As immigration, terrorism and political correctness have come to dominate the UK news, the definition of multiculturalism has had to be re-evaluated. As well as reporting the conflicts that these issues raise, the media also has a responsibility to reflect the true cultural diversity of Britain. read...

British democracy is in trouble. Voter turnout is stuck in the doldrums. Party membership lists are shrinking. And big business and government make deals behind closed doors. Despite the indifference of politicians and the media obsession with trivialities, the British political system is crying out for a radical overhaul. read...

Cardinal Cipriani is attempting to take control of one of Peru's most important Catholic Universities. Human rights organizations are understandably worried. Does this signify the return of contempt for human rights, or is the Cardinal on a spiritual, less extreme path? read...

If the Palestinian media raised the right questions about Israel's 'right to exist', it could open the way for crucial dialogue between two apparently uncompromising positions. In the process, the media could save the Palestinians and the Israelis from another cycle of pointless bloodshed. read...

UN agencies and human rights organizations estimate that between 40,000 to 60,000 people in eastern Congo were sexually assaulted between 1996 and 2002. But despite an official peace, the wounds of sexual violence are far from being healed. And the list of victims continues to grow. read...

The demolition of a house in Copenhagen resulted in violent clashes between demonstrators and the police. This was emphatic confirmation of frustration among young Danes whose counter-culture has come under attack in a country undergoing profound ideological change. read...

When Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands in April 1982, a bitter internecine battle began between the BBC and the government. The latter insisted that the broadcaster suspend its commitment to balanced reporting in favour of unwavering support for policy. This row affected the BBC’s coverage of subsequent conflicts. read...

Much has changed in the fifty years since the Treaty of Rome. But, as numerous surveys suggest, the European Union is still failing to connect with the people of Europe. One reason is that the impetus for unity came from the elite. Another is the EU's ability to confuse through communication. It's time to keep it simple, stupid. read...

American political influence and globalisation have changed Colombia in many ways. Yet despite apparent public opposition to these forces, Colombians seem all too willing to change various aspects of themselves. Fast food, the English language, music and now plastic surgery are threatening the essence of Colombia. read...

Few people use the word 'neo-liberalism'. It appears that the world's dominant economic system has become an unspoken fact of life. Since the 1980s, the consensus has been that everyone wins. Footballers and Goldman Sachs employees would agree. But nurses and cleaners are still waiting for the elusive wealth to trickle down. read...

Companies across the globe are eagerly promoting their ethical credentials. They claim that high profits are totally consistent with respect for the environment and workers' rights. But in Taiwan and China, commitment to CSR appears to be little more than window dressing. read...

Museums and galleries increasingly rely on corporate sponsorship to stage exhibitions. This is a bargain for corporations looking for an image boost. But what's the real cost? Is culture in danger of becoming just an unwitting participant in corporate PR? read...

For the British press, the issues of immigration and asylum are highly emotive. Over the last five years the Daily Express has systematically demonised the most vulnerable of peoples. But beyond the alarmist headlines, the truth is somewhat less sensational. read...

The Palestinian Islamic movement, Hamas, and the Lebanese Shiite group, Hezbollah, are strikingly similar. Both are no longer mere resistance movements; they are also political parties involved in complex power struggles. The result is an increasing risk of civil war.  read...

Twelve years into democracy, many black South Africans are now enjoying the fruits of modernity. But after years of exclusion, it is painfully ironic that some enduring cultural traditions - such as male initiation ceremonies - are now causing unnecessary deaths. read...

Graffiti has entered mainstream culture, but UK law remains intolerant. The subculture is still officially seen as anti-social behaviour but street art is far from brutal vandalism. This vibrant artform demands to be understood and appreciated.  read...

Welcome to Carinthia! Also known as Kärnten, or indeed Kärnten-Koroška. This ambiguity may seem a trivial issue but not for the Slovenian minority in Carinthia, who have their rights eroded by regional politicians, including Jörg Haider. read...

The solution to global warming appears to be nuclear, yet the consequences have far-reaching implications. With Aboriginal land the source of much of the world's uranium and the destination of plenty of future nuclear waste, is nuclear power a modern form of colonialism? read...

The traffic jams, dust, noise and pollution are worse than ever in Cali. But residents hope that the rebirth of their city will more than compensate. A building boom and a new transport system are set to drag Cali into the twenty first century, whether the Calenos like it or not . read...