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democratization

Pro-democracy protesters dismantle a barricade, in accordance with a court injunction to clear part of the protest site. The demonstrators set up camp at the end of September 2014.

Barricades come down in Hong Kong, but the protest movement is far from over

Conflict

Police removed barricades in Hong Kong on Tuesday, taking down a section of one of the protest movement’s camps after two months of sit-ins. But it was a small step by the city’s government, and the Occupy Central movement isn’t likely to end any time soon.

Yamina Jaouani in front of the cab that her daughter helped her buy. She's been driving a taxi in Tunis for nearly 30 years.

This Tunisian woman supports equal rights for women by driving a cab — something she’s done for 30 years

Culture
U.S. President Barack Obama meets with President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh of Djibouti on May 5, 2014. Some Djiboutians say American ties to their country are holding back democratization.

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

Global Politics
Demonstrators shout slogans in front of the Presidential Office in Taipei on March 30, 2014. Thousands of demonstrators marched the streets to protest against the controversial trade pact with mainland China.

Some Taiwanese see their unwanted future unfolding in Hong Kong

Global Politics
A protester throws an umbrella at riot police as fellow demonstrators blocked the main street to the central financial district outside government headquarters in Hong Kong on September 29, 2014.

Peaceful protests in Hong Kong become violent clashes with police

Justice
Students and teachers shout during a rally at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on Monday, the start of a planned week-long class boycott for more democratic freedoms.

Hong Kong students are cutting classes for the sake of democracy

Global Politics

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.

Pro-democracy activists clash with the police during a protest outside the hotel where China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Deputy General Secretary Li Fei is staying in Hong Kong on September 1, 2014.

Beijing rejects Hong Kongers’ demands for democracy

Global Politics

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.

Pro-democracy demonstrators wearing Anonymous masks hold placards during a protest march demanding universal suffrage for Macau on May 1, 2012. The placard reads "Vote for Chief Executive."

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

Justice

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.

The World

Political unrest continues in Tunisia

Conflict & Justice

After an uprising drove out Tunisia’s unpopular and oppressive president out more than a week ago, political unrest continues. David Kirkpatrick, Middle East correspondent for The New York Times and Renee Rutta, an American living in Tunis, explain.

The World

A clean election brings Kenya a new constitution

Conflict & Justice

Kenyan politicians and citizens are celebrating a new constitution and future. Final results showed that the new constitution passed with 67 percent of the vote. The peaceful voting contrasts with the ethnic violence that plagued the 2007 election.