Over a year after the election of leftist president Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego in Colombia, his administration is seeking out ways to divert from historically violent ways of waging the war on drugs. While Petro’s policies of investing in rural communities press onward, the path ahead may still be fraught with challenges.
Read MoreDespite the increasing pressure on the precedence of the Salvadoran constitution, the populace of the smallest country in Central America remains adamant about the radical metamorphosis their country has exhibited under the administration of Bukele: a new era of stability and security for Salvadoran society. Marred with criticisms, the Bukele administration remains committed to securing another term in San Salvador, all while inciting concerns for those weary of the implications of future authoritarianism in El Salvador and the Latin American sphere of influence.
Read MoreFollowing the deadly earthquake in Morocco on September 8th, the international community offered a flood of support to the Moroccan government. Controversy arose when Morocco did not accept the help and condolences of all states, specifically states in which Morocco has a tumultuous history. It is idealistic that aid remains unaffected by politics, however that is not the case in many relief efforts; as seen in Morocco.
Read MoreSince 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.
Read MoreOn September 27, 2023, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps sent its third spy satellite into orbit. Nations around the world are beginning to feel threatened by the reconnaissance abilities this terrorist organization now holds.
Read MoreMany 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.
Read MoreOngoing hostilities, worsened by Algeria's support for Western Sahara's independence, have led to the dissolution of Morocco and Algeria’s diplomatic ties. The risk of open conflict is growing as both countries militarize their approach to the matter, and recent incidents in Algeria’s waters stand to test their resolve to the peaceful mediation of disputes.
Read MoreThe continuous melting of the polar ice caps is forcing governments to rethink their strategic plans in the Arctic. Climate change has allowed for this region to become more important on a global scale, and brings with it both exciting new opportunities and daunting new challenges.
Read MoreIn the midst of the protracted Ukraine conflict, which defied earlier predictions, Ukrainian forces stood resolute for over 18 months. As resources begin to dwindle, Putin turns to North Korea's support in a confidential meeting on September 13, 2023. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to back Russia, hinting at military cooperation. Thus, this exchange raises concerns about Russia potentially providing advanced technology in exchange for North Korean munitions. This intriguing alliance could reshape the future of South Korean, Russian, and North Korean relations, as historical ties of the Korean Peninsula to Russia and the potential revival of alliances have profound implications for global stability. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yul speaks to the UN, warning the assembly of the uncertainty surrounding these authoritarian leaders and the escalation of conflict with this growing alliance.
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreIndia is often labeled as the world’s largest democracy, but the very fabric of its democratic structure has been in question for many years. The contentious farmers’ protests in Delhi, primarily supported by Punjab, epitomize this struggle. The agricultural laws passed by Modi’s administration, are beneficial on paper, but in reality remove the safety net that farmers count on, leaving them vulnerable to corporate exploitation. In response, peaceful protests have been ongoing since 2020 have been met with excessive force, internet shutdowns, and further acts of intimidation, thus raising concerns about India’s future as a democratic nation. This is an ongoing issue that India faces, and the peaceful protests upheld by farmers serve as a reminder that it is vital to protect and uphold the civil liberties of all those in India as well as democracy itself.
Read MoreAs the practice of logging increases in Mexico City, the environment faces devastating consequences with little hope of regulating illegal loggers in particular.
Read MoreA well-known drug in the Middle East, captagon, has transformed Syria into a narcostate. The extensive production of this drug has affected militia, rebel groups, and surrounding countries. Now, as Syria is approaching readmission into the Arab League, President al-Assad is using his opportunity to crackdown on the illicit as a political bargaining chip.
Read MoreIndigenous communities in the “lithium triangle” are advocating for the preservation of their way of life while protesting against the power structures that have continued to prioritize industries and corporations conducting lithium extraction. It is imperative that the governments of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile address the problem and prioritize the environment and rights of indigenous populations over business and profits.
Read MoreThe Republican Party’s presidential hopefuls take a stand against the Mexican drug trade in their most recent rhetoric, calling for an American military intervention. This is a departure from former President Donald Trump’s ‘build a wall’ fantasy, but the xenophobic sentiments remain the same. This article examines whether this boots or missiles approach is a realistic expectation, or just another empty soapbox for the GOP candidates to stand on.
Read MoreIn Latin America, the presence of China has become an ever-growing affair of matchmaking between the Asian superpower and some of the world’s developing nations. In the present Bukele-era of El Salvador, an era characterized by doubled-down policies and a crackdown on the social and economic drawbacks, the amity of officials in Beijing has been welcomed with open arms.
Read MoreMahsa 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.
Read MoreFor decades the Baltic States have been connected to Russia via a common rail gauge and Soviet influence. With the construction of Rail Baltica punctuating their realignment towards Europe, the potential positive impacts of this transformative project will reverberate not just through the Baltic region but throughout the European continent as a whole.
Read MoreSouth Korean cinema, epitomized by 'Parasite,' 'Squid Game,' and 'The Glory,' has become a catalyst for societal change. These films have sparked legislative responses to issues like bullying and abuse, aided by South Korea's democratic system. Yet, challenges persist in defining and implementing reforms effectively. To address deeply ingrained problems, a reevaluation of traditional Confucian values is essential. Legislative changes must align with evolving societal needs.
Read More
