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politics
Politics / 1 day ago
The 1962 Cuban missile crisis and the lessons it still teaches in a nuclear age
On that day, John F. Kennedy announced to the American people that the Cuban Missile Crisis was underway, an explosive revelation that the Soviet Union had secretly deployed nuclear-armed missiles on the island of Cuba, only 90 miles from the U.S. mainland. The map above captures the gravity of that confrontation: Soviet intermediate-range ballistic missile bases in Cuba, U.S. naval and air “quarantine” (blockade) zones around the island and the looming threat circle stretching deep into the continental United States.
Politics / 1 day ago
Who and who recognises Israel's statehood?
Most countries around the world formally recognise its statehood, but a notable number still withhold recognition or have broken off relations. According to current data, Israel is recognised by around 163 of the 192 United Nations member states, roughly 83% of UN members.
Politics / 1 week ago
The global development divide: where nations stand in 2025
The world remains deeply unequal in terms of development. A new study categorises countries into three broad groups, developed, developing, and least developed, showing how far apart nations still are in wealth, stability, and opportunity. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) classifies economies mainly as advanced or emerging, or developing based on income, industrialisation, and integration into the global financial system.
Politics / 2 weeks ago
Israel pulls back troops from Gaza, holds on to 53% under ceasefire deal
On October 9, 2025, Israel began withdrawing forces from parts of the Gaza Strip under the first phase of a new ceasefire and hostage-release agreement, retaining control over roughly 53 % of the territory. The map released in connection with the deal shows Israeli-held zones along coastal areas and key border regions, while portions of Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Deir el-Balah, and North Gaza revert to Palestinian control.
Politics / 2 weeks ago
How old do you have to be to vote?
While 18 years old remains the most common minimum voting age, there is significant variation across countries, from 16 to 21, and even 25 in rare cases. According to the Wikipedia overview of voting ages, most nations use 18 as the legal voting threshold. A handful lower it to 16 or 17, and the United Arab Emirates remains an outlier with a voting age of 25. That data is echoed in broader surveys: nearly 202 countries hold 18 as their standard voting age, while only 10 use 16, and 4 use 17.
Politics / 2 weeks ago
Inside America's largest network of military bases around the world
The U.S. operates roughly 750 overseas military sites across 80 countries and territories in 2025, making it the most geographically dispersed military presence in the world. Within that total, there are some 128 confirmed “bases” in around 49 foreign countries, meaning many sites are smaller “forward operating locations,” cooperative security sites, or rotational deployments rather than full-scale bases.
