The New French Revolution: A Struggle Against Macron and the Looming Far-Right

In the beginning of 2023, over a million people took to the streets to fight President Emmanuel Macron’s pension reform bill. This bill, which increased the retirement age to 64, prompted union strikes and rioting all over France. With Macron’s centrist consensus collapsing, Marine Le Pen has fully capitalized on anti-immigrant scapegoating for votes. In response, leftist leaders have joined forces under a coalition called the New Popular Front (NFP), vowing to protect pensions and other social services. The NFP won the most seats in the 2024 legislative elections shortly after the party’s creation. Macron’s refusal to appoint a left-wing prime minister in spite of these results, highlights the desperation of France’s ruling class.

EuropeBy Josh EmokpaeOctober 27, 2024populism, macron, le pen, france, immigration, retirement, protests, austerity, liberal, progressive

Senegal’s Non-Elections Threaten Democracy in West Africa

A delay in Senegal’s 2024 presidential elections sparked fear and unrest in the democratic West African country, but the nation’s system has been quick to uphold its democratic integrity.

AfricaBy Caterina TomassiniApril 12, 2024elections, democracy, protests, Senegal

Rempang Eco-City: Cost of Grand Development

Indonesia made a deal with China to create an Eco City with a giant Chinese-owned glass factory at the center, but the deal has garnered criticism from residents who are being forced to leave their homes.

AsiaBy Tammy DongNovember 27, 2023environment, protests, indonesia, authorities

The Uncertain Future of the Lebanese Pound

Since 2019, Lebanon has been facing one of the worst economic crises in modern history. Unemployment rates are growing, the national currency, the Lebanese Pound, is decreasing in value, and protests have risen against political corruption and inability to manage the plummeting economy. As working-class families struggle to make ends meet, the nation remains leaderless in the depths of an economic crisis.

Nicaragua’s Human Rights Crisis

Many experts and human rights activists have expressed concern for Nicaragua based on actions of the Ortega administration. His administration’s actions have caused widespread impacts throughout various sectors including within the academic sphere, democratic erosion, and violent suppression. The Ortega administration in Nicaragua has engaged in numerous human rights violations, for example repressing academics and revoking the legal status of universities, killing or arresting opponents, denying people due process or their citizenship rights, as well as harassing journalists and repressing freedom of expression.

How Africa’s Last Absolute Monarchy Has Left the Country in Last Place

AfricaBy Isabel ChambersNovember 22, 2023monarchy, political freedoms, protests, economic development, inequality, kingdom, public health, Eswatini, king

Russia's Flight to Georgia and the Consequences

A look into recent legislation in Georgia that may jeopardize their EU and NATO candidacy. Tensions between Georgia and the West on a rise, as Georgia plays into Putin’s narrative.

Russia & FSUBy Sophia SorcigliOctober 24, 2023Georgia, European Union, democracy, flights, protests

It’s Been One Year Since the Death of Mahsa Amini – Here’s What’s Changed

Mahsa Amini’s death at the hands of the Iranian morality police sparked various women’s rights movements. Since her passing on September 16, 2022, decades of bottled-up rage and unrest were unleashed into a global fight for freedom.

Middle EastBy Maeve SmillieOctober 11, 2023women's rights, protests, oppression, crime, internet censorship, Iran, Islam

Ruto's Rise to the Top: A Betrayal of Working-Class Kenyans

As riots form throughout Kenya, the contradictory nature of William Ruto's new tax initiatives and their effect on the predominantly impoverished population is scrutinized. Ruto's campaign promise to champion the working class has given way to controversy, as his tax policies worsen existing economic disparities and trigger protests. This raises questions about whether Ruto can fulfill his pledge to bridge Kenya's wealth gap or if his approach using such policies will hinder progress in the country.

AfricaBy Koel Rhea PatelOctober 6, 2023inflation, riots, election, politics, protests, tax hikes

Lex Tusk Is Not Going to Stop Donald Tusk From Fighting for Democracy

The stakes for this year’s parliamentary elections are higher than ever. A recent rise in the approval ratings of the country’s liberal party - the Civic Platform (Platforma Obywatelska or PO) - is a beacon of hope in the country’s nearly decade-long battle with the right-wing conservative Law and Justice party (PiS).

French Pension Reforms Signal a Looming Crisis

While the pension’s present structure may have proven effective until now, France’s rapidly declining birth rates and aging population pose a challenge to its stability, as current trends would either necessitate an increase in the pension tax for future workers or decrease the quality of life for upcoming pensioners.

EuropeBy Daniele PipernoMay 25, 2023France, macron, economics, europe, pensions, protests, retirement, Worker's Rights

Russia Beyond its Borders: Foreign Agent Bill in Georgia

Graffiti expressing anti-Russian sentiment adorns Georgian buildings, reflecting the country's unease as the government leans closer to Russian influence. Thousands of Georgians recently protested the controversial "foreign agents" bill, which would require businesses receiving at least 20% of their funding from foreign countries to declare themselves as "foreign agents," potentially stifling foreign-funded organizations and moving Georgia further from European integration.

Neoliberal Narratives: Pedro Castillo and the Peruvian Constitution’s Impeachment Trap

The impeachment of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo was seen as a democratic triumph by mainstream media, but widespread protests and repudiation from other Latin American governments tell a different story. Deep-rooted inequities, a constitutional clause, and political instability have led to Peru's uncertain future, with impeachment being weaponized by the Peruvian Congress to maintain the neoliberal status quo.

How Widespread Corruption Brought About the Energy Crisis in South Africa

South Africa is facing its worst energy crisis in over three decades due to corruption and aging infrastructure. The country's economy and politics are under threat, and the government's main task is to restore energy security. The energy crisis is largely due to the mismanagement of Eskom, the state-owned energy provider, and the reluctance of some officials to support the building of clean energy infrastructure. The crisis has led to protests and riots, and urgent action is needed to address the issue.