Most countries of Oceania, having been colonized by European powers during the 19th century, gained their independence throughout the 20th century. Several cases, however, were not resolved, as some decolonization processes remained pending, while in other cases new demands for sovereignty emerged within post-colonial republics. Bougainville, which will be holding an independence referendum in November, and West Papua, in a renewed conflict escalation, are two examples of that. Keep reading

In the streets of Srinagar, phones have not been ringing for seven weeks now. Since the Indian government decided, 5 August, to dissolve the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and withdraw its special autonomy status, the most militarized region in the world is living under an “emergency closure.” The closure of educational centres, restrictions on public transport and vehicle movement, and the ban on street meetings of more than four people, are some of the restrictions which, although relaxed over the course of the days, continue to be imposed on the territory. While the Kashmir Valley cries ‘azadi’ —freedom—, New Delhi celebrates annexation as a pending victory since 1947. Keep reading