Cars, booze and nuclear tests

This week is only two days old and we've already seen North Korea conduct a nuclear test, New York ban cars from Times Square and the authorities of Rome banning the sale of alcohol in the run up to the European Champions' League final tonight.

These are big gestures. In every case, you could provide a strong argument that each action is designed to send a message to a particular audience rather than achieve the stated claims.

So, is North Korea's test more about sabre-rattling, desperately designed to underpin its ailing position as a regional power rather than the start of a new nuclear arms race?

Is Rome's move directed toward UEFA as if to say: 'We are capable of taking tough decisions to make big events a success and we've learned our lessons.'? Or is it about visitors' safety?

And is New York's move really about cutting pollution and pedestrian accidents? Or does the pedestrianisation provide a new focal point for leisure-orientated spending in the city?

We may never know the real agenda at play from those responsible, but it can be enlightening if you consider the options.

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