by Bernd Debusmann | 4 Apr 2022 | Conflict, Europe, Human Rights, Immigration, Refugees, Ukraine
More than two-thirds of the world’s population live in nations that have not denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Some Cold War bonds endure. A screen showing results from a vote in the United Nations General Assembly on a resolution condemning Russia’s...
by Bernd Debusmann | 30 Dec 2021 | Culture, Decoders, Human Rights, Politics
The term “woke” is caught up in America’s divisive culture wars. Will citizens in other nations adopt the notion describing those alert to social injustice? A demonstrator holds a placard reading “I can’t breathe,” left, during a...
by Bernd Debusmann | 30 Sep 2021 | Americas, Culture, Human Rights
In 1958, 4% of Americans approved of marriages between Blacks and whites. Now 94% approve. Data shows increasing racial tolerance in the U.S. Mildred Loving (L), who was married to Richard P Loving (R), challenged Virginia’s ban on interracial marriage, leading...
by Bernd Debusmann | 21 Jun 2021 | Decoders, Economy, Educators' Catalog, Immigration, World
The world’s population is aging. How are we to pay for the pensions and healthcare of a burgeoning number of elderly? Elderly exercise with wooden dumbbells in Tokyo, Japan, 16 September 2019. (EPA-EFE/FRANCK ROBICHON) Call it baby bust and oldster boom — two...
Population growth has long been seen as a threat to humanity, and government efforts to limit births have either failed (India) or led to imbalances and inequities (China). Bernd Debusmann takes a look at the problems that a slowing rate in population growth poses for societies — problems that younger generations will need to manage in coming decades. Global aging will require tough decisions so societies can support the elderly — decisions your students will be asked to make.
Exercise: Ask your students to examine their country’s demographic trends and to compare its policies with those pursued by nations with a similar demographic outlook.
by Bernd Debusmann | 22 Mar 2021 | Donald Trump, Future of Democracy, Human Rights, Politics, World
Emboldened by the COVID-19 pandemic, autocrats are strengthening their grip around the world as democracy steadily loses ground. Police arrest a pro-democracy protester in Hong Kong, China, 29 September 2019. (EPA-EFE/FAZRY ISMAIL) If you live in a country fully...