This week’s readings/links include Mahathir Mohamad’s recent interview on BBC HARDtalk, an NPR special on how Australia and New Zealand are ground zero for Chinese influence, a look at whether Vietnam is sliding deeper into authoritarianism, a NYT profile of Real Vision TV and William White on a bad financial moon rising.

• Mahathir Mohamad: His recent interview on HARDtalk.
• Australia and New Zealand are ground zero for Chinese influence: NPR special.
• Is Vietnam sliding deeper into authoritarianism?: Conversation with Carlyle A. Thayer, emeritus professor of politics at the University of New South Wales.
• Offering inspiration and advice, Real Vision is HGTV for hedge fund hopefuls: NYT profile.
• Bad financial moon rising: William White thinks high levels of debt and risk-taking bode ill at a time of monetary-policy tightening.