Home Global Perspectives

Global Perspectives

In the realm of football coaching, Thomas Tuchel stands out for his unconventional approach compared to many of his peers. For instance, it's quite uncommon for players from lower leagues to ascend to head coaching positions at top-tier clubs. Yet, this is exactly what Tuchel accomplished—starting as a...Read more
Date: 2026-07-15
By David Turner, Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching, Anglia Ruskin University
Hostilities between the US and Iran have escalated once again. On July 8, Donald Trump declared that the ceasefire established in June was “over”. Following this, he ordered intensive airstrikes on Iran by the US military and has reinstated an economic blockade on the country. ...Read more
Date: 2026-07-15
By Andrew Gawthorpe, Lecturer in History and International Studies, Leiden University
China has emerged as one of Africa's largest development financiers. Since 2000, Chinese and other state-backed entities have allocated over US$180 billion in loans to various African nations. This funding has been directed towards enhancing infrastructure such as roads, railways, power plants, ports, water resources, and industrial projects....Read more
Date: 2026-07-15
By Adrino Mazenda, Senior Researcher, Associate Professor: Economic Management Sciences, University of Pretoria
Preserving nature while alleviating poverty is frequently approached as two separate global challenges. In numerous regions of Africa, however, the same land is crucial for both environmental conservation and the food security and livelihoods of local populations. Ethiopia is recognized as one of the most significant...Read more
Date: 2026-07-15
By James Borrell, Research Leader in Agrobiodiversity and Conservation, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Child malnutrition in South Africa casts a long shadow across the life course. For instance, stunting, which results in being shorter for one's age, hampers children's physical development and brain function, negatively impacting their educational and career opportunities. Both stunted and overweight children face higher risks of developing noncommunicable...Read more
Date: 2026-07-15
By Lori Lake, Communication and Education Specialist at the Children’s Institute, University of Cape Town
In April 2026, Évariste Ndayishimiye, the president of Burundi, undertook an official visit to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso's capital, while serving as the rotating chair of the African Union. The purpose of this visit was to rekindle discussions between the African Union and the Alliance of Sahel States,...Read more
Date: 2026-07-15
By Alène Ngarura Kaneza, doctorante, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
Grassroots soccer often goes unnoticed, taking place in public parks and on unreserved fields, typically organized through WhatsApp groups instead of formal channels. Yet, in cities like Guelph, Ontario, these meetings are essential for promoting social work: fostering connection, trust, and a sense of belonging across divides that are often...Read more
Date: 2026-07-15
By Amir Al-Azraki, Associate professor, Culture and Language Studies, University of Waterloo
You have likely come across the expression “it takes a village to raise a child” before. Although the exact origins remain uncertain, it is frequently attributed to an African proverb, reflecting the communal spirit inherent in numerous African societies. Simply put, the saying indicates that a variety of...Read more
Date: 2026-07-15
By Marilyn N. Ahun, Assistant Professor,Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, McGill University
Imagine if almost every person on the planet spent every moment making cups of tea, one per second—and pouring each one into the sea. While it may sound ludicrous, this analogy helps illustrate a significant shift occurring on our planet. We often perceive global warming...Read more
Date: 2026-07-15
By Jan Zalasiewicz, Professor of Palaeobiology, University of Leicester
Despite the success of shows like “Heated Rivalry” and “Euphoria,” seeing queer people on screen is still rare. Only 9.3% of characters on American TV screens were identified as LGBTQ+ in the 2024-25 season. Around 41% of those characters are not scheduled to return for subsequent seasons,...Read more
Date: 2026-07-15
By Annaliese Grant, Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
This article contains spoilers for the first two books in the Harlem Trilogy Cool Machine marks the final installment in Colson Whitehead’s Harlem Trilogy, which has chronicled the life of furniture dealer and family man Ray Carney over three decades as he navigates the dynamic cultural and political landscapes...Read more
Date: 2026-07-15
By Douglas Field, Lecturer in 20th century American Literature, University of Manchester
Across football pitches in the UK, many individuals in their 50s, 60s, and 70s are demonstrating that love for the sport can persist well into later years. Walking football, a version of traditional football (or soccer), primarily caters to older players. But how does it feel to engage...Read more
Date: 2026-07-15
By Gareth M. Thomas, Reader in Sociology, Cardiff University
“Concentrate!” With a serious face, an intense stare, and arms crossed, a brief command is directed at primary-aged daughters. This tennis lesson begins just after their father has already led them through two hours of practice. This issue extends beyond mere instructions. Stories of unkind behavior from adults at...Read more
Date: 2026-07-15
By Sarah Ayer, Senior Academic in Sports Management, Bournemouth University
During a June 4 address marking Hungary's Day of National Unity, newly elected Prime Minister Péter Magyar stood before the Monument of National Unity, a long stone trench that commemorates the Treaty of Trianon of 1920. This treaty ended Hungary's participation in World War I but also led to the...Read more
Date: 2026-07-15
By Brett R. Chloupek, Professor of Geography, Northwest Missouri State University
Picture shining a flashlight across a dark room. You can accurately predict its behavior: the light travels in a straight line from one point to another. This seems obvious because, in our observable world, light consistently follows a defined path. However, quantum mechanics presents a significantly stranger reality. ...Read more
Date: 2026-07-15
By Aldo Romero, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, West Virginia University