Ahead of elections in July 2024, Venezuela has recorded the continued use of politically motivated arrests and detentions targeting those challenging Nicolás Maduro’s leadership. Shannon Lorimer explores wrongful detention trends over the course of Maduro’s presidency and considers its ongoing use as a tool to silence government critics after the vote.…
While Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has committed to avoid the use of force to resolve his country’s claim to Guyana’s oil-rich Essequibo region, the expanded military presence along the border has raised concerns that there may be more than meets the eye when it comes to Venezuela’s approach to negotiations. Shannon Lorimer discusses how likely…
In 2023, hundreds of thousands of US workers from various sectors went on strike to demand higher pay. With some strikes extending months, many workers were eventually successful in securing more favourable contracts. The question now is whether these wins will encourage continued industrial action in 2024, writes Shannon Lorimer.
The recent release of generative artificial intelligence tools, together with increased user engagement with a proliferation of digital dating and payment platforms, have enhanced criminal opportunities and capabilities to carry out virtual scams, including extortion and fake kidnappings, writes Shannon Lorimer.
While increased global engagement with combating climate change and other environmental issues has driven governments and organisations to adopt more responsible commercial practices, activists continue to target those falling short. Yet, the emerging conflict between competing environmental, community and industry goals is set to spur tensions and…
Following Hamas’s incursion into Israel, demonstrations in support of Israel and Palestine have taken place in Europe and North America, alongside attacks against Jewish and Muslim communities and businesses. As the conflict continues, escalating tensions could also encourage acts of violent extremism against Western targets, writes Shannon Lorimer.…
Despite Bernard Arévalo’s landslide victory in the 2023 run-off elections in Guatemala, significant opposition from members of the country’s political and economic elite have cast doubt on whether outgoing president Alejandro Giammattei will facilitate a smooth transition of power in January 2023. Continued politically motivated investigations by the…