Jan. 4, 2025 /Mpelembe Media/ — Christian Aid’s report, “Counting the Cost 2024,” analyses the economic impact of ten extreme weather events in 2024, revealing billions of dollars in losses and highlighting the disproportionate effect on poorer nations. The report underscores the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy, citing expert opinions stressing the escalating consequences of inaction. Continue reading
Dafydd Townley, University of Portsmouth
Joe Biden’s extremely weak performance at the CNN TV debate last week, has prompted senior figures in the Democrat party to question whether he is fit enough to stand for the upcoming presidential election. Former speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said it was reasonable to ask: “Is this an episode or is this a condition?”
Toby James, University of East Anglia and Holly Ann Garnett, Royal Military College of Canada
This year has been widely proclaimed to be the year of elections, with national elections expected in at least 64 countries. This means that half of the world’s population will have the opportunity to change their government, choose their representatives and indirectly shape policy. It began as a year of hope – and the prospect of democratic empowerment.
Jan. 2, 2024 /Politics/ — 2024 is shaping up to be a bumper year for elections! Here are some noteworthy examples beyond the UK and USA: Continue reading
June 16, 2023 /World/ — The Ship of Fools is a 1965 film adaptation of the 1962 novel of the same name by Katherine Anne Porter. The film tells the story of a group of passengers on a ship traveling from Mexico to Germany in 1933. The passengers are a diverse group, representing a variety of social classes, religions, and nationalities. The film explores the themes of diversity, social interaction, and the dangers of intolerance. Continue reading
May 30, 2023 /World/ — Decolonization is the process of a country or people gaining independence from a colonizing power. It is a complex process that can involve political, economic, and social change. Decolonization can be a peaceful process, but it can also be violent.
Decolonization is not about racism. It is about respecting the right of people to self-determination. It is about recognizing that all people are equal and that they have the right to choose their own destiny. Decolonization is about creating a more just and equitable world for all people. Continue reading
The 12th annual International Jazz Day came to a thrilling close with a spectacular All-Star Global Concert featuring performances from Beijing, Beirut, Johannesburg, New York, Rio de Janeiro, Vienna and beyond. The All-Star Global Concert showcased celebrated jazz artists including Cyrille Aimée (France), Ambrose Akinmusire (USA), Thana Alexa (Croatia), John Beasley (USA), Dee Dee Bridgewater (USA), Musekiwa Chingodza (Zimbabwe), Emmet Cohen (USA), Kurt Elling (USA), Oran Etkin (Israel), Tom Gansch (Austria), Christian McBride (USA), Sérgio Mendes (Brazil), Marcus Miller (USA), Thandi Ntuli (South Africa), Dianne Reeves (USA), Antonio Sánchez (Mexico), Somi (Rwanda) and many others. Continue reading
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is often used to lace other drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, to increase their potency and addictiveness. Fentanyl is also sometimes sold on its own, as a white powder or pressed into pills that look like other prescription opioids. Continue reading
Jose Caballero, International Institute for Management Development (IMD)
After over a year of the Ukraine war, efforts at building a global consensus against Russia seem to have stalled, with many countries opting for neutrality.
The number of countries condemning Russia has declined, according to some sources. Botswana has edged towards Russia from its original pro-Ukraine stance, South Africa is moving from neutral to Russia-leaning and Colombia from condemning Russia to a neutral stance. At the same time, a large number of countries have been reluctant to support Ukraine.