Tag "Protests"
Chaos in Lebanon: How much longer can the military maintain law and order?
Last month, June 2021, I recorded a total of 97 Security Incidents happening across Lebanon. The vast majority of these were roadblocks set up by angry protesters over the rapidly deteriorating socio-economic conditions. There were, however, 15 occasions of violence, in security operations, militancy, crime and personal disputes. Towards the end of the month, this figure was quickly rising and has continued to increase into July. This begs the question: For how long can the un-paid and deeply suffering Lebanese military remain deployed to maintain law and order?
Belarus: Democratic awakening in stalemate
While Belarusian strongman Lukashenko has held onto power since the highly contested August 2020 presidential election, public discontent with the regime has persisted in the face of police brutality and human rights abuses. As the West increases sanctions on Belarusian officials and the Kremlin’s support transforms into pressure, it is critical to assess whether Europe’s last authoritarian stronghold will survive in 2021.
Chile Chooses Change: What October’s Vote Means for the Country
After the outbreak of protests in 2019, calls from Chileans for significant reform to overcome what they saw as an increasingly unequal and corrupt society grew louder and louder. In response, Chile’s political parties came to an agreement, pledging to hold a plebiscite for a new constitution. Though originally scheduled for 26th April, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led this vote to be postponed until 25th October. What has the outcome of the vote been, and what changes can we expect there to be in the coming months and years as a result?
Bulgaria: Can Civil Unrest Lead to Actual Change?
Protests in Bulgaria have been taking place for almost three consecutive months now. However, not much has been said in terms of whether this increasing civil unrest will lead to actual change within the state.
As Iván Duque completes two years as President, Colombia faces a new wave of protests
Like many other Latin American countries, Colombia’s domestic stability depends on a wide variety of factors and one event can trigger a significant wave of social unrest. We saw this for instance in Brazil in 2013 and 2014 and in Chile in 2019, when both President Dilma Rousseff and President Sebastián Piñera, respectively, raised bus and train fares, sparking protests all over the country. These small events are catalysts of something much bigger. After the killing of a civilian by police officers, demonstrations are once again erupting all over the country and do not seem to be solely focused on police brutality.
Colombia: President Duque at risk of giving ground to opposition amid ongoing crises
With internal pressure mounting, Colombia’s president Iván Duque faces serious challenges halfway through his presidency. Recent polls suggest that domestic support is decreasing, leaving his party’s dominance in peril. If Duque can’t solve the ongoing domestic crises, the opposition is likely to gain ground before the elections in 2022.
From protests to constitutional crisis: Boyko’s latest gamble
After years of stability and growth, Bulgaria is navigating a turbulent crisis while no one seems to be paying attention. What’s next for this small European country?
Iraq: Protests and Reforms
Years of governmental neglect has driven Iraq’s Shiites to the streets, precipitating an ever-deepening crisis for Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi’s government.
Benin’s Democracy: What has happened to it?
The aftermath of April’s legislative elections in Benin laid bare the public’s displeasure with President Patrice Talon’s administration.
Sanctions and social media: Civil unrest and Iran-US relations
Recent domestic and international developments have negatively affected the stability of the Iranian regime.
