By Jonathan Power* LUND, Sweden | 16 July 2025 (IDN) — Observers say that what drives President Vladimir Putin is to make Russia respected. However, perhaps Putin overestimates the extent of Russia’s existing power. He has overlooked which trumpets to blow — it is not his “hang tough” militaristic policies in international affairs, especially vis-à-vis […]
Russia Strengthening Africa’s Food Import Dependency
By Kester Kenn Klomegah* MOSCOW | 14 July 2025 [IDN] — As global geopolitical dynamics evolve, Africa is anticipated to adapt accordingly. It has gone far, particularly with Russia, opening new directions in bilateral economic cooperation after their joint historic summits. It is also time to make critical appraisals of Russia’s policy towards Africa. By […]
The rediscovery of America from within
By Jan Servaes MIAMI | 10 July 2025 (IDN) — In 2019, The New York Times published “The 1619 Project” by Nikole Hannah-Jones. Four centuries after African captives arrived on the Virginia coast, this project reshaped America’s origin story, centering on slavery and the contributions of African Americans. An updated version appeared in 2021 and […]
Again, Trump’s Way or the Highway
By Azu Ishiekwene The writer is the Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and the author of the new book Writing for Media and Monetising It. ABUJA, Nigeria | 10 July 2025 (IDN) — It’s hard not to love US President Donald Trump. He is the world’s most powerful president and wears his preeminence on his sleeve. Not for him […]
Haiti Situation Report: Gangs now control nearly all of Port-au-Prince, says UN
Situation in Haiti Gangs have gained control of an estimated 90% of Port-au-Prince, and authorities are unable to stop escalating violence, say UN officials. The gangs are expanding their attacks not only into surrounding areas but also into previously peaceful areas. The Viv Ansanm gang attacked a Haitian National Police patrol in Viard, Kenscoff, during […]
Reflections on Cuba, BRICS and Geopolitics
By Dr. Asoka Bandarage* COLOMBO, Sri Lanka | 9 April 2025 (IDN) — I returned to the U.S. from Cuba just a few hours before Donald Trump signed a memorandum on June 30, 2025, tightening the long-standing U.S. economic blockade against Cuba. The memorandum includes a statutory ban on U.S. tourism to the neighbouring island. […]
Kosovo’s Leadership Failure: A Dangerous Hijacking of Democracy
By Alon Ben-Meir* NEW YORK | 8 July 2025 (IDN) — It is hard to imagine how a small country experiencing significant economic hardship and in constant conflict with its neighbour is still under a caretaker government four months after the national elections. Prime Minister Kurti must end the deadlock, as it does not bode […]
Billionaires’ Anger and Efforts to Prevent Zohran Mamdani from Becoming New York’s Mayor
By Norman Solomon* SAN FRANCISCO, USA | 2 July 2025 (IDN) — The Supreme Court’s first chief justice, John Jay, would have empathized with the billionaires who’ve been freaking out ever since Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York last Tuesday. “Those who own the country ought to govern it,” Jay insisted. […]
Persistent School Dropout Issue in Majengo: A Community Call to Action
By Whitney Atieno 30 June 2025 (IDN) — Despite numerous government interventions aimed at promoting free and compulsory education for all children, the community of Majengo continues to struggle with a high rate of school dropouts. This worrying trend undermines national education goals and threatens the future of our children. Recently, I encountered a troubling […]
Haiti Situation Report: CPT faces scrutiny over foreign mercenaries and drone use
Situation in Haiti Armed members of the “Talibans” group, based in Canaan, Port-au-Prince, took control of La Chapelle commune on 22 June, burning the police station and blocking reinforcements. Authorities had reportedly received warnings as early as 19 June, but no proactive measures were taken. The assault, linked to the Viv Ansanm coalition, displaced 8,890 […]