Stories about Governance from December, 2015
What to Expect From Russia's State Censor in 2016
The head of Russia's state censor discusses the normalcy of media restrictions, the efficacy of blocking online resources, tackling messenger apps, and much more to come in 2016.
Ecuador Government Seizes TV Channel's Equipment, Leaving It Off the Air
The owner of a popular Ecuadorian TV station that went off the air after the seizure of equipment by the police says the action was motivated by the station's reporting.
The Tragic Rise of Child Abduction as a Business in Madagascar in 2015
"I would not wish such a nightmare on my worst enemy. The Malagasy population feels completely helpless in the face of this wave of children kidnapping."
Strangest Twitter Moment of 2015? Elijah Wood Wades into the Gollum-Erdogan Spat
"You shut up. I skip all the scenes you are in anyway. You can't walk properly. You can't even throw the ring properly... indecent."
One of 2015's Biggest Political Scandals Ends in the Indonesian House Speaker's Resignation
"Indonesia’s public was able to witness, in fascinating and nauseating detail, the mechanics of rent seeking at the highest level."
Millions of Indians Slam Facebook's ‘Free Basics’ App
With two weeks of public advertisements, Facebook would have got the maximum opposition in India so far in rolling a free access to its products called Free Basics.
Myanmar's Memorable Moments in 2015
The victory of Myanmar's opposition over the military-backed party was a significant milestone in the country's history. This and other events that made 2015 a particularly memorable year for Myanmar
Following in São Paulo's Footsteps, Brazilian Students in Goiás Are Occupying Their Schools Too
"The fighting spirit that animated 2013 remains alive."
Is Christmas Really Banned in Brunei?
Yes and no. Non-Muslims can celebrate in their homes and places of worship. And as one netizen commented, "Why is the supposed Christmas 'ban' only reaching Western media now?"
On Taiwan, Facebook and the Politics of Trolling on the Chinese Internet
When Facebook became accessible in mainland China, trolls descended on a Taiwanese politician. What might happen if Facebook were to become permanently accessible in China?
Russia's Citizen Journalists: Mercenary Mudslingers or Intrepid Investigators?
Since three bloggers were arrested in Samara, their story of muckraking and blackmail has come to threaten the future of investigative blogging, as well as Governor Nikolai Merkushkin's tenure.
25 Years After Officially Closing, Kyrgyzstan's Biggest Dump Is Still Rancid and Expanding
Is the toxic, anarchic landfill that has troubled Bishkek for over two decades about to be brought to heel?
What Will it Take to End Police Brutality in Armenia?
A complacent executive and uncaring judiciary have given a free hand to the Caucasus country's unloved police force.
On Politics, Big Contracts and Parties in Trinidad & Tobago
Government ministers are seen socialising with corruption accused. The president of a corruption watchdog organisation is forced to resign. Coincidence? One blogger calls foul and tries to connect the dots.
Bangladesh Will Demand Biometric Data From All SIM Card Users
The scheme will create a massive database of citizens' communications data that could give the government unprecedented access to the mobile communications of Bangladeshi citizens.
Public Uproar in Cambodia After City Government ‘Whitewashes’ US Artist's Mural
"The Cambodian government is sending a clear message that public art will not be tolerated. Either that or they just spat out their dummy in the most fastidious way possible."
WhatsApp Is Back on in Brazil. But Why Was It Blocked in the First Place?
The judge who issued the order based her decision on a provision of Marco Civil, Brazil's so-called "Bill of Rights" for the Internet.
Poland's Constitutional Tribunal Crisis
Constitutional crisis. Protesters outside the parliament. Enigmatic national addresses. A power struggle between governments. This is Polish politics today.
Is the World Forum for Democracy a Space of Genuine Dialogue?
At this year's World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg, tolerance for debate and differences of opinion left something to be desired.
China's 2nd World Internet Conference Will Focus on ‘Rule of Law’, But Not Free Expression
"These conferences have had no credibility ever since the first one, whose real aim was to ensure that Internet companies wanting to operate in China fall into line."
Bangladesh Unblocks All Social Media Services (For Now)
Contradictory statements from authorities have left many Bangladeshis wondering what was behind the ban on Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and other major communications platforms.