Dictatorship

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a ceremony marking the start of the judicial year at the Supreme Court in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 27, 2022.

Archetypes of autocracy: Part II

This week’s Critical State, a foreign policy newsletter, takes a deep dive into how autocrats stay in power through the repression. Too much repression can lead to a people’s revolt whereas not enough can result in military coups.

Chinese President Xi Jingping speaks during the opening session of the US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogues at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Monday, June 6, 2016. 

Archetypes of autocracy: Part I

Critical State
A picture of a Basque Shepherd

How the Basque language has survived

The World in Words
African Renaissance Monument - From Above

North Korea’s biggest export? Giant statues. To African dictators.

Economics
Secretate police records in Romania

A writer retraces her childhood through Romania’s secret police records on her family

Conflict & Justice
The World

‘Red shirt’ protesters plan weekend demonstration in Bangkok

Conflict & Justice

Anti-government protesters in Thailand are making their way to Bangkok on Sunday. Called ‘Red Shirts,’ they support Thailand’s exiled former prime minister and hope to topple the current government.