Tags: Activism

Georgia’s Political Crisis: Protests Erupt Over EU Membership Suspension

Protests erupted throughout Georgia after the government suspended EU membership talks until 2028, demanding democratic reforms and closer EU ties. As a country with a population of 3.7 million, its stability and sovereignty are critical in the region. Following the government's decision to halt EU membership negotiations until 2028, Georgia has seen a rise in protests and political unrest in recent weeks. At nationwide rallies in Tbilisi, thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets to demand democratic reforms and renewed commitment to the EU. Georgia's long history of protecting its stability, and sovereignty, and efforts to strengthen its links with the West are highlighted by the government's efforts to handle this crisis. 

South Korea’s President Finally Impeached After Failed Martial Law Declaration

South Korea was plunged into crisis, chaos, and turmoil in the late hours of Tuesday, December 3 as the country’s President, Yoon Suk Seol, made the shockingly brazen decision to declare martial law. This declaration was swiftly reversed, as Yoon backed down and lifted the order just over 6 hours later following an emergency vote by members of the National Assembly. The decree, which went into effect at 11 pm local time (GMT+9), banned all forms of protest, suspended activity by parliament and political parties, and placed media under full government control, although very few - if any - of these steps eventually went into effect.

The Rigged Game: Pay Gaps in Sports

Recently, my friends have been obsessed with the ongoing World Cup qualifiers. Through all the commotion, I noticed that no women's sports, be it...

Can Central Asia Lead the Climate Fight?

The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, wasn’t just another meeting of world leaders—it was a moment to decide whether global promises on climate action would translate into real change. Against the backdrop of towering mountains, melting glaciers, and drying rivers, Central Asia stepped forward with ambitious ideas and plans to address its climate challenges. For a region often overlooked, COP29 provided a moment to showcase not just its vulnerabilities but its potential to lead in the fight against climate change​.

A Break in Vladimir Putin’s Isolation

Breaking months of isolation during which he had close to no direct contact with any major Western leader, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz over the phone on Friday, November 15. Being the two leaders’ first time speaking with one another since the beginning of 2022, and Putin’s first discussion with a sitting head of state or government of a Western nation since late 2022, the announcement of the phone call sparked surprise, controversy, and shock.

ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant and Deif

May 20th 2024, the ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A Khan filed an application before the Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court, requesting the granting of arrest warrants for three senior Hamas officials and two senior Israeli officials. Among those named were Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant. The request was equally made for the arrest of Muhammad Deif, Hamas’s military chief. Applications for the two other Hamas leaders were withdrawn earlier this year after their deaths were confirmed. 

British Budget’s ‘Tractor Tax’ Draws Widespread Protest

On Tuesday, November 19th, British farmers gathered en masse in the English capital to protest the so-called ‘tractor tax’ included in the recent budget, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on October 30th. The budget, Labour’s first in 14 years, also included headline announcements such as an increase in capital gains tax, an increase in the ‘National Living Wage’, and increased funding for the National Health Service (NHS). None of these measures, however, have garnered as much attention as the ‘tractor tax’, which has drawn both praise and scrutiny

Donald Trump Re-elected President of the United States of America – How Did He Do It?

In the early hours of Wednesday, November 6th, Donald J. Trump was projected as the winner of the 2024 United States Presidential Election, victorious in his campaign against current Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump’s electoral triumph will make him only the second individual in the country’s history to serve two non-consecutive terms after Grover Cleveland did so from 1885 to 1889 and 1893 to 1897.

Is the Era of Big Tech Over?

Despite this uncertainty in the US, it is clear that the era of government friendliness towards Big Tech is over, and it is probable that in the future more and more lawsuits will be filed as governments seek to limit the power, size, and influence of Big Tech.

Kazakhstan and China: Who Gains the Upper Hand?

For Kazakhstan, the future depends on how carefully it can balance this relationship. Will it become an equal partner with China, benefiting from shared growth, or will it find itself relying too heavily on a powerful neighbor? The outcome of this relationship will shape the region’s future—and could redefine what it means to be a strategic partner in Central Asia.

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Georgia’s Political Crisis: Protests Erupt Over EU Membership Suspension

Protests erupted throughout Georgia after the government suspended EU membership talks until 2028, demanding democratic reforms and closer EU ties. As a country with a population of 3.7 million, its stability and sovereignty are critical in the region. Following the government's decision to halt EU membership negotiations until 2028, Georgia has seen a rise in protests and political unrest in recent weeks. At nationwide rallies in Tbilisi, thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets to demand democratic reforms and renewed commitment to the EU. Georgia's long history of protecting its stability, and sovereignty, and efforts to strengthen its links with the West are highlighted by the government's efforts to handle this crisis. 

History’s Shortest Term of Martial Law: 157 Minutes of Fear In South Korea

President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea unexpectedly declared martial law in the country for the first time in 50 years, prohibiting political activities...

When in Doubt, Meditate it Out 

Life as a member of the IE community can be stressful—whether you’re a student or a teacher, one thing we can all agree on...