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Explainers: Politics

Explainers: Politics
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Explainers: Politics. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
US president-elect Donald Trump at the launch of a test flight of a SpaceX Starship rocket in Brownsville, Texas, on November 19. Photo: Getty Images/TNS
US presidential election 2024

Explainer | What are US recess appointments and why has Donald Trump suggested using them?

Several nominees for top posts have drawn fire for being unqualified, but there is a way to seat them without hearings or a Senate vote.

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China's military weapons

China’s top 5 weapons systems, from stealth fighters to anti-ballistic missiles

US presidential election 2024

Explainer | What is the ‘Blue Wall’ and how can it be breached?

US-China relations

Explainer | The heated US-China cable competition under the seas

Vital for data transmission and communications between continents, lines are vulnerable to sabotage and a stage for global power rivalry.

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A partially buried undersea cable. Image: Shutterstock
US presidential election 2024

Explainer | 2024 US congressional races: what to expect and how China plays a role

Concerns about Beijing loom in some contests as Democrats seek to hang on to the Senate and Republicans eye expanding their House majority.

US presidential election 2024

Explainer | How do US ‘swing states’ decide presidential elections?

The seven states where Democrat Kamala Harris or Republican Donald Trump will win – or lose – the White House.

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US presidential election 2024

Explainer | How are votes counted in the US presidential election?

The Post looks at the timeline and issues that may affect the American election result and transition to a new White House administration.

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Illustration: Davies Christian Surya
Uefa

How England’s football fortunes at Euro 2024 could add drama to UK election

The PM might be hoping for a boost to his campaign if England do well at Euro 2024, but the timing brings back memories of some of England’s worst losses.

China's economic recovery

Explainer | What is China’s third plenum, and why does it matter?

China’s Communist Party will hold one of its most-watched meetings in July, as analysts predict the political body will lay out reforms to aid in the country’s economic recovery.

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India

How deepfakes are reshaping Asia politics

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Taiwan election 2024

Explainer | Why does Taiwan matter so much to both mainland China and the US?

The island’s presidential election on Saturday emphasises the importance of its strategic location, world-leading chip industry and other geopolitical factors.

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On January 13, Taiwan will hold presidential and legislature elections that will help shape US-China relations for years to come. Photo: Bloomberg
Sri Lanka

‘He was our Nero’: Sri Lanka policeman fired for playing piano while president fled

Constable Dayaratne was sent to protect the presidential residence the day it was stormed by protesters who forced Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country. Instead he played songs a grand piano in the building.

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Donald Trump

Explainer | Not just Trump: these leaders also got into legal trouble

There is a long history of leaders prosecuted before, during and after holding power with representation across continents.

Israel

Israeli PM Netanyahu rushed to hospital, condition stable

Benjamin Netanyahu, 73, had been on holiday at the Sea of Galilee on Friday during a heatwave, his office said. It was not immediately clear who might replace Netanyahu in the event of an emergency succession.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was taken to hospital but is said to be in “good condition”. Photo: AP
China jobs

Explainer | What is China’s youth unemployment rate and why does it cover ages 16 to 24?

Rising youth joblessness in China is one of Beijing’s biggest headaches, threatening the top leadership’s bottom line of ensuring social stability, with the figure rising to a record high of 20.4 per cent in April.

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The unemployment rate for the 16-24 age group in China hit a record high of 20.4 per cent in April, after rising from 19.6 per cent in March. Photo: AFP
Pakistan

Pakistan top court orders Imran Khan’s release after ‘invalid’ arrest

The anti-corruption agency was ordered to release former Prime Minister Imran Khan from its custody, following his arrest on Tuesday that sparked deadly and widespread protests.

Middle East

Iran MPs remove minister over rising prices

Industry Minister Reza Fatemi Amin failed to garner enough support in a vote of confidence and a major factor in the impeachment was the rising price of domestic vehicles after foreign imports dried up because of sanctions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

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Americas and the Caribbean

Paraguay’s women battle to break political glass ceiling

Entering politics in the South American country has been tough for women – only 15 per cent of lawmakers are female, about a third below the regional average.

Soledad Nunez, Paraguay’s opposition vice presidential candidate and running mate of the presidential candidate Efrain Alegre. Photo: Reuters
Pakistan

Pakistan speeds towards total crisis with Imran Khan’s foot on the accelerator

The former prime minister’s bid for snap elections is evolving into a constitutional crisis that’s raised concerns about the future of the country’s democracy.

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Pakistan

Pakistan ex-PM ally jailed ahead of trial

Fawad Chaudhry was arrested after the Election Commission of Pakistan accused him of threatening its head and other officials. He is a supporter of Khan who was ousted by a no-confidence vote in April.

Pacific nations

Fiji military called in after disputed election

Tension mounts as Fiji waits for president to recall parliament so new PM can be voted in after no party won general election, though Prime Minister Bainimarama is accused of stoking fears of ethnic trouble as a pretext to cling to power.

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Fiji’s long-time prime minister said the military had been deployed to maintain “law and order”, after a close election. Photo: AFP
Germany

Germany arrests 25 suspects in planned armed coup

About 3,000 officers searched 130 sites in 11 German states against adherents of the so-called Reich Citizens movement – some members reject Germany’s post-war constitution and have called for the overthrow of the government.

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Suspects have been detained over a planned coup in Germany. Photo: AFP
Italy

Italy’s far-right leader Giorgia Meloni sworn in as premier

The country’s first female prime minister recited the ritual oath of office, pledging to be faithful to Italy’s post-war republic and to act ‘in the exclusive interests of the nation’.

Pakistan

Pakistan’s Imran Khan disqualified for hiding assets

The country’s Election Commission said Khan committed ‘corrupt practices’ and didn’t properly disclose money earned from selling gifts given by foreign dignitaries. He will appeal the order.

India

India’s Congress party elects first non-Gandhi head in 24 years

Mallikarjun Kharge is to replace Sonia Gandhi as president of the party that helped win India’s independence 75 years ago but has been discredited and crushed under the electoral juggernaut of PM Narendra Modi’s BJP.

Newly elected Congress Party president Mallikarjun Kharge, right, raises hands with party leader Shashi Taroor. Photo: AFP
Pakistan

Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan’s apology accepted by court

The ousted former premier sent a written apology stemming from his outburst against a female judge that was seen as a threat, court officials and a defence lawyer said.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan wrote an apology in a contempt case stemming from his outburst against a female judge. Photo: AP
Japan

Fumio Kishida’s extra steps to cope with inflation

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said price hikes, particularly for energy and food items, are having a ‘huge impact’ so he will implement relief steps ‘seamlessly’.

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Britain

UK leadership race: Liz Truss surges ahead, endorsed by ex-rival

A former rival for the top job says Britain’s foreign secretary has the ‘resolution, determination, and passion’ to be prime minister. Endorsement is a blow to ex-treasury chief Rishi Sunak, the other finalist in the race.

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