New Zealand: a New Stride in the Fight Against Inequality
Ardern has proved herself to be a remarkable leader and her most recent piece of legislation adds on to her incredible list of achievements: free period products will be provided to schools throughout New Zealand.
A Closer Look at Alexi Navalny
On January 17th, Russian opposition leader Alexi Navalny returned to Russia from a hospital in Germany after being poisoned. Navalny was immediately arrested and convicted of violating his parole that stemmed from a conviction in 2014. He was sentenced to two and a half years of hard labor. Anti-government protests have erupted in Russia as a result of his arrest and conviction.
Orban’s Hungary leaves EPP
His relationship with the transnational EPP, or European People’s Party, is nothing to brag of either. His Fidesz political party has been at arms with the EU for years.
Jakarta: The Sinking City
The capital has been struggling to stay above water, and flooding and infrastructure problems have caused turmoil in the city.
India’s Farmers’ Protests from November to Now
A young climate activist, Disha Ravi, has been arrested by the Indian government over her farmers’ protest “toolkit”, a document which Prem Nath, joint commissioner of Delhi police, claims to have been created with the aim of creating “misinformation and disaffection against the lawfully elected government.” This “toolkit” is a document listing resources and ways in which the people in India can take action in support of the farmers’ protests.
Netanyahu pleads not guilty, walks out of own trial
On February 8, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pleaded not guilty in his trial on bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges.
Myanmar Coup
On February 1st, the democratically elected leaders of the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar were overthrown by the country’s military. The military, or the Tatmadaw, seized power and declared a one year state of emergency and placed General Min Aung Hlaing in power. The country’s de facto leader State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint were detained by military forces and charged with criminal offenses. Furthermore, the Tatmadaw have nullified the results of Myanmar's November 2020 elections.
We’re Back: President Biden Reenters International Agreements
One of the unique characteristics is the executive order, an autonomous action by the president that requires no congressional approval. Executive orders and agreements are a complex beast in the American political world; while powerful in making decisive action that is impossible in the sluggish, uncompromising, and polarized Congress, executive orders can easily be overturned by the next administration. Former President Trump is learning firsthand the dangers of passing a majority of his agenda through executive orders, as Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda has been undone quickly and efficiently by the newly elected President Biden, reinstating many landmark initiatives of the Obama Administration. Here are some of the highlights of Biden’s own slew of foreign policy executive orders and some prospective digressions from his predecessor that will require congressional approval.
World Leaders’ Reactions to Biden and Harris’ Inauguration
Following the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on January 20th, reactions from world leaders poured in, mostly to offer their congratulations and to celebrate a “new dawn in America”, as said by president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. In a video she posted on Twitter, she stated, “Europe is ready for a new start with our oldest and most trusted partner.”
Mexico City’s Ban on Single Use Plastics Into Effect
On January 1st, Mexico City’s ban on plastic bags, utensils, and other disposable items took effect. The city of 9 million, one of the largest cities in the world, has spent the last year preparing for this ban. The law was passed by lawmakers in 2019 and Mexico City has been gradually instituting changes since.