Editor's note

If there’s a silver lining to the sexual predation scandals involving Harvey Weinstein and Bill O'Reilly, it’s that allegations against these men have revealed the pervasiveness of sexual harassment in the United States. But of course the problem does not start and end here. Sexual violence affects one in three women worldwide, and many women’s first sexual encounter is non-consensual. Valerie Dobiesz and Julia Brooks of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative explain why gender-based violence is, in essence, a global pandemic.

On Tuesday, Congress approved a $36.5 billion disaster relief package. A portion of the aid will go to Puerto Rico, which remains mostly without electricity more than a month after Hurricane Maria hit. Unfortunately, research from previous disasters, including the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, shows that just a few weeks without power can affect residents’ physical and mental health for months after the lights come on.

Oct. 31, 2017 will mark the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, when Martin Luther, an ordained priest and theologian, nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Germany’s Wittenberg Castle Church. Sociologists Marion Goldman and Steve Pfaff explain Luther’s extraordinary success.

Catesby Holmes

Global Affairs Editor

Top stories

Women in crisis settings, such as refugee camps and war zones, are particularly likely to experience sexual assault. Unit Bektas/Reuters

It's not just O'Reilly and Weinstein: Sexual violence is a 'global pandemic'

Valerie Dobiesz, Harvard University; Julia Brooks, Harvard University

Hollywood's sexual predation scandals are just the tip of the iceberg. One in three women worldwide has been physically or sexually assaulted, and many girls' first sexual experience is forced.

Plush toys, recovered from a flooded home, hang out to dry on a wrought iron gate in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Ramon Espinosa/AP

The mental health toll of Puerto Rico's prolonged power outages

Shao Lin, University at Albany, State University of New York

Long after the hurricane's over and the power comes back, residents can still experience lasting mental health issues.

Luther’s 95 Theses. Ferdinand Pauwels, via Wikimedia Commons

Martin Luther's spiritual practice was key to the success of the Reformation

Marion Goldman, University of Oregon; Steve Pfaff, University of Washington

On the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, two scholars explain how Luther's personal and spiritual life contributed to his success.

Environment + Energy

Science + Technology

Health + Medicine

Arts + Culture

  • The best way to deal with failure

    Selin Malkoc, The Ohio State University

    According to new research, the way you respond could determine whether or not you'll repeat the same mistake in the future.

Politics + Society

  • Will anyone protect the Rohingya?

    Vincent A. Auger, Western Illinois University

    Despite an international commitment to protect civilians from genocidal violence, the world's response to ethnic cleansing in Myanmar has been feeble. An expert explains the challenges.

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Could deciding to focus on the negative emotions associated with failure lead to thoughts about self-improvement -- and, with time, actual improvement?

 

The best way to deal with failure

Selin Malkoc

The Ohio State University

Selin Malkoc