Hello and welcome to the Intelligence on Economist Radio.

I'm your host, Jason Palmer.

Every weekday, we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

Amid the global scramble for treatments that might shorten or stop COVID-19, one idea goes back a century, using the blood of people who have recovered from it.

We take a look at the trials that are underway around the world.

And two fabulously wealthy twins, family infighting, allegations of secret recordings in one of the world's swankiest hotels.

It would all be mere whispers if the drama between Britain's most reclusive octogenarians weren't playing out in court this week.

But first...

In the Philippines,

communist insurgents have been engaged in a conflict with the government for more

than 50 years.

But in late March, they temporarily put down their arms, after UN Secretary General Antonio Gutierrez called for a global ceasefire in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is time to put armed conflict on lockdown and focus together on the true fight of our lives.

To warring parties, I say, pull back from hostilities, put aside mistrust and animosity,

silence the guns, stop the activity, and the air strikes.

To the surprise of international observers, a number of armed groups around the world

heeded his call. It seemed a historic opportunity.

But now, a spat between America and China is derailing attempts to turn Mr.

Gutierrez's suggestion into a formal UN resolution. The proposed UN ceasefire resolution

could offer some hope to regions and countries ravaged by seemingly perpetual war,

places like Yemen or Sudan or Colombia.

Richard Cockett is a senior editor at The Economist.

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