Democracy is due for an overhaul – could lawmaking-by-jury be the answer?
Dec 18, 2015 01:48 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics
Many will agree that, in practice, democracy leaves a lot to be desired. The system often falls short of its ideals: whether its the US congress causing a total government shutdown; Australian prime ministers being ousted...
Spain heads to the polls this weekend for general elections
Dec 17, 2015 23:14 pm UTC| Commentary Politics
This is likely to mark the end of the two-party system that has prevailed for nearly four decades. The outcome of the vote nevertheless remains highly uncertain. At the very least, the status quo is unlikely to persist....
If you want to crack down on tax avoidance, go after the banks
Dec 17, 2015 05:05 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics
Tax is back in the news with the release of information of the taxes paid (or rather not paid) by some of the biggest companies operating in Australia. After much hand wringing (and a break for Christmas) politicians...
US on the verge of lifting crude export ban
Dec 16, 2015 08:06 am UTC| Commentary Politics
United states is the on the verge of lifting a four decade old crude oil export ban this year as lawmakers in congress reached a deal last night in a closed door meeting. Democrats have agreed to support the lift, tabled...
Dec 14, 2015 23:48 pm UTC| Commentary Politics
The news flow in Brazil continues to worsen. November inflation surprised to the upside, mainly because of food prices. On the political front, the impeachment process has slowed down, with the Supreme Court deciding to...
The rhetorical brilliance of Trump the demagogue
Dec 14, 2015 18:07 pm UTC| Politics
Donald Trumps December 7 Statement on Preventing Muslim Immigration has attracted worldwide disdain. Nearly 500,000 Britons have signed a petition asking their government to prevent Trump from entering their country. In...
Why the actions of South Africa's president have rendered him a lame duck
Dec 14, 2015 16:23 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics
Mayhem is the only word that can describe President Jacob Zumas shock reversal of the appointment of almost-minister of finance Desmond van Rooyen. Markets welcomed the move to a well-known and trusted Pravin Gordhan, the...
Why Africa’s young scientists should help check the quality of climate change research