Decisions are generally made by consensus; no member can be forced to something. As a result, the group rarely appears to be closed. Today, ASEAN is based on three pillars: As a political and security community to ensure peace; as an economic community with a strong domestic market; and as a social and cultural commu...
20th century waves of democracy The end of the First World War was a temporary victory for democracy in Europe, as it was preserved in France and temporarily extended to Germany. Already in 1906 full modern democratic rights, universal suffrage for all citizens was implemented constitutionally in Finland as well as a...
Eventually, it was these Germanic tribes, known to the Romans as “barbarians” who caused the fall of the Western Empire and plunged Europe into the so-called Dark Ages. But it wasn’t just barbarians that caused trouble. In the years 535 and 536, there were several extreme weather events, perhaps started by a la...
The top platform was the stage for the performance. Spectators assembled in various corners of the town, and the pageant would move around in the cycle until the villagers had seen the entire series. Soon, the plays required more actors than the clergy could supply. So, by the 13th century, different guilds were aske...
His realm extended from the Nile to the Indus River. But the Persians are best known for their political reforms. They followed the opposite strategy of the Assyrians. They set the Hebrews free from captivity and resettled populations to their native lands. The Persians pursued a policy of multiculturalism.
"I've just received this letter that says Wei is planning to attack us. Should we make preparations for war?" "Nah. It's probably nothing to worry about. Let's do absolutely nothing." "Sounds good to me." Wei launched a full-scale invasion into Shu which fell within a year. Then Sima Yan forced the Wei Emperor to abd...
