Which Countries Are Still Under Dictatorship?

A dictatorship is a form of government where one person or a small group holds all power. As an autocratic government, a dictatorship severely restricts freedom, free speech, dissent and other elements essential to democracy. Human rights tend to suffer under dictatorships. What countries are controlled by dictatorships? In this article, we’ll examine what countries are still under dictatorship, what types of dictatorships exist and whether there are more dictatorships now than in the past. Dictatorships exist when an individual, …

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What is a Country? Definition, Facts and Examples

The world is a complex system of governments, cultures, populations, corporations, common and competing interests, and other powerful forces. The borders between countries are just one way to structure the globe, but they are one of the most influential and recognizable. In this article, we’ll explore what a country is, what everyone should know about the world’s countries and examples of what countries can look like. While there is no clear international definition for a “country,” it is generally defined …

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Top 14 Movies about International Affairs

International affairs, also known as international relations, are the interactions between sovereign states. It’s a broad field, which means anything concerning economic partnerships, security fears, cultural exchanges, multinational businesses and more all fall under “international affairs.” Human rights, the climate crisis, and global health are also part of the complex web. That makes the field an interesting topic for movies, especially when political conflict, international espionage and war are centered. In this article, we’ll describe 14 movies about international affairs. …

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The 13 Most Powerful People in the World 2023

Power is a complicated concept. It means different things in different scenarios, but in general, it refers to the ability to wield authority, force, and influence. Within international relations, it can refer to economic or military power, as well as an actor’s ability to influence other actors through coercive, cooperative, or competitive means. In this article, we’ll discuss 13 individuals who wield significant power in 2023. We consider factors like their wealth, their positions of authority, and their social influence. …

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Direct Democracy 101: Meaning, Facts, Examples

Who holds the most power in society? Who decides what laws and policies govern our lives? In direct democracy, the people exercise the most power. With roots in ancient history, direct democracy is a system where citizens vote on every issue that affects their lives. There are currently no true direct democracies, but many countries weave pure democratic processes into their systems. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of direct democracy, present the most important facts, and describe modern …

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Ambassadorships 101: Meaning, Facts, FAQs

Ambassadorships are the highest-ranking posts for diplomat officials. Known as ambassadors, these officials represent their home country’s interests while living in a host country. They’re vital to communication and negotiation between the states, and so enjoy certain privileges and protections not granted to other non-citizens. In this article, we’ll get into a more thorough definition of an ambassadorship, present five of the most important facts, and answer five of the most frequently asked questions. What is an ambassadorship?  Ambassadors are …

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What Does an FBI Intelligence Analyst Do?

FBI intelligence analysts play a crucial role at the FBI. They research, analyze information, identify threats, and make recommendations on how to mitigate those threats. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the United States’ domestic intelligence and security service. It’s also its main federal law enforcement agency. Around 35,000 people work at the FBI investigating terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, violent crime, and much more. FBI intelligence analysts are critical to the agency’s success, but what exactly do these professionals …

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Is Japan Part of NATO?

NATO (which stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was established by 12 countries in April 1949. It was a direct response to the aftermath of WWII, which saw ties between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies weaken. Worried about security, the 12 original NATO members established NATO as a shield against threats to European peace and freedom. Japan has had a long history with NATO, but is it a member? In this article, we’ll explore why Japan is not …

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What is G7? Purpose, History and Influence

In 1973, finance ministers from West Germany, France, the UK, and the United States met in a library in the White House. This small group of four soon expanded into an intergovernmental forum known as “G7” or the Group of Seven. At its yearly summits, the G7 discusses the global economy, governance issues, international security, energy policy, and more. In this article, we’ll explore the purpose of the G7, its decades-long history, and the complicated influence it has on the …

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The 15 Largest Countries in the World

Country size can be measured by population or land mass. In this article, we’re focusing on population. In 2022, around 8 billion people lived on Earth. That’s a growth of about 1 billion since 2011, while the UN predicts the Earth won’t host 9 billion people until 2037. While these numbers represent a deceleration in the global population, 8 billion is still a lot of people. Where are the most populous areas? In this article, we’ll explore the 15 largest …

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