Jan. 6, 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ —The term petrodollar refers to the global system where crude oil is priced and traded exclusively in U.S. dollars. This system has been a cornerstone of American economic and geopolitical power for over 50 years. As of early 2026, the petrodollar system is facing its most significant challenges since its inception, with major shifts in Venezuela and the Middle East reshaping the global energy landscape. Continue reading
Jan. 1, 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ — China’s strategic framework for international cooperation is based on the four pillars of the Global Development, Security, Civilization, and Governance initiatives. These programs are presented as a comprehensive Chinese solution to modern crises, aiming to reform the global governance system while promoting a shared future for humanity. By focusing on a people-centered approach, the initiatives prioritize addressing poverty, resolving conflicts through dialogue, and respecting the diversity of cultures. The sources emphasize that these efforts particularly support the Global South by advocating for sovereign equality and a move away from unilateral hegemony. Ultimately, the text argues that these public goods provide a pragmatic roadmap for achieving lasting peace and universal prosperity through multilateral action. Continue reading
Dec. 29, 2025 /Mpelembe Media/ — The Cybersecurity Forecast 2026 report by Google Cloud examines the anticipated evolution of digital threats, primarily focusing on the transformative role of artificial intelligence. It describes how adversaries will increasingly use AI agents for automated attacks and sophisticated social engineering, while defenders will adopt similar technology to enhance security operations. Beyond AI, the analysis highlights the persistent danger of ransomware and the expansion of cybercrime into the blockchain and virtualisation sectors. The document also evaluates the strategic motivations of nation-state actors from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea as they pursue global espionage and disruption. Ultimately, the report serves as a guide for organisations to modernise their identity management and governance frameworks in response to these emerging risks. Continue reading
June 4, 2024 /Economy/ — The BRICS bloc has been in the news recently due to a significant development: it doubled its membership in January 2024. Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were all invited to join Atlantic Council. This expansion has the potential to reshape the bloc’s influence, but it also comes with challenges. Continue reading
Aug. 19, 2023 /Sports/ — Whether or not the football will come home to England is anyone’s guess. England is certainly a target of haters, but they also have a strong team and a passionate fan base. It will be interesting to see how they perform in the World Cup.
Anistatia Renard Miller, University of Bristol
What makes for the ultimate beer drinking experience? Some like theirs in a frosty glass, others with a wedge of lime. But when it comes to froth – or the head as it’s commonly known – what’s the best amount and how can it be achieved?
Too much froth and you’re left with a smear of bubbles across your face and hanging from your nose as you desperately try to get at the beer beneath. But too little will cause problems in your stomach.
Steve Taylor, Leeds Beckett University
Warning: this story contains graphic descriptions of violence. Pseudonyms are used to protect the interviewees’ identities.
Angela had already been in the UK as an asylum seeker for nine years and four months when we interviewed her. She was still in a state of limbo, unsure whether asylum would be granted, and her story was disturbing to hear.
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By Samuel Woodhams | Digital rights researcher and journalist The long, turbulent history of UK’s Online Safety Bill can be traced back to 2017, with the publication of the Internet Safety Strategy green paper. Since then, the proposed legislation has gone through endless revisions, been delayed and, at times, looked like it might be dropped entirely. Continue reading |
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By Samuel Woodhams | Digital rights researcher and journalist Last week, WhatsApp announced a new proxy support feature that will help people stay connected during internet disruptions. The app is often targeted by government censors because messages on the end-to-end encrypted service can’t be intercepted, enabling people to organise protests and share critical information in private. |
David Bach, International Institute for Management Development (IMD)
Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s recent speech to the Communist Party Congress could be one of the most consequential of the decade. He told the audience – and the world – that his economic growth-crushing zero-COVID policy is here to stay, and that Beijing is more determined than ever to reunify with Taiwan, peacefully if possible and by force if necessary.