#Politics58
Viral videos and Addis Ababa’s new boulevard
After President Erdoğan’s visit, a motorcade video of a new Addis Ababa boulevard went viral. A similar reaction followed an influencer livestream. The corridor project aims to modernize the city but faces criticism amid conflict and humanitarian needs.
Photo by Moti Abebe, Unsplash
Rumeen Farhana wins Brahmanbaria-2 as an independent
Rumeen Farhana, a Bangladeshi barrister long linked to the BNP, ran as an independent in Brahmanbaria-2 after losing her party nomination. She used a duck symbol, won by 38,000 votes, and says she faced harassment and party conflict.
Pakistani human rights lawyers sentenced over social media posts
Two Pakistani human rights lawyers, Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha, were sentenced to 17 years on 24 January 2026 for social media posts about alleged military abuses. The fast trial and use of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act drew wide criticism.
Bangladesh refuses to play World Cup matches in India
Bangladesh will not travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup because of safety fears and political tensions. The row began after the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman, and an ICC risk assessment raised concerns.
Young men in South Korea move to the political right
Surveys after the June 2025 snap presidential election show many young men in South Korea have shifted to the political right, creating a large gender gap on feminism, redistribution and immigration, even as most still support democratic rules.
Caribbean year of tensions, culture and climate
The Caribbean saw political tensions between the United States and Venezuela, major cultural wins and environmental challenges. Hurricanes and renewable energy plans shaped the year, while sport successes and political debates marked regional headlines.
Tool that Reorders X Feed Reduces Partisan Rancor
Researchers built a browser extension that scans an X feed for antidemocratic and partisan posts and reorders them without removing content or platform cooperation. Tests during the 2024 election showed small but measurable improvements in attitudes toward the other party.