Since the beginning of the European Union, but even more nowadays because of the economic crisis, the vast majority of European citizens feels confused about the community. European democracy is constantly questioned and new procedures have been created to encourage citizen involvement in the European space. The European population shows an obvious lack of confidence, of understanding, of knowledge of the institutions… What if a new internet platform was to reconcile Europe and its citizens?...

On the 12th of April, the Colombian general procurer announced the opening of an investigation on the responsibilities of 22 army generals in a large campaign of extra-judicial executions. The case, known as « false positives » scandal, is about the assassination of at least 4300 civilians by the Colombian armed forces. Is this a glimmer hope for justice for the relatives of the victims? After having seen and heard many of the relatives of the victims in the past days, the general procurer...

Forty years after the genocide of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodians fear the difficulty of their future. Four years were enough for the Democratic Kampuchea regime to eradicate over 20% of the Cambodian population. Today, 65% of Cambodians are under 30. Characterized by its youthfulness, these people are seeking conscientiousness and are eager for prosperity. The stability of their future is however undermined by the complex and deep relationship they have with their history. The Khmer Rouge,...

In February, Amnesty International released their latest report on the state of human rights worldwide in 2014. Brazil stands out: “It is the country with the most killings in the world, ahead of some warzones” said Atila Rique, executive director of the organisation in Brazil. Brazil has long been known for its insecurity, but the 2014 track record is even more alarming: increase in homicides, numerous deaths during police operations, violently repressed demonstrations, attacks on journalists,...

Just as in 2014, Belgium runs the risk of lacking electricity for this winter. In response to this need, the operation of nuclear reactors Doel 1 and Doel 2 has been extended for another ten years. These extensions address the question of Belgium’s energy transition, according to which Belgium is committed to abandon nuclear power in 2025. Analysis to follow. Nuclear reactors Doel 1 and Doel 2 should then be able to run until 2025. At any rate, the Belgian Federal Parliament took the first step...

Whereas the Islamic State executed 20 Alawi Shi’ites Wednesday 27 May, and the leader of the Al-Nosra front invited the Alawi to convert to Sunnism to assure their safety in the future Syria in response, this religion raises many questions in Syria. Who are they that are of this confession? And can we characterize the current regime as the “Alawi Regime”? The Alawi represent 10-12% of the Syrian population, about 2-2.5 million people, according to Bruno Paoli, founder of the French Institute...

The medina of Fes, Morocco’s former capital and third largest city, is made up of a far-reaching network of pedestrian roads – straight and winding, cobble-stoned and paved and gravel. It has busy roads and quiet parts, abundant markets and open squares where artisans keep their workshops half inside, half out on the street. It seems to go on forever, which is almost true – the medina, founded in the 9th century, is the largest car-free area in the world. Fes-born architect and urban planner...

In a country where religion and culture are so important, boxing is intimately linked to the construction of the Thai nation. It gathers the youth around the same dream of becoming a big fighter, and sharing a joint passion. All Thais practice boxing at least once in their life. It is more than just a sport: this ancient art of fighting is part of everyday life in the kingdom of Thailand. Every boxing game is a full house. Thai boxing, more often called Muay Thai is a true religion. Its origins...

From July 11th to August 28th « una linea d’amore » will be held, an art exhibit organized by the tattooist Little Swastika in Reggio d’Emilie, Italy. Among other presentations will be swastikas, well known in Europe as the symbol of the Nazi Third Reich. Is Little Swastika a supporter of neo-Nazism or is he trying to desecrate this old loaded symbol? Explanations. If you happen to go to Italy this summer, more specifically to Reggio d’Emilie, you might have the surprise of bumping into an...

Although a curious and incomprehensible concept from a Western point of view, the Taiwanese fad for everything “cute” is a widespread phenomenon visible in all spheres of the society, especially amongst young women. What are the social facts hidden behind this phenomenon – disguised sexism, cult of youth or a refusal to get older? A decoding. “Cute” is everywhere. In Taipei, one only needs to wander down the streets of Ximending or visit the night market of Shilin to confirm this: shops that...