How Australia’s Voting System Maintains Two-Party Rule
As democracies go, Australia isn’t as dysfunctional as the United States. But its electoral system still ensures that many votes are undervalued or wasted.
18497 Articles by: Enver Motala
Enver Motala is an associate of the Centre for Education Rights and Transformation (CERT) at the University of Johannesburg and of the Centre for Integrated Post-School Education and Training at the Nelson Mandela University.
Climate Change–Induced Disasters Are Killing Workers
Eleven of Impact Plastics’ workers were at the company’s Tennessee factory when Hurricane Helene hit. Two are confirmed dead, and four are still missing. Workers say the company did not let them leave until it was too late.
A Newly Free Julian Assange Speaks
After over half a decade of imprisonment and constant government harassment, Julian Assange is free and speaking out for freedom of speech and human rights. His freedom is a relief, but the state of protections for journalists like him is far from strong.
Wallowing Into War
After October 7, Israel embarked on an unprecedented massacre. The new book 10/7 — with an afterword by novelist Joshua Cohen — longs for the moment when it was Israel that had the world’s sympathy.
Climate Denialism Made Hurricane Helene’s Destruction Worse
In the years before Hurricane Helene ravaged North Carolina last week, Republican lawmakers and corporate interests continually sabotaged efforts to prepare the state for stronger storms and a rising sea.
Marine Le Pen Sets the Agenda for France’s Government
In the name of constructive opposition, Marine Le Pen has issued her conditions for tolerating new prime minister Michel Barnier. Her party wants to show it’s ready for high office — but is vaguer about its stance on Barnier’s austerity plans.
South Korea’s Repressive Laws Deny Workers Their Rights
The ousting of a popular government official in Seoul last month was linked to Korean laws that bar many workers from engaging in political activity. A draconian system known as the “prosecutor republic” helps conservative elites maintain their power.
Apple Lost a Tax-Dodging Battle, but It’s Winning the War
Last month, the European Court of Justice issued one of the biggest tax rulings in history, forcing Apple to pay €13 billion to Ireland. But firms like Apple have already teamed up with Irish government officials to devise new ways of avoiding taxes.
Tim Walz’s Talents Are Wasted on This Campaign
At the VP debate, Tim Walz offered lessons for how progressives can communicate their ideas to ordinary Americans. Unfortunately, it’s all in the service of Kamala Harris’s unambitious, corporate-friendly campaign.
Claudia Sheinbaum, Presidenta
Mexico’s first woman president, Claudia Sheinbaum, took office yesterday, succeeding AMLO following the left coalition’s landslide victory. Expect the Right to redouble its media attacks — and find a willing accomplice in the United States.
US Labor Has a Responsibility to Stop Israel
In an interview, United Electrical Workers president Carl Rosen talks about the union’s call to halt US military support to Israel and why it’s important that the labor movement speak up against US wars.
Wolfs Is Lax, Low-Key Entertainment
In Wolfs, George Clooney and Brad Pitt’s new Apple TV+ buddy action-comedy about a rivalry between two lone-wolf fixers cleaning up a crime scene, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for: lax, unambitious entertainment for dark times.
At the VP Debate, Neither Candidate Spoke Up for Peace
At last night’s vice presidential debate, Tim Walz spoke eloquently and passionately on abortion rights. But on Israel, Palestine, and Iran, he might as well have been J. D. Vance.
The First East Coast Longshore Strike in Half a Century Is On
After a monthslong impasse between the longshore workers’ union and its employers, 47,000 ILA workers from docks along the East and Gulf coasts have struck. Billions of dollars’ worth of goods won’t move until they return to work.
How “Social Europe” Became the Alibi for a Neoliberal EU
During the 1970s, left parties and unions promoted the idea of a “Social Europe” as a response to the crisis of capitalism. The term later served as a rhetorical distraction from the EU’s ongoing embrace of neoliberal dogma.
The Environmental Costs of Our Fish Sticks
Alaskan pollock is a $2 billion industry supplying chains like McDonald’s with fish sticks and other products. The fishing industry’s destruction of marine habitats is compounding the dire effects of climate change on Alaska’s ecosystems.
Jared Kushner Is Building on a NATO Bomb Site in Belgrade
A firm headed by Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner is set to build a luxury hotel atop one of the most famous sites of the NATO bombing of Belgrade. For all its nationalist posturing, Serbia’s government really wants the US tycoon’s money.
The City That Loves Its Housing Crisis
Vancouver, BC, one of North America’s priciest real estate markets, clings to exclusionary zoning. Despite skyrocketing housing costs, new apartment buildings are banned on most of the city’s land. Other cities should learn from Vancouver’s mistakes.
Will the Democrats Stand Up for Veterans?
At tonight’s VP debate, two US military veterans, Tim Walz and J. D. Vance, will face off. Walz has a chance to stand up against the dangerous privatization of Veterans Affairs — which Biden has overseen and Trump and Vance are promising to push further.
The GOP Prepares to Make America Great Again — Again
We went to the Republican National Convention to better understand the strangest mainstream party in the world.