South Korea's Political Instability

 

South Korea is experiencing political instability. President Yoon Suk Yeol attempted to institute martial law. This caused alarm and concern among the South Korean public. For six hours the country was in turmoil with the army being mobilized. Soldiers blocked protesters from entering the National Assembly building. The decision was reversed after much objection. President Yoon Suk Yeol did this only because his own political party did not approve of declaring martial law. The People's Power Party is trying to distance themselves from a president that is becoming unpopular. The conservative government has been in power since 2022 and discord among the public has grown. President Yoon Suk Yeol accused the political opposition of obstruction and collaborating with North Korea. No evidence has been presented to show that other political parties are working with North Korea. Law makers then responded by introducing legislation to nullify the martial law declaration. The Defense Ministry rejected this and said it would only follow the orders of President Yeol. Martial law was last declared in 1980. The fear is the return to an authoritarian system. The Yeol administration has accumulated a number of scandals and controversies. The declaration of martial law was a way to undermine the South Korean Democratic Party. President Yoon Suk Yeol could face impeachment and other criminal charges. A South Korean constitutional crisis could be the result of his resistance to the rule of law. As demonstrations increase the chances of Yoon Suk Yeol getting re-elected are reduced.   

Walter Cronkite Announces The Death of President John F. Kennedy

 

Walter Cronkite was the host of CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981. He went on air on November 22, 1963 to announce that President John F. Kennedy was dead. He was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. This news was the most shocking Walter Cronkite reported. Cronkite interviewed President Kennedy in September. During that interview, President Kennedy acknowledged that he was not really a popular figure in the South. The presidential election of 1964 was going to be a challenge. The reason was that the Kennedy administration was shifting its support to civil rights. This divided the Democratic Party. Southern Democrats favored segregation. President Kennedy going to Texas was a security risk for him. Going there was for the sake of Democratic Party unity for the election next year. The assassination happened 61 years ago and there remain unanswered questions. Walter Cronkite never challenged the findings of the Warren Commission. Cronkite never did a journalistic investigation into the matter. Although he was willing to discuss controversies surrounding the criminal investigation, CBS did not go further. Only speculation and theories exist about why President John F. Kennedy was killed. 

The UK Race Riots

 

The UK erupted in racist violence. The European press refers to the incidents as riots, but fail to mention what type. Race riots are cases in which  mass violence is directed at certain race. Homes and business are destroyed by the criminals to decimate a community. Migration and economic downturn have given ammunition to far-right groups. The English Defense League has become prominent in the xenophobic nativist nationalism movement. These are not simply riots rather that have an anti-black, anti-Asian, and Islamophobic aspect. The race riots happened in areas of mostly white and working class areas. Economics can be a explanation. Immigrants are scapegoated for taking jobs. The inability to handle immigration has caused frustration. Foreign policy has resulted in a large number of refugees from war zones. The legacy of colonialism from the British Empire has played a role. Immigrants from India, Pakistan, Ghana, and Jamacia came to the UK when the British Empire dissolved. The UK never became an integrated society. Instead a myth was created of a multicultural society with liberal democratic values . This masked the de facto segregation which persists in the United Kingdom. Being part of the EU brought over more skilled workers from other countries, but did not benefit the majority of the population. Brexit was a way of trying to assert economic independence, yet that just might not be possible in a world of globalization. Nothing was learned from the riots in 2011. Anti-racist demonstrators are making attempts to stop the violence. This is not effective as long as law enforcement is on the side of the political establishment. Law enforcement is also more likely to sympathize with far-right convictions. There are attempts to place the blame on social media and disinformation coming from various platforms. The BBC and other television networks can be just as culpable for spreading disinformation and hate. The race riots have been going on since July 30th and the government appears to be losing control. As economic and geopolitical conditions get worse, the far-right will get more powerful. France or Germany could experience race riots similar to the UK.   

The Increase of Protests Across Africa

 

The African continent is seeing a wave of public discord. A number of demonstrations have occurred related to the cost of living and low wages. This is another example of how IMF and World Bank policies have never been helpful to African nations. What induced this new wave of protests was the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath. The pandemic did not just cause devastation to public health; the economy suffered. Business closed, unemployment increased, and inflation put a strain on the public. South Africa and Morocco saw the most protests in the five year span. The frustration has gotten so intense it has escalated into riots. The data reveals a total of  5,039 demonstrations related to economic inequality. Most of the protests were peaceful, but it was recorded that 13% erupted in violence. Food security is directly linked to some of the protests. Inflation directly effects food prices, which becomes a dire concern. Sudan's protests have multiple causes related to the military government , civil war, and authoritarian oppression. Tunisia's economy has not recovered from the rule of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Nigeria squanders its oil wealth and the DRC is fighting another M23 rebel insurrection. Africa is rich in resources, but corrupt governments and foreign interventions are undermining economic development. Algeria, Uganda, and Kenya also share the same issue of a cost of living crisis. This is not unique to Africa. The cost of living crisis is spreading. Africa is just experiencing it earlier. The ramifications of a cost of living crisis means political  instability.   

President Ali Bongo Ondimba Has Lost Power To The Military

 

Gabon has become another African country that deposed a longtime leader. President Ali Bongo Ondimba has been placed under house arrest by the military. This comes after a contentious election in which Ali Bongo was declared the winner. The Bongo Ondimba family has ruled Gabon since 1967. Omar Bongo, the father of the current president was supported by France and developed an authoritarian power structure. When Omar Bongo died in 2009, Ali Bongo became his successor. Debates remain about how free and fair elections have been since the Bongo Ondimba family have been in politics. A portion of Gabonese welcomed the coup, because it meant that a new form of government could come into existence. Voting was not going to remove the Bongos and  presidential term limits were never discussed. Protests against the government did happen in 2016. A coup attempt in 2019 was foiled. The military launched another coup in 2023 and so far it appears successful. Gabon has oil and mineral resources, but the Bongos failed to improve living standards of the Gabonese. France has interest in keeping a regime in power to extract these resources. The change in government certainly will get the attention of Cameroon , Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo. Paul Biya, Dennis Sassou Nguesso, and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo could come to the realization their countries could be subject to military coups. A major political shift that started in 2020 is spreading across the African continent. Either the new regimes will revert to another form of authoritarianism or follow an alternative political path. Gabon now joins Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in the group of African countries under military rule.  

Niger Has A Military Coup

 

Niger has fallen to a military coup. This is another case in a pattern seen in Mali, Guinea,  and Burkina Faso. Public discord, warfare, and regional instability has produced coups throughout the region. General  Abdourahamane Tchiani is now head of state. The African Union and ECOWAS  have  condemned the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum. Questions remain about the return to civilian leadership. The situation become more bizarre when it was relaized that Tchiani stopped a coup attempt in 2021. The constitution has been suspended with no time frame for it being brought back. Other measures have been taken which include curfews and closing the border of Niger. Power transition and democratic government have not been successful in Niger. This is the fifth coup in Niger's history. These coups occurred in 1974, 1996, 1999, and 2010. The biggest source of Niger's challenges are ISIS and foreign influence in the country. The Sahel has seen a dramatic rise in terrorism and various insurgencies. Groups such as Al Murabitoun, Ansar Dine, Katibat Macina, and Boko Haram are local to the Sahel. The Islamic State of West Africa, Islamic State of the Greater  Sahara , and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb have influence from other countries outside the African continent. These groups fight across borders.   Abdourahamane Tchiani stated the reason for the coup was that President Mohamed Bazoum was unable to keep Niger secure. It is uncertain that the military regimes will do any better at fighting rebel groups or terrorist organizations. The excuse of fighting terrorists and insurgents could used to create more authoritarian political structures. Niger could become isolated if the majority of the continent still recognizes Mohamed Bazoum as head of state.  

Protests Against Peruvian President Dina Boluarte

 

Peruvians are showing their frustration with the current administration. Demonstrations have spread across the country. Most of the protesters are either associated with leftist groups and labor unions. The discord is being generated from the ineffective leadership of President Dina Boluarte. The accusation is that her government has become more authoritarian. Legal question remain about the removal of former president Pedro Castillo. Evidence suggest that attempts were made to depose his government by right-wing factions. He could not bring stability and the biggest error was dissolving the congress. Dina Boluarte was not elected. One of the demands of protesters is that she either resigns or new elections to be held. The biggest motivation for public discord is growing poverty and wealth gaps. Peru is a major copper producing nation, but only a few people of benefited from this natural resource. Being a large metal producing country, more Peruvians should see an increase in their income. Rage has grown so much that the demands for a new constitution and the congress to be dissolved are being proposed by activists. Peru's government in response has deployed an estimated 24,000 police officers. President Dina Boluarte is developing a network  of repression to remain in power. If elections were held in the next few months, most Peruvians would not vote for her. Peru since 2017 has developed into an illiberal democracy. A former Free Peru Party member has now become a more conservative president. Dina Boluarte's power comes from the congress, police, and military. All those institutions are being weaponized against the population. Either a coup or uprising will end her presidency if elections do not take place. The only means of defense  the Peruvian public  has are demonstrations and suffrage.     

A New Wave Of French Protests And Riots

 

A new wave of protests and riots have spread across France. The murder of Nahel Merzouk by police  was the catalyst. The murder highlights the discrimination and racism directed at the Arab and immigrant populations in France. The Arab and African population are segregated in the suburbs. The disturbing amount of police brutality directed at immigrants, Africans, Arabs, and the workers show that France is descending into a quasi-authoritarian state. European countries can no longer claim they are models of liberal democracy, with a number of social and economic problems. When action is not taken, sometimes the frustration projects itself in riots. France has yellow vest demonstrations and protests against pension reform. The more discord grows the more society becomes unstable. The Arab and Muslim community is facing isolation and targeted violence. Islamophobia gradually is becoming government policy. The growth of xenophobic nativist nationalism only has exacerbated matters across Europe. The riots and protests are reminder little has changed since the events of 2005. The response now is more repression. According to the Interior Ministry a total of 45,000 police officers have been deployed. Racism and xenophobia are getting worse at a time when economic challenges are not being addressed. What cannot be denied is that France is racially segregated. The former empire colonized countries in Africa and Asia. The imperial legacy continues in the form of racial hatred and an arrogant  sense of cultural superiority. The protests and riots in France certainly will damage the nation's image around the world.  

The Rapid Support Forces Revolt In Sudan

 

Sudan could be slipping into a state of civil war. The Rapid Support Forces have been engaged in combat with the Sudanese Army. Reports of fighting have been  documented throughout Sudan. Khartoum. Demonstrations against the Abdel Fattah al-Burhan regime continue. Sudan has remained unstable since the fall of the Omar al-Bashir government. The former regime is culpable for the conditions that currently exist. Sudan formed the Janjaweed militias to fight in Darfur. The region wanted to break off from Sudan. Those militias would form the RSF in 2013. The RSF was used for border security and fighting abroad. The RSF has participated in the war in Yemen. As the 2010s passed the security force became more powerful. The same force that Omar al-Bashir built up went on to participate in a coup against him. The RSF would also participate in the 2021 coup. Calls for their integration into the Sudanese military have been proposed. The paramilitary force would lose power if it were to do so. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo commander of the RSF could be seeking to take control of government. The military and paramilitary  forces have more power than Sudanese citizens. Those who want to see democratic and civilian rule continue to struggle. Another Sudanese Civil War will spread into neighboring countries. Libya, Chad, Ethiopia, the African Central Republic,  Egypt,  and Eritrea could be effected. The RSF poses the most formidable threat to  al-Burhan's rule. So far, the RSF rebellion has not escalated to the extent of being classified as a civil war. Much of that depends on the total strength of the RSF. 

Violence In Iraq

 

Iraq has been falling into a state of permanent violence. Clashes between the state security forces and Shia militias continue with little prospects for resolution. Much of the controversy is related to the fact Iraq has an ineffective government. The 2003 Iraq War, the insurgency, and the growing public discord has made Iraq more unstable. The tension between Coordination Framework Alliance and the supporters of the Sadrist Movement have gotten worse. Iraq could descend into civil war without an effective leader, The CFA has links to Iran some critics have accused. Back in August, Iran did close its borders with Iraq in response to the growing violence. Al-Sadar supporters did for a time occupy the Green Zone in protest to the government. Iraq was not been stable since 2003. The country is still dealing with the aftermath of invasion  and the removal of Saddam Hussein. The attempt at nation building and imposing a liberal democratic system resulted in deadly consequences. Oppression has not gone away. The crackdown on the Tishreen protests in 2019 demonstrate this political reality. Basic necessities like electricity and clean drinking water are in short supply. When needs are not met the anger of the public grows. The youth have become more disillusioned with politics and activism. All have not given up. The Union of Baghdad Students seeks to change the political structure of Iraq. As long as their disunity among Kurds, Shia and Sunni Muslims Iraq will not have peace.    

Growing Protests In Libya

 

Protests are spreading across Libya. The population has become vexed at the high prices, power cuts, political inaction, and an overall decline in the standard of living. The Tobruk parliament  was attacked. The country is divided between rival governments with the other based in Tripoli. Libya might be falling apart. Armed groups and terrorist organizations remain active. The prosperous African nation has become closer to a failed state over the past decade. The United Nations has attempted to broker a settlement between rival factions. The destabilization was the result of UN  Security Council Resolution 1972 and the NATO invasion. Under Qaddafi Libya had free education and healthcare. The United Nations has condemned the protesters attacks on government buildings. The condemnation seems contradictory considering the UN enabled the destabilization in the country. Libya did not hold elections last December due to the security situation and possible corruption. Libyans are now seeing their government as more of a puppet to foreign interests. Libya is gradually falling into another civil war, which if it continues could cause some form of balkanization.  

Sri Lanka's Economic Crisis

 

Sri Lanka has fallen into economic turmoil. The crisis has become so severe that food and fuel are in short supply. Reports of Sri Lankans attempting to leave the country have been circulating. The common destination is Australia where prospects are better economically. Inflation and shortages have also made the public more resentful of their government. Rice production was negatively impacted with the ban of chemical fertilizer. Rice is a staple for the country and the policy endangered food security. The ban was repealed, but farmers and fishers were harmed from the policy. The economic crisis is tied to a political one. The Rajapaksa family has dominated the politics of the island. Mahinda Rajapaksa has resigned as prime minister and other members of his family have done so. This does not mean their involvement in politics is over. Mahinda Rajapaksa has served as prime minister multiple times. A return to power would be no surprise for a powerful political family. The corruption that has been a part of the system has resulted in civil unrest. Sri Lanka might need major economic assistance. Sri Lanka  then would fall into massive debt that it would never be able to pay. India's influence could grow from the crisis. India is providing financial aid during the worst economic crisis Sri Lanka has seen. Sri Lanka seeks at least $6 billion  to get some relief. Options are limited to either the IMF or more aid from India.  

Eswatini's Demonstrations Against The Monarchy

 

Eswatini ( known as Swaziland until 2018)  has been seeing demonstrations against the monarchy since 2021. The country has been described as an absolute monarchy. These growing protests are the most recent challenge to the rule of King Mswati  III. Political parties are banned and the nation struggles with poverty. These protests are sporadic and do not have a single leader. Teachers have been very active in the demonstrations with the desire for higher pay. The public seems to be leaning toward more democratic reforms, rather than a total revolution in the political system. The economic decline Eswatini has faced has caused more discord among the public. Previous protests were organized  by student movements and trade unions. The difference  in the current demonstrations is various cross sections of the population are getting involved. Disagreements among the protesters are present. Some want  the monarchy abolished and others desire a constitutional limit on the king's powers. A portion of citizens do not want to see change in the system at all. Msawti III has been king since 1986 and it is unlikely he would abdicate the throne. Reforms could be possible under enormous political pressure, but a change in government would take years to form. 

Unrest in Kazakhstan

 

Protests broke out across Kazakhstan. This was in response to fuel price increases. There are other grievances that have been articulated. Frustration with the government has grown over the years. The protest caused a large number of cabinet resignations and a state of emergency to be declared. The removal of price controls on liquefied petroleum gas. It has been reported that former President Nursultan Nazarbayev will no longer be on the Security Council. This was expressed as one of the complaints coming from demonstrators in the cities. There is a feeling that Nazarbayev still holds political influence even though he resigned in 2019. This is the first real challenge to current President Kassym-Jomart  Tokayev. The fear of the leaders of the Kazakhstan is the people are going to demand more freedoms and a limit on the powers of the presidency. President Tokayev has asked for military assistance from Russia, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan. While there has been violence, little evidence exists that external actors are active in sabotage . The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) might intervene to prevent a Central Asian spring. Kazakhstan has only had two presidents since becoming an independent nation in 1991. The demand for a new system of governance could be evolving.  

Austria Imposes Lockdown On The Unvaccinated

 

Anti-lockdown protests in Austria that took place in early 2021 

Austria is imposing lockdown on the unvaccinated. This policy will  cause much civil unrest. Europe is seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases. Anti-lockdown protests spread throughout Germany and Austria as the measure was causing more stress on the population. Forcing vaccination will not make people compliant. That results in more resistance. COVID-19 is not going to be defeated by mass vaccination. People who are vaccinated can also spread the virus. Countries with high vaccination rates are showing an increase in cases. COVID-19 has an ability to mutate into multiple variants. Austria wants to get infections down, but isolating the unvaccinated will do little to protect public health. The vaccines do protect against severe illness and death. The vaccines do not have the ability to wipe out the disease like smallpox. If more variants emerge, at some point booster shots could become ineffective. Greece also seeks to put the unvaccinated in lockdown. Segregating the unvaccinated is not going to end the pandemic. The pandemic could end when more of the world population attains herd immunity or the disease becomes endemic. Austria's public health policy should not be replicated. Lockdowns were not effective at dealing with pandemic. Domestic abuse, mental health decline, and economic deterioration were the results of a failed strategy . Austria intends to do this once more, but it will not produced the objective of controlling the disease.   

Sudan Has Fallen To A Military Coup

 

After months of protests, another military coup has occurred in Sudan. Previous attempts were made to depose the civilian government, but were thwarted. The transitional government has been dissolved and a state of emergency declared. The ruling military junta has promised elections for 2023. Prime Minister Abdalla Homdok is being detained. Prime Minister Homdok failed to address the growing discord of the population exhausted from the major changes that came with the fall of Omar al-Bashir. Two years have passed since the fall of the regime, but stability and democratization has remained elusive.   The Sudanese public has reacted with more demonstrations being held in various cities. Concerned citizens took to the streets in both Khartoum and Omdurman. A large source of contention was the issue of handing over Omar al-Bashir to the International Crimes Court. This split the Sovereign Council The economic conditions have become worse. Inflation and the lack of certain goods was not being fully addressed by Prime Minister Homdok. Even with foreign aid, this has not produced dramatic improvements. The African Union, United Nations, and Arab League have expressed opposition to the political developments. Homdok's removal was a combination of rebel groups and political parties working with the military. Sudan's challenge is like  Algeria, Nigeria,  and Egypt.  The military is an obstacle to political change. Other African nations are dealing with military take overs such as Mali and Guinea. The African continent is seeing an increase in military coups over the past three years.  

The Military Takes Power In Guinea

 

A coup has been staged in Guinea. The country's new leader Mamady Doumbouya has declared curfew for Guinea. Certain industries are exempt and are encouraged to continue their work. President Alpha Conde who has been in power for ten years is in custody. Tensions have been building ever since he ran for a third term. The 2020 presidential election saw accusations of fraud. Conde was once more president, which caused growing protests. Guinea is a country rich in resources, but the country struggles economically. The UN, ECOWAS, and African Union have condemned the coup. All have called for Alpha Conde's release. The change in the constitution allowed Conde to run for a third term. If this never happened, Guinea would not be in this condition. The concern is that bauxite mining might come to a halt if the country gets too unstable. Although mining increased under Conde, the average citizen did not see an increase in wealth. What remains unclear is if  ECOWAS will either invade or impose sanctions. This was done to Gambia. However, this was not done to Mali. The uneven application of rules and policies display a clear bias. 

Chile Will Be Getting A New Constituition

 

Chile will be getting a new constitution . There has not been a new constitution since the Augusto  Pinochet regime.  For 40 years Chile was following this legal document made by the right-wing authoritarian government. The Chilean public voted in a referendum for the change. Questions remain about what the new constitution will be like. Major political transformations are happening in the country. Chile has for the first time  held elections for regional governors. The country could be shifting more in a political leftist orientation. Chile for a long period of time was more of a conservative leaning government in Latin America. That is why the newly elected assembly members rise was a shock to the establishment. The failure to implement needed reforms has generated much discontent. Combined with the current economic decline and growing inequality in the region this change was a longtime coming. The new assembly has elected more women and indigenous people than in previous years. These elections will have an impact on the race for the presidency. The new constitution will finally put an end to the ghosts of the Cold War and the Pinochet regime. The new constitution will act as a foundation for a state that values human rights. If the assembly is successful, then Chile may be able to make progress in fighting longtime economic and social issues.    

Demonstrations Held in Colombia Over Tax Increase

 

Colombians are protesting  the government's attempts to increase taxes. The strain brought on by the pandemic and economic inequality has culminated in public discord. The Latin American nation has long struggled with civil war and narcoterrorism . The decision to raise taxes has caused much anger at the Ivan Duque administration. The demonstrations and failure to produce rational solutions could jeopardize President Duque's chances for reelection. Increasing taxes on food and utilities only harms the average citizen. Curfews and pandemic restrictions have only added to the public's frustration. The protesters have been peaceful, but law enforcement has not. The excessive use of force has gained international attention . The plan to balance the budget with tax hikes will not work when unemployment is high. The only result will be that those who have jobs will be taxed more. The employed could end up being impoverished from ineffective government policy. As economic contraction grows, Colombia becomes more desperate. Colombia needs to get financial assistance from other countries What Colombians need is some form of universal basic income to counter economic instability. The only way the economy can be fixed is eliminating the COVID-19 virus and increasing employment. If the tax hikes continue then more civil unrest will occur. 

Protests Against President Jovenel Moise Escalate

 

Massive demonstrations against President Jovenel Moise have occurred throughout Haiti. Moise has attempted to challenge the presidential term limit. This evokes memories of the Duvalier dynasty which kept the country under authoritarian rule. Since 2019, Moise has faced calls for his resignation. A crumbling economy and rising fuel prices have pushed the Haitian public to extreme discord. The political corruption has gotten worse with little attempts by the administration to stop it. Moise has been in office since 2017 and it appears as if he has no intention to leave office. The constitution states that term limits are five years. Moise has not acknowledged this and has arrested Supreme Court judges to prevent any legal challenge to his take over. Jovenel Moise claims these judges were part of  a coup plot. This is designed to end the independence of the Supreme Court so that term limits will not be enforced for the presidency. The protest movement has been active since 2018, but may be too disorganized to force his removal. The reason Jovenel Moise survives is that he has the support of the United States. There has been no change in policy in regards to Haiti, even with a change in presidential administrations in America. Haiti may not even have elections this year. Coups and protests are not new to Haiti. What is different about the current conditions is that Haitians are developing a new political consciousness. If there is a return to an authoritarian regime, the public will not remain silent.