Unravelling why some democracies – but not all – are better at fighting pandemics

The most obvious problem with claims that some countries—or political systems—are better at fighting the virus is that it will be quite a while before we know who did well and who did not. Because the pandemic is nowhere near over, we have no idea how many people in each country will contract Covid-19 or how many lives it will claim.

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Read more about the article Why are we calling it ‘social distancing’? Right now, we need social connections more than ever
Empty seats with a social distancing

Why are we calling it ‘social distancing’? Right now, we need social connections more than ever

Physical distance is important, but it’s equally necessary we maintain social closeness during this time. Staying connected with others will make us happier, healthier, and more socially responsible as we continue to contend with this crisis.

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Read more about the article Independence is at the heart of the AfDB’s ability to be effective
The headquarters of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Independence is at the heart of the AfDB’s ability to be effective

As Africa’s only premier development bank, AfDB was the first and only African development organisation to offer any meaningful support to regional member countries’ effort at managing the devastating consequences of Covid-19.

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Read more about the article Here’s why some people are willing to challenge bullying, corruption and bad behaviour, even at personal risk
man refusing bribe

Here’s why some people are willing to challenge bullying, corruption and bad behaviour, even at personal risk

Moral rebels speak up in all types of situations—to tell a bully to cut it out, to confront a friend who uses a racist slur, to report a colleague who engages in corporate fraud.

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Read more about the article Journalism of Drum’s heyday remains cause for celebration – 70 years later
A picture taken on November 25, 2011 shows the cover of South African magazine Drum celebrating its 60 years in Johannesburg.

Journalism of Drum’s heyday remains cause for celebration – 70 years later

The African Drum was launched in 1951. After a lacklustre three months, the owner, Jim Bailey, brought a friend out from England, Anthony Sampson, to edit the magazine. They did some informal research and were told that black readers wanted sport, jazz, celebrities and “hot dames”.

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