As the Brazilian economy continues to experience its worst recession in decades, the government has opted to pursue an unprecedented austerity program over the next 20 years in order to…
Mosul: As siege continues, humanitarian crises intensify
As the U.S.-backed Iraqi government and its allied forces continue the offensive against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant-occupied city of Mosul, Iraq, thousands are being either killed…
South Korea’s leadership crisis leads to uncertain future
If current U.S. presidential politics are considered a clown show, then the recent events surrounding the scandal-ridden administration of South Korea’s President Park Geun-hye qualify as a full-blown three-ring-circus. The…
This week around the world Dec. 6–12
Dec. 7 Philippines Philippine President Duterte found himself again in the spotlight after a spirited defense of several police officers suspected of killing a mayor with alleged ties to illegal…
Oil & Water
In the early dusk of Nov. 20 a large stream of water arched over a heavily fortified barrier and began to soak the people assembled on the other side. The…
Education Abroad Dept. announces photo contest winners
The Portland State Education Abroad program recently announced the winners for its 12th annual International Photo Contest. The contest is open to students who have traveled and studied abroad through…
Can Chinese consumerism save the world? A talk by Karl Gerth
Is a middle class Chinese woman’s decision on whether or not to buy a Barbie doll more important than who is the president of the United States? Such a question…
Upcoming international events Nov. 23-Dec.1
The group Freethinkers of Portland State is hosting the first university screening of Islam’s Non-Believers. The film, directed by Deeyah Khan, “investigates the lives of ex-Muslims, who face extreme discrimination,…
This week around the world Nov. 14–21
Nov. 16 Russia Russia withdrew support from the International Criminal Court after it released a report accusing Russia of war crimes during the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014….
Nuclear policy
On Oct. 27, a majority of United Nations member states voted to move forward in negotiating a treaty that would ban nuclear weapons. Among the states that opposed such a…
Events around the world Nov. 7-13
Nov. 11 South Africa Fatal flash flooding from early summer storms has killed at least six people in Gauteng, South Africa. The O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and many…