Stories about Politics from March, 2023
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.
Has China lost its edge in Venezuela?
China developed a new regional approach in Latin America after Venezuela's financial crises.
Undertones: Iran's powerful narratives about religion and rebellion
"Religious narratives are exactly why the regime hasn’t been overthrown yet"
Sino-Brazilian relations in 2023: Will Brazil join the Belt and Road Initiative?
On March 28, Brazil’s president, Lula, will visit China. Experts do not expect that the Belt and Road Intiative might be a topic between the two leaders.
Burkina Faso changes tactics in its fight against Jihadist attacks
Burkina Faso seems to be trying out a new strategy of inviting Russia to take France's place as regional peacekeepers and calling on local volunteers to defend the country.
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.
The South Caucasus: In pursuit of its lost identity
Many former Soviet countries are currently navigating their own process of decolonization.
Tunisia is stuck in a permanent state of emergency
Tunisia's repeated extension of the state of emergency is a threat to the country's fragile democracy, as it allows for the suspension of basic rights and freedoms.
Exploring a Kurdish quarter in Azerbaijan
The residents of the “gypsy quarter” in Yevlakh consider themselves part of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani people. Despite this, they face a lack of resources, state support, and widespread discrimination.
How Vietnam’s state trolls are undermining free speech and democracy
"We urge Meta to cross check systematically all reporting on human rights NGOs pages such as Viet Tan to avoid falling in trolls’ trap."
Racial tensions rise in Suriname amidst economic instability, but citizens still hope for unity
Suriname, a tiny country in South America and a member of CARICOM, has been in uproar due to economic instability and corruption. Amidst the mayhem, racial tensions are growing.
Malaysian police probe women’s march organizers for pro-LGBTQ+ posters
"In the last 3 years, there has been a resounding lack of movement by our government to protect and preserve the rights of women and other marginalised genders."
Kenya-China relations strained as new government grapples with a debt crisis
A dispute over a Chinese store is now at the heart of a simmering strained relationship as Kenya struggles to restructure its Chinese debt.
How did Chinese politics play out in the Oscars 2023?
The Oscars are always political. But this year, the 95th Annual Academy Awards has also been entangled with Chinese politics and controversies.
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.
Veteran Hong Kong labor rights activist arrested on suspicion of foreign collusion
The 65-year-old labour rights activist Elizabeth Tang was arrested outside Stanley prison on suspicion of foreign collusion after visiting her husband Lee Chuek Yan who is charged with "inciting subversion."
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.
In Azerbaijan, journalists unite in saying ‘we do not want licensed media’
The campaign demands that the government repeal the law, alleging it violates Azerbaijan's Constitution, and remove the requirement for registration with the Media Registry.
The new normal after Turkey's earthquake: A TV host and comedian gives his take
The show, relies on daily issues and so it was not at all surprising the new episode that aired on Saturday was all about 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
Filipino drivers hold jeepney strike against the government’s phaseout plan
"The fight of drivers and operators also belongs to the people. Drivers will have no jeepneys to use. Millions will have to endure the lack of access to affordable transportation.