Stories about Politics from September, 2022
Policing the pandemic: Australia’s technology response to COVID-19
Australian governments approached the use of digital technologies from an ideological perspective, heavily leaning on control and surveillance.
Guadeloupe suffers after passage of Tropical Storm Fiona
'The storm’s projected path will see the Dominican Republic feeling her effects by September 18. Thus far, she has maintained speeds of 85 km (50 miles) per hour.'
“Those people”: comments by French minister spark questions about homophobia in government
The new government of Emmanuel Macron is currently facing backlash over homophobic comments and stances expressed by some of its members.
Unfreedom Monitor report: Tanzania
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Tanzania is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
Why are many Hongkongers paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth?
After Queen Elizabeth II's first visit to Hong Kong in 1975, her reputation shifted from an authoritarian ruler to a soft and considerate monarch within the city
Cultural diplomacy and political goals: “Cheb Macron's” ode to Algerian gas
Macron's condescending attitude towards Algeria changed to a strong desire to improve relations between the two countries, in the face of a long and harsh winter awaiting Europe.
CIMER: a revolutionary platform or reporting tool in the hands of state sympathizers?
Set up in 2015, by the ruling Justice and Development Party, CIMER offers Turkish citizens communicate their “problems, complaints and requests” to the presidency.
The European Union continues to stall visa liberalization for Kosovo
Kosovo is the only country in the Western Balkans whose citizens still need visa to travel to the Schengen area.
Lawmakers try to bar gender and sexuality education in Brazil, says Human Rights Watch
Of the proposals to ban or even criminalize the key concepts of "gender" and "sexual orientation" in all areas of education, 47 passed and at least 20 were still in effect as of May 2022.
Organizers refuse to cancel the 2022 Belgrade EuroPride claiming the government's ban is unconstitutional
Involvement of Kremlin proxies in homophobic protests against EuroPride in Belgrade could indicate Russian malign influence undermining Serbia's strategic orientation of joining the European Union.
Hate speech and disinformation surface in Serbia ahead of the 2022 Belgrade EuroPride
Disinformation and hate speech toward the LGBTQ+ community and human rights supporters have been noticeably on the rise as the Serbian capital Belgrade is preparing to host the 2022 EuroPride during this week.
Red-tagged independent media blocked in Philippine internet back online
Bulatlat news website back online after a court pushback
LIVE on September 22: Techno-authoritarianism in India
India's rapid digitization has been accompanied by an array of practices that curtail citizens' liberties. Join us on September 22 for a discussion of how citizens are pushing back.
The Caribbean responds to Queen Elizabeth II's complicated legacy
Many in the region have been attempting to achieve a fine balance between acknowledging Queen Elizabeth II's steadfastness and wrestling with a legacy that inflicted its share of pain.
LIVE on September 15: Can citizens of democracies still trust the law?
As digital authoritarianism spreads globally, is the law, one of the pillars of democracy, being used to undermine people's rights?
Unfreedom Monitor report: Zimbabwe
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Zimbabwe is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
Azerbaijan, Armenia, and tenuous prospects for peace
The European Council president urged the two leaders to work with their respective populations, preparing them "for a long-term, sustainable peace."
A ‘first’ as Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley presides over inaugural African-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum
The Caribbean and Africa recently came together for the inaugural AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley believes it will be a turning point for both regions.
Will Georgia break the cycle of surveillance in return for EU membership?
The Council of Europe's Venice Commission issued an Urgent Opinion on Georgia's recently passed amendments on the so- called wiretapping law on August 26.
Bollywood's decline, Hindu nationalism's gain: A trend of fandom exodus
In recent years, Muslim Bollywood actors have been targeted for being "anti-national" and there are rising demands from the ultra-right that they need to conform to the Hindu-nationalist narrative.
Ukraine war hits Azerbaijani labor migrants
Millions of Azerbaijanis working in Russia and Ukraine are finding themselves forced to choose between their jobs and safety as Russia’s war continues to disrupt the economy on both sides.
