Digital Media and Credibility
In this piece, Abrish Nayyar covers the similarities and differences between digital natives—novel digital platforms—and legacy media, which refers to conventional media channels. After settling the distinction between the two, she argues that credibility and trust in both have waned.
The Indian Subcontinent and the Remnants of British Raj
The Indian subcontinent has always submitted to different cultures, religions, and rulers, and the same happened when the British took over.
Abrish Nayyar describes the various long-term effects of British colonialism in the subcontinent, with a focus on the eventual social, cultural, and psychological implications.
Operation Noble Anvil: NATO Bombing of Yugoslavia
Operation Allied Force (or Operation Noble Anvil), was the aerial bombing campaign that NATO conducted against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia during the Kosovo War. The bombing began on March 24th, 1999, and continued for nearly 5 months until August 1999.
The NATO airstrikes were in response to the Serbian forces’ attempt at ethnic cleansing of the Kosovar Albanians; the cause of which was an ingrained resentment of Kosovo’s autonomy and ability to work against Serbian interests.
Popular Conspiracy Theories About the September 11 Attacks
On September 11, 2001, just hours after the attacks, the first 9/11 conspiracy theories surfaced online. Since then, especially with the emergence of social media, they have grown in size and scope.
These conspiracy theories have continued to circulate and reached a much broader audience as a result of the emergence of new conspiracy movements online.
For instance, QAnon adherents hold the conspiracy theory that the US “deep state” was behind the attacks, among other conspiratorial viewpoints.
The Woes of Public Transport in Pakistan
Abrish Nayyar discusses some of the main concerns people have with reference to public transport in Pakistan, its current conditions, and future plans.
She bemoans the current public transportation infrastructure: factors like the limited routes and the poorly maintained buses, among others.
The Nuremberg Trials: Reliving Haunting Memories
Post-Hitler Germany was no safe space for those who had sided with him; the Nuremberg Trials were conducted against the Nazi Party leaders, military representatives, the German elite, lawyers, and even physicians who had been accused of atrocities against humanity and peace.
Since Hitler himself had committed suicide, he could not be forced to undergo a legal prosecution. These trials are also credited for setting a precedent for handling subsequent cases of genocide and other similar crimes against humanity.
Today, the Nuremberg trials are viewed as a building block for the foundation of a permanent international court to oversee legal proceedings which addressed matters of international security.
Freedom of Expression in Pakistan: A Complicated Relationship
Abrish Nayyar contemplates freedom of expression and censorship in Pakistan. She refers to various national laws to explain Pakistan’s stance on freedom of speech. Pakistan has undoubtedly provided this right to its citizens in the 1973 constitution and it even recognizes the right to information as a constitutional right. Yet, like every other state in the world, there’s a limit to this right in Pakistan as well. To what extent censorship is acceptable is still up for debate.
The Russian Annexation of Four Ukrainian Regions
While Russia does not have complete political or military control over the four Ukrainian territories—Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk—if the annexation process is confirmed, Moscow declared that Ukraine’s attempts to retake its own land would be seen as strikes at Russia itself.
This annexation followed referenda held in all four regions, where the majority ‘voted’ to join Russia. This ‘voting’ has been declared invalid by most of the Western world and is likely to be the subject of much scrutiny for a long time.
Europe and Coal: The Energy Crisis Forcing EU to Revert to Fossil Fuels
In light of the recent import ban on Russia, European countries are facing a severe energy crisis. As the fuel hike persists, it is becoming increasingly impossible to maintain efficiency while being environmentally conscious.
Due to this, many countries have reverted back to extracting the primary source of their energy from coal.
While Abrish Nayyar highlights the need to revert to fossil fuels, she also discusses the environmental devastation that such usage will cause.
Pakistan: A Hard Country by Anatol Lieven
“Pakistan: A Hard Country” is widely recommended for CSS aspirants, and the title is pretty self-explanatory. Pakistan has had more than its fair share of conflicts, disasters, upheavals, and socioeconomic crises, but has always miraculously made it through.
In the book, Anatol Lieven (a visiting professor at King’s College London) analyses the various factors that have – and still are – negatively impacting the country.
Thailand Politics: Court Suspends Thai PM & Coup Leader
On 24th August, Thailand was upended into a political crisis after the Constitutional Court suspended the Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, a former army chief. He originally seized control in a coup in 2014 and continued to rule after an election five years later.
This is a temporary decision, taken while the court decides whether or not Chan-o-cha had exceeded the constitutional 8-year term limit. Abrish Nayyar details the possible outcomes of the courts decisions, and discusses the future of Thai politics.
Why the Supreme Court is Challenging the 2022 Kenya Election
The general elections in Kenya took place on August 9, 2022. In addition to the voting for governors, senators, members of parliament, and county assemblies, four candidates ran for president.
The election commission approved just four candidates to run for president this time around, the fewest since the 1990s.
Having served for two terms already, the outgoing president, Uhuru Kenyatta, was ineligible to run for re-election.
While William Ruto may have stood victorious, his opponent Raila Odinga has challenged the results in the Supreme Court, demanding fresh elections.