior ([04:08]). This move aims to aid Republicans in integrating tax cuts into an upcoming fiscal bill, potentially allowing for reductions in other taxes and mitigating significant cuts to Medicaid.

Appointment of Jeanine Pirro as Top Federal Prosecutor

In a strategic shift, President Trump is appointing Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as Washington, D.C.’s top federal prosecutor. This appointment follows resistance to his initial choice, who faced backlash over alleged advocacy for individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot. Pirro, a former prosecutor, is known for her support of Trump’s policies and her vocal stance against federal judges opposing his agenda ([04:08]).

4. Rising Terrorism Threat in Europe: The Rise of Teenage Online Radicals

Increase in Terror Plots Involving Adolescents

Europe is grappling with a growing threat from teenage terrorists, with a noticeable rise in terror plots involving individuals aged between 14 and 19. Notable incidents include the thwarted attacks on Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna by suspects aged 17-19 and arrests of young individuals in Austria and Montenegro with terrorist intentions ([06:51]).

Suna Rasmussen’s Analysis [07:51]: Rasmussen explains, “A lot of listeners might remember there were three Taylor Swift concerts that were canceled last year in Vienna after three suspects that were aged between 17 and 19 were arrested for the CIA called it a well-developed plot... There was a 14-year-old girl from Montenegro arrested last year in Austria for plotting an attack on non-believers” ([07:51]).

Accelerated Radicalization Through Online Platforms [09:06]: Rasmussen underscores the challenges posed by online radicalization, noting, “Because a lot of young people now are radicalized online, they're also harder to find. The process of radicalization has accelerated... It can take only a matter of weeks from the first exposure to radical material to a person who's ready to commit a violent attack” ([09:06]). She highlights the difficulty for European security agencies in distinguishing between performative hate speech and genuine threats, as evidenced in recent trials.

Impact of the Gaza War on Radicalization: The October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the ensuing Gaza conflict have heightened political awareness and contributed to increased radicalization among European youth. A researcher from King’s College London tracked 60 Islamic extremist arrests in the first eight months post-conflict, with two-thirds being teenagers—an unprecedented figure ([07:51]).

5. International Relations and Security Developments

Russia’s Victory Day Commemorations with International Delegates

Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over commemorations in Moscow’s Red Square, marking Russia’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. This year’s Victory Day was notable for the attendance of Chinese President Xi Jinping, among leaders from 25 countries across Africa and Asia ([10:55]).

Thomas Grove’s Insights [11:16]: Thomas Grove, a Journal correspondent, explains, “The thing about Xi for Putin is that it really confers on Russia this idea that it's still a great power... China is a big partner for Russia, both in terms of diplomatic support, in terms of dual-use technology that ends up on the front line” ([11:16]). Xi Jinping’s four-day visit underscores the strategic partnership between Russia and China, bolstering Russia’s international standing despite its narrowed focus on the Ukraine conflict.

Russia’s Ceasefire in Ukraine and Accusations of Violations

Coinciding with the Victory Day celebrations, Russia announced a three-day unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine. However, Ukrainian officials have reported over 700 violations of this pledge, deeming it ineffective and more of a strategic facade ([10:38]).

Kosmos 482 Reentry Alert

In a noteworthy closure, the episode highlights the impending reentry of Kosmos 482, a Soviet-era spacecraft intended for Venus but stranded in Earth’s orbit due to a malfunction. The U.S. Space Force warns of its unpredictable reentry, projecting potential landing sites ranging from Northeast Africa to the Pacific island of Borneo. Shelby cautions listeners to remain vigilant as the small, heat-resistant lander descends ([11:43]).

Conclusion

The episode of “What’s News” offers a multifaceted exploration of global economic trends, technological rivalries, shifting U.S. policies, emerging security threats in Europe, and significant international relations events. By intertwining expert analyses and on-the-ground reporting, The Wall Street Journal provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the critical issues shaping today’s world.

Notable Quotes:

• Suna Rasmussen [00:53]: “When people, mostly young men, young boys, sit at home and self radicalize online, that makes them harder to find. And it also means that the process of radicalization has accelerated.”

• Peter Landers [02:06]: “China is making more cars than its domestic consumers are willing or able to buy, and they're looking for all those other markets that might be a receptacle for China's excess production.”

• Suna Rasmussen [09:06]: “It can take only a matter of weeks from the first exposure to radical material to a person who's ready to commit a violent attack.”

• Thomas Grove [11:16]: “China is a big partner for Russia, both in terms of diplomatic support, in terms of dual-use technology that ends up on the front line.”