Stories about International Relations from November, 2023
The closer Venezuela gets to voting on annexation of the Essequibo, the more tense the border dispute with Guyana becomes
Venezuela will hold a referendum to gauge support for the annexation of the Essequibo region, and Guyana has petitioned the International Court of Justice to stop the vote.
Expert opinions differ on how much of an impact G20 membership will have for Africa
"Some experts anticipate positive economic growth and collaboration, while others express skepticism, questioning the effectiveness of the AU and the G20's ability to address Africa's unique challenges."
Maldives’ new president formally requests India withdraw troops from its borders
On the first day of his office, pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu formally requested the Indian Government to withdraw its troops stationed in the Maldives, making headlines in both countries.
Interview with the political figure Boubacar Touré on the coup which overthrew Niger's president
The risk of pitting various African countries against one another since the Niger coup seems to be increasing while an ultimatum from the African Union lies fallow.
What can Taiwan learn from Ukraine? Interview with disinformation and civil defense expert Puma Shen
Can Taiwan learn from Ukraine as it faces military threats from China? Global Voices interviewed Puma Shen, a Taiwanese disinformation expert after his first visit to Ukraine in September.
Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union: Climate justice or defense treaty?
"Offering residence or citizenship rights to Tuvaluans, though a compassionate response, does not halt the inexorable rise in sea levels."
‘The only white people who did not bring evil’: Serbian media narratives around Russia in Africa
Russian influence in Africa exists in some areas — notably in security and the arms trade — but most authors who have written on the subject conclude that the overall impact should not be overstated.
Widespread labour standards violations among Japanese businesses with so-called technical interns
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan found record-high labour standard breaches in worksites where “technical interns” work in 2022. Can future legislative reform effectively address this issue?
Protesters flock to San Francisco ahead of Xi-Biden APEC meeting
Chinese president Xi Jinping was greeted by hundreds of protesters and welcoming crowds in San Francisco ahead of his meeting with US President Joe Biden.
Digital apartheid and the use of social media algorithms in humanitarian crises
Big tech platforms extensively censor Palestinian voices, shadow banning them and their supporters, violating their rights to free speech, assembly, information access, political participation, and protection from discrimination.
Decoding eight years of Taiwan's presidency by Tsai Ing-wen: Interview with French journalist Arnaud Vaulerin
"During this period, this democracy of 23.5 million inhabitants has positioned itself in the international arena. There will be a before, and an after Tsai Ing-wen."
In the shadow of decades-old scars and trauma
We are a generation of war, that will live in the shadow of the wars that left scars beyond repair.
Jazzing up the ‘Mandu’ for 20 years
“Initially, we were met with some reluctance and confusion regarding jazz, but now there is no need to explain, Jazzmandu has put both jazz and Kathmandu on the map.”
Italy's plan to set up asylum-seeker center in neighboring Albania sparks debate
A center will open in Albania to temporarily accommodate immigrants en route to Italy, while their asylum applications are assessed.
Even the air in Moldova seems to tremble in suspense over the Russian aggression in Ukraine
Protests, disinformation campaigns, and economically unsubstantiated restrictive measures are some of the tactics that official Moscow uses against Moldova. UNHCR data indicates that Moldova is hosting over 100,000 refugees from Ukraine and other countries.
What to make of the Taliban's increasing engagement with China
The multi billion dollar investment deals created an unprecedented buzz around the future of Chinese presence in Afghanistan.
Independent Ukrainian journalists face multiple challenges, despite international support projects
Before Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine enjoyed a high degree of media freedom. What is the situation today after 20 months of war, destruction and some cases, the killing of journalists?
Armenia and Azerbaijan vow peace — for now
Armenian and Azerbaijan's leadership may have finally agreed on a peace deal document to be signed "in the coming months."
‘Taiwanese people should support democracy in Swaziland': Interview with activist Tanele Maseko
Taiawn-based New Bloom editor Brian Hioe interviewed activist Tanele Maseko, widow of Thulani Maseko who was killed in January 2023 in Eswatini, one of Taiwan's few diplomatic allies.
‘India–Taiwan relations could evolve into a defining partnership in the Indo-Pacific,’ says Indian scholar Sana Hashmi
The term "Indo-Pacific" resonates as a buzz word in many conversations in Taiwan. But what does the term refer to and how is it understood in the growing Taiwan-India relationship?
Sudan: Civilians caught in middle of military leader power struggle
Sudanese civilians have become caught up in a conflict between two military factions struggling to gain complete control of the country.
