Historical analysis explores how 20th-century scientists, sociologists, and technologists between the 1950s and 1980s predicted the rise of an automated state, torn between visions of technological utopia and warnings of algorithmic control.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson barred reporters from outlets including the ABC and the Guardian from her Victorian election campaign launch, a move critics argue harms democratic scrutiny and media independence.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, asserts that the UK's devolution program, which grants regional leaders greater financial control, strengthens the argument for a written constitution. This would fundamentally alter the UK's uncodified political system, bringing it in line with most other democracies.
Iran is entering a new political era following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is the presumed successor but remains out of public view after being injured. The transition marks a shift towards security institutions and away from clerical influence, with the IRGC gaining prominence.
A secret deal between Keir Starmer and Donald Trump will significantly increase UK spending on branded drugs, potentially costing £44.7bn by 2030 and leading to an estimated 229,000 additional deaths by 2036 due to cuts in NHS services. The agreement, criticized for its lack of transparency and parliamentary scrutiny, has been slammed by health researchers as a "massacre made in Whitehall."
China accused the US of distorting facts after Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the Tiananmen Square crackdown. Beijing stated its conclusion on the 'political turmoil' and called Rubio's remarks an interference in internal affairs.
Research in Makerfield reveals voters prioritize cost of living, declining high streets, and public services. Many also express disillusionment with the political system and distrust of politicians, according to a focus group commissioned by 38 Degrees.
New research in Makerfield reveals voters prioritize cost of living, declining high streets, and public services. Many also express disillusionment with the political system and distrust of politicians, according to a focus group commissioned by 38 Degrees and JL Partners.
South Korea's new policy prioritizes peaceful coexistence with North Korea, focusing on respect for its system and avoiding hostile actions. Key challenges include dismantled communication channels and the risk of miscalculation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin praises Kazakhstan's economic growth, political stability, and new constitution, expressing support for President Tokayev's policies ahead of his visit.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, runs in the Makerfield byelection, potentially to challenge Keir Starmer for Labour leadership, advocating against London-centric politics.
A satirical party, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), gained millions of Instagram followers, symbolizing youth frustration with India's political system. Meanwhile, Delhi endures a severe heatwave, and India delays an Africa summit due to Ebola concerns.
Hong Kong's top court is reviewing a law that prohibits calls to boycott the city's "patriots-only" elections. The ban is challenged as a violation of residents' rights to express disapproval and make informed voting decisions. A previous appeal was dismissed.
The term 'competitive authoritarianism' describes a system where democratic rules and elections exist, but the ruling party manipulates the electoral field to maintain power. Experts like Steven Levitsky apply this concept to the US under Trump, citing tactics like pardoning January 6 insurgents and targeting critics, drawing parallels with leaders like Orbán and Erdogan.
Significant gains this week lay bare an increasingly fragmented political systemFull results from England, Scotland and WalesLocal elections have fundamentally reshaped the political landscape in England. Labour suffered heavy losses, losing ground to the Green party and Reform UK, while the Conservatives also sustained significant losses to Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats.Reform and the Green party made significant gains, in results that laid bare an increasingly fragmented political system. Reform gained 1,349 council seats and control of 14 councils, while the Green party won 376 council seats, control of five councils, and took two mayoralties. Continue reading...
There is growing unease in how we describe political systems today. Words that once seemed clear no longer illuminate as they should. “Free”, “democratic”, “liberal” and “authoritarian” are among the most commonly used terms in political discourse, yet their meanings have become increasingly blurred and contested. This is not simply a matter of semantics. It reflects a deeper mismatch between the language we use and the realities we are trying to describe. The problem is not new. In George...
Keir Starmer’s party lost out to Reform and the Greens, with no respite in Scotland, Wales or England. These maps show the scale of the historic resultsElection 2026 live: latest news updatesFull results from England, Scotland and WalesLabour has suffered heavy losses across England, Scotland and Wales, losing ground to opponents on the left and the right in a fragmented political system.The graphics below show where Labour’s losses were most severe, and how the electoral landscape has changed as a result. Continue reading...
Beneath the surface of the world’s oceans lies an infrastructure so essential, modern life would stall without it – yet so invisible it rarely enters public debate. Submarine cables, slender fibre-optic systems laid across the seabed, carry over 95 per cent of global internet traffic, transmitting the data that underpins financial markets, diplomatic exchanges and everyday communication. What appears to be neutral infrastructure is, in fact, a deeply political system – one that exposes a...
Kerala's entrenched two-front political system faces potential disruption as BJP gains ground. The party secured its first Lok Sabha seat in Thrissur in 2024 and increased NDA vote share to 19.24%. With strategic focus on constituencies like Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad and Kasargod, the BJP is converting traditional LDF-UDF contests into triangular battles, though it remains far from mounting a statewide challenge.
Scientists now believe there's over 50% chance the Atlantic circulation system (AMOC) will collapse by mid-century, causing catastrophic climate impacts across Europe, the Americas and Antarctica. Yet this existential threat remains underreported, as billionaire-owned media and climate models downplay catastrophic risks while promoting minimal climate action.
RT report from Beirut examines how Lebanon's power-sharing political system along religious lines complicates peace negotiations with Israel. While government signals openness to talks and recently moved to restrict Hezbollah's military role, the militant group rejects disarmament and internal divisions persist, with half the population against direct talks with Israel.
