Stories about Politics from May, 2024
The Brazilian and Indian dilemma: How to regulate AI and Big Tech?
While the eagerness to regulate new technologies is understandable, it can sometimes result in unintended and adverse consequences.
Azerbaijan's President Aliyev cozies up to authoritarian leaders
In all of these cases, Azerbaijani government and its leadership got away with its dubious financial transactions and deals all the while, building new friendships and cracking down on freedoms.
The latest defamation bill further tightens restrictions on free speech in Pakistan
The Punjab Assembly recently passed the Defamation Bill 2024, which aims at curbing the spread of fake news across print, electronic, and social media platforms against government officials and institutions.
Australian billionaire's attempt to remove gallery portrait draws international attention
"I would never have known about this and no one would have cared if she didn't demand to have it removed. Now it's arguably more valuable because of the attention..."
At UN SIDS4, Caribbean and Pacific nations reinforce call to negotiate a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty
These climate progressive countries are negotiating for an equitable transition away from oil, gas, and coal, improving the world’s chances of staying within the 1.5°Celsius climate limit.
Hong Kong's first domestic security arrest targets Tiananmen activist Chow Hang-tung and her supporters
Ahead of the 35th anniversary of June 4, HK police said the Facebook posts made use of an “upcoming sensitive date” to incite hatred against the central and Hong Kong governments.
A trip of grief from Gaza to Cairo
Dana Bsaiso reflects on the profound grief of displacement from her Gaza home, while grappling with the longing for home amidst the destruction and barriers of the Israeli occupation.
Turkey's ruling party targets stray dogs in a new legal proposal
The ruling party claims the current system of sterilization is insufficient to control the stray dog population and fails to address public safety concerns.
Southerly winds: How Nepalis are perceiving the ongoing Indian elections
Nepal has traditionally enjoyed a syncretic blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. However, if Modi's BJP wins in Indian elections, some fear that Nepal will slide back to Hindu nationalism.
Will Mexico have its first woman president?
For the first time in Mexico's history, the two top presidential candidates are women.
In Russia, a journalist is detained for ‘apology’ for the Taliban
Nadezhda Kevorkova’s pro-Palestinian information and human rights activities could also have been the reason for her arrest.
Unrest in New Caledonia: ‘The Kanak people’s destiny should not be decided in Europe’
"The island closest to paradise has become the island closest to hell."
Pakistan administered Kashmir faces internet shutdown amidst protests
In May 2024, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir witnessed significant unrest, with daily life profoundly impacted by internet shutdowns and the violent suppression of protests by Pakistani security forces.
Taiwan’s Lai Ching-te welcomed by supporters, as new leader faces domestic strife and Beijing sabre-rattling
Lai stressed his government would “neither yield, nor provoke,” but “maintain the status quo.”
Activists call for the shutdown of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office after three alleged spies were arrested in London
One of the three arrested is an employee of HKETO. The suspects were allegedly involved in the spying of Hong Kong activists in the U.K.
Taiwan balances complex identity tensions at presidential inauguration
May 20th marked the inauguration of the 8th President of the Republic of China in Taiwan, Lai Ching-te in a ceremony showcasing how Taiwan has reshaped its national narrative.
Can childbirth subsidies solve South Korea’s low birth rate?
As Korean women have become more independent, more are hesitant to bear the social cost of child rearing. Paradoxically, the anti-feminist males also hate marriage in public discourse.
Cairo fears a ‘boomerang effect’ of pro-Palestine protests
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi oppresses pro-Palestine protests due to his fears that speaking out about the Palestinian issue during protests might motivate the public to rally against him.
Thai youth activist charged with royal defamation dies in custody
"This is a shocking reminder that Thai authorities are harshly denying pro-democracy activists their freedom in an apparent bid to silence the peaceful expression of dissent."
The jury from Moldova gave highest points to Ukraine during Eurovision 2024
Viewers and the jury from Moldova awarded the maximum number of points — 12 points each — to the performance of representatives from the neighboring country, Ukraine
Google blocks access to pro-democracy protest song in Hong Kong after court ruling
In addition to the blocking of 32 YouTube videos, links to the videos on Google Search will no longer visible to users in Hong Kong
