Economy & Politics | Meer

A shopper excitedly discovers the endless possibilities of today's digital marketplace, where nearly anything is within reach with just a few clicks

Why this era is the best time to innovate and thrive

Explore how global access and digital evolution shape today's opportunities

President of the United States Donald Trump speaking with attendees at a "Chase the Vote" rally at Dream City Church in Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Donald Trump's historic return to the White House

Foreign policy with peace initiatives and an 'America First' focus

Border control on the Austrian-German border crossing Passau near Pocking, Germany

Frontier deterrence, a real security challenge: part I

The keys to a necessary border security agenda in the United States

Amidst the smouldering ruins of their once-proud home, they stand as silent witnesses to the devastation, a devastating fire consuming not just their property, but the dream of stability and success they had built in a rapidly changing world

C-4: calamity, casualties, and more from the Great Recession

The explosive story of financial fraud on the frontier of the American West

The old telephone and copier offer a glimpse into the tedious days of sorting through stacks of paperwork before the rise of automated procurement platforms

Transform your procurement: benefits of digital platforms

Discover how modern procurement systems save time, cut costs, and boost efficiency for your business

Technology for Social Good Conference, Brussels 2016, Belgium

Why is Europe acting as an American apparatchik?

In its approach to technology regulation, Europe is blindly doing what America wants

A miner’s face, covered in dirt, tells the story of long hours and hard labour in the pursuit of cobalt for global technology

Techno-colonialism: exploiting Africa's resources for profit

Addressing inequality and environmental impact in Africa's digital economy

The colossal explosion in 1952 at Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific Ocean underscores the destructive power of nuclear weapons, a stark reminder of the enduring human mistrust that fuels their existence

Dismantling nuclear weapons: the path to global unity

Addressing the legacy of nuclear arms and the urgent need for global disarmament

Uncertainty marks the Trump's new term

Trump 2.0 and the consequences

Trump's plans on tariffs and military policy clash with global shifts.

Illustration by Paola Bilancieri

The case for diplomacy: ending war and embracing cooperation

It's time to prioritize diplomacy, human rights, and global cooperation to create a better world

Embracing the digital age, Somali youth like this vibrant young woman are leading the charge in the social media revolution, turning platforms into powerful tools for self-expression and business growth

The rise of Somali social media: TikTok's role in change

How social media platforms are shaping culture, business, and fame in Somalia

President Cyril Ramaphosa speaking at the Swearing-in of the new Deputy President, Cabinet Ministers, and Deputy Ministers on 3 July, 2024, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa's foreign policy shift: ANC to GNU

Analysing the evolution from Apartheid alliances to new diplomatic priorities in South Africa

A desolating view of war-torn Gaza, 2023

The issue of ending the Gaza War

A note on international politics and ongoing tensions

A woman holding a microphone, representing her role as a journalist or media personality

Evolving media representation of women: trends and impact

How female reporters and new media are shaping perceptions in film and news

A woman with open hands stands beside a religious building during a spiritual visit

World Philosophy Day 2024: bridging divides with wisdom

Insights from Malaysia: a message by Mohammad Nizar Mat Nor

Eco-friendly urban planning and green city initiatives in Wuxi, China focus on sustainable urban development and climate action

Urban governance and agency in global sustainability

Cities as catalysts for sustainable change: opportunities and challenges

As Trump assumes the presidency, the impact of his policies on Mexico, particularly regarding trade and immigration, hangs in the balance, highlighting the challenges ahead

The election of Trump: a view from the south

Repercussions for regional politics and economy in the wake of Trump's victory

Ajay Banga (middle), President of the World Bank Group, and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (right), Director-General of the World Health Organisation, engage in a discussion with the audience at the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in April, 2024

The World Bank and the erosion of labour rights

Unpacking the rhetoric and understanding the impact on workers worldwide

View of the Kremlin from across the Moskva River, Russia

How Putin's rhetoric shapes Russian political passivity?

The impact of depoliticisation and anti-politics rhetoric on Russian society and governance

Like the spiral staircase, the pursuit of knowledge is an endless journey, where each step reveals new insights, pushing experts to continuously seek answers and challenge existing understanding

Unraveling the power of 'why'

Exploring the depths of inquiry in personal growth and sociopolitical dynamics

Sharing ideas and goals, a woman demonstrates the synergy between trusted allies in the professional world

Should we become business partners with friends?

The complexities of mixing friendship and entrepreneurship for success

Goals and aspirations are represented on a perforated paper graph in front of a skyscraper, symbolizing the innovation ecosystem that drives economic growth

Psychology of innovation ecosystem

How innovation ecosystems and science communication drive economic growth

Close-up photo of person wearing Guy Fawkes mask, symbolizing anonymity and protest

Democracy: imperfections and potentials in global politics

The global political landscape: challenges, inequalities, and the quest for better governance

Pink hues bathe the Royal Palace of Madrid at dusk, symbolising both the enduring legacy of Spanish royalty and the dynamic cultural exchange reshaping the city's social fabric

Madrid's Latin American transformation

Exploring cultural fusion, socioeconomic impact, and the rise of a new metropolis

President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, during the ceremony announcing the holding of COP 30 in the city of Belém, in 2025, and signing the service order to begin construction of Porto Futuro II. Belém, Brazil

Belém gears up for COP30 in Brazil

Amazon’s gateway city is embracing sustainability for the world’s largest climate summit

This stark image of factories emitting thick plumes of smoke illustrates the environmental challenges posed by industrialisation, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices

The environmentalisation of the world

Genesis and rise of a culture of combat

Welcomed by King Mohammed VI, Macron's arrival in Rabat, Morocco, signals a renewed partnership, with agreements valued at €10 billion set to bolster cooperation in various sectors

Sovereignty over Western Sahara: present and future

Morocco's role in the region's destiny and France's stance in the complex regional issue

Kenyan citizens are now demanding widespread reforms, including the resignation of President William Ruto

Diaspora's impact on Kenya's uprising: roles and challenges

How Kenyans abroad are shaping their homeland’s future while grappling with accusations and distance

A representation of the American flag with the statue of liberty

Trump: halting the decline or falling into the abyss?

Trump's cictory and the path to oligarchy

Behind the Scenes at the United Nations Climate Change Conference UNCCC COP29, Baku, Azerbaijan

Genocide, earthlicide and COP29

The intersection of human rights violations and environmental destruction at the 2024 COP29 summit

A man holding the world in his hand symbolizes how multinational corporations influence global business, economic growth, and international trade through strategic investment and technological innovation

The role of multinational corporations in global economy

How MNCs influence economic development, trade, and technological progress across borders

Transition #5, watercolour, 12 x 10cm, Mark Weighton, 2020

Climate crisis denial under a Beaver Moon

Taurus Full Moon

Failure to convert Komati coal-fired to a solar power station, exposed ANC's flip-flop about just climate transition © Ashish Kothari

The flower of transformation blooms in South Africa

Communities and civil society groups unite for land rights and climate justice for a sustainable future

The TikTok ban attempts to balance security and right of speech, a dilemma that has positive and negative consequences on both sides of the argument

TikTok ban bill: political manoeuvre or security imperative?

Exploring the implications of U.S. legislation linking TikTok ban proposal with foreign aid package

In the spirit of democracy, the South African flag stands tall, symbolising resilience amidst challenging times

South Africa's 2024 elections: a new era of unity

Voter resilience and a collaborative cabinet for change

A drop of water, rippling across a human hand

The emergent sense of human dignity

Recognition of our common humanity is now a must for survival

A flower blooming amidst the ashes

Climate week in NYC turns dirt into soil

The regenerative movement digs in

Protesters gather outside the government building in Brazil, calling for global action to eradicate hunger and advocate for social programs like Bolsa Família, which have significantly improved the lives of millions

Brazil's Bolsa Família: a global approach to ending hunger

Leveraging Brazil's zero hunger model for a world-scale solution to inequality and poverty

Puerto Resistencia, formerly called Puerto Rellena, with the Monument to the Resistance in memory of the struggle and the dead against the Duque government, Colombia

COP 532: voices of resistance and recognition

Local communities and challenging global systems at COP 16 in Colombia

Cries for climate action reverberate around the world

Will COP-29 make a difference?

Leaders face new inconvenient truths as they gather for this year's climate conference

Overpopulation through a crowded street view, while connecting human behavior research, social sciences, and the effects of post-pandemic health challenges and climate change

Humans in pandemics and extreme climate

The role of behavior change to tackle health, climate, and overpopulation, in the post COVID era

Basking in the sun, he reflects the allure of a lifestyle that increasingly intertwines with nicotine culture in urban Kenya

Rising nicotine use among youth: a global concern

Tackling the health risks and regulatory challenges in Kenya and beyond

Gold and silver chess pieces on a chessboard symbolizing leadership in business

Mastering productivity: insights from world-class minds

Explore game-changing techniques from renowned figures for efficiency and success

Drift ice camp in the middle of the Arctic Ocean as seen from the deck of icebreaker Xue Long

China's Arctic ambitions: geopolitical shifts and responses

How China's influence in the Arctic challenges global powers and shapes regional security

Multi-stakeholder initiatives amidst the backdrop of globalization and transnational challenges, depicted through human figurines using a ladder to reach a cracked, lit lightbulb

Multi-stakeholder initiatives: tackling global challenges

Understanding MSIs, their rise, and assessing their legitimacy

The French president Emmanuel Macron, during a meeting with the Russian president Vladimir Putin, 2017

Emmanuel Macron’s private life doesn’t match his politics

If Macron is happy to vape, why make it harder for French people to do the same?

Amid the swirling emotions of the 2024 campaign, Trump's grin embodies the complex mix of hope and fear that defines this election season

The 2024 United States presidential election

Landscapes of fear and emotional messaging shape the election’s polarised narratives

Former President Donald Trump pointing at a the crowd at a press conference

U.S. Presidential Election: an American fascism rising?

Could 2024 be the onset of a new right wing regime?

A lively crowd gathers during Election Night in Bern, Switzerland, reflecting the excitement and anticipation of democratic processes in action

US elections: it is no longer Halloween!

Why Kamala Harris is the better choice to prevent global conflict

With a commitment to peace, President Gabriel Boric inspires hope for a harmonious relationship between Chile and Argentina, serving as a model for the region amidst global tensions

Chile and Argentina: two centuries of peace and friendship

A legacy of cooperation amidst challenges and change

A Somali elder, his gaze veiled in shadow, symbolizes the resilience of Somaliland, a nation forged by its people's determination since civil war's end in 1991

Exploring Somaliland's unique clan-based governance system

Unpacking tradition and modern challenges in Somali politics

Illustration by Paola Bilancieri

Donald Trump’s war on women and truth

Another chapter in the ongoing novel

Amidst the vibrant life of Langa township in Cape Town, South Africa, two children embody the aspirations for equitable living conditions and social justice advocated in international human rights frameworks

Human settlements and dignity: evolution and challenges

Reflections on the evolution, challenges, and future of global urban development

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain addresses reporters

On the 2024 Bahrain Arab summit

Overview and notes regarding the 33th edition

A woman navigating the migration crisis in the Mediterranean Sea, amidst challenges like human trafficking from Africa to Europe

Rising nationalism and African asylum seekers in Europe

Consequences of anti-immigration policies and the human toll of migration across the Mediterranean

A black man in a crowd, protesting

What is at stake in the U.S. 2024 elections?

Restoration of the promise of whiteness or equality for all?

Overlooking the city skyline in Istanbul, Turkey, is Maiden's Tower, where history whispers through ancient walls

Identity unraveled: turmoil, panic, and deportation

A personal journey through cultural shifts and emotional challenges

In the face of ongoing regional conflicts, these soldiers stand as testaments to the resolve and determination of South Africa to protect its borders and support peace efforts

South Africa’s interventions and regional securitisation

Balancing national interests and stability in Africa's conflicts

Democrat candidates Kamala Harris and Tim Walz at a rally

Election 2024: a battle for our rights

Harris and Walz lead Democrats' fight against modern slavery and climate denial

Barbed wire fence under cloudy blue sky depicts stringent border security measures, reflecting the urgency of managing the refugee crisis and strengthening border control

A comparative analysis of German and US immigration policies

Balancing humanitarian needs and economic realities in modern migration management

In a world where poverty persists, this boy’s tears reflect the urgent need for genuine action and compassion toward those living in desperate circumstances

Eradicating poverty: a clear path to justice and equality

Exploring the limits of current strategies and the need for action against wealth inequality

Nurturing loyalty while cultivating commitment beyond transactional relationships is a key factor when attempting to improve productivity and morale of teams within a workplace

The vital role of human leadership when cultivating loyalty

Nurturing commitment through genuine connection and compassionate leadership

European Parliament building in Strasbourg, France

EU digital markets act: impact on big tech and consumers

How new regulations affect Microsoft's bundling practices and Apple's innovation in Europe

An American casting their vote into a ballot box

The October surprise in the US elections

A Global South view on a key international event

A small fence separates densely-populated Tijuana, Mexico, right, from the United States in the Border Patrol's San Diego Sector. Construction is underway to extend a secondary fence over the top of this hill and eventually to the Pacific Ocean

U.S.-Mexico border: Karen Tei Yamashita's 'Tropic of Orange'

Exploring migration, inequality, and globalization through fiction

Person stepping on Earth globe with feet concept

Challenges and solutions in modern international relations

From escalating conflicts to climate crisis: a critical examination of global dynamics and pathways to peace

President of Brazil Lula da Silva, President of China Xi Jinping, President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov, in a family photograph, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa, on August 22, 2023

BRICS: redefining global power in the 21st century

How BRICS nations are challenging Western hegemony, reshaping the global economy, and building a multipolar world order

President Petro at the Library of the University of Salamanca in Spain, May 5, 2023

Gustavo Petro: future politics vs. present blockades

Colombia's president confronts ecological catastrophe, global capitalism, and the threat of political overthrow

South Africa's first democratic voting day on the 27th of April, 1994, the queues of voters serving as a powerful symbol of the collective journey towards democracy, echoing the aspirations of a nation reborn

Tinswalo's South Africa: dreams and realities

A reflection on 30 years of democracy and the contrasting lives of ordinary South Africans

Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency that has gone from enigmatic origins to global prominence

Bitcoin's resurgence: evolution and surge

Analyzing bitcoin's historic journey and recent growth

Lonwabo Dlamini, Xolobeni region (South Africa), staying back to practice agro-ecology & ecotourism @ Ashish Kothari

Deadlihoods to livelihoods

Can we make the transformation towards meaningful work?

On white underwear, flowers highlighting the importance of menstrual health awareness and personal care

Period poverty: a global health and equality issue

How access to menstrual products and hygiene facilities shapes lives worldwide

A woman lying on a pillow looking at her phone with sadness

The world is in a trance

Easy to program, easy to persuade, and wait, there’s more!

An AI-generated image depicts a TV duel between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on stage

Can AI help decide your vote?

Understanding key arguments for and against candidates Trump and Harris to make informed choices in the election

A skyline dominated by corporate giants symbolises our current path of unsustainable growth and inequality, where global decisions echo in boardrooms rather than communities

Global crisis: urgent calls for structural change

Navigating environmental catastrophe and economic disparity in a divided world

Solar panel on roof, Dakhova Sonyachna power plant in the Dnipro area, Ukraine

Green energy in Ukraine: stabilizing power during conflict

Kyiv's alternative energy initiatives and the impact of the '70 by 30' program on renewable energy development

AIM Congress 2024 Opening Ceremony, Abu Dhabi, UAE

AIM congress 2025: shaping the future of finance

How blockchain, AI, and cybersecurity are shaping a new era in finance

A sing at a demonstration urging for action against climate change

Good intentions, bad results

Nations are about to meet for their 29th annual conference on climate change. How honest will they be?

With mobile money, a man transcends physical barriers, accessing a world of banking services from the palm of his hand, revolutionising how we interact with money

Mobile money: expanding financial services globally

Unlocking opportunities through mobile payments and agency banking

Standards of the Georgian Orthodox Church flying by the Cathedral of the Holy Mother of Iberia in Zugdidi, Georgia, during the 2020 Vlakernoba procession, Georgia

The Georgian Orthodox church: surviving Soviet repression

How the Georgian Orthodox Church adapted under Stalin and resisted Soviet repression, shaping Georgia’s culture and politics

A protest for Palestinians in Gaza. The rally began at Penn Station where Pro-Israel protestors where present and ended with a march through parts of Baltimore on Northern Avenue

Israeli-Palestinian conflict: war and the struggle for peace

Tracing the major wars, failed peace efforts, and the ongoing crisis, with a call for justice and the two-state solution as the path to lasting peace

A hand gently touching moss in a natural setting, symbolizing efforts in deforestation prevention

EU deforestation regulation: a burden on consumers & farmers

Examining the unintended consequences of the EU's new environmental policy on European shoppers and global farmers

A nuclear reactor tower covered in white flowers

Ecological economic growth

Seizing our present and saving our future

Amidst rising tensions and political uncertainty, a powerful voice emerges at the 'Die Linke' conference, advocating for a just and inclusive future

Germany's political shift: rise of the AfD and emerging left

Analysing the impact of recent elections on German governance and EU relations

Cattle grazing grass

Towards a greener agriculture

There are no silver bullets in reducing greenhouse emissions

Engaged and eager to learn, these young students in a school in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, embody the future of South Africa's educational landscape

Empowering South Africa’s youth through education reform

Tackling inequality and unemployment for a brighter future

Iran's recently decesead former president Ebrahim Raisi

Pondering Iran's external politics

Where is the nation's foreign policy heading after Raisi's passing

Aerial view of an overcrowded township in South Africa, where homes stretch as far as the eye can see, highlighting the complex history of land distribution and urban planning while illustrating the stark reality of inadequate living conditions

South Africa's land ownership debate

Exploring the historical impact and contemporary challenges of land reform

A picturesque scene unfolds as a group of young African American female students dons black graduation gowns against the backdrop of a campus setting

Education as a double-edged sword

Empowering and disempowering African American students in America

A sign pleading to speak up against injustice

Theocratic blasphemy laws

Incongruent with international human rights

A man falling from above surrounded by money

Reclaiming humanity in business beyond 'it's not personal'

Examining the importance of human connection in business and the need to preserve personal values in a profit-driven world

President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the media and public during the official announcement of South Africa's 2024 election results at Gallagher Estate, Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa, on the 2nd of June, 2024, emphasising the historic significance of the election for independent candidates

South Africa's 2024 elections: independent candidates surge

ANC drops below 50% as new coalition government takes shape

A man dreesed as clown talking in congress

Laughing through politics: how humor helps us survive

What goes around comes around

A U.S. Marine with Black Sea Rotational Force 17.1 launches an unmanned aerial vehicle during exercise Sea Breeze 2017 in Mykolayivka, Ukraine

Techno-fascism, techno-terrorism, and global war

Exploring historical parallels, capitalism's role, and the rise of techno-fascism in today's geopolitical landscape

Promoting workplace collaboration and mutual support between men and women is a cornerstone of feminism, equality

Understanding malignant aggression in modern masculinity

Exploring the intersection of feminism, sociology, and capitalism in shaping new masculine identities for a fluid society

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