Recent events in South Sudan have raised hopes that a peace agreement signed in 2015 might actually take hold. The return from exile of opposition leader Riek Machar could end a conflict that’s displaced millions of people, caused widespread hunger and gutted the economy, writes Peter Run. The bad news is that the threat of renewed conflict is never too far off, warns Luka Kuol.
Also, in today’s Global Perspectives, you will likely learn something you may not have known: Sperm donation websites are the Ubers and Airbnbs of the fertility world. But why are they so popular? Nicole Bergen of the University of Ottawa explains.
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South Sudan’s Riek Machar after peace talks with South Sudan President Salva Kiir in July 2018.
EPA-EFE/Stringer
Peter Run, The University of Queensland
The return of South Sudan's opposition leader
is likely to solidify the permanent ceasefire.
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South Sudan can be stabilised, but great effort is needed from numerous players.
Shutterstock
Luka Kuol, Africa Center for Strategic Studies
South Sudan faces numerous and serious challenges contributing to instability. But there are potential solutions.
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While media portrayals of online sperm donation often portray “rogue breeders” or “super sperm,” research reveals that the real men who do this are motivated to help others.
(Shutterstock)
Nicole Bergen, University of Ottawa
Sperm donation websites are the Ubers and Airbnbs of the fertility world. But why are they so popular? New research explains the reasons why some men donate.
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Politics + Society
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Lisa Garcia Bedolla, University of California, Berkeley
Record high Latino participation shows this growing voter segment will turn out for parties and politicians who tackle issues they care about. That's a big lesson for 2020 – and not just for Dems.
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Jennifer Mathers, Aberystwyth University
Several states now have their first female senator and more than 100 women will enter the House of Representatives.
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Environment + Energy
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Adam Brumm, Griffith University; Maxime Aubert, Griffith University; Pindi Setiawan, Institut Teknologi Bandung
The cave paintings in Borneo show people and animals and are now thought to be the world's oldest example of figurative art.
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Arts + Culture
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Ryna Ordynat, Monash University
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is an enduring classic for girls, soon to be a major Hollywood film. Yet many of the book's themes and morals were imposed by the author's father.
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