Stories about International Relations from May, 2017
On the 45th Anniversary of Okinawa's Return to Japan, People Protest US Presence
It's been 45 years since the United States returned Okinawa to Japan. But American bases still dominate the landscape, and the politics of the prefecture.
An Interview With Anna Veduta, Russian Activist, Expert, and Feminist

RuNet Echo speaks to Anna Veduta about her work for Russia’s anti-corruption crusader, her relocation to the United States, and her experience as a regional expert and feminist.
Is the Belt and Road Project the Answer to China's Economic Woes? Some Aren't So Sure.
"...the risk for bad debt is huge. While other countries can easily back down from the initiative, as the leader of the initiative, China will be the last to quit."
A Russian University Wanted to Award Duterte an Honorary Doctorate, but He Flew Home Too Soon

One of Russia’s most prestigious universities planned to award controversial Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte an honorary doctorate, but he left the country before the ceremony could take place, Russian media...
Why Trump's Hostile Handshake Routine Was No Big Deal for Tajikistan's President
Never try to strong-arm the strongman.
For Some Mexicans, a Presidential Hopeful Bears Worrying Similarities to Venezuela's Maduro
"It's no wonder people continue to believe in AMLO, if in Venezuela there are still those that continue believe in Nicolás Maduro, there are naive people everywhere"
The Russian State Media: Champion of Internet Freedom. (From Now On.)

With millions of Ukrainians now at risk of losing their beloved online services, Russia's state media did what it often does in unexpected geopolitical situations: it suddenly changed sides.
Dresden Musicians Take Reagan’s Advice for Gorbachev to the U.S.-Mexican Border
To protest against the border wall that divides the U.S. and Mexico, Germany's Dresden Symphonic Orchestra will stage an international concert with musicians on June 3, 2017, at the border.
Bangladesh: Where Heavy Metal Dies at the Doorstep
Heavy metal fans in Bangladesh were heartbroken after Brazilian death metal bands Krisiun and NervoChaos were forbidden from performing at their sold-out concert in the capital Dhaka.
The Russian Journalist Responsible for the Trump-Lavrov Photo Speaks Out

TASS photojournalist Alexandr Scherbak, the man who took Wednesday's controversial pictures in the Oval Office, accuses the U.S. government and media of “hysteria.”
WeChat? Not in Russia You Don't.

Last week, Russia’s federal censor blocked WeChat, China’s largest mobile messaging app. According to Russia’s media censor, Roskomnadzor, WeChat failed to register with the federal government.
There Is a Wall Along the Mexico-U.S.A. Border and I Want To Show What It Really Looks Like
The big and “beautiful” wall that some politicians promised to build, it already exists. But despite the massive metal fences and militarized checkpoints, love has no borders.
For Opponents, WHO Director General Nominee Tedros Adhanom Represents Ethiopia's Repressive Government
Ethiopians who feel marginalized by their country's government are campaigning hard against him online.
Students and Staff Condemn Talk by Israel's UK Ambassador at SOAS, University of London
London's SOAS University saw hundreds protest Israeli ambassador's visit to campus, denouncing it as "an official exercise in state propaganda."