Democracy in decline worldwide

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 conflict

Gravitas: Omicron Surge: Troops deployed to London hospitals – WION

The British Armed Forces have sent 200 personnel into NHS hospitals across London to plug staff shortages. Last week, 9.5 million people worldwide tested positive for the Wuhan virus. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

The ongoing challenges to democracy in Asia – DW News

Many regions in Asia saw challenges to their democratic form of governance in 2021. But there were always people who stood up to abuses of power. We look at how in Myanmar, Hong Kong, India and the Philippines.

What are the Patterns of Border Conflicts? Crash Course Geography #37

Today, we’re going to take a closer look at borders and the stories they tell. When we look at a map, the shapes we’re seeing can seem so permanent, but a map is just a snapshot of the Earth at a particular time, and by looking a countries shape (and how it has changed across

Super typhoon causes devastation as it rips through Philippines – BBC News

A popular tourist island is among areas left devastated after a powerful typhoon ripped through the southern Philippines, officials say. Super typhoon Rai made landfall on the holiday island of Siargao on Thursday, bringing winds of about 195km/h (120mph) and heavy rainfall. The tropical storm has levelled homes on islands along its path, displacing hundreds

Report: China extradited over 600 Taiwanese worldwide – WION

China is on a mission to subdue Taiwan, it has previously used its military might, flying Chinese warcraft inside Taiwan’s defence airspace and now a new report has revealed that Beijing is using diplomatic pressure on foreign govt to deport Taiwan nationals to China.

Philippines tells China to ‘back off’ after South China Sea standoff

Foreign minister says Chinese action illegal Blocking of supply ship threaten “special relationship” Philippines has occupied shoal for 22 years on grounded ship The Philippines on Thursday condemned “in strongest terms” the actions of three Chinese coast guard vessels that it said blocked and used water cannon on resupply boats headed towards a Philippine-occupied atoll

Russia labels reporters ‘foreign agents’ after journalist Dmitry Muratov awarded Nobel Peace Prize

Hours after Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov was jointly awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, Russian authorities have begun labelling other journalists and media organisations “foreign agents” in an effort to sideline critics. Mr Muratov, and fellow journalist Maria Ressa of the Philippines, won the prize for their fight for freedom of expression. Many in Russia had hoped that the prize would

Philippines’ Duterte says daughter running for president in 2022 elections – media

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter will run for president in the 2022 election and her father’s long-time aide, who has filed his vice presidential candidacy, will be her running mate, ABS-CBN news reported late on Saturday. Sara Duterte-Carpio is currently mayor of Davao, the Philippines’ third-largest city, and on Saturday filed her candidacy to run

Authoritarianism: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

John Oliver discusses the growing number of authoritarian leaders around the world, their common characteristics, and whether or not one of them is currently our president.