AUTHORITARIANISM

May 03 2026SCIENCE

Psychedelics and the Fight Against Authoritarian Thinking

Research has shown that certain psychedelic drugs can lower people’s tendency to support strict, top‑down authority. However, these studies were small and not always well controlled. Because of that uncertainty, scientists are calling for bigger experiments with stricter designs to see if the eff

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May 01 2026POLITICS

What Americans Really Believe About Human Rights—and Why It Matters

A growing number of Americans now see certain authoritarian governments as better on human rights than their own country. Polls show this shift is especially strong among younger Democrats, who view Iran, Israel, and even China in similar negative ways—or sometimes even favor China over the U. S. Th

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Apr 21 2026POLITICS

Pope’s Bold Visit to Equatorial Guinea Sparks Hope and Questions

The Pope will land in Malabo, the capital on Bioko island, after flying from Angola. He plans to speak with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled since 1979. The visit is part of a longer tour that covers four African countries and 11 cities over 10 days. During his trip, the Pop

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Apr 18 2026POLITICS

Tunisia’s comedy crackdown: Where art and politics collide

Lotfi Abdelli isn’t your average comedian. Known for decades of sharp satire, he’s made a career out of poking fun at Tunisia’s politicians—especially those with too much power. But this time, his jokes landed him in legal trouble. A Tunisian court recently sentenced him to 18 months in prison in ab

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Apr 12 2026OPINION

Why do people keep choosing leaders who care more about themselves than the job?

Many voters seem drawn to leaders who act like they’re above the rules. This trend isn’t new—history shows that when times get tough, people sometimes pick leaders who promise quick fixes rather than real solutions. Climate disasters, AI disrupting jobs, and the fallout from the pandemic have left m

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Apr 06 2026OPINION

Teaching When the World Feels Uncertain

In a typical college class, students often leave with polite thanks for the lecture that just ended. This semester’s classes are different; after discussions about digital misinformation and political lawsuits, students leave with comments like “That was depressing” or a sarcastic “Another uplifting

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Jan 17 2026POLITICS

America's Divided Heart: The MAGA Movement's Impact

The MAGA movement, led by Donald Trump, has caused deep divisions in the United States. These divisions are worse than any since the Civil War. The split is not just between regions but also between rural and urban areas, education levels, and even families. Trump's behavior is often seen as aggres

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Jan 16 2026POLITICS

Is Trump's Leadership Turning America Into a Fascist State?

The debate about whether Donald Trump's leadership leans towards fascism has been ongoing for years. Critics argue that he lacks a formal paramilitary force, unlike historical fascist leaders. They also point out that he hasn't pursued aggressive foreign expansion, which is often seen as a key trait

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Dec 31 2025POLITICS

Why Do We Sometimes Stay Silent?

In today's world, speaking up or staying quiet is a big deal. People often worry about consequences when they want to express their thoughts. This is especially true when governments or groups try to control what people say. Some places have strict rules, while others are more relaxed. Social media

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Dec 10 2025POLITICS

The Show of Praise: Trump's Cabinet Meetings Unveiled

The odd and awkward gatherings of Donald Trump's cabinet members are something people talk about less but should pay more attention to. These meetings are not about real work or serious discussions. Instead, they are like a show where everyone takes turns telling Trump how great he is. This might se

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