All The Monitor's View
Architecture drawn with local listeningToday鈥檚 winning designs for buildings are more sensitive to culture, climate, and community.
In a parched Syria, a path to plentySix months after liberation from a dictator, Syrians not only are aiming for democracy, but also must find solutions for a severe drought. That crisis may be a unifying moment.
Africa鈥檚 tech comes of ageThe world鈥檚 youngest continent finds that its adaptation skills and curiosity create entrepreneurs who can be globally competitive.聽
Mongolia鈥檚 young people right the shipProtests against corruption fell a prime minister and reveal a generation shaping accountable, transparent governance.
Small-town values speak to young AmericansAn accelerating trend of leaving large cities points to new possibilities for strengthening community and connection 鈥� and reinvigorating local economies.聽
What Europeans hold dearA survey finds rule of law so popular in the European Union that it ranks higher than climate action 鈥� and justifies sanctions on errant EU states like Hungary.
Africa鈥檚 push for economic sovereigntyThe choice of a new president of the African Development Bank underscores a renewed drive for self-reliance and unity, in response to recent cuts in foreign aid.
The integrity behind ethical AIOne company鈥檚 transparency about character flaws in its artificial intelligence was a reality check for an industry trying to ensure high values in AI.聽
Casting an eye on freedom in IranThis year鈥檚 Palme d鈥橭r award at the Cannes Film Festival put a spotlight on Iranians鈥� aspirations, artistry, and fierce independence of thought in confronting a repressive government.
Why the thanks for German tanksTiny Lithuania on the Russian border welcomed the聽first permanent deployment of German forces on foreign soil since World War II.聽Germany welcomed the gratitude for its transformation into a trusted leader of Europe.
Montana puts 鈥榬ed鈥� and 鈥榖lue鈥� values in housingIn the state with the least affordable homes, lawmakers and citizens of different ideologies unite on reforms to lower prices, setting a model for nonpartisan solutions.
Syria鈥檚 path of justice and mercyConcern over the country splitting apart may be headed off by an attempt at national reconciliation through two commissions probing past atrocities.
Compassion tempers a war鈥檚 impactA civil war in Sudan has triggered community-led support for people displaced by fighting. This civilian response is rooted in a tradition of Islamic spiritual struggle and a 鈥渃all to mobilize.鈥�
In Romania, clean politics clean upA surprise win for a graft-fighting candidate to be the next president shows the top priority of young Romanians. All the better to fend off Russian influence.
Why Japan, South Korea inch closerWill their troops work together to save democracy in Asia? Perhaps. Meanwhile, an election in South Korea reveals a shift toward reconciliation.
Latin America鈥檚 model of modest leadershipThe region鈥檚 response to the death of a beloved former president in Uruguay underscores how that nation鈥檚 values have inspired democratic norms across the Americas.
Sovereignty for Colombia鈥檚 Indigenous peopleBy granting autonomy to Indigenous groups, the government promotes peace and protects the environment.
In Norway, more voices, better solutionsWith a rise of distrust in government, a national panel of everyday people shows how civil listening can find a consensus on values for decisions on difficult issues.
A win for peaceful accord in TurkeyThe country鈥檚 main Kurdish separatist group is disbanding and laying down arms 鈥� initiating a process that could both strengthen and test democracy in Turkey.
The inviting geniality of a front porchA large exhibit on how Americans use the porch serves as a reminder of how this public-private space can foster dialogue and neighborliness.
