The U.S. still needs the U.N. as much as the U.N. needs the U.S.

A Troubled Marriage Between the U.S. and the U.N. Manhattan’s Turtle Bay waterfront, roughly 42nd–48th Street on the East River, was once a dirty and industrial area crowded with slaughterhouses, stockyards, and coal yards. Locals even called the block “Blood Alley.” Everything changed in December 1946, when philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. purchased six blocks…

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Who Owns the Future?

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes knowledge systems, governance structures, and global development pathways, a fundamental question arises: Who owns the algorithms shaping our collective future? To date, AI development has been largely concentrated in the hands of a few powerful corporations and countries—predominantly in the Global North. Yet a growing chorus of voices, particularly…

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The Unfinished U.S.-Iran Deal: Is the Trump administration looking for a short diplomatic victory in the Middle East?

Washington reopens dialogue with Tehran as it seeks a quick foreign policy win As the geopolitical chessboard of the Middle East grows increasingly unstable, quiet signals have emerged from Washington and Tehran that suggest a potential thaw -or at least a reassessment- in the long-frozen U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. Yet any movement towards renewed diplomacy occurs…

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Childhood Hero Diplomacy: How Fictional Icons Are Taking on Global Issues

The United Nations Headquarters in New York has arguably the highest concentration of diplomats per square foot — especially during the annual General Assembly High-level Week, which this September will gather for its 80th session. In the world of international diplomacy, ambassadors usually wear suits, negotiate resolutions, and bang gavels. But lately, some of those…

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World’s top economies face ‘baby recession’

Falling birth rates are triggering a global population crisis. Aging societies, shrinking workforces, and economic strain loom, quick fixes won’t be enough   The decline in fertility rates worldwide is causing population collapse in major economies. According to the United Nations’ World Population Prospects 2024 Revision, the world population is expected to peak in 2084…

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For the love of a King

“Why do you come to my shop so often?” Pema abruptly asked me. I was taken aback. This middle-aged lady, owner of a sprawling emporium serving the tourist trade on busy NorzimLam main street in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, was normally so reserved and careful. On reflection, her outburst was not so bizarre. Her…

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Why Gold-Backed Banknotes Could Strengthen Developing Economies

A dual-currency model with gold-backed banknotes could help developing nations boost stability, reduce dollar reliance, and strengthen financial sovereignty Before President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s April 5, 1933, recall of gold-backed currency, the U.S. Treasury had been circulating gold Certificates since 1865. These notes were backed by equal gold coin and redeemable upon demand. When the…

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Architect-Turned Photographer Ahmet Ertug- Preserves Cultural Heritage Through Photography

  From the soaring domes of Hagia Sophia to the majestic libraries of Europe, Ertug has spent over fifty years capturing architectural wonders with poetic precision, creating a timeless visual archive of cultural heritage Renowned for his breathtaking large-format architectural and cultural heritage photography, Ahmet Ertug stands at the crossroads of art, history, and architecture….

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