The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated life as we know it. From innumerable fatalities to the rise of racist attacks, nationalist movements and widening inequality, the pandemic has ushered in a completely new “normal”. Interestingly, world democracy levels have also reportedly declined over the past year. Is this a coincidence? The IAS Gazette investigates possible links to unveil the hidden cracks within democratic regimes.
Aug 30: Biden warns another highly possible attack on Kabul, ‘Humanitarian catastrophe’ unfolds as hundreds die in Western Ethiopian violence, 539 migrants rescued off Italian island of Lampedusa
COVID-19 has impacted everyone in one way or another. However, one particular group proves to be vulnerable to the virus — the homeless. The pandemic has shed more light on the issue of homelessness, signalling that much more needs to be done. The IAS Gazette examines the homeless population in Singapore and in other parts of the world, to see how they have been impacted by the virus.
Aug 23: At least two Afghans fell from the sky after clinging onto a US Air Force plane to flee Afghanistan last Monday, Taliban forces held its first press conference last Tuesday to explain its wish to have peaceful relations with other countries, hundreds of firefighters have been struggling to contain France’s worst wildfires
Since the baton of leadership was handed over to Xi Jinping, the Middle Kingdom has been increasingly worried about its own security in recent years. These increased concerns have led to a more aggressive and assertive foreign policy towards its neighbours. Why has Beijing’s actions gradually changed? The IAS Gazette’s Ryan Ang seeks to answer the question.
Aug 16: The UN released a climate report last Monday emphasising global warming may reach an irreversible state, North Korea did not answer routine calls with South Korea on inter-Korean hotlines last Tuesday, Taliban forces entered Afghanistan’s capital Kabul last Sunday
Alexey Navalny has drummed up support from a sizable amount of Russians and has recently been crowned a media darling of the Global North. Some of his actions have, however, been the subject of scrutiny and controversy. Do such claims hold water? Is such adoration and support justified?
Aug 9: Afghan city of Sheberghan falls to the Taliban in Afghanistan war, Lebanon’s Hezbollah fires a volley of rockets at Israel in retaliation, Myanmar citizens arrested over plans to kill Myanmar UN ambassador
As China and the United States grapple for hegemony and duke it out on the world stage by means of economic might and soft power, who will eventually emerge as the winner? What then, is the way forward?
Aug 2: Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin postpones parliament sitting indefinitely, citing “COVID-19 risks” while opposition MPs maintain that they will still show up on Monday, 700 Cubans were arrested following almost three weeks of anti-government demonstrations, Tunisian President Kais Saied goes on firing spree, sacking the Prime Minister, senior officials, and suspending parliament.
The IAS Gazette is a news site run by undergraduates from the Singapore Institute of Management’s International Affairs Society (IAS). Founded in 2018, it traces its roots to The Capital, a now defunct bimonthly magazine previously under the IAS.
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