Stories about International Relations from January, 2023
Amid fears of contamination, Japan will soon dump treated water from Fukushima Nuclear Plant into the Pacific
"(The plan) shows direct disregard for the sovereignty and self-determination of Pacific peoples and the ocean their livelihoods depend upon."
Georgia facing backlash over possible flight resumption with Russia
Flights between Georgia and Russia have been banned since 2019, on President Putin's orders. After Russian lawmaker, Sergey Gavrilov, visited the country in June 2019, and a bout of violence followed.
New era in Czech politics as Petr Pavel wins presidential election
General Petr Pavel, a former NATO official, won the presidential election in the Czech Republic. He will strengthen ties with Brussels in contrast to current president Miloš Zeman.
Where will Prague's China policy go with the new president?
As the Czech Republic chooses a new president for the next five years, the pro-Beijing policy embraced by current president Miloš Zeman is likely to come to a halt.
How Surinamese fisheries are being impacted by climate change — and what's being done about it
In Suriname, issues like inadequate reporting, overfishing, and illegality pose challenges to the country’s fishing industry, but when it comes to climate change, the impact is difficult to determine.
Bollywood’s ‘Faraaz’ raises questions about trauma exploitation in art
The upcoming Bollywood thriller “Faraaz” sparked controversy in Bangladesh and a legal battle in India because of the incorrect portrayal of the key characters and the victims’ right to privacy.
Sweden and Turkey relations sour after far-right politician burns the Koran
Following the torching of a Koran, a series of protests were held outside the Swedish Consulate General in Istanbul where participants burned the Swedish flag and chanted slogans against Sweden.
Tensions over Lachin Corridor linger with no breakthrough in sight
Azerbaijan's government denies any involvement in the blockade. Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of orchestrating the protest, while authorities in Karabakh accuse Azerbaijan of forcing remaining Karabakh Armenians into submission.
Why was the major COVID-19 drug Paxlovid delisted from China's medical insurance scheme?
The Chinese poor will not be able to access the WHO-recommended "life-saving" COVID-19 drug after delisting Paxlovid from China's basic medical insurance scheme. But online patriots are backing the decision.
Money may not grow on trees, but in Nepal it grows on bushes
Money may not grow on trees, but it grows on bushes in Nepal that are used to print Japanese currency notes. Argeli promises to be one of Nepal’s best-known exports.
BBC Bangla issues its final broadcast after 81 years
BBC Bangla radio was a source of impartial and credible news during crises in Bangladesh over the decades. The closure of its radio broadcasts marks the end of an era.
Will a yurt in Ukraine cause a diplomatic row between Kazakhstan and Russia?
Kazakh yurts offering humanitarian help are popping up in Ukraine. Perceiving this as official support of Kyiv, Moscow is reacting by putting pressure on the Kazakh authorities.
Bolsonaro supporters attempt coup, storming Brazil's three powers headquarters
Jan. 8, 2023, is now a date to remember in Brazil: the day when a bolsonarista mob invaded the nation's top state buildings in an attempted coup, one week after Lula's inauguration.
Lula returns to a divided country in historic comeback as Brazil’s president
The defeated Bolsonaro traveled to the US to avoid passing on the sash and fearing inquiries, while Lula took the presidency in an inauguration marked by symbols and promises of rebuilding.
Kosovo: Six attacks against journalists in December following escalating tensions
The Kosovo media sphere is endangered by the recent physical assaults and their implications for press freedom and reporting on developments in the northern part of the country
The construction of the 5G network brings the demise of the Chinese domination in North Macedonia’s telecommunications
Despite the real concerns around privacy and espionage, and the often debunked viral concerns around 5G and health, the installation of a 5G network in North Macedonia continues without problems — for now.
The first lady of Azerbaijan is a UNESCO goodwill ambassador no more
The decision to resign was in protest to recent "anti-Azerbaijan stance" by France some pundits say.
Can a literary festival bring Nepali literature to the international stage?
The 10th edition of the Nepal Literature Festival, Nepal’s only international literary festival, brought together local and international writers and prompted discussions on literature, culture, poetry, music and many more topics.
Mountain Jews: A glimpse into the life of one of Azerbaijan's minorities
A Berlin exhibition provides a glimpse into the life of Azerbaijan's Mountain Jews, a group originating from Persia that settled in the Caucasus and maintained its identity to this day.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative divides the Pacific
Global Voices Southeast Asia and Oceania editor Mong Palatino reviews the impact of China's economic and diplomatic expansion in the Pacific.
