Abbie Hallinan articles

Abbie Hallinan writes for the Democracy Chronicles from Melbourne, Australia. Having lived in Australia, America and New Zealand, she has developed a broad perspective on international relations and politics. She is currently at the University of Melbourne studying a Bachelor of Arts (Politics & International Relations and Anthropology) and a Diploma of Languages (French).

The TRUMP Ceiling: What’s at Stake For Women Voters

By Abbie Hallinan - September 28, 2016 Leave a Comment

The first presidential debate for the 2016 election revealed the systemic misogynistic undertones that continue to infiltrate the workplaces and lives of women within the American democracy

The Election to Decide Future for Australian Refugees

By Abbie Hallinan - June 21, 2016 Leave a Comment

As the refugee crisis around the world proliferates, the upcoming Australian election provides a critical opportunity for the public to shape the future lives of refugees and the abusive nature of Australian refugee policies

North Carolina and Mississippi: The Degradation of Lives

By Abbie Hallinan - April 26, 2016 Leave a Comment

When the personal beliefs of individuals become legalised and begin to negatively impact and degrade the lives of other members of society, it becomes a problem – not just a problem, an atrocity

Trump Elicits Concern for Women, Democracy and Rights

By Abbie Hallinan - April 5, 2016 1 Comment

With Donald Trump’s latest chauvinist and frankly repugnant comments about abortion, I find myself reflecting upon the current state of respect and safety of women within democracies across the globe.

On Compulsory Voting: A Roadmap to Political Legitimacy

By Abbie Hallinan - March 25, 2016 Leave a Comment

Australia is one of the few democratic governments legally enforcing the voting of all citizens. The law – active since 1912 – has resulted in Australia having one of the most politically engaged societies in the world.

DC Author Benny Tai and Allies Handed Prison Sentences in HK

By Adrian Tawfik

Eight Hong Kong activists were handed sentences of up to 16 months in prison for their roles organizing pro-democracy demonstrations. The activists were convicted on charges of public nuisance and incitement.

Sri Lanka Blasts: Trigger for Further Communal Violence?

By Shriman Visahan

A keener eye of the religious breakdown of Sri Lanka would give us a better insight on the ”social overlapping differences” present which gives rise to the ressentiment.

Democracy in Africa: Towards a League of Free African States (LOFAS)

By Ngah Gabriel

Renewed aspirations for democracy in Africa could more effectively be promoted by a joint leadership of free African States than by external conditionality. Africa’s salvation must come from within Africa.

The Cycle of Life

By Julio César Guerrero

Last week we confronted a crisis situation in the shelter where I work as social work supervisor. The center offers refuge to undocumented youth waiting for their asylum application to be resolved.

Podcast: E.J. Dionne on Making America Empathetic Again

By Jenna Spinelle

E.J. Dionne has the unique perspective of studying the horse race and the big picture of American politics. I talked with him about the relationship between partisan politics and democracy.

What’s Wrong With Us And Right In New Zealand?

The problem we have today is we’re living in the Wild West. Some of our citizens have a fetish with semi-automatic weapons and other military weapons, the same that have been used in school shootings.

Trump’s Attacks On Ilhan Omar Are America’s Latest Low Point

By M D Mitchell

Roosevelt warned us, “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself,” because fear leads to poor choices. When a president can vilify an elected representative who happens to be a woman and a muslim, we have given into fear.

After Netanyahu’s Reelection, We Still Need Real World Leaders

Like President Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu is the typical right wing leader. He pretends to be a man of peace, while willing to bring the world to the boiling point for his political gain.

Takeaways from the American Ambassador’s Cameroon Visit

By Bernard Ngalim

The ambassador’s declarations demonstrate the US seems to have a good understanding of the Ambazoninan conflict. It is compelling to note that the attempt to sell the revolution as a “terrorist” movement did not gain traction.

MORE FROM OUR AUTHORS

In Tribeca Film Festival Documentaries, Tragedy Seen in First-Person

In Tribeca Film Festival, documentaries tragedy seen in first person as “The Apollo,” several films use personal video footage as portals into tragic pasts.

Key Facts About Japan’s Imperial System

Eighth-century chronicles say sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami bequeathed her grandson a mirror, jewels and a sword, which he gave to the first emperor, Jimmu.

Podcast: Is It Time to Revive Civility?

Timothy Shaffer of National Institute for Civil Discourse joins the Democracy Works podcast to talk about work being done to create a new definition of civility and a playbook to put that definition into practice.

Sudanese Political Cartoonist Seeks Lasting Change with Iconic Images

After the Sudanese military ousted al-Bashir as president and seized control of the country, protesters continue to demand representation and civilian rule.