Weekly Recap: Feb 20 to Feb 26
Feb 27: The death toll from the Turkey-Syria earthquakes exceeds 50,000, G20 members push for collective cryptocurrency regulation, Israeli and Palestinian officials agree on measures to curb violence in the West Bank.
Year: 2023
Hong Kong’s democracy trials are worrying for democracies–but not for the reason we think.
Democracy is once again in decline, many have cried. But the implications of the trial go beyond simply Hong Kong. Instead, it’s what these trials represent that should be given serious thought – the challenge to long-held liberal ideas of capitalist democracy.
Weekly Recap: Feb 13 to Feb 19
Feb 20: Israel passed a new law allowing authorities to revoke the citizenship and residency of Palestinians, US denounces Russia, saying that they have been “formally determined” to have committed crimes against humanity, The UN announced $250 million (S$334.3 million) in crisis funding to respond to several crises around the world.
Overpopulation & Population Decline: Should We be Concerned for the Future?
The subject of population and overpopulation has been a perennial hot topic among the public and the academic community. With the recent reports of China’s population decline, the question about its overall impact — whether it’s good or bad — has surfaced. Economists say that it’s an impending economic disaster. Others argue a population decline is what’s needed to overcome a degrading environment and a lack of resources. With these narratives in mind, what will the future look like for countries like China?
Weekly Recap: Feb 6 to Feb 12
Feb 13: North Korea features new weapons in parade celebrating 75th founding of its army, Barcelona temporarily breaks off ties with Israel over policy towards Palestine, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida agree to increase defence ties
Weekly Recap: Jan 30 to Feb 5
US Military shoots down suspected Chinese spy balloon
Half a million British workers go on strike to demand better pay and working conditions in biggest strike in a decade
Philippines strikes deal to strengthen US military presence in the country
Combat Drones: Navigating the Grey Area
In today’s conflicts, the use of combat drones has become ubiquitous across most military forces. While they offer advantages in terms of efficiency and reduced military risk, these drones still lack international regulation — raising concerns about their potential abuse and threat to civilian lives. How can we promote greater transparency and accountability for the use of combat drones? Can we meet the challenges posed by this evolving technology?
Weekly Recap: Jan 23 to Jan 29
Jan 30: US State of California shooting leaves seven dead, Israeli raid on Jenin in the West Bank kills nine Palestinians, Western nations pledge to provide Ukraine with 321 tanks.
Can Religion ever be Ideological?
Ideology and religion are usually two different systems of beliefs. However, can there ever be an overlap between the two? How powerful is a belief that it can make religion seem ideological in a certain circumstance? To answer this, we must first, understand why religion is made to be ideological.
Weekly Recap: Jan 16 to Jan 22
Jan 23: Moscow’s forces advances into Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhia region, United States designates Russia’s Wagner mercenary group as a “transnational criminal organisation”, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announces the dissolving of lower house of parliament.
