Politics

Two centuries since the days of indentured workers toiling away on sugar and rubber plantations, the agricultural sector in many parts of the developed world continues to rely on cheap migrant labour. Governments of destination states are increasingly turning to formalised temporary migration programmes (TMPs) as the cost-effective solution for labour shortages while avoiding the political minefield of expanding immigration pathways.

For that one dream, he fought, and gave his whole life, including 27 years in prison. This man is one of the greatest statesmen of the 20th century, Nelson Mandela. His phenomenal status arises from his huge successes in healing the nation's wounds and securing a mostly bloodshed-free end to the apartheid (an institutionalised system of subjugation launched in 1948 that restricted most rights and privileges to the white minority). Even after an extended stay of 27 years in

On 13 June 2025, the Israeli Defence Force launched a series of coordinated attacks against Iranian assets and military objectives under an operation codenamed Rising Lion. Although the operation’s stated primary target was Iran’s nuclear programme, the strikes hit conventional military sites as well as individual Iranian officials. Even as the Israel-Iran war escalates, questions of legality among other controversies regarding Israel’s conduct have arisen.

Not everyone is held accountable by the law. Even less by international criminal law. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is our modern-day Don Quixote. Idealism runs in its roots. A product of the global movement that has time and time again drawn criticisms for being ineffectual. And in a number of aspects, let us down.

Few in Manila on the morning of March 11 would have anticipated the events that were about to unfold later that day. Well, except those in the upper echelons of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s government. It seemed like a well-oiled operation planned in advance: as 16th President (2016-22) Rodrigo Duterte landed in the Filipino capital after a brief trip to Hong Kong, he was swiftly taken into custody.

Trump seems to liken trade to a game of poker – a zero-sum game. As trade can be win-win, or lose-lose as of late, that analogy fails to hold up. However, supposing it does hold up, America with its large stack would likely be a hybrid of “donkey” and “bully;” and although bullies are irksome, should Singapore play her cards right, she might just win the final laugh.

IT’S LIBERATION DAY IN AMERICA! Against all forms of conventional economic advice, Donald Trump doubles down on his signature policy move and has made good on threats to punish the world for what he views as unfair treatment of Americans. We have covered Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico in a previous Discuss Diglett article (partially rolled back since then). This time around, Trump has announced a 10% blanket hike on all exports to the US regardless of nation of orig