Every July 4 the United States celebrates its Declaration of Independence. But behind its “self-evident” truths was a load of hypocrisy. The U.S. Declaration of Independence. (Photo credit: jaflippo/Getty Images) Editor’s note: On 4 July, people in...
Israel strikes crowds at food distribution sites. Russia bombs cities in the Ukraine war. Can we not hold nations to account? A Palestinian man carries the body of his child who was killed in an Israeli military strike on Gaza, at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, 19...
Countries are increasingly using sanctions, including travel bans, to bring rogue players into line. But history tells us that they don’t really work. The Statue of Liberty holds a Do Not Enter sign.Illustration by News Decoder Editor’s note: On 16 June...
Things don’t happen in a vacuum. If we understand how we got here, we might see ways out of the mess we’re in. A little history adds a whole lot of context. A historian examines old documents. (Illustration by News Decoder) In News Decoder’s Top...
Half a century ago, Richard Nixon plunged the United States into a constitutional crisis. The crisis under Trump feels much worse. A protestor is detained near the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles, California 8 June 2025, following a protest over...
For eons, European nations were at war with each other. The formation of the European Union was meant to change that. Isn’t that a good thing, Mr. President? A teacher stands before a map of Europe in a classroom. Illustration by News Decoder. This article was...
Nepotism has a bad name because it gives an unfair advantage to those with connections. But isn’t it natural to get a helping hand from friends or family? A sign for a casting call. (Credit: Ryan Kawailani Ozawa) This article, by high school student Chloe Abel...
Around the world we see the rise of autocrats. Once they hold power it is difficult to oust them. But their fall often leaves a vacuum and chaos. A carnival float depicting Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un in Nice, France, 15 February 2025. (AP Photo/Lewis...
Interlocking economies have turned China and the United States into powerful frenemies. What happens when the illusion of friendship dissolves? A box of U.S. flag picks labeled “Made in China.” (Illustration by News Decoder) Editor’s note: U.S....
Donald Trump commands some 200,000 U.S. troops in more than 125 military bases in 149 countries. Why are they there in the first place? U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth salutes U.S. troops at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Philippines, 28 March 2025. (AP...