Economy & Politics | Meer

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

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

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

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

One world, many voices: the weight of history hangs heavy on our shoulders

International order and Latin America

The region's position in the face of global changes, geopolitical challenges, and its role in a changing world

Prime Minister Keir Starmer participated in the opening session of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he outlined the UK’s commitment to advancing climate action and sustainable energy solutions

Britain leading the way on climate change

Prime minister Keir Starmer's plans and policies for a sustainable future

Derelict ships at the Moynaq ship graveyard, on what was once the bed of the Aral Sea

The Aral Sea crisis: a devastating environmental disaster

How the Aral Sea’s decline has led to economic and humanitarian crisis in Central Asia

A diverse group of individuals engages in a thoughtful philosophical debate, exploring the complexities of morality and the legal system in a modern setting

The case against morality: why amorality works better

Hans-Georg Moeller's "The Moral Fool" and the power of laws over moral judgment

A tropical beach filled with garbage, experts say about 400 million metric tons of hazardous wastes are generated each year

Time to punish climate laggards

The international community should start with climate enemy No. 1: Donald Trump's United States

As the war in Ukraine continues, discussions surrounding Ukraine's NATO membership intensify, with NATO troops involved and Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines, while international diplomacy shapes the evolving geopolitical landscape

Shifting alliances and the future of Ukraine

As global support wanes, Ukraine faces the challenge of securing its future amid shifting international dynamics

APEC Economic Leaders´ Summit 2024

Understanding China key to Trump’s foreign policy

A shift in global power dynamics

Mamonovo-Avtodorozhnoye border-control checkpoint on the Russian-Polish border in the Kaliningrad Region, Russia

Frontier deterrence, a real security challenge: part II

Prevention and containment in redefining border Management facing transversal threats

The human scale and the unequal distribution of power dynamics

The lilliputization of humanity

The shrinking scale of power and resistance

Amid the chaotic energy of his rally, Trump's cold stare suggests that his victory in 2024 is only the beginning of a larger, more turbulent era for the U.S.

Trump 2.0: a new era of uncertainty and unpredictability

What to expect from the 2025 Trump Administration and beyond

Designated outdoor smoking area

Britain’s bold stance on vaping and outdoor smoking

The problem with outdoor smoking bans

As crowds rush by, the bright lights of capitalism illuminate a façade of success, often overshadowing the deeper human struggles beneath

The West's path to healing: a call for reflection

Reassessing forgiveness, kindness, and capitalist values

A stethoscope, a face mask and a hand holding a heart

Health care: a new healing path for the U.S.

Insights on how to improve a fundamentally flawed system

A representation of ecofeminism through hands, one adorned with extending green leafy branches, embodying the connection between women and the environment

Ecofeminism: linking justice and gender equality

How a transformative movement challenges power structures and offers solutions for a sustainable future

Opening ceremony of World Leaders Climate Action Summit COP29, Baku, Azerbaijan

2024: a year of climate setbacks and uncertain futures

Biodiversity losses, failed pledges, and rising temperatures reveal the harsh reality behind the headlines

In a sea of vibrant colors, a woman proudly waves the Somaliland flag, embodying the spirit of a nation striving for international recognition and a brighter future

Somaliland’s quest for recognition: hope and challenges

Discover Somaliland’s struggle for international acknowledgment and its strategic ties with Taiwan

The weight of the world is etched in the lines of his face, a testament to a life shaped by hardship and struggle

Understanding poverty: global trends and solutions

Exploring causes, challenges, and strategies for poverty alleviation

Hamas key figure Ismail Haniyeh, recently killed in an Israeli attack

Conflict escalation in the Middle East 2024

July chronolgy of regional chaos in a shaken world

Illustration by Paola Bilancieri

Dreams of an immigrant couple

Displacement, distance and hope

People at a demonstration carrying a Haitian flag

Haiti: the unforgiven people

First part of a series on a country devastated by foreign powers

Jacques-Louis David: The Death of Socrates, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA

Socrates vs. Elon Musk: genius vs true wisdom

Limitations of knowledge through the lens of figures like Elon Musk

Illustration of a supply chain with interconnected logistics elements, symbolizing the coordination required in global trade and climate

Can global economies and the planet coexist?

Balancing trade and climate policies for sustainability

A poignant protest sign seen at the March for Our Lives rally in Denton, Texas, USA

Decoding celebrity activism in the digital age

Examining brand engagement with social causes and public perception's impact on activism

Close up of a US dollar bill featuring Abraham Lincoln tied with a rubber band

Circular and de-growth economics

Going forward raises questions about the future of right and left political economy

The woman's intense stare speaks volumes about the unrecognised challenges that arise from living with both health issues and the relentless grip of poverty

What is poverty?

Why poverty definitions continue to speak of a ‘multidimensional problem’

A female judge with gavel, symbolizing authority and justice

The impact of antitrust laws on innovation and growth

Exploring the impact of government regulation on technological industries and economic progress

In a powerful moment of transition, the seasoned leader passes the baton to the next generation, embodying the grace and responsibility of effective leadership succession

The crucial moment: when leaders should step down

Navigating ethical, functional, and situational reasons for leadership transition

Economists analyzing data on a screen filled with global charts

Evolution of global integration and the knowledge economy

The impact of knowledge, innovation, and regional cooperation in the 21st century

A woman navigates the ruins of her former home, a poignant image of resilience amid widespread destruction during war

The case of the Palestinian war of liberation

Political violence as a communication strategy

Protesters march toward the presidential office in Seoul, carrying an effigy of President Yoon Suk-yeol in prison, as they rally for his impeachment

Balancing democracy and stability in South Korea

Why presidential resignations driven by public protests threaten long-term political health

Despite being 79, Díaz remains actively engaged in representing the Dominican Republic in Spain, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his country's interests and his profession

Juan Bolívar Díaz Santana: a legacy of journalistic courage

Discover the inspiring career of the Dominican Republic’s Ambassador to Spain and renowned journalist

A sign likely to be seen in the US during the upcoming years

Isolationism returns to America

What will the ripple effects of the decisions be?

Girl power message on a cardboard sign held by a woman

Empowering girls: path to equal opportunity and success

Unlocking potential through education, challenging stereotypes, and addressing systemic barriers

A man standing triumphantly atop a skyscraper, embodying success

It's never too late: finding your true calling at any age

Why career success has no expiration date: embracing new beginnings in your 30s, 40s, and beyond

The disciplined ranks of soldiers serve as a testament to China's commitment to its revolutionary ideals, echoing the country's complex journey towards modern power

The hybrid siege of the West

How the landscape of power and ideology shifts in a multipolar world

President Joe Biden greets and poses for a photo with Chinese President Xi Jingping ahead of their bilateral meeting, Monday, November 14, 2022

Western fears over the rise of Chinese technology

Navigating the geopolitical landscape amidst rapid innovations and U.S.-China rivalry

A young girl celebrates in her academic dress, a wide smile on her face

My first year at UVA: trials, growth, and unexpected triumph

A Four-Part Series on isolation and injury to finding community and joy

Under the shadow of global trade uncertainty, Houthis and young fighters gear up on the back of a pick up truck in Yemen, symbolising the increasing threat posed by extremist alliances in the Middle East

Middle East instability: terrorist alliances and oil crisis

How Al-Qaeda, Houthis, and Somali militants disrupt regional stability and global energy supplies

Ukrainian incursion in Kursk: a turning point in the war

Exploring the strategic implications and psychological impact of Ukraine's bold offensive on Russian territory

A man participating in the Syrian protests holds a sign that reads: "People are being killed by your silence"

Syrian shock alters the Middle East

A new era in the Muslim world

Donald Trump and Joe Biden at a meeting in the White House

The Biden-Trump fiasco and the future of humankind

The ongoing issue of US militarism on the spotlight

A beautiful path stretches into the horizon

A path to peace: Emotional intelligence paves the way

Crucial for fostering peace and well-being

Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region

Barcelona housing crisis: a growing concern for residents

Causes, consequences, and potential solutions to Barcelona's unaffordable rental market

Image depicting a burned forest in Tasmania, Australia

Global warming projections: urgent climate action needed

Addressing the gap between Paris agreement targets and realities to ensure climate justice

The European Parliament calls for a total war against Russia

The European Parliament plays with the risk of nuclear war

How a reckless resolution risks escalating the Ukraine war into a global catastrophe

Donald Trump during the campain, speaking at an immigration policy speech in Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Energy and climate in Donald Trump's second term

Economic recovery and environmental responsibility

"Yes to Europe, No to Russian Law", massive pro-EU demonstration in Tbilisi from First Republic Square to Parliament, Georgia

Georgia’s struggle for sovereignty and identity

A culturological perspective on Georgia’s political landscape

A young woman in a low-income area faces the stark reality of global economic imbalance, where the resources we have could end poverty if only we adjusted our social and political systems

Global prosperity isn’t enough: the case for basic income

Exploring how universal basic income could solve social inequities and stimulate economic growth

A ship floats amongst a sea of spilled oil in the Gulf of Mexico after the BP Deepwater Horizon oilspill disaster

Big oil keeps blocking efforts to save the planet

More blah, blah, blah and no action

A diverse group of people enjoying themselves together, embodying the values of inclusivity and collaboration within a multicultural workforce

Why inclusion matters: serving wellbeing to all!

How DEI programs help us to thrive in the workplace and as a human race

Leaders of (from left) India (Prime Minister Narendra Modi), Kazakhstan (President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev), Kyrgyzstan (President Sadyr Japarov), China (General Secretary Xi Jinping), Uzbekistan (President Shavkat Mirziyoyev), Russia (President Vladimir Putin), Tajikistan (President Emomali Rahmon) and Pakistan (Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif) at the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on September 16, 2022

Toward a US-Russian-Chinese showdown?

The unintended consequences of NATO enlargement

Person holding cash over a white isolated background, showcasing financial assets

Russia's economic erosion: war and capital impact

Analyzing the silent forces driving Russia's economic decline and implications for the future

As the teacher elaborates on the limitations of artificial intelligence, students engage in a dialogue about the unique role of human needs in shaping neural networks and creativity

Artificial intelligence and the new role of teachers

Technology's influence on the evolution of teaching, creativity, and knowledge in the modern educational paradigm

International student studying outdoors, posing in a scenic park

Studying abroad: embracing challenges and rewards

Essential tips for Brazilian students on choosing the right destination, overcoming culture shock, and making the most of your international experience

A shopper excitedly discovers the endless possibilities of today's digital marketplace, where nearly anything is within reach with just a few clicks

Why this era is the best time to innovate and thrive

Explore how global access and digital evolution shape today's opportunities

President of the United States Donald Trump speaking with attendees at a "Chase the Vote" rally at Dream City Church in Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Donald Trump's historic return to the White House

Foreign policy with peace initiatives and an 'America First' focus

Border control on the Austrian-German border crossing Passau near Pocking, Germany

Frontier deterrence, a real security challenge: part I

The keys to a necessary border security agenda in the United States

Amidst the smouldering ruins of their once-proud home, they stand as silent witnesses to the devastation, a devastating fire consuming not just their property, but the dream of stability and success they had built in a rapidly changing world

C-4: calamity, casualties, and more from the Great Recession

The explosive story of financial fraud on the frontier of the American West

The old telephone and copier offer a glimpse into the tedious days of sorting through stacks of paperwork before the rise of automated procurement platforms

Transform your procurement: benefits of digital platforms

Discover how modern procurement systems save time, cut costs, and boost efficiency for your business

Technology for Social Good Conference, Brussels 2016, Belgium

Why is Europe acting as an American apparatchik?

In its approach to technology regulation, Europe is blindly doing what America wants

A miner’s face, covered in dirt, tells the story of long hours and hard labour in the pursuit of cobalt for global technology

Techno-colonialism: exploiting Africa's resources for profit

Addressing inequality and environmental impact in Africa's digital economy

The colossal explosion in 1952 at Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific Ocean underscores the destructive power of nuclear weapons, a stark reminder of the enduring human mistrust that fuels their existence

Dismantling nuclear weapons: the path to global unity

Addressing the legacy of nuclear arms and the urgent need for global disarmament

Uncertainty marks the Trump's new term

Trump 2.0 and the consequences

Trump's plans on tariffs and military policy clash with global shifts.

Illustration by Paola Bilancieri

The case for diplomacy: ending war and embracing cooperation

It's time to prioritize diplomacy, human rights, and global cooperation to create a better world

Embracing the digital age, Somali youth like this vibrant young woman are leading the charge in the social media revolution, turning platforms into powerful tools for self-expression and business growth

The rise of Somali social media: TikTok's role in change

How social media platforms are shaping culture, business, and fame in Somalia

President Cyril Ramaphosa speaking at the Swearing-in of the new Deputy President, Cabinet Ministers, and Deputy Ministers on 3 July, 2024, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa's foreign policy shift: ANC to GNU

Analysing the evolution from Apartheid alliances to new diplomatic priorities in South Africa

A desolating view of war-torn Gaza, 2023

The issue of ending the Gaza War

A note on international politics and ongoing tensions

A woman holding a microphone, representing her role as a journalist or media personality

Evolving media representation of women: trends and impact

How female reporters and new media are shaping perceptions in film and news

A woman with open hands stands beside a religious building during a spiritual visit

World Philosophy Day 2024: bridging divides with wisdom

Insights from Malaysia: a message by Mohammad Nizar Mat Nor

Eco-friendly urban planning and green city initiatives in Wuxi, China focus on sustainable urban development and climate action

Urban governance and agency in global sustainability

Cities as catalysts for sustainable change: opportunities and challenges

As Trump assumes the presidency, the impact of his policies on Mexico, particularly regarding trade and immigration, hangs in the balance, highlighting the challenges ahead

The election of Trump: a view from the south

Repercussions for regional politics and economy in the wake of Trump's victory

Ajay Banga (middle), President of the World Bank Group, and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (right), Director-General of the World Health Organisation, engage in a discussion with the audience at the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in April, 2024

The World Bank and the erosion of labour rights

Unpacking the rhetoric and understanding the impact on workers worldwide

View of the Kremlin from across the Moskva River, Russia

How Putin's rhetoric shapes Russian political passivity?

The impact of depoliticisation and anti-politics rhetoric on Russian society and governance

Like the spiral staircase, the pursuit of knowledge is an endless journey, where each step reveals new insights, pushing experts to continuously seek answers and challenge existing understanding

Unraveling the power of 'why'

Exploring the depths of inquiry in personal growth and sociopolitical dynamics

Subscribe

Get updates on the Meer