Zimbabwe has just held historic elections, the first without Robert Mugabe since independence in 1980. The country is now experiencing flashes of post-election violence as it waits for the results of the disputed presidential poll. Cheryl Hendricks writes that the outcome needed to be credible because Zimbabwe needs a legitimate government, with a strong mandate, to rebuild its shattered economy.
Cuba’s national assembly has approved a new draft constitution that could allow ordinary citizens to own residential private property. Pundits have argued, however, that the changes to the existing constitution do not imply a completely free and open market. Isobel Anderson and Regina Serpa explain that while the new rules may well prove beneficial, state intervention in housing can remain an important tool in welfare policy.
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Top Stories
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Cheryl Hendricks, Human Sciences Research Council
If the MDC-Alliance claims Zanu-PF and Zimbabwe's electoral commission rigged the elections, the onus is on them to prove it.
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Isobel Anderson, University of Stirling; Regina Serpa, University of Stirling
Cuba is freeing up the market in residential private property but with a public referendum still to come, what impact will such measures have for ordinary Cubans.
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Politics + Society
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Cecilia Farfán-Méndez, University of California San Diego
Ciudad Juárez, on the US-Mexico border, has suffered high levels of deadly violence for over a decade. New suicide data reveals the severe mental health impacts of living with chronic violence.
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Atif Kubursi, McMaster University
Vladimir Putin may well have something on Donald Trump. But their close ties could also be about oil prices and Trump's efforts to get Russia to ends it alliance with China.
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Business + Economy
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Danny Bradlow, University of Pretoria
The 10th BRICS Summit delivered a mixed bag when judged on what it said on key issues, like global governance and trade.
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Liz Breen, University of Bradford
Major brands which suffer from high profile product recalls need to follow some basic rules to make sure they weather the storm.
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Science + Technology
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Timothy Caulfield, University of Alberta
There are many reasons why scientists collaborating with artists makes sense, now more than ever.
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Hywel Jones, Sheffield Hallam University
Electric cars and smartphones have created growing demand – and volatile prices – for once obscure metals.
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