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Listen: China and the U.S. vie for influence in Asia
The South China Sea is the focal point of a geopolitical struggle between Beijing and Washington. We interview an expert on the region’s complexities.
Can we protect free speech and curb big money politics?
Since 2010, big money has flooded U.S. politics following a Supreme Court ruling that interpreted the First Amendment expansively. Is reform possible?
My reflections on the scars of African colonialism
The African man is in an impossible situation. He is neither the man before colonialism nor a true Westerner. He is lost in a chasm between two worlds.
A New Perspective on Polarization
I’ve spent the past school year studying overseas. It’s given me a new perspective on my own homeland and on the polarization that divides us.
A New Yorker finds new ways of thinking in France
I’m a New Yorker studying in France. I now realize a president doesn’t define a country and there are constructive ways to talk about politics.
NATO turns 70. Does it have cause to celebrate?
NATO continues to grow in size but not necessarily in strength. Can the 70-year-old military alliance withstand forces weakening its foundations?
EU’s migration policy destroys Niger’s smuggling economy
The EU is partnering with African countries like Niger to stop migration flows. One unintended consequence? Wiping out local livelihoods.
Look: “She and I” is my gender story
Everyone prayed I would be a boy. I was born a baby girl. My photographs show how the genders “girl” and “boy” can coexist as they interact.
Duterte, democracy and the war on drugs
Philippine President Duterte’s war on drugs has killed thousands of citizens extra-judicially. Can the country still be called a democracy?
Look: Women’s rights on a street in Amman
A female face in a sea of mustaches and beards: We went looking to document women’s rights and found a street vendor selling bread in Amman.
Hopes rise with the end of Africa’s cold war
Ethiopia and Eritrea’s cold war has come to an abrupt end, sparking vast change. I speak with a political prisoner who was unlawfully detained for 20 years.
Can sport be an antidote to populism?
Soon, even breakdancing may be an Olympic sport. My reflections on how the inclusiveness of sport may help to counter rising populism.
Decoder Spotlight: African Leadership Academy shines
Students at the African Leadership Academy have been named this month’s “Decoders in the Spotlight” for contributing exceptional content to News-Decoder.
Should it be a crime to help illegal immigrants?
Europeans are being prosecuted for aiding illegal immigrants. EU states had a choice to exempt humanitarian aid from criminal charges. Most didn’t take it.
The time I showed Shirley MacLaine around Beijing
Last year, 140 million tourists visited China. In 1973, Beijing was selective about who got to enter. Hollywood star Shirley MacLaine was one of the few.
Decoder: What is terrorism? And who are terrorists?
A bloody attack in New Zealand brought the word “terrorist” back into the headlines. What is terrorism, and why is the term controversial?
China and India vie for dominance in Sri Lanka
China has dramatically increased its presence in Sri Lanka in the past decade. But so has India. Are the two giants in a race neither wants to lose?
Look: “Yellow vests” movement wakes up France
“Yellow vests” protests have rocked France for months. We watched angry demonstrators march in Brittany — proof the movement is national in scope.
In Venezuela, a regime change plan gone awry
The regime in Venezuela clings to power amid hunger and misery, in the face of a U.S.-backed opposition. Are we seeing the Syria scenario again?
In pursuit of stability: Why the EU was created
It may not seem like it today — with Brexit, nationalism and a resurgent Russia on its borders — but the EU was created to promote stability.
Watch: A chat with one of Africa’s most powerful men
Sim Shagaya is one of the most powerful men in Africa. He told me the continent needs entrepreneurs with a vision, who put social good above mere profit.
Do para-athletes face abuse trying to prove their disabilities?
Para-athletes are subject to a controversial disability classification process to be eligible to compete at the Paralympics. Does the process go too far?
Listen: It’s a privilege to be able to vote. Use it!
Youth can make a big difference in the world if we take advantage of the chance to vote. It’s a challenge we should take up, a young activist says.
Spain at political crossroads with far right rising
A far-right party has emerged in Spain and is gaining strength as the European Union struggles with Brexit and euro-sceptics in other member states.
UN slow to reshape workplace in wake of #MeToo scandal
A damning report held UNAIDS leaders responsible for creating a culture of impunity and harassment. Why has the UN been so slow to respond?
Watch: All The Single Ladies: Kenyan support group for women
My family’s helper told me “being single” is her greatest challenge. She showed me an incredible Kenyan welfare group that supports single women.
Africa’s colonial history explains present challenges
When former colonizers claim their due, they get repaid. But when Africans do the same, they’re told to forget about the past and look to the future.
For peace in Afghanistan, we need all at the table
After years of conflict, Afghanistan yearns for peace. The best forum would bring the government and Taliban together in a grand assembly.
Decoder: Making sense of the India-Pakistan flare-up
A decades-long conflict over Kashmir escalated rapidly last week. Here’s why fights between India and Pakistan matter to the world.
News-Decoder quiz: Decoder Challenge
Are you worthy of being a foreign minister? Ambassador? Policy maker? Or more simply — have you been paying attention? Test your knowledge with our latest quiz — the Decoder...
China’s influence on Africa is growing. Where does it lead?
Africa has entered a new era of relations with China. Our cultural and economic landscape is shifting. Do Africans benefit from these changes?
The lesser evil: An Afghan youth on the Taliban peace talks
Afghanistan is in peace talks. Governance by the government would be bad, governance by the Taliban worse. Afghans must resist fundamentalism.
Decoder: What is Taiwan? An island? A country?
Taiwan is an economic powerhouse caught between China and the United States, facing an uncertain future: Independence, subjugation or status quo?
Populists run into trouble as Italy drifts
Populists are riding high in Italy’s uneasy governing coalition and challenging Europe’s status quo. Meanwhile, Italy suffers from inertia and policy drift.
Shedding light on the dark side of teen dating: dating violence
The U.S. is raising awareness about teen dating violence, which is often hidden from parents and a risk factor for future problems.
Saudi Arabia splurges on entertainment. To what end?
The kingdom is spending billions on its entertainment industry, hosting the likes of Mariah Carey, Cristiano Ronaldo and golf pros. What’s in it for Saudis?
Decoder Spotlight: Daisy Lawrence of The Thacher School
Daisy Lawrence of The Thacher School in California wins this month’s “Decoder in the Spotlight” award for her strong reporting and leadership.
Why eating local is a controversial way to fight climate change
Eating local seems a great way to fight climate change. So why have politicians stopped pushing the issue? And why have corporations taken it up?
Decoder: How Iran’s revolution led to an Islamic theocracy
Revolutions lead in uncertain directions. Today, the effects of Iran’s revolution are still being felt on geopolitics, women’s rights and global conflict.
Watch: Experts tell us how to make farming sustainable
We spoke to experts who told us how farming and individuals need to change to protect the environment and food security. Here’s our video.
I may disagree with you. But I defend your right to protest
A standoff in Washington involving high school students, a Native American and Hebrew Israelites offers many lessons — not all of them gloomy.
It isn’t easy migrating to America. Three refugees’ stories
The plight of these “Lost Boys” didn’t stop after they escaped danger. They’re U.S. citizens today but wrestle with what it means to succeed in America.
The Iranian Revolution remembered, 40 years on
Four decades ago, News-Decoder correspondent John Rogers witnessed one of the defining moments of the 20th century – the Iranian Revolution.
Decoder: How the Paradox of Plenty impoverished Venezuela
Venezuela’s collapse predates Maduro and Chavez. Venezuela is afflicted by the “paradox of plenty” — oil abundance has impoverished the nation.
Decoder: Making sense of Brexit and the Irish backstop
Theresa May is racing to negotiate a Brexit accord that the UK Parliament can support. Our decoder explains why the deal hinges on the Irish backstop.
China’s population is falling. That may not be good
Instead of having too many babies, China is now having too few. A declining population is increasingly referred to in apocalyptic terms.
Listen: Horses use tons of water. My school is on top of it
In drought-plagued California, my environmentally-conscious school is reducing the millions of gallons of water its 120 horses use each year.
Rugby a rare source of unity as Brexit sows division
Ireland’s rugby team has a history of persevering through conflict. As Brexit reopens old wounds, rugby unites players and fans across borders.
What’s the Brexit “backstop”? And why does it matter?
It’s a term taken from cricket and baseball. Now, a “backstop” holds the key to Britain’s messy exit from the European Union.
Corruption is hurting democracy and human rights
Corruption fuels a vicious cycle. It undermines democracy and human rights, and weak institutions cannot control corruption.