La Scala Opens Season With Russian Opera: Art Over Politics

High culture often claims to float above the messy trenches of geopolitics, but Milan’s Teatro alla Scala seems intent on testing that theory. For the second time since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, one of Europe’s most prestigious opera houses is rolling out the red carpet for a Russian work to kick off … Read more

Philippines Protests: Demand Return of Flood Project Funds

The Philippines’ Protests Signal a Growing Global Trend: Citizen Oversight of Infrastructure Spending Over ₱1.2 trillion (approximately $21.7 billion USD) in Philippine infrastructure funds have been lost to corruption since 2007, according to the Philippine Commission on Audit. This staggering figure isn’t an isolated incident; it’s a symptom of a global vulnerability. Recent mass protests … Read more

Ivory Coast: Ouattara Wins Fourth Term & Consolidates Power

Alassane Ouattara Secures Fourth Term as Ivory Coast President Amid Opposition Concerns Abidjan, Ivory Coast – Alassane Ouattara has been declared the winner of Ivory Coast’s presidential election, securing a fourth consecutive term in office. The results, announced Monday, come after a poll largely boycotted by the opposition, raising questions about the legitimacy and inclusivity … Read more

Anti-Trump Protests Surge Across US: ‘No Kings’ Anger

Nationwide Protests Erupt as ‘No Kings’ Sentiment Challenges US Power Structures A wave of demonstrations, fueled by a potent “No Kings” message, has swept across the United States, reflecting widespread discontent and a challenge to established authority. From New York City to smaller towns, citizens have taken to the streets, voicing opposition to perceived abuses … Read more

Strongmen & Global Politics: Mo Ibrahim’s Warning

Mo Ibrahim Warns of Declining African Leadership Amid Sudan Crisis Sudanese-British billionaire and philanthropist Mo Ibrahim has voiced serious concerns about a recent downturn in effective governance across Africa, coinciding with what he describes as the “worst tragedy today in the world” unfolding in Sudan. The remarks, made during a recent interview, highlight a growing … Read more

Angels & Men: Human Nature & Governance

The Enduring Relevance of Human Imperfection in Governance February 29, 2024 The very foundation of effective governance rests on a sobering acknowledgment: human beings are fallible. This principle, articulated centuries ago, remains profoundly relevant in contemporary political discourse. The challenge of balancing liberty and order isn’t a theoretical exercise, but a practical necessity born from … Read more