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Elections, especially in democratic governments, have a tendency to be framed as contests between two dominant political parties.  Democrats and Republicans dominate the political landscape in America, for instance, but in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Conservative and Labour parties enjoy a similar grip.  Yet, in nearly every election, third-party candidates emerge, threatening the grip of the established powers.  Although they never actually do win federal elections, they can have a tremendous influence on outcomes, set political discourse, and alter the strategy of mainstream parties. This article reports on why third-party candidates are important, how they influence big elections, their historical place, and the controversy over their role in democracy. What are Third-Party Candidates? Third-party candidate refers to any political candidate who is not one of the two major parties in a two-party system.  In the US, that would imply anyone who campa...

  Socialism has been one of the most important political and ideological forces of the modern era.  Emerging in Europe during the 19th century as a response to the inequalities of the Industrial Revolution, socialism has since shaped economic systems, political structures, and social reforms across the globe.  While its forms and interpretations have varied, the central ideas of social ownership, equality, and welfare originated in Europe and have had far-reaching effects on global politics. This article follows the origins of European socialism, its rise, and its global reach from inspiring revolutions to creating modern welfare states and shaping international debates on justice and equality. Origins of European Socialism: The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 18th century, transformed economies but also created stark inequalities.  Workers labored in squalid conditions while a wealthy elite reaped enormous fortunes.  Intellectuals, act...

  Throughout history, not only rulers, institutions, and economic forces but even ordinary people have developed societies and called for change.  Political activism has been one of the most potent forces for change, pushing against entrenched systems of power and calling for greater justice, equality, and representation.  From freeing slavery to the expansion of women's rights, from civil rights struggles to climate change justice movements, political activism has been at the forefront of advancing social advancement. But what is political activism, and why did it prove to be so effective? Political activism in its pure form is organized action to influence policy, institutions, and public attitudes in an effort to build change.  It includes not just demonstrations and protests lobbying, grassroots organizing, educating the public, online mobilization, and civil disobedience.  By mobilizing mass voices, activism turns around entrenched powers, raises awareness,...

  In the 21st century, nationalism has emerged again as one of the most forceful and polarizing actors in global politics.  Everywhere in Europe and Asia, in the Americas and Africa, nationalist movements are reshaping political spaces, re-bordering borders, and framing economic, cultural, and security policies.  While nationalism is not new and has ancient historical foundations, its current resurgence is defined by new characteristics fueled by globalization, immigration, technological change, and changing geopolitics. This article explores what nationalism is, the past of its emergence, why it has emerged again now, regional examples, and what its implications might be for the future. #1 Defining Nationalism: Essentially, nationalism is an ideology founded on the premise that a group of people sharing a common identity most typically in terms of language, culture, history, ethnicity, or religion should be independent and whose national interests should take precedence ...

  Throughout history, young people have made an indelible mark on political, social, and economic landscapes around the world.  Youth political movements organized action led by young people to effect political or social change have played a central role in shifting ideologies, seeking justice, and shaping national and international policy.  They are characterized by energy, creativity, persistence, and an unapologetic desire to challenge injustice and fight for a better future. In an era where global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, racial inequality, and autocracy are more urgent, young people's movements continue to be a powerful driver of change.  This article analyzes the cause, evolution, and impacts of young people's political movements on global change. Historical Roots of Youth Political Activism: Youth activism is not a new phenomenon.  History is replete with examples of young people being at the vanguard of great political revo...