Economy & Politics | Meer

Aurinkokivi School in Kivistö, Vantaa, Finland, 2022

The Finland international school approach in India

Finland's progressive education model reshapes learning in India, focusing on hands-on skills and holistic development

A man drowning in water beneath a pile of plastic containers and garbage, highlighting the environmental crisis and the impact of pollution on ecosystems

Growing threat of microplastics: burden on human health

Health risks and Asia's action plan to combat pollution

The illustration shows a schoolboy outside a "Public School," with Charles M. Schwab sitting on a large money bag labeled "$1,000,000 salary" on a steel factory, and a Supreme Court justice holding a balance scale and a small money bag labeled "$10,500 salary," sitting on a book labeled "Law and Constitution."

The drives and limits of Donald Trump

How corporate interests shape politics, influence policy, and undermine democracy

A person backed by money and power can climb easily to the top

The power pyramid

When the needs of the few control the lives of the many

US President Ronald Reagan greeting USSR General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev at Fleur D'Eau in Geneva, Switzerland

Why Gorbachev hugged me

It has taken me years to understand it. Now I do

Trump stands motionless, a symbol of the isolationist path he's chosen, turning his back on global leadership at a time when the world needs unity

Trump's global retreat: a call for action

The world must unite to tackle health and climate crises as the U.S. takes a step back

A protest took place in Bonn, Germany, in February 2025, organized by the Center for Political Beauty, calling for a ban on the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD). The demonstration was focused on opposing the fascist ideologies promoted by the party, with a group of people standing around a barricade to voice their demands

German centre-left dare to tread unknown territory

Emergence of far-right AfD forces others to readjust policies

During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals diligently wear masks while working for their safety

The digital divide: private sector vs. government in crisis

Exploring the lessons of rapid digitalization in crisis and why businesses thrive while governments lag behind

The Chilean flag, with its bold blue square and white star symbolizing the sky and honor, alongside red and white representing the nation's independence and courage, waves in anticipation of the pivotal 2025 presidential election

Chile 2025: the year we will live in danger

Presidential elections, political instability, and the shadow of external influences in Latin America

During their February 28, 2025 meeting in the Oval Office, President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy found themselves at odds, reflecting the deep political divides between their administration, Washington, D.C., United States

Cost of the not-so-realistic moment in U.S. foreign policy

Why we should believe that current American foreign policy is not so realistic, but erratic

Northern Gulf region, showing (clockwise from bottom left) Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran

Politics of naming during the Iran-Iraq war

UNESCO and the ‘Persian’ Gulf dispute

The Reichstag, a historic legislative government building on Platz der Republik in Berlin, is the seat of the German Bundestag, Germany

Germany at a crossroads: the 2025 election's global impact

How voter choices on energy, immigration, and economic policy will shape Germany's role in Europe and the world

European Parliament meeting hall at Strasbourg, France

The essence of state purpose

A strategic concept beyond governance

Close-up of a woman blowing on a matchstick held by her boyfriend, who has a cigarette in his mouth, with an intimate and casual vibe

What is the future of European public health policy?

There are opportunities to make progress, but is Brussels able to do so?

"Portuguese Carracks Off a Rocky Coast" is the oldest known sea painting in the National Maritime Museum's collection, created by a Flemish or Flemish-trained artist

The possible between two impossibilities

The existential struggles of global society and the need for revolutionary change

Embracing the flexibility of hybrid work, this woman enjoys the freedom to balance professional tasks with personal moments from the comfort of her home

The future of hybrid work

How do we balance productivity and flexibility in a post-pandemic world?

Children gather around a laptop in a rural African community, where limited internet access poses a barrier to education and development

Overcoming Africa's internet access infrastructure barriers

Challenges and opportunities in bridging the digital divide

Akçakoca, Düzce, Turkey

An overview of Akçakoca’s waterfront

Akçakoca’s early response to climate change and resistance to industrialization

In the face of rising living costs, this CEO's menacing stare seems to mock the struggles of the everyday person, offering hollow solutions while continuing to amass power and profit

Frequent obscenity and sensationalised media influence

How corporate greed and media manipulation shape our reality and erode trust in society

Human potential, creativity, and the emergence of new realities through choices and technological interconnectedness

Unlocking potential: quantum insights and leadership

The intersection of quantum theory, cybernetics, and leadership to elevate possibilities and expand human freedom

The pride of graduation contrasts with the frustration of unemployment as this young Somaliland graduate reflects on the bleak prospects for many educated youth in her country

Facing the future: Somaliland's youth and the job crisis

The toll that unemployment has on graduates, migration, and the economy

The working cooling towers of Exelon Generation Unit 1 in the foreground are emitting water vapor. The dormant cooling towers are from Unit 2, which was permanently damaged in the 1979 accident, Pennsylvania, USA

The hidden truth about nuclear power

Security risks and economic inefficiencies

A person holding a rainbow tag in their hand, symbolizing the equality

A queer approach to ESG

Justice, inclusion, and sustainability

Illustration by Paola Bilancieri

The hut at the end of the world

Two encounters: tension & kindness

A small boy holding an orange to symbolize the Zero Hunger initiative and the importance of access to nutritious food

A pathway to zero hunger and sustainable living

The global fight for equal food access and a sustainable future

The Mir Mine in Mirny, located in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Far Eastern Federal District, Russia

Neo-extractivism in Latin America: resource or trap?

From silver and oil to lithium, the region remains locked in a cycle of resource extraction

Leaders from around the world gathered in Rio de Janeiro on 1 December 2024, to witness South Africa officially assume the chairmanship of the G20, marking a historic moment for both the country and the continent

South Africa's G20 chairship: shaping global priorities

How focusing on SDGs, food security, and innovation for sustainable growth is key

American Red Cross rest room for African American soldiers and sailors, most seen reading, ca. 1919

Challenging myths behind African American history

The distorted narratives of history reveal secrets about achievements and contributions

Morning commuters in London rush through the crowded streets, starting their workday

The dehumanizing culture of modern business

The commodification of humanity in the corporate jungle

Senator the Hon. Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs meets with Indian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, at the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Perth on Friday 9 February, 2024

India’s foreign policy: pro-India, not East or West

How Jaishankar's pragmatic diplomacy and non-aligned policy shape India's growing global influence

Assorted plastic bottles, e-waste recycling, and renewable resources contribute to the creation of recycled fashion products, showcasing the potential of sustainable materials in the fashion industry

The circular economy: transforming waste into wealth

Economic potential through sustainable innovation and resource regeneration

Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord is a sprawling state park located in Duisburg, Germany, offering a unique blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty

Ecological renewal in the Ruhr

Lessons from ecosystem management in a post-industrial landscape

A beaming couple receiving the keys to their new house from a real estate professional, capturing the joy of homeownership

How FOMO shapes real estate decisions

From FOMO to fast decisions; how marketing tactics turn listings into irresistible opportunities

United Nations Building located at Geneva, Switzerland

Towards a new international economic order

Present and future of the progressive project in the global diplomatic scenario

A rendition of President Donald Trump with an art-deco-styled machine

Trump’s time machine

Taking US trade and diplomatic policies back to the age of mercantilism

A young boy engaged in online learning, with his teacher conducting a virtual lecture through the screen

Closing the educational divide in the digital age

A global perspective

A true leader inspires confidence and creativity, fostering a culture of support that transforms challenges into opportunities

The illusion of leadership: unmasking bad bosses

How misguided managers undermine teams and talent

J. D. Vance addressing the audience

Why J.D. Vance’s book is a required reading

Trump's second in command's ''Hillbilly elegy''

Futuristic scene featuring advanced robots revolutionizing the construction industry with high-tech automation

AI's impact on employment: navigating the future of work

Exploring the dual nature of AI's influence: job displacement and inequality across economies

President Trump with Benjamin Netanyahu Prime Minister of Israel, unveils a Plan for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement Between Israel and the Palestinians in USA

Trump’s Middle East strategy: negotiations and tensions

Trump’s stance on Iran, Israel, and regional dynamics amid rising threats of conflict

A young girl learning to play the recorder

Education’s future is musical

A glimpse into the upcoming challenges of teaching

Abandoned children's shoes amid the refugee crisis in Budapest, Hungary, Central Europe, 6 September 2015

Spectral migrant: ghost metaphors in "What Strange Paradise"

The marginalization and invisibility of migrants in European hospitality through literary and societal lenses

Scan the barcode, at the supermarket

Blockchain in food: enhancing traceability and safety

Exploring the transformative impact of blockchain technology on food supply chains

HAARP, a study in Alaska funded by the U.S. Air Force, Navy, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and DARPA, investigates the ionosphere's properties and behavior

HAARP and the power of weather manipulation

Military applications, ethical implications, and global concerns surrounding HAARP's influence on Earth’s atmosphere

Argentina's President Javier Milei and Vice President Victoria Villarruel on the day of his inauguration, in Buenos Aires, Argentina December 10, 2023

Milei's impact on Argentina's historical narrative

Exploring the right-wing shift in Argentina's discourse on political violence and human rights

People from around the globe united in a shared cause, demonstrating solidarity for global change

Frustrations of a lifelong global issues activist

The struggles of social movements in shaping multilateral change

A street art mural of Donald Trump in Cologne's Ehrenfeld district, Germany, captured in 2017

Trump: Europe's legitimate son

How Europe’s own matrix of power shaped Trump and the decline of the West

Walking through the refugee camp in Syria, this child embodies the hope for a brighter future, a vision all of humanity must strive to realise

The Middle East's impact on European migration in 2025

A humanitarian approach amidst escalating conflicts

A late night study session, hallmark of university life

Third year: my undergraduate experience at UVA

A college journey transformed by the pandemic, pushing me to adapt

Damming of rivers breaks natural and human flows, such as this one on Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh, India @ Neeraj Vagholikar

Regenerating the flow of life

South Asia as a biocultural region

The beacon of the 20th century United States, the Statue of Liberty, New York, USA

Western political thought: the tragic fate of the USA

What is to become of the most powerful nation in present times?

The Patriotic Monument in the heart of demolished Borodyanka, Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine, stands as a symbol of resilience amidst the destruction

Ukraine war and Germany’s rearmament hidden from elections

As defeat looms, German leaders and media keep voters in the dark

Protest in front of the chancellery in Berlin demanding an application to ban the AFD party, Germany

The rise of reactionary politics and the path forward

How populism and authoritarianism are reshaping European politics and what must be done to counter it

The devastating fires in California, USA, exacerbated by climate change, underscore the critical importance of implementing urban heat mitigation measures to combat rising temperatures and safeguard public health

Lessons for a climate-resilient Los Angeles

Rethinking housing, forests, and climate adaptation

The skyline of Shanghai, China, stands as a testament to China's rapid urban transformation, with its modern banking buildings symbolising economic power and ambition

Innovative management in China: beyond simplifications

Understanding the complexities of China's economic evolution and governance

Photograph of our planet taken from outer space

Changing our perspectives about earth

We see humanity's impact on the planet, but are we connecting the dots?

In an open office space, colleagues work together on a shared digital platform, reflecting how AI is transforming the way teams collaborate remotely, from anywhere in the world

The AI-driven remote revolution

Reshaping work, education, and commerce moving forward

Canada announces bold biodiversity protection measures at COP15, 2022

The cost of biodiversity targets: global implications

An examination of UN biodiversity resolutions and their implications for developed and developing nations

The scales of justice between two piles of books, a representation of the weighing and balancing of legal principles, which is central to the Princonser method

Business law and the Princoser method

A universal approach to legal stability and adaptation

Collaborative efforts drive innovation as our team analyzes data trends, showcasing the essential role of information systems in strategic decision-making

Boosting competitive advantage with information systems

How IT alignment enhances business strategy and value creation

2023 Ukrainian stamp featuring a mural by artist Banksy in Kyiv, Ukraine,

War, art, and sanctions

International sanctions and the protection of cultural heritage in Ukraine

Northern US border post in winter, USA

Frontier deterrence, a real security challenge: part III

Concretion and reaction to addressing migration and security in critical phases.

Protesters hold a sign reading "Macron, your party begins!" during a demonstration in Paris, expressing opposition to President Emmanuel Macron's policies

Macron’s cost-of-living gamble: France’s debt-fueled crisis

In the stormy political news cycle, politicians risk losing sight of what matters most

The Main Sails of Le Havre, France

Le Havre and Akçakoca: waterfront transformation lessons

A comparative study of urban renewal, heritage, and sustainability

Solar panels harness the power of the sun, an excellent alternative that is gaining traction

Red states and the solar boom

The upcoming energy transition offers amazing opportunities

Ilham Aliyev, president of Azerbaijan, at the 18th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement held on October 25 and 26, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan

The Non-Aligned Movement and the 21st century

Seventy years of struggle for self-determination in a world transformed by global hegemony and dependence

Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021

Trump's role in the Ukraine-Russia conflict

Undoing 40 years of U.S. Neo-Containment policy and building global diplomacy for sustainable peace

A street vendor selling the *Trabajadores* newspaper in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

Battle for truth: journalism and press freedom in Cuba

State control, digital platforms, and the fight for independent reporting

Green energy with hand holding an environmental light bulb

Nuclear power: hype vs. reality in the age of AI

Challenges and failures of nuclear energy amidst renewed industry promises and government funding

Families crossing into the United States under the shadow of a border wall, symbolizing the challenges and aspirations of migration in pursuit of the American Dream

Trump: the cunning of the paper tiger?

The global and domestic impact of Trump's defensive exceptionalism

A dedicated professional collaborates with the local community in a rural setting, addressing health and nutrition challenges while fostering sustainable progress

Reflections of an old socialist

Development as I once saw it: the time has come to make a bold move

A globe and compass placed on books on a table, symbolizing the need for global citizenship, education, and the guiding wisdom of philosophy

Urgent need for global citizenship in a changing world

How education and philosophy can guide us toward a sustainable and peaceful future

On the first day of 2024, a memorandum of understanding was finalised between Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, and Muse Bihi Abdi, the President of Somaliland, the memorandum is said to cover the lease of 19 kilometers of Somaliland's Red Sea coastline, specifically around the Berbera port, to Ethiopia

Somaliland-Ethiopia deal sparks tensions in Horn of Africa

Somaliland's agreement with Ethiopia challenges Somalia's sovereignty and regional stability

The Dublin sculptor Rowan Gillespie designed this impressive group of statues commemorating the Great Famine of the mid 19th century, Ireland

The hunger, a possible reflection

Unmasking a silent global warfare and the urgency for compassionate solutions

Illustration by Paola Bilancieri

A matter of shoes

A lesson on kindness and generosity

A Doctors Without Borders physician examines a mother and her child, providing vital healthcare in a conflict-affected region, demonstrating the critical role of non-state actors in addressing humanitarian needs

The influence of non-state actors in international relations

How NGOs, corporations, and activist groups are redefining power and influence in global affairs

Representation of the Western powers treatment of Haiti and its inhabitants

Haitian Independence Day: free but not equal

A recollection of colonial hypocrisy and oppression

As the sun sets in a wash of pink, two lone trees stand in stark defiance against a barren landscape, reminding us of the cost of survival amidst desolation

The perils of survival: adapting at any cost

Exploring the dark consequences of conformity in authoritarian systems

Gaborone, Botswana, a landlocked nation in Southern Africa, features a diverse landscape shaped by the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, which transforms into a vibrant animal habitat during the seasonal floods

Botswana's historic political shift: BDP's 60-year rule ends

UDC's victory ushers in a new era for democracy and economic reform in Southern Africa

Demonstrations in eastern Gaza City, April 27, 2018, Palestine

The complexity of regional boundaries and power dynamics

Exploring regional definitions, political controversies, and the value of case studies in geographical research

Leaders at the 15th annual BRICS summit including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, gather to discuss a new international economic framework that prioritises global justice and sustainability

Reviving global hope: a new path to economic justice

BRICS, the U.N. legacy, and progressive initiatives for a fairer world order

US President Richard Nixon and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai toast, 1972

If only Nixon could go to China, what about Trump

Looking for unexpected possibilities in the 2024 US election

Various people participating in protests, engaging in public speeches, demonstrating political activism, voting to support democracy, and raising their hands in solidarity

Political frustrations of the 2020s

Neoliberalism, social media, and the erosion of democracy

Ukrainian flags fly near Berlin's Rotes Rathaus in Germany

German pacifism: motivations in Ukraine's struggle

Examining the divide: idealism, naiveté, and hidden agendas among German pacifists

U.S. Senator and newly appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio

United States' first Hispanic Secretary of State

Will the appointment of Marco Rubio change the relationship between the U.S. and Latin America?

The 2022 Sri Lankan protests, commonly known as Aragalaya, were a series of mass protests that began in March 2022 against the government of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's political transition to a new era

The rise of the National People's Power and the end of four decades of dynastic rule

Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Mexico's first female president, faces uncertain times

Challenges ahead for the new Mexico

Trump, migration and the drug cartels

From left to right: Argentinian President Javier Milei, Uruguayan President Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña after 2024 negotiations for an EU-Mercosur partnership agreement

The EU-MERCOSUR agreement

A quantum leap or an economic Trojan horse?

Young girl holding a 'Reject Financial Bill' sign during Kenyan protest

The problem with social media in political activism

Evaluating the efficacy of social media in political resistance and real-world action

The age of AI: transforming society and global challenges

AI’s role in shaping communication, education, and ethical challenges for global peace

Initiation of an apprentice Freemason around 1800. This engraving is based on that of Gabanon on the same subject dated 1745

The global elite: power and influence

How business and secret societies shape global politics

A woman in an academic robe looking at an imposing building

Second year: my undergraduate experience at UVA

Changes, pain and transformation

In the shadow of destruction, a child's resilience shines through, reminding us that hope persists even amidst chaos and despair

Finding peace amidst conflict: the urgency for dialogue

Exploring the role of peace advocacy in the Middle East and beyond

Dongria Kondh Indigenous people, Odisha (India) - resisting mining & sustaining a level of self-governance @ Ashish Kothari

Elections, power, and the illusions of choice

In analysing the swing to right-wing politics, are we barking up the wrong tree?

Santa Claus hiding behind laptop

What makes a holiday email unforgettable

How one cheeky Christmas list defied conventions and became a masterclass in attention-grabbing content

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