Stories about Politics from December, 2014
As Elections Approach, Zambia Sees Rising Social Media Hate Speech, Ethnic Tension
"This electoral campaign period has brought out some sad realities about us as people."
A Presidential Birth Certificate Controversy Provokes Social Unrest in Gabon
Protests against president Bongo broke out in Gabon last week provoking one death and several arrests.
From #ReclaimYourMosques to #ReclaimPakistan, Pakistanis Call for an End to Extremism
Horrified by the attack on a Peshawar school by Taliban militants, who killed more than 130 students, Pakistanis are protesting for an end to violent radicalism.
Central Asia's 2014: Lots of Alarms but only a Few Surprises
In 2014 Global Voices' Central Asia team wrote about Sochi, Afghan elections, Tajikistan behaving strangely, a Kazakh currency devaluation, an Uzbek Princess' fall and a volleyball tournament in Taiwan. What?
Macedonians ‘Hug’ Skopje Shopping Centre to Protect It From Baroque-isation
The Skopje 2014 project is a controversial and costly initiative that aims to give the city's buildings makeover in the neoclassical or baroque style.
Hijacked Printers in Eastern Ukraine and Russia Print Pro-Ukraine Messages
Ukrainian hackers are fighting the Russian-led occupation of Donbas and Crimea by occupying security cameras and hijacking networked printers in Eastern Ukraine and Russia.
Thailand’s 12 Tumultuous Months in 2014
Thailand in 2014: Street protests, martial law regime, media and web censorship, and the rise to power of a junta-backed government. Will 2015 bring change?
Can Trinidad & Tobago's Government Win Political Goodwill from Christmas?
As Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar traveled the country for her "Holiday Toy Drive", some netizens were concerned about her spending in light of a precarious economic future.
Chinese Authorities Weren't Feeling the Christmas Spirit This Year
For many young Chinese, Christmas is simply a lighthearted diversion that has little to do with religious faith, but authorities see the Western festival as a threat.
New Protest Facebook Page Already in Place as Kremlin Moves Navalny Verdict Forward
As thousands of Russians joined a January 15 protest against the verdict in the trial of opposition leader Navalny, the court suddenly moved the verdict announcement to tomorrow, December 30.
Will Death of Cartoonist Prompt Introduction of Better Traffic Laws in Bermuda?
A beloved Bermudian political cartoonist dies after being struck by a motorist's car while on his way to deliver his latest drawing to the newspaper where he worked. The Beach Lime blog notes that “the Corporation of Hamilton speedily acted to move the pedestrian crossing away from the roundabout, in...
Post-Umbrella Revolution's Politics Reflected in the Newly Launched Stand News
With tensions still sky-high in Hong Kong, the newly-formed Stand News may seek to chart new political and journalistic territory.
Despite Appearances, 3 Reasons for Madagascar, Algeria and France to Be Cheerful in 2015
It seems that things have not been ideal in Algeria, France and Madagascar, yet the Happy Planet Index ranked them quite high on their happiness list.
Meet the Kremlin's Snitch
A Russian Internet group has leaked a trove of emails allegedly from inside the Kremlin, showing reports about the political activities of influential bloggers and independent journalists.
More Than 120,000 Evacuated as Malaysia Hit by Worst Flooding in Decades
Heavy rainfall caused flooding in Malaysia's eastern states. Netizens used social media to monitor impact of the flood disaster and to coordinate relief efforts.
Mexico: An Unsatisfactory and Late Presidential Address
On Thursday, November 27, 2014, Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto addressed publicly Mexican nation to make a stand about the shocking events occured in Iguala and to announce a set of actions to be taken. The address was a disappointment for most of the Mexican people, who expected more from...
So Much More Than the World Cup Happened in Brazil in 2014
From a soap opera's groundbreaking gay kiss to a national debate on racism and vigilante justice, 2014 was a busy year in Latin America's largest country.
Where Does Venezuela Fit in the New US-Cuba Love-in?
Cuba and its longtime foe the United States of America are growing closer politically, after a lifetime of acrimony. That leaves Havana's revolutionary ally and patron Venezuela looking worryingly friendzoned.
Somber Scenes as World Mourns Pakistani Children Slain in Peshawar Attack
Vigils remembering those killed when a group of Taliban gunmen stormed an army school in Peshawar, Pakistan, have taken place around the world, from Canada to Tanzania and Sri Lanka.
Britain's Top Gear Show Not So Top in Argentina After Falklands Gaffe
In October the BBC's Top Gear program exacerbated bad blood between Great Britain and Argentina over the Falkland Islands when filming on location. The show they filmed airs this weekend.
Internet Memes Protest Killing of Anti-Mining Villager in Myanmar
Those outraged by the shooting death of a woman protesting the mining project have used popular Internet memes to point out the absurdities of the case.
