Medium Image
607
paged,wp-singular,page-template,page-template-blog-small-image,page-template-blog-small-image-php,page,page-id-607,page-child,parent-pageid-1815,paged-167,page-paged-167,wp-theme-bridge,wp-child-theme-WACC-bridge,bridge-core-3.3.5,qodef-qi--no-touch,qi-addons-for-elementor-1.11.2,qode-page-transition-enabled,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode-title-hidden,qode-smooth-scroll-enabled,qode-child-theme-ver-1.0.0,qode-theme-ver-30.9.1,qode-theme-bridge,qode_header_in_grid,qode-wpml-enabled,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-9.0.1,vc_responsive,elementor-default,elementor-kit-41156

One of the main sites of struggle for global civil society in 2020 will be digital platforms and social media. The authorities in several countries are finding ways to restrict and suppress democratic debate with legislation that casts a wide net around what is considered offensive or derogatory.

Growing tensions between the United States and Iran marked the first two weeks of 2020. News cycles have been dominated by coverage of the attack on the US embassy in Baghdad, the killing of a high-profile Iranian general, Iranian attacks on US military bases, and the horrific downing of a passenger airplane in Tehran, sparking fears that the conflict could ignite  another full-out war in the Middle East. The situation has also affected Iranian Americans,  many of whom have reported being questioned about their political views when entering or leaving the United States.