November, 2012

Secessionism in Times of Crisis: The Case of Spain

On September 11th 2012, Catalonia, as happens every year, took to the streets to celebrate its day – la Diada. Without warning, without preview and in one instant, Spain witnessed how a traditional celebration transfigured itself into a resounding demand. A demand, that regardless of how it is met, or…

Bahrain’s Arab Winter

Erected in 1982, the Pearl Roundabout long stood as a major landmark in the heart of Manama, Bahrain’s capital. This rather bizarre-looking monument served as a focal point for popular mobilization during the Arab Spring – very much Bahrain’s Tahrir Square. However, while Tahrir Square stands today as a proud…

Presidential Campaign Budgets: USA vs. France

This year in France, the candidate that spent the most during his campaign is now President of the Republic. Presidential campaigns are very expensive, but some more so than others. The race to the White House in 2012 cost more than 5.4 times the race to the Elysée (at the…