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Taiwan is often cast internationally as a geopolitical flashpoint, yet daily life on the island reveals a vibrant democracy, a complex identity shaped by many influences, and a society balancing tradition and modernity. What can outsiders learn by looking beyond the headlines?
Fifty years after its partition, Cyprus remains a divided island—its communities marked by decades of political and social separation. Why does reconciliation remain so elusive, and what does the Cypriot experience reveal about the global challenge of healing divided societies?
As global university rankings command ever greater influence over students, policymakers, and institutions, their impact on academic standards is undeniable. But do these rankings also reinforce global divides and limit genuine opportunity in higher education?
As cities and countries across the world introduce fines for food waste, the tension between environmental progress and social fairness comes to the fore. Are mandatory penalties the most effective tool, or do they risk deepening inequality? This global explainer assesses the evidence, practical challenges, and the lively debate now shaping food policy everywhere.
Scientists warn that Earth’s environmental tipping points—critical thresholds where abrupt and irreversible change occurs—may be closer than we think. What are these tipping points, why do they matter, and how should global societies respond?
Amid the armed struggle between rival factions, Sudan faces a breakdown of state authority and growing warlordism. Is the international community witnessing the emergence of Africa’s next lawless frontier?
Minimalism is celebrated as liberating, but critics argue it's built on privilege and may ignore the realities and values of the global majority.
A growing number of voters worldwide are casting ballots strategically—to block opposition or extremist parties rather than to express genuine choices. Does this pragmatic approach preserve democracy’s core values, or hollow them out?
As drought intensifies worldwide, countries are increasingly turning to artificial rainfall technologies. Can geoengineering reliably deliver rain, or does it risk disrupting nature and geopolitics?
As international sports increasingly grapple with the participation of transgender athletes, the debate sharpens: can global competitions ensure both fairness and inclusion? This explainer unpacks the evolving regulatory landscape, the key ethical and legal tensions, and what may come next.
The rapid spread and evolution of military drone technology is transforming modern warfare—offering precision and asymmetric advantage, but also escalating risks and challenging global regulation.
Democratic societies are adopting AI-powered surveillance tools pioneered by authoritarian regimes, raising urgent questions about privacy, civil liberties, and the future of open societies.
A global consortium is launching the largest ocean iron fertilization experiment yet, aiming to capture atmospheric carbon—but the ecological and geopolitical risks are as vast as the ocean itself.
As global cities grapple with food insecurity and supply chain shocks, urban farming networks are sparking debate. Can hyper-local food systems meaningfully transform cities into more resilient, sustainable communities—or are the obstacles too great?
As misinformation escalates globally, should governments compel national media to open their doors to international journalist-led fact-checks? A look at the promise—and peril—of cross-border media audits.
As classrooms across the world fill with students speaking many languages, schools and policymakers face new opportunities and urgent dilemmas. Is multilingualism a global asset—or a challenge educational systems are unprepared to meet?
As global efforts to revive endangered languages accelerate, a debate emerges: is this rediscovery of tongues a vital preservation of cultural identity, or a diversion from contemporary realities?
Quantum computing's emergence as a practical technology brings both transformative opportunities and complex security threats. Its impact on global order, data privacy, and international power dynamics may soon be felt worldwide, prompting urgent questions on regulation and governance.
International law provides structured frameworks for assessing allegations of Israeli crimes in the occupation and conflict with Palestinians. Explore how war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide are defined and debated in this high-stakes context.
Millions rush to help in disaster and conflict, but do global volunteers truly empower struggling communities—or risk entrenching dependency?