Starbucks Korea will close over 2,000 stores for mandatory history and social sensitivity training after a promotion on May 18, the anniversary of the Gwangju massacre, sparked public outrage and boycotts. The closures will cost an estimated $1.4m in lost sales.
The federal politics live blog from Parliament House, Canberra, covers the Reserve Bank's interest rate decision and the reported ceasefire deal between the US and Iran.
The US government disclosed 3,611 AI use cases, a 70% increase since the Biden administration. Concerns are raised over AI's role in sensitive government functions, lack of transparency, and potential for misuse, despite potential benefits.
Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge has written to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat demanding detailed disclosures on the organization's legal status, finances, structure, and tax compliance, citing its vast influence and public mobilization.
Starbucks Korea is facing public anger for its "Tank Day" reusable cup promotion on May 18, the 46th anniversary of the Gwangju uprising, a deadly military crackdown on a pro-democracy movement where 165 civilians were killed.
Kapil Sibal criticizes TMC rebel MPs for planning to merge with NCP, calling it illegal and "theatre of the absurd." Rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar claims over two-thirds support the move and will support NDA.
Kapil Sibal criticizes TMC rebel MPs for merging with NCP, calling it "theatre of the absurd" and illegal. Rebel MPs claim majority support and seek separate seating, intending to support NDA.
The ninth annual Creative Bureaucracy Festival in Berlin showcased innovations in public service, aiming to make administration more empathetic and efficient. Attendees discussed digitalization, AI, and human-centered approaches to improve citizen trust in democracy.
Residents of Langrune-sur-Mer, France, protested US defense secretary Pete Hegseth's planned visit for D-day commemorations, citing his anti-immigrant rhetoric. Their protest gained global attention after Hegseth used his D-day speech to condemn immigration, leading to widespread criticism.
Former federal prosecutor Barbara McQuade's new book, 'The Fix: Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government,' argues that Donald Trump governs like a mob boss, demanding loyalty and using power to control others. McQuade draws parallels to 'The Godfather' and Roy Cohn, detailing Trump's use of corruption, cruelty, and chaos, while also offering proposals for citizens to fight back.
The Trump presidency accelerated a shift in Chinese perception of the US, replacing idealized views with a more complex understanding of its challenges.
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council prohibited local government officials from attending the upcoming Straits Forum in Xiamen, sparking a sharp retort from China's Taiwan Affairs Office, which accused the DPP administration of "fake democracy, true dictatorship." The MAC defended the ban, stating it prevents the impression of Taiwanese officials being lectured by Chinese leaders.
Elon Musk's potential trillionaire status from SpaceX's IPO sparks concerns over heightened impunity, influence on democracy, and exacerbating wealth inequality, amidst a backdrop of billionaire spending in politics post-Citizens United.
Présentation de l'artiste L.GRÉO et de son univers artistique, parallèlement à une analyse du déclin de la démocratie libérale mondiale selon un rapport de l'institut V-Dem.
Labour MPs are alarmed by significant donations to Reform UK from cryptocurrency billionaires Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo, totaling £7m. Concerns are raised about transparency and the potential for wealthy overseas donors to influence politics, despite new electoral finance regulations.
A dangerous trend in Taiwan sees democracy values bartered for economic stability and peace, mirroring Hong Kong's loss of freedom. The article warns that appeasement won't deter authoritarian pressure, highlighting the high cost of losing liberty.
US Senator Marco Rubio responded to claims of South Korea becoming 'pro-China and left-leaning' by stating it's a characteristic of democracies where voters elect leaders with different perspectives. He also addressed concerns about US companies facing discrimination in South Korea, linking it to trade deal impacts.
Singer-songwriter Emma-Lee Moss, known as Emmy the Great, uses her memoir 'My Cantopop Nights' to explore Hong Kong's history and her own identity through the lens of Cantopop music. The book delves into iconic songs and artists, linking them to personal experiences and the city's turbulent past.
African elections in 2026 face challenges of fraud, repression, and a growing gap between youth and elites. Military coups and authoritarian trends are rising, particularly in West and Central Africa, while nations like Ethiopia grapple with internal divisions and suspended voting.
A high school student's playful jab at a mayor during graduation sparked outrage from a local councilor, highlighting adult intolerance towards democratic expression and youth's right to err. The author argues that such overreactions reveal a fragility in democratic resilience, contrasting the minor incident with disproportionate adult responses.
A student's lighthearted "New Taipei Mayor" remark at a graduation ceremony led to adult outrage, sparking debate on power dynamics, self-threat theory, and the nature of democratic participation in Taiwan. The author argues the reaction highlights adults' discomfort with criticism and a superficial approach to youth engagement.
EU election observers have denied reports of malfeasance in Colombia's presidential race, stating the election was "transparent, orderly, and smooth." Despite outgoing President Gustavo Petro's claims of fraud, the mission found no evidence of irregularities.
The "Democracy Youth Festival" was held in Tokyo's Shimokitazawa from May 16-17, aiming to foster Japanese democracy through casual discussions on social and political issues and dialogues with politicians. The event featured booths from 12 political parties and 8 civic/youth groups, panel discussions, and live music, attracting over 13,600 attendees.
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing met Indian PM Narendra Modi to discuss trade, connectivity, border security, and defense. This visit, his first abroad since becoming president, is closely watched amid Myanmar's civil war and a criticized election.
