Collaboration vs. Isolation: The Coronavirus Vaccine
The picture of positive cooperation between nations takes on quite a different character in the United States. US decisions regarding international distribution and development of the vaccine have been extremely unclear. Although President Trump claims that the US is open to partnership, many of his actions directly contradict these seemingly inclusive claims.
A Look at Reproductive Rights Behind Bars
The fact that an abortion can cost anywhere around $500 places a considerable strain on an already vulnerable women. What solidifies the economic challenges of abortion is that four out of five state prison systems require a women to pay for her own abortion. The financial burden is arguably the largest barrier in obtaining a safe abortion as many incarcerated women do not have the means to pay.
Authority, Liberty, and COVID-19 in the World’s Greatest Democracy
The United States, with its decentralized government, has completely lost the battle against the novel coronavirus. China, Canada, and Sri Lanka, however, with their greater executive authority, have collectively demonstrated that the United States had no excuse for their malpractice. The three nations and their adherence to executive jurisdiction, demonstrated noteworthy abilities to combat an unanticipated crisis, leaving humanity to observe the capital of individual liberty and freedom in utter dismay.
Challenging the International Response to the Refugee Crisis
Thus far, the global response of most developed countries has been to funnel money into the international refugee support system, which provides humanitarian aid relief through the establishment of refugee camps. As these camps are short-term solutions, in most host countries, refugees lack the right to work or move freely. This might not have been a problem if the duration of their stay were short, however the conflicts from which refugees flee usually last indefinitely.
Confronting Mask Culture in China and Canada
When it comes to a collective crisis like this, behaviour tends to be related to notions of collectivism and individualism. One may say that the Canadian protests display greater support for individualism over collectivism. However, in reality, the difference stems from how people from different parts of the world view the idea of collectivism. For Chinese, fulfilling social obligation arises out of moral responsibility.
Education in Bangladesh During COVID-19
While many lockdown restrictions were later lifted on May 31st, the reopening of educational institutions was delayed to September. During this time, the country opted to adopt remote learning. However, Bangladesh didn’t have the digital infrastructure to move their complete education system to an online platform as planned.
Echoes of Settler Colonialism in Canada’s Trans-Mountain Expansion Project
There is a need for increased two-way-dialogue between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples across the country. Both groups must be viewed as equals while making decisions regarding development projects in Canada. This can only be achieved when the government accepts Indigenous peoples as partnered occupants on Canadian soil within and beyond legal spheres.
The Legacy of American Exceptionalism and Contemporary Patterns of Authoritarianism
President Trump has repeatedly refused to commit to accepting the results of a free and fair election. Not only do his words illustrate his deep disrespect for the central tenets of US democracy, they also raise serious concerns over what might occur if the incumbent refuses to accept defeat.
Electoral Unrest in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan has a reputation of being one of the only countries in central Asia to have a semi- democratic government. This is evidenced by the semi-free and fair elections that have been held yearly since its independence in 1991. Despite this, the country is no stranger to political unrest. In the past 15 years, two presidents have been overthrown by revolts, and recent developments in the ongoing situation hint there could be a third.
COVID-19 and the Increase in Child Marriage
With schools closed and lockdowns in effect, more and more women and girls are facing sexual abuse and gender-based violence. During this pandemic, the usual social fabric that protects many women and girls from domestic violence is not available as lockdown has forced many women and girls to become completely isolated.