Citizen ire drives Paraguay anti-corruption campaign

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
Supreme Court ◽  
The State ◽  
Political Life ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Border City

Subject Corruption probes under the new government. Significance The state prosecution service has begun an investigation into alleged illicit enrichment by the Zacarias Irun clan that has dominated economic and political life in the border city of Ciudad del Este for nearly two decades. Bringing down the clan could have profound consequences for the massive illegal smuggling trade based in Paraguay’s second-largest city. Impacts Social media may begin to play an increasingly important role in a more active civil society. New Supreme Court appointments may bolster efforts to combat corruption. Anti-corruption moves could yet bring a backlash from the former president and his allies.

Political priorities mar Angolan diversification goals

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
National Security ◽  
The State ◽  
Operating Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fuel Subsidies ◽  
Regime Survival ◽  
Use Of Social Media

Significance The dos Santos administration ostensibly prioritises developing non-oil industries to increase macroeconomic resilience. Initiatives to date have been insubstantial, ineffective and are undermined by the difficult operating environment. Impacts Living costs will increase due to the removal of fuel subsidies, which pushed up petrol prices by 28%, increasing inflationary pressures. Heavy security spending will ensure that rising urban protests do not escalate to threaten national security. However, use of social media will make it harder for the state to clamp down on civil society groups, despite new policy restrictions. Wariness of foreign military adventures will ensure that capacity is focused domestically, assisting regime survival.

Modi's regulatory crackdown on NGOs could backfire

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Supreme Court ◽  
Nuclear Energy ◽  
Similar Action ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceived Ability ◽  
The Supreme Court ◽  
The Government

Significance In April, similar action was taken against nearly 9,000 other non-profits. These moves are part of intensifying clashes between the government and civil society. Many NGOs are vocal opponents of Modi's key policies, and the government is frustrated at their perceived ability to harness popular opposition and use the judiciary to stall key projects. Impacts Government efforts on coal (and to a lesser extent nuclear energy) will still encounter NGO resistance. The Supreme Court may become embroiled in the NGO-government clash, portending costly and lengthy battles for investors. Western governments are likely to be more sensitive to Modi's regulatory crackdown, risking hurdles in improving diplomatic ties.

Turkey's army reform could turn into power grab

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Armed Forces ◽  
The State ◽  
Political Life ◽  
The Political ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Constitutional Reforms ◽  
Military Relations ◽  
The Military ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Turkish Society

Subject The impact of the failed July coup on civilian-military relations. Significance The psychological impacts of the attempted coup across political life cannot be understated; it has far-reaching implications for the political, bureaucratic and even ideological structures of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). In the aftermath of the attempted putsch, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is more determined than ever to alter the civilian-military machinery of government in Turkey radically. Impacts The purge and radical reforms will bring into question the TSK's operational and strategic reliability for Western partners. A permanently weakened TSK would ease the way for constitutional reforms strengthening Erdogan's grip on the state. It will take years to rebuild the confidence and prestige the military has lost among broad swathes of Turkish society. Any criticism of the TSK reforms, domestically or from abroad, will meet the authorities' fierce condemnation.

Cambodia opposition ban would increase sanctions risk

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Supreme Court ◽  
Phnom Penh ◽  
Media Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Investor Confidence

Significance This follows a Supreme Court spokesman’s October 8 confirmation that the court will hear a motion calling for the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) to be ordered dissolved. Impacts A CNRP ban would raise international concern and thus the risk of sanctions being imposed. Beijing is unlikely to pressure close partner Phnom Penh to assure free and fair elections. Cambodia’s civil society and media environment face further restrictions. The risk of protests, sanctions and aid stoppages could sap investor confidence and interest in Cambodia.

Virus will divert but not derail gender rights fight

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
Sexual Harassment ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
New Wave ◽  
Equal Pay ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Shifts

Subject Gender rights movements. Significance Since 2017, a new wave of the fight for gender equality has spread globally as activists share tactics and build transnational networks through social media. From the online #MeToo Movement to massive women’s strikes, demands to end sexual harassment and violence are already leading to cultural shifts and a barrage of new legislation. Despite backlash, and disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global gender rights movement will give rise to significant legal, social and political change. Impacts Governments globally will see greater civil society pressure to pass new legislation on sexual violence and harassment. Companies will be required to abide by new regulations governing harassment and equal pay in a growing number of countries. COVID-19 will temporarily slow organising efforts, but in the long term bring new allies to the movement.

The Brazilian Military Regime, 1964–1985

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Napolitano
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
The State ◽  
Military Regime ◽  
Political Life ◽  
Left Wing ◽  
Capitalist Development ◽  
Political Actors ◽  
The Military ◽  
Political Groups

Since its establishment in 1889, the history of the Brazilian republic was marked by the centrality of the armed forces, particularly the army, in political life. But between 1964 and 1985, the military was in direct command of the state, imposing indirectly elected generals as president. After overthrowing the reformist center-left government of João Goulart on March 31, 1964, the military installed a tutelary authoritarian regime to control civil society and the political system, serving as a political model for similar regimes in Latin America during the Cold War. The military passed arbitrary laws and severely repressed left-wing political groups and social movements while also seeking to accelerate capitalist development and the “national integration” of Brazil’s vast territory. They intended to modernize Brazilian industry and carry out bold infrastructure projects. On the other hand, they faced strong opposition from civil society, led by political groups, artists, intellectuals, and press outlets of diverse ideological backgrounds (Marxists, liberals, socialists, and progressive Catholics). These groups were divided between total refusal to negotiate with the military and critical adherence to the policies of the generals’ governments, composing a complex relationship between society and the state. Understanding the role of the military regime in Brazilian history requires a combination of historical research and historiographic criticism in light of the disputes over memory that continue to divide social and political actors.

Tanzanian media will become a political battleground

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
New Media ◽  
Freedom Of Expression ◽  
The State ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Court ◽  
The Government ◽  
Public Criticism

Significance In early March, the Tanzanian High Court ruled in favour of the 2015 Cybercrimes Act, rejecting arguments that it breaks freedom of expression laws. Social media represents a potent forum for challenging the dominance of the state, as many African governments are realising, but in their efforts to control public narratives, they are failing to address the threat of cybercrime. Impacts The government is likely to increase the use of the Cybercrimes Act to target critical voices on social media. As the opposition strengthens, government efforts to quell public criticism in both old and new media will intensify. The government still maintains the support of donors, but attacks on individuals and opposition critics could undermine relationships. Far from limiting public criticism, excessive use of the Cybercrimes Act could intensify autocratic perceptions of Magufuli.

Ship disaster will spur public safety rethink in China

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
Social Order ◽  
Yangtze River ◽  
Insurance Industry ◽  
The Yangtze River ◽  
Cruise Ship ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Publicity ◽  
Media Censorship

Subject The Eastern Star cruise ship disaster. Significance The rescue and recovery operation for the capsized Eastern Star river cruise ship finished on June 14. The Eastern Star, an aging economy-class tourist vessel of shallow draft, carrying 454 passengers, was struck by a squall as it took a curve in the Yangtze river in Hubei province on June 1. The boat capsized, trapping passengers and crew below water. Only 12 people survived. Despite a media shut-down, recriminations are surfacing about responsibility for and handling of the disaster. Impacts Regulations will be stepped up, with policing largely delegated to the insurance industry rather than civil society. The incident stress-tested a reinforced social media censorship system, which overall performed well. The authorities are rightly concerned about negative publicity, but this sort of incident poses negligible threat to social order.

Canada-Saudi spat implies deeper foreign ties trouble

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Domestic Politics ◽  
Foreign Minister ◽  
The State ◽  
Women’S Rights ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Media Messages ◽  
Hospital Patients ◽  
New Business

Significance He was reacting to the controversy this month between Ottawa and Riyadh, after Canada’s foreign minister and its embassy in Saudi Arabia published social media messages criticising Saudi Arabia’s arrest and detention of women’s rights activists, calling for their release. Some messages were translated into Arabic, heightening Riyadh’s sense that Ottawa is interfering in Saudi domestic politics. Riyadh has now cancelled further new business deals with Canada, ended direct flights there by the state airline and recalled 15,000 students, hospital patients and its ambassador. Impacts Limited Canada-Saudi trade ties mean the economic fallout will be minimal for both countries. Saudi Arabia has said that the oil trading relationship will not be affected by the current dispute. Canada may cancel its arms deal with Saudi Arabia, threating jobs in western Ontario. Trudeau’s government could hesitate to enter disputes with authoritarian governments in future.

Pakistan’s Khan will not challenge military's power

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Prime Minister ◽  
The State ◽  
General Election ◽  
Donald Trump ◽  
Content Type

Subject Military influence in Pakistan. Significance Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa earlier this month visited Beijing to reassure China about Pakistan’s commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistan’s military strongly influences the country’s policy. It is widely believed that Prime Minister Imran Khan had the military’s support in winning the July general election. Impacts Any meeting between Khan and US President Donald Trump is likely to be uncomfortable, further straining Pakistan-US ties. Pakistan will strongly defend its commitment to CPEC. The state will increase harassment of political opponents and civil society critics.

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