Right Now’s Most Read Stories in 2020
By Angus SmithOur three most-read stories this year encapsulate the adage ‘the personal is political,’ exploring wider issues in the world through lived experiences. Look out for these writers in 2021.
Democracy
Politics and Teen Masculinity: A Review of Boys State
By Charmaine ManuelFilmmakers Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine reflect on the tensions arising from an atmosphere of budding masculinity and divisive politics in their 2020 documentary Boys State.
Incremental Changes
By Dave ClarkIn this moment of rising authoritarianism and political theatre, Dave Clark reminds us not to lose sight of the cumulative effects of small shifts and injustices.
Drop the Prosecutions: Statement on Bernard Collaery, Witness K
By Coalition of Supporters of Bernard Collaery and Witness KThe Coalition of Supporters of Bernard Collaery and Witness K are calling for the prosecutions to be dropped, issuing a statement signed by leading public figures.
City on Fire: a review
By Heath ChamerskiIn 2019, a leaderless protest movement may have changed Hong Kong forever. Antony Dapiran’s latest provides a detailed analysis of the movement and the city
Julian Assange’s extradition case has grave implications for all Australians
Sarah Jacob in conversation with Andrew WilkieThe Wikileaks founder’s extradition case could set a dangerous precedent that strengthens government overreach and limits freedom of the press.
From the ‘rule of law’ to ‘rule by fear’: Hong Kong’s National Security Law
By Eva PilsHong Kong’s new National Security Law must be understood as a transnational, as well as a local mechanism for repression.
Is Australia a safe haven for war criminals and torturers?
By Rawan ArrafThis month marked 22 years since the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court but Australia is still not living up to the promise of international justice.
The Senate inquiry into family violence has closed, missing an important opportunity
Australia has yet to grapple in a co-ordinated and meaningful way with the pervasiveness and severity of coercive control in the lives of abused Australian women.
Managing the Calculus: the story of an activist, academic and President Obama’s adviser on human rights
By Amy WaltersHow does one person make a difference? Samantha Power’s memoir shows how she balanced her activist nature with her work as presidential Cabinet official, along with the challenges she faced in developing her own idealism.
(Bracketed)
By Emma HartleyEmma Hartley argues that a democratic deficit at Australian universities is stalling progress on addressing systemic issues like sexual violence and placing the onus of action on students rather than administration.