World in review
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January 7, 2010 • Esther Smith, Reporter
Filed under 2009-2010
Sebastian Pinera, of the conservative opposition in Chile, is expected to be elected as the country’s president on January 17, 2010. With 44% of the vote, he will enter the run-off election with a 14-point lead that should solidify his win. Should Pinera succeed, he will overturn Chile’s “stable political divide,” promoting “change, future [and] hope.”
In Colombia, two economists, Santiago Montenegro and Alvaro Pedraza, claim that mobile phone use has decreased the number of kidnappings in the country. Their report evaluates data showing a statistical correlation between mobile phone coverage and falling kidnaps–likely corresponding because of kidnap victims’ and witnesses’ quick ability to relay information to police officers.
Further north, Canada reported the lowest crime rate in 30 years, oddly prompting Prime Minister Stephen Harper to introduce a series of bills that keep criminals in prison for longer, as well as additional restrictions on early release options.
China continues to confuse political observers with its showcase of inner party democracy paired with a national dictatorship. Current president Hu Jintao justified a seemingly paradoxical structure of rule by arguing that “inner-party democracy [may be] the life of the party” but “centralism and unity are the guarantee of its strength.”
The Indian government experienced a scandal and uproar when parliament announced that the south-central region of Andhra Pradesh would be divided, forming the country’s 29th state. Controversy exists with the future location of the capital, Hyderabad: a software king and financial superior to other cities in the region. Because of the rioting, and the ethnic minority’s call for an individual state, India has decided–for now–to grant them the region and capital, igniting a conflict that will not easily subside.
International attention was drawn to Kazakhstan, a commonly overlooked former Soviet Republic, when it launched its bid to become chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). With days until Kazakhstan commands control over the chairmanship, both Britain and the U.S. have voiced concerns–largely focusing on the nation’s vibrant display of authoritarian leadership.
He may be a full 85-years-old, but Zimbabwean president, Robert Mugabe, is far from decrepit. In mid December, this energetic and dangerously charming leader was reappointed as his party’s leader for an additional five years (essentially guaranteeing a future presidential nomination).
In the same week, the ruling party of the northern region of Sudan (National Congress Party) and the former rebels who control the south agreed on terms allowing for a referendum establishing a southern independence in 2011. This arrives five years after a 2005 peace agreement that ended a bitter conflict between the two regions that resulted in the loss of over two million lives.
And, as always, the word holds its breath as more and more questions arise as to Iran’s nuclear capabilities. As the UN accuses Iran of secretly enriching uranium under the pretense of civilian nuclear reactors, diplomats from America, Britain, France, Germany, China, and Russia consider even tougher sanctions.
Despite a very likely democratic election approaching on January 17, Ukraine has been plagued with political corruption, court inadequacy, and economic downturn. Concerns have been magnified by the government’s lacking response, which was exemplified by Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko’s recent attempts at economic control at any cost.
In Turkey, protesters reacted with violence to a constitutional decree that banned the largest Kurdish party, the Democratic Society Party. Claiming that it represents “a focal point for terrorism,” the government stripped the titles from different party officials and deputies.
Finally, in an unexpected turn of events, France eliminated history as a compulsory subject in the third and final year of the three-year bachelor programs. This legislation is surprising, as it was passed under the rule of President Nicolas Sarkozy, who has empirically emphasized the value of French and global history.
The world in review section is compiled from The Economist by Esther Smith.
