Politics & Society
Who are the Gilets jaunes?
For the past four weeks, the Gilets jaunes protests have dominated the French socio-political landscape and monopolised the media. But who are they exactly?
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Is it time for a law change on cannabis use in New Zealand?
A medicinal cannabis bill has just past its third reading in the New Zealand parliament. But is it time to also look at recreational use in the country?
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Q+A: How does our unconscious mind alter political outcomes?
Scientists are finding more and more evidence that human behaviour is not rational, not conscious, and maybe completely programmed without our rational thinking. How does the unconscious mind and biological predispositions effect political outcomes and prejudice biases?
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What are the implications of the US-China trade war? 🔊
In 2018, the United States and China have been embroiled in a trade war with each country continuing to raise tariffs placed on goods traded between the two nations. But what exactly are Donald Trump’s tariff policies and what will be their effects?
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How does the media weaponise far-right conspiracy theories?
Heather Woods and Leslie Hahner discuss how mainstream media helps to weaponize far-right conspiracy theories.
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Is patriotism the solution to nationalism?
Is patriotism the solution to nationalism? Peter S. Henne explores.
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Is bigotry a public health problem?
Is bigotry a public health problem? Ronald W. Pies investigates.
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Is democracy surviving in Trump’s America?
The results of the US 2018 mid-term elections are in and there’s cause for optimism, writes Paul Taillon.
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Aid and Diplomacy, Not Tear Gas: What should we do do address the Central American Migrant Crisis?
Kai Thaler outlines what needs to be done to resolve the Central American migrant crisis.
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How does fear feed online bigotry and real-world violence?
Fear, more than hate, feeds online bigotry and real-world violence according to Adam G. Klein.
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Open Letter: Why must New Zealand act now to halt climate change?
Earlier this week, one hundred and fifty academics and experts across various disciplines signed an open letter to the New Zealand government calling for greater and more immediate action on climate change. If we do not act, we face impending catastrophic environmental breakdown.
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Hell on Earth: What is going on in Yemen? 🔊
Experts say Yemen is the worst humanitarian crisis in modern history. Warnings from the UN say the death toll from starvation could reach 18.4 million by the end of the year. Why is this happening and what can be done?
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Brexit: What’s in the deal?
Seven academics discuss Brexit. What is in the deal? And what does it mean?
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Q+A: What are the perils of being a war correspondent?
The world is as dangerous as it has ever been for journalists, and war correspondents especially. Kidnapping, murder, and torture are the risks facing those trying to get us the information from the front line. How hard is it being a war correspondent? And what are the issues that face the reporters who put their lives on the line to get the story?
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Brexit Deal: What happens next?
Brexit is closing in but how did we get here and what will happen next?
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Can bots shift public opinion?
Even a few bots can shift public opinion in big ways according to new research from Tauhid Zaman.
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What do the US midterm results mean for international relations? 🔊
Last week the US held their midterm elections with the Democrats regaining control of the House of Representatives while the Republicans retained control of the Senate. But what does the outcome of these elections mean for international relations?
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What is free speech? â–¶
Banned books, defamation suits, de-platformed public figures, alt-righters without a venue: is there a crisis of free speech in New Zealand? And what exactly is free speech: a necessary guarantee of democracy or a misused threat to the common good?
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What are the key lessons from the US Midterms?
With the midterms now over, Scott Lucas discusses six key issues facing the US and what they mean for the country’s uncertain future.
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Why does the migrant caravan exist? And how did it come to be?
Why does the migrant caravan exist? And how did it come to be? Jerry Flores explores.
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