Stories about International Relations from March, 2023
Police in Kyrgyzstan pressures exiled anti-war Russians to keep quiet
The war in Ukraine presented Bishkek a challenging task of navigating Russia’s demands for explicit support of its invasion and the risks of falling under Western sanctions.
Micronesia’s president accuses China of bribery and ‘political warfare’
"What else do you call it when an elected official is given an envelope filled with money after a meal at the PRC Embassy or after an inauguration?"
Prospects for peace loom as much as prospects for another war in Nagorno-Karabakh
The Russian Ministry of Defense said the move was a breach and violation of the agreement signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan on November 9, 2020.
What is contributing to St. Lucia's spike in violent crime?
Gang violence, allegedly linked to the drug trade, is rising in St. Lucia. Citizens remain vigilant after a series of homicides occurred mid-March in the town of Vieux Fort.
Photos stolen, compensation denied: The plight of Rohingya Photographers
The works of Rohingya photographers were used by international non-profits and media houses without consent or paying for them. Global Voices interviewed journalist and filmmaker Shafiur Rahman to learn more.
How did Serbia become ‘the biggest victim’ of the war in Ukraine?
Serbian pro-government media promote the narrative that that country has been “pressured,” “blackmailed,” “overkilled,” and targeted in “orchestrated attacks” by "great powers" as part of "special warfare" from the West.
When a coup chases you into a corner: The lives of Burmese refugees in Thailand
"If I can, I would like to ask the Thai government to accept us and set up a centre for war refugees. The people who come here aren’t evil people."
Taiwanese ex-president Ma Ying-jeou’s visit to China sparks speculation
It's clear that the KMT is eager to reestablish relations with China without upsetting Taiwan’s autonomy, yet Ma’s visit will be politically difficult as few are likely to embrace him.
LIVE on March 23: China's Belt & Road initiative—New cycle, or fundamental shift?
Join us on YouTube Live on March 23 for a discussion of how recent world events have shaped the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in China and in the Global South.
‘I am fighting Russians not because I hate Russia.’ The story of a Ukrainian volunteer infantryman
This is an illustration of how a former civilian and civic activist with very liberal, humanistic, and pacifistic views starts to think like a soldier.
Turkey–China partnership: Is Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative not delivering enough?
Beijing and Ankara position themselves as partners and global players in an Asia-Middle East-Europe corridor. Yet despite China's grand statements about its investment in Turkey, little has materialized so far.
For Ukrainians defending their country, words are important
Russia is trying to destroy Ukraine not only by weapons, forced deportations, and “re-education” of children in the occupied territories, but also by words.
The aftermath of the Syrian earthquake and the UN's failure
The UN apologizes to the Syrian people, as inadequate aid arrives too late in Northwest Syria, leaving many to die under the rubble in the aftermath of the earthquake.
‘Third World’ and ‘Developing World’ not our chosen identity: Interview with photojournalist Shahidul Alam
"Stereotypes of my people as poor were created blindly by white Western photographers — we can't shift that unless storytellers change their stories." - Shahidul Alam
How the war in Ukraine twisted my tongue
After Russia invaded for a second time on February 24, 2022, I found myself wondering what to do with the part of my brain that still speaks Russian every day.
Behind the scenes: Chinese influence in North Macedonia
While investments from Chinese companies amounted to only two percent of the total Foreign Direct Investment in North Macedonia in 2021, China maintains influence in numerous sectors and industries.
Relations between Turkey and Armenia pivot from ‘football diplomacy’ to ‘earthquake diplomacy’
The gesture gained even more significance because in 1988 Turkey sent humanitarian aid to Armenia when the latter was hit with an earthquake that killed more than 25,000 people.
The feminist diaspora's role in confronting human rights violations in Yemen
Despite facing numerous challenges, Yemeni women activists in the diaspora continue to fight for peace and justice in their homeland through their advocacy work.
Using AI to ‘decolonise’ language
We need to find a new language, new narratives, a new world view and the tools to create the words to overcome the “grand humanitarian narrative.” Can technology help?
Is India's transition to clean energy achievable or an empty promise?
India is commiting to combatting climate change by accelerating its transition to clean energy. However, its slow transition pace and limited green budget do not reflect that.
Pacific voices call for urgent global climate action
Several initiatives highlight stories, narratives, and art performances that articulate the appeal of Pacific Island nations for a more decisive global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.