The Conversation

The Conversation (https://theconversation.com/us) is an independent, nonprofit publisher of commentary and analysis, authored by academics and edited by journalists for the general public. We publish short articles (800-1000 words) by academics on timely topics related to their research. Our mission is “to promote truthful information and strengthen journalism by unlocking the rich diversity of academic research for audiences across America.” Select articles by The Conversation are reprinted here under a Creative Commons — Attribution/No derivatives license.

Hong Kong police legitimacy draining away as clashes escalate

by The Conversation

The death of a student during a police clearance and a video of police shooting an unarmed protester has contributed to the public’s growing mistrust of the Hong Kong government.

Thirty years after the Berlin Wall came down, Germany is still working to meet east with west

by The Conversation

Since the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, the east and west parts of Germany have knitted themselves together. But differences linger, including a rise in increasingly brazen far-right extremist activity in the former East Germany.

Kurds targeted in Turkish attack include female fighters who battled Islamic State

by The Conversation

From the 19th century to modern fighters in Syria, Kurdish women have fought on the front lines of military battles.

How fishers in Indonesia abandon destructive methods

by The Conversation

Some fishers in Indonesia are becoming leaders in protecting the local marine ecosystems by abandoning destructive methods, such as bombing reefs and poisoning sea creatures.

Ethiopia’s new year offers a chance to unite the country

by The Conversation

On the occasion of the first day of Meskerem, the Ethiopian New Year, political lecturer Yohannes Gedamu examines what it would take for Ethiopia to reach a state of national unity — and reconciliation.

How to change global health’s colonial ways

by The Conversation

While well-meaning, global health practices are still colonial in many ways. Here are some ways that could change.

How Toni Morrison’s legacy plays out in South Africa’s universities

by The Conversation

What is Toni Morrison's place in South Africa's universities, as some professors there call for a more Africa-focused curricula.

Hong Kong city workers, expats and unions join protests, making it harder for China to ignore

by The Conversation

Mainland China has been tightening its grip on Hong Kong. But eight weeks of protests show how strong resistance to perceived Chinese influence has become.

How a UK law has unintended consequences for women workers in Sri Lanka

by The Conversation

The UK's Modern Slavery Act, aimed at sex trafficking, has increased the environment of surveillance against women factory workers in Sri Lanka.

Explainer: why Ethiopia’s federal system is deeply flawed

by The Conversation

Yohannes Gedamu, a lecturer at Georgia Gwinnett College, says Ethiopia's current federal system has relegated some ethnic groups into second class citizens.

Global women’s fight against sexual harassment didn’t start with #MeToo

by The Conversation

Women in countries such as India, Pakistan and others have long organized successful campaigns against sexual harassment.