Ten years ago, an unprecedented wave of social movements, sparked by weariness, hope, and a yearning for liberty and justice, led to the uprooting of several autocratic regimes in the Arab world. The mantra “the people want the fall of the regime” inspired millions of people to fight for dignity and
By UPF Webzine
Activism/Articles/Asia/Climate Change/Culture/Economy And Trade/Environment/Europe/Lobbying/Progressive Politics/UPF
It’s not Smooth Sailing for Japanese Whaling
On April 3rd, 2021, four whaling vessels left Ishinomaki and Hachinohe on Japan’s eastern coast. In June, they will be joined by a fifth vessel. These boats are setting out to partake in a highly controversial practice – commercial whaling. This practice has been halted worldwide since 1986, but after
The People Have Spoken – The Effects of Direct Democracy in Switzerland
On the 7th of March 2021, a controversial referendum was held in Switzerland. The outcome was that Swiss citizens voted for a ban of full facial coverings in public, passing by 51.2% to 48.8%. This measure was popularised by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) who campaigned with slogans such
Germany’s Super Election Year – What comes after Merkel?
The pandemic might have eclipsed some important upcoming political events, but with only six months left until the parliamentary elections to the German Bundestag, tension is mounting in Germany and amongst curious onlookers. The parliamentary elections on September 26th, 2021 will not only lead to a new parliament, but Germany
Meet the British Anti-Vaxxers
All names and locations in this article have been changed. The UK is among the countries hardest hit by Covid-19. Now, a herculean vaccination programme is bringing the end of the UK epidemic into view. But some still steadfastly refuse to take the jab. UPF Lund introduces the anti-vaxxers and
“Workers of the world, unite!” – A Look at Trade Unions in the EU
For many decades now, “workers” – or employees – have been organising themselves in unions in order to campaign for better working conditions. Today, trade unions are perceived by many as somewhat distant and top-down. It is sometimes unclear what their aims are and it can feel like they belong
Abortion rights in danger: the effects of rising right-wing populism
In 1960, abortion was practically illegal in Sweden, leading many Swedish women to go to Poland to get an abortion. Yet today, Poland is the EU member state with the most restrictive abortion laws except for Malta. On October 22nd, Poland’s constitutional court issued a nearly complete ban on abortion.
Gibraltar urges London to “cancel Brexit”
Keep calm and carry on. Despite being easier said than done, that is exactly what the small British territory of Gibraltar is doing. With Brexit potentially jeopardizing their national identity, existential threats from Spain, and monkeys running wild, Gibraltar has nevertheless been out of the spotlight. The Perspective reports from
Belgium – record holder for longest time without a government
On Thursday the 1st of October Belgium’s new government was sworn in. The ceremony and the official presentation of the government were a bit different than usual because of the pandemic, but what was much more unusual about this new government is how long it took to form it; 494
Addressing Anti-Colonial Amnesia and Disregard: The Forgotten Soldiers of An Empire
During WWII, Britain mobilised a huge, now-forgotten, army of African soldiers from its colonies on the continent to fight against the Axis powers (Nazi Germany, Italy and Japan). These African soldiers were wrenched from their homes by colonial conscription laws, fought bravely and well during the Second World War. But