Cuba faces one of its most severe crises, with a nationwide blackout on October 20, 2024, plunging millions into darkness and exposing deep-seated economic and political failures. This infrastructure collapse has disrupted daily life and public services, amplifying the struggles endured under the current regime.
Read MoreThe sociopolitical climate in Belarus remains tense and fraught with fear. Any critique of the government easily places a citizen in the throes of judicial proceedings dictated by the president. Regardless of the subject matter of the criticism–governmental wrongdoings, human rights issues, or the war in Ukraine, Lukashenko does not hesitate to stamp out any opposition.
Read MoreThe Venezuelan crisis under Nicolás Maduro’s regime highlights severe human rights violations and a decline in democracy. Political repression has silenced dissent, while hyperinflation and shortages have caused widespread suffering and mass exodus. This crisis underscores the fragility of democracy and the need for urgent international action to restore human rights and democratic norms.
Read MoreWaiting in line outside gender segregated polls stations, Kashmir residents voted in the second phase of three of their local elections. The first vote since 2014, 9 million registered voters are voting for the 90 seat legislature. The third round of voting will occur on October 1st, with the final results announced on October 8th.
Read MoreWhile the National Rally did not secure a majority of seats in this election, the results were still their strongest showing in an election ever, demonstrating the rise of right-wing politics in France. In addition, Macron’s centrist party lost support, causing increased polarization. The results of this election are likely to make it very difficult for Macron to govern.
Read MorePolls show that the president is highly unpopular and that Machado would defeat him if she could run.
Read MoreA recent report has found that ongoing abusive labor practices have characterized Italy’s history of vineyard farming. These practices are especially apparent when undocumented migrant workers are the ones behind the labor.
Read MoreFrench constitutional law is the first venue to see this change, but will hopefully not be the last. To be granted complete autonomy and control over their bodies, this constitutional right to abortion is life-changing for women in France.
Read MoreOn March 22, 2024, Russia experienced its deadliest terror attack in two decades at the Crocus City Hall music venue in Krasnogorsk, a suburb north of Moscow. The tragic event unfolded around 8:00 PM MSK when four gunmen began firing at the crowd of an estimated 6,000 people and subsequently set fire to the building. The attackers' actions led to fires that engulfed the venue, resulting in the partial collapse of the roof. The aftermath was devastating, with reports of 144 fatalities, including individuals who later died in hospitals. Additionally, over 551 concertgoers suffered injuries from gunshot wounds and fire-related incidents.
Read MoreBefore the October 7 attack by Hamas, the Middle East had fallen into a state of relative equilibrium between Israel and its neighbors. Many Arab states in the region, including Saudi Arabia, had become considerably more open to diplomatic relationships with Israel in the preceding years, according to Professor Spinner-Halev. The October 7 attack and Israel’s brutal response, however, have caused rippling effects from within the country to the surrounding region and, ultimately, the world.
Read MoreEcuador’s unprecedented violence has not gone unnoticed by other Latin American countries, in which crime is a continued problem at the forefront of legal regulations. In response, Brazilian President Luiz Lula da Silva has taken a collaborative and united approach.
Read MoreThe extended process of Sweden’s NATO accession, still incomplete, is an important reminder of the complexity of modern international politics. A move by Sweden to join a defensive alliance due to concerns stemming from Russian actions in Ukraine is delayed due to a dispute about security and human rights with Turkey.
Read MoreLong touted as “the only democracy in the Middle East,” Israel has consistently shown an incredible contempt for the freedom of the press in its own territory and the occupied Gaza Strip. After two decades of killing journalists with complete impunity, it is no surprise that violence against press workers has continued and intensified during its siege on Gaza.
Read MoreTwo terms and it is done for Indonesia’s current president, Joko Widodo, better known as Jokowi, despite some aborted machinations to change the law to give him a third term. The three candidates in the running are Anies Baswedan, Ganjar Pranowo, and Prabowo Subianto.
Read MoreWith the ever-growing costs of welfare programs in the United States, policymakers and advocates continue to ask the question: Is there a successful and cost-effective way to address this growing problem? Well, for this community in Peru, the answer is an unconventional activity: surfing.
Read More“Homosexuality is still illegal in 66 countries across all continents except Western Europe, according to the Human Dignity Trust. After the Iraqi government proposed a new bill to criminalize homosexuality in August 2023, Human Rights Watch denounced their act as violating international human rights law. As a member of the Arab Charter on Human Rights, Iraq is responsible for providing its citizens the rights to "life, liberty, privacy, free expression and security of the person.”
Read More“Following the departure of the French troops, the Nigerien government will be burdened to provide itself with security. If Mali and Burkina Faso are examples of military regimes lacking Western support, prospects are not looking bright for the future of Niger’s security.“
Read More“In recent years, museums have been questioned more and more about the provenance of their collections, and more calls have been made in support of the return of objects acquired during the colonial era or by military force to their countries of origin. Critics and community leaders are still seeking the return of numerous artifacts, most of which hold cultural or religious significance in the communities from which they were taken.”
Read More“Now, many wonder what this will foretell about ongoing Scottish-UK tensions and the preponderance of calls for Scottish independence.”
“On January 25th 2023, UNC Chapel Hill hosted the Ambassador of Poland to the United States, his Excellency Marek Magierowski, who spoke on the Russia-Ukraine war. The mindset of Russian leadership, Poland’s role in the crisis, and the future of the war were topics of discussion for the Ambassador, who predicted an enduring conflict.“
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