All The Monitor's View
- The hidden key to a country’s liberation
From Belarus to Tunisia, people under dictatorship have shown they must act with dignity, not plead for it.
- Muslim lands staking out interfaith coexistence
Sudan becomes the latest largely Muslim society to start embracing ecumenical governance.
- China's rulers face a new type of dissent
For democracy activists, hatred in the face of state violence hasn’t worked very well. China’s Mongolian minority – now being forced to adopt Han culture – is trying new approaches.
- Tracking the pandemic on private phones
New tech tools on smartphones that record data related to COVID-19 put a new focus on the ability of people to self-govern their personal information.
- The seeders of a new Lebanon
Foreign leaders are working with trusted activists to revive an inclusive identity for a country in turmoil since an Aug. 4 blast.
- A peace deal to piece Sudan together
Last year’s pro-democracy protests and their unifying identity have led to a pact to integrate most rebel groups into a more inclusive government.
- Why Germany’s Merkel finds it hard to retire
Crisis after crisis has called for her approach, one based more on values than force.
- The subtle power of nonviolent activism
Violent responses to social justice protests require protesters to be even more focused on peaceful tactics.
- New choices in justice after shootings
In New Zealand and the U.S., many seeking justice after a shooting also yearn for social and individual healing.
- The peacemakers in Belarus
With clever tactics of inclusion and empathy, women took to the streets to curb police violence against pro-democracy protesters.
- The egalitarian impulse in Thailand’s protests
More youthful Thais are breaking a taboo by challenging a monarchy that holds back democracy. Their brave demand for free speech is itself an embrace of civic liberty.
- The power of hospitality for democracy
Germany rescues a Russian dissident. Lithuania hosts fleeing democrats from Belarus. The U.S. provides a haven for Chinese reformers. Such welcome mats help drive freedom in the world.
- Electric vehicles near market cruising speed
Now electric SUVs, buses, and even garbage trucks are approaching mass scale, helping to drive solutions for climate change.
- How false fears drive anger in US voters
As the presidential race officially kicks off with party conventions, the candidates must rise above voter misperceptions of each other.
- Local fixes for Africa’s jihadi violence
Military responses to radical Islamist groups aren’t working. Community-brokered solutions to local issues just might end the rise in attacks.
- Watching a dictatorship fall one conscience at a time
After a rigged election in Belarus, police are defecting in response to attacks on peaceful pro-democracy protesters.
- Why Israel looks different to some Arab leaders
Aspirations of young Arabs may help explain why the United Arab Emirates recognized Israel and may lead other Arab nations to follow.
- Summer’s antidote to ‘COVID fatigue’
Months of following a strange new lifestyle have left people ready to break away and enjoy themselves. But summer’s pleasures can be experienced in a responsible way.
- College football’s unexpected opportunity
With the season hanging in the balance, the game’s evolution into a multibillion-dollar business has come uncomfortably into view.
- Europe’s missing democratic piece
A flawed election in Belarus, a Soviet-like state, is an opening for Europe to lead in advancing democracy.