democratization

November 11, 2014

Tunisia's new constitution explicitly recognizes women's rights, including the right to drive a cab. But Yamina Jaouani has been a taxi driver in Tunis for nearly 30 years.

The overthrow of Blaise Compaoré sparks protests against Djibouti's leader

November 05, 2014

The protests that forced Burkina Faso's longtime ruler to step down are echoing on the other side of the continent, where young protesters in Djibouti are calling for their own leader to step down after 15 years. They face not only a repressive government, but its international supporters as well.

Some Taiwanese see their unwanted future unfolding in Hong Kong

September 29, 2014

If Taiwan ever reunites with mainland China, it will likely be under a "one country, two systems" policy like the one that governs Hong Kong. But as protests in Hong Kong have expanded and turned violent, demonstrators in Taipei say it's a warning sign for their island.

Peaceful protests in Hong Kong become violent clashes with police

September 28, 2014

Organizers of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong have battled police throughout the weekend, saying officers used excessive force — including tear gas, pepper spray and batons — against peaceful demonstrations. But they also say demonstrations will continue.

Hong Kong students are cutting classes for the sake of democracy

September 22, 2014

University students in Hong Kong don't have a reputation for being zealous when it comes to politics. But on Monday, an estimated 13,000 young people turned out for a pro-democracy rally to send a message to the central government in Beijing and pave the way for a broader movement.

Beijing rejects Hong Kongers' demands for democracy

September 02, 2014

Hong Kong will elect its chief executive for the first time in 2017, but Beijing announced this weekend that the city will have to choose from a short slate of pre-approved candidates. Many Hong Kongers say that violates the mainland's pledges to allow democracy, and protesters are gearing up for action.

First Hong Kong, now Macau — China's former Western colonies demand democracy and face crackdowns

August 30, 2014

Just like in Hong Kong, pro-democracy activists in Macau have set up a referendum demanding the right to directly elect their leader. And just like in Hong Kong, the Chinese government isn't pleased.

Arts, Culture & Media

Photographer's images show faces of Myanmar's transition

October 04, 2013

The face of Myanmar has changed over the past 25 years as the country has transitioned from authoritarian rule to limited democracy.

Escalating Violence and Deepening Divide in Egypt

July 29, 2013

Supporters of Egypt's ousted president took to the streets again to protest the removal of Mohammed Morsi from power. Over the weekend, security forces killed at least 83 Morsi supporters in clashes in Cairo.

Some Taiwanese see their unwanted future unfolding in Hong Kong

September 29, 2014

Bhutan's first democratic election

March 07, 2008

Anchor Marco Werman speaks with author Brook Larmer about the upcoming democratic election in Bhutan - the country's first-ever; Larmer's article, "Bhutan's Enlightened Experiment," appears in this month's National Geographic.

China urbanization series: Wangwan

July 09, 2008

China's rapid urbanization is drawing hundreds of millions of people to its cities. And that's having a profound impact on those in the villages left behind. The World's Mary Kay Magistad has the third in our series on China's urbanization.

New era for tiny British isle

December 12, 2008

Feudalism has finally come to an end on the tiny British island of Sark in the English Channel. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with a newly-elected council member to find out why it took so long.

Remembering Tiananmen Square

June 02, 2009

Ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests, one former student leader recounts a particular moment of the violence.

Egypt's military rule

February 11, 2011

Egypt's vice president Omar Suleiman said today the country's Armed Forces Council will now Egypt's affairs. Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with Robert Springborg, a professor at the Naval Post-Graduate School in Monterey, California, about Egypt's mi

Manuel Zelaya, Honduras' former president in exile

July 15, 2010

A year ago Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was kidnapped by the Honduran military. He made a dramatic return by sneaking back into the country. These days Zelaya is living in exile in the Dominican Republic. Reporter Enrique Rivera reports.

What's on Bhutan's new independent media?

May 10, 2011

Three years ago, the King of Bhutan declared that the country would move to democracy and freedom of the press. The World's Mary Kay Magistad checks in on how Bhutan's newly free media are faring.

How Egypt's Elections Are Viewed in the Arab World

November 30, 2011

Lisa Mullins talks with Laith Kubba, Senior Director for the Middle East & North Africa at the National Endowment for Democracy in Washington, about how Egypt's elections are being viewed across the Arab world.

US-Egypt Relations Sour Over NGO Case