Issue

Governance

The balance of power between strong states was for decades the dominant issue in discussions of international security. But today, it is fragile states that are seen by many as posing potentially greater threats. Weak infrastructures, internal conflict, and lack of economic development provide fertile ground for trafficking, piracy, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, disease pandemics, regional tensions, and even genocide.

As a result, there is a growing movement in the international community to find comprehensive ways to promote stronger states, as well as more effective solutions to deal with those that are already on the brink of failure.

In Governance, you'll find reporting from around the world—from East Timor to Haiti, from Guinea Bissau to Afghanistan. The reporting demonstrates the dangers weak states pose—and also the international interventions that appear to be making a difference.

 

Governance

Government Transparency in the Times of Coronavirus

The media must now rely on the government for information about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Are governmental authorities taking advantage of this crisis to further suppress the media in the MENA region?

How Coronavirus Changed the Lebanese Revolution

In this episode of Almostajad, we meet Lebanese journalists John Qassir and Diana Muqalled. They discuss the impact of the coronavirus and lockdown on the revolution and how the Lebanese government used this time to create even stricter policies. We also listen to protestors who describe the changing trajectory of the uprising.

The Moving Border: Part Two, the South

In episode two of this two-part investigation, "The Moving Border" visits Tapachula, Mexico to investigate "externalization" — the increasing push by countries like the U.S. to keep refugees in their poorer neighbors.

The Many Varieties of Voter Suppression

America’s decentralized election system fails voters in a common way. As each state adopts independent mesaures, the electoral stresses caused by COVID-19 and laws that aim to ensure the security of American elections may increase voter suppression in the country. 

The Moving Border: Part One, the North

In episode one of this two-part investigation, "The Moving Border" examines the increasing pressure put on asylum seekers by both the Trump administration and Mexican officials.

In the Shadows of the Pandemic (Spanish)

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, people living with HIV in Peru not only face risk of infection but also hunger and barriers to treatment. Transgender people and migrants have been hit the hardest.

Honduras Corruption Investigation

An in-depth investigation into the endemic corruption that plagues social welfare programs in Honduras, stifling the country's development and driving migration to the north.

Venezuela: The Endgame?

With self-declared interim president Juan Guaido challenging to take the presidency from Maduro, how will the country overcome its deepest political impasse yet?

Cambodia: Trauma, Justice, Governance

Cambodia's post-genocide journey creates new opportunities and risks in national systems such as health, justice, and tech governance. It also reveals remarkable stories of human courage over time.

Pretrial Diversion

Pretrial diversion–where defendants pay fees to avoid prison time–are increasing popular. But some government agents are profiting from people's inability to pay the fees.

Justice for the Enemy

The war against ISIS in Iraq is officially over. Now the government faces another momentous task: It must bring those responsible to account.

Mugabe's Last Days—And What Comes Next

Robert Mugabe's downfall after 37 years in power left beleaguered Zimbabweans euphoric, but the rise of Emmanuel Mnangagwa, aka The Crocodile, suggests that the rejoicing might be premature.

Meet the Journalist: Dimiter Kenarov

Circumnavigating and sometimes crisscrossing the sea by ferry, visiting settlements and protected sites, Dimiter Kenarov draws a new environmental map of the Black Sea and its coastal area.

Is There Really Religious Conflict?

This lesson challenges students to take a position related to what is causing or fueling conflicts that could be labeled religious. Students create an argumentative research paper and presentation.

Facing Risk: Journalists and their Families

This lesson, designed for journalists and journalism students, uses the film "Facing Risk" to guide a conversation about the impact of reporting dangerous stories on journalists and their families.

Exploring Fragile States: Sudan

Sudan has been a "fragile state" for more than two decades. Through this webquest, students are able to explore this complex country using several different reporting projects on Sudan.

This Week: Cracking the Indian Patriarchy

A poor school for girls in rural India reshapes the role of women, how Iraq's legal institutions are struggling to give closure to victims, and HIV's hold on Nigeria, Russia, and Florida.