For the first time since 2004, the Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) has recorded more autocratic states than democracies around the world. Civil society activists often represent the last bastion of resistance. Autocracies such as Russia and China on the one hand; democracies like the USA or Germany on the other. Is that the great conflictContinue reading “Democracy in decline worldwide”
Tag Archives: Central America
Taiwan urges China to curb its ‘military adventurism’
China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, and has increased military and diplomatic pressure to assert its sovereignty claims. Taiwan’s president has urged China to curb its “military adventurism” as tensions between the two sides reach their highest level in years. Beijing has ramped up military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan since Tsai Ing-wen cameContinue reading “Taiwan urges China to curb its ‘military adventurism’”
After Nicaragua flips, U.S. sanctions seen pushing Central America towards China
A creeping barrage of U.S. sanctions on top Central American officials has made China an attractive partner for governments resisting Washington’s push to tackle corruption and democratic backsliding in the region, officials and analysts say. The trend was thrust into focus this week when Nicaragua re-established ties with Beijing, severing a longstanding relationship with U.S. allyContinue reading “After Nicaragua flips, U.S. sanctions seen pushing Central America towards China”
El Salvador violated rights of woman who had abortion and died in prison, court rules
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled on Tuesday that El Salvador had violated the rights of a woman who was sent to prison for breaching the country’s tough abortion laws and died while serving her 30-year sentence. An El Salvador court sentenced the woman only identified as Manuela in 2008 for aggravated homicide afterContinue reading “El Salvador violated rights of woman who had abortion and died in prison, court rules”
The Modern Revolution: Crash Course Big History #8
In which Hank and John Green teach you a Crash Course on the modern revolution, and the upside of the progress that humanity has made in the last 500 years or so. And while there are two sides to every history, and many of these changes haven’t been great for the other inhabitants of theContinue reading “The Modern Revolution: Crash Course Big History #8”
Among the Fray 