All The Monitor's View
New anchors for global rule of lawGermany stands up for maritime law against China while Sudan moves to send a former dictator to an international court.
China鈥檚 long struggle with video gamesOfficial media blasts the online gaming industry for its effects on youth 鈥� but then wonders if more adults might help young people find meaning in life.
A teen sports idol for a troubled TunisiaA stunning gold-medal win for an underdog swimmer at the Olympics may help remind his country of how individuals can inspire change.
The stampede into national parksReady to get back into nature, visitors are overwhelming some U.S. national parks. Smart planning can help improve the experience.
Want to recycle better? Get manufacturers involved.Producer responsibility laws put the incentive to create recyclable packaging back in the hands of those who make it.
A welcome warming between the KoreasAfter an especially chilly period, North and South Korea are talking to each other again. That alone doesn't solve any big issues. But it鈥檚 a start.聽
Tech that preserves languages and culturesMany forces in the modern world are squeezing out the use of traditional tongues. But apps such as Woolaroo may help to save them.
When science meets hopeJane Goodall acknowledges that the natural world is threatened by extinctions. But she鈥檚 energized by people everywhere taking action.
Say thanks to this pandemic-survival trendIn the U.S., the average well-being of individuals has risen, owing in part to a newfound appreciation for gratitude.聽
A tall hurdle for these OlympicsThe pandemic is only one of the Games鈥� problems. Strong suspicions of doping by athletes continue to demand solutions for fair competition.
A deluge of giving after China鈥檚 floodsMoney and volunteers flow into Henan province after historic floods, perhaps setting a high-water mark for Chinese charity.
Honesty pays off in MoldovaIn two elections, voters in the former Soviet state have been won over by a leader who sees the honesty in them as key to solving the country鈥檚 woes.
The other flood in Germany 鈥� generous volunteersWorldwide, the pandemic has not diminished volunteering. The response of Germans to severe floods shows why: Volunteering helps build trust and affection.
Is this the year of climate stewardship?A burst of diplomacy leading up to the next climate summit, especially by Europe, the US, and China, signals more cooperation to put goals into action. 聽聽
South Africans鈥� resilient response to riotsFaced with mass looting and violence for days, citizens step up to restore rule of law and to clean up their communities.
How voters shook up Europe鈥檚 most corrupt stateMass protests last year, then two elections and an assist from Washington, led to Bulgaria becoming a model for fighting corruption in Europe.
A higher law for a sea low on peaceMany nations with interests in the South China Sea are celebrating the anniversary of an international ruling that may have prevented war over competing claims in one of world鈥檚 most critical waterways.
This time, Cuba鈥檚 protests are life-affirmingA new song that substitutes life for death united the demonstrators, giving rise to unifying slogans on shared ideals.
Water jaw-jaw is better than water war-warWith Egypt and Ethiopia near blows over Nile waters, Jordan and Israel have set an example for water diplomacy in the region.
As Taliban advance, Afghan women hug their rightsMany take up arms, others aim for a cease-fire, while most long for freedoms already won.