Stories about Governance from March, 2017
For Many Venezuelans, ‘Self-Inflicted Coup’ Spells the End of Their Country's Democracy
"The #156 sentence of the Supreme Court of Justice sentence is not a coup, it’s a formal declaration of a coup that’s been in progress for four years."
Back in the USSR?: Critics Say Draft Legislation Puts State Above Rights in Kazakhstan
"Can we designate people that leave their rubbish bags lying around outside their apartment doors enemies of state interests and remove their citizenships?"
Homeless Filipino Families Occupy 6,000 Vacant Public Housing Units
"Look at those houses, they are idle. The grasses have grown tall, the houses are being invaded by soil. Why don't they let the homeless live there?"
Russian Web Censor Cracks Down Ahead of Next Anti-Corruption Protests
In the wake of the largest opposition protests since 2011-12, Russia's prosecutor general is cracking down on the organizers of demonstrations planned for April 2.
Georgia Really, Really Wanted a Visa-Free Agreement with the EU, and Now It's Party Time
"From Tuesday, Georgian nationals may visit Europe’s vast borderless Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180 day period."
Is Kazakhstan's President a Dictator? You Decide.
In a recent discussion with a hand-picked selection of journalists, Nazarbayev took pains to explain why Asian societies aren't always suited to democracy.
There Are ‘No Borders to Music,’ But the U.S. Consulate Still Rejected These Indonesian Choir Members’ Visas
"Regardless of the “borders” instilled by politics, there are no borders to music, no borders to unity through artistry, no borders from humanity that thrives from singing of the heart."
Here's Why This Election Year in France Is Completely Unprecedented
People feel that the future is bleak and that the old recipes of established parties are not working.
Kathmandu’s Pollution Is So Bad, Even Gods Need Masks
The level of pollution in Kathmandu has surpassed the minimum acceptable level and the residents are reacting by putting masks over their faces, just like the city's iconic statues.
This Is How a Russian School Principal Talked to Her Students About Patriotism
Leaked audiotape reveals how a Russian school principal insulted her students, saying they lack patriotism, after they challenged her criticisms of opposition leader Alexey Navalny.
In Northern Sri Lanka, Incidents of Military Intimidation Threaten Reconciliation
"There was clearly anger from the side of the military that people were getting their land back."
Going to University in Paraguay Can Be a Life-or-Death Decision (Part Two)
"I envy the opportunities they have on the the other side of the river. For us, this is another world."
The Amazing, Endearing PSAs of the Belarusian Ministry of Emergencies
The Belarusian ministry in charge of managing disasters and national emergencies has produced a cartoon show. The series features animals in Looney-Toons-style misadventures, and teaches children how to stay safe.
Life Inside a Leprosy Colony in Myanmar
Pyay Kyaw visits patients at the St. Joseph Cotto Legnos Leprosy Colony, home to people like Maya, who once was forced to live in her town’s cemetery due to stigma.
Late-Season Snow Brings Joy to Bhutan
"only in #bhutan...police making snowman at the main roundabout. wonderful"
‘Riot Cops in a Kindergarten’: Russia's War on Religious Minorities Escalates
As a new law designed to fight terrorism takes effect in Russia, missionary work by minority Christian groups is becoming a gamble with the police.
India's Cashless Villages: Not Really There Yet, But the Journey Has Begun
The Lanura village lacks basic facilities, like electricity infrastructure, water and other amenities of life. The people were stunned to learn that the village was declared a "cashless village."
Reckless Diplomacy: Turkey-Netherlands #TulipCrisis Is Scary Viewing for Minorities in Europe
A rally, a crackdown and a diplomatic standoff that stands to benefit nationalist politicians in both countries, but almost no-one else.
Russia Adds First-Ever Foreign Messaging App to Federal Registry
For the first time ever, Russia’s federal censor, Roskomnadzor, has added a foreign online messenger to its “Registry of Information-Dissemination Organizers,” targeting the Swiss company Threema.
