Vivian Yao
Bio
News, economy, history, politics, and much more...
Stories (63/0)
Unraveling the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: Decades of Discord and a Fraught Ceasefire
On September 27th, explosions rocked Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous region nestled between Armenia and Azerbaijan, reigniting a longstanding and bitter dispute that has simmered for nearly 30 years. Officially recognized as part of Azerbaijan but occupied by Armenia following a brutal war, Nagorno-Karabakh has been a flashpoint in the South Caucasus, marred by territorial claims and ethnic tensions. While occasional skirmishes had erupted over the years, the events of 2020 took a different, and more devastating turn.
By Vivian Yao9 months ago in History
Lebanon: A Nation on the Brink
Introduction On August 4th, a massive explosion rocked Beirut, Lebanon, leaving behind a trail of devastation that shocked the world. This explosion, which occurred in a warehouse at the city's port, was caused by the ignition of 2,700 metric tons of ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive material that had been stored there for years. The blast flattened the port area, leaving nearly 200 people dead and thousands injured. Beyond the immediate human tragedy, the explosion exposed the dire state of Lebanon—a nation already grappling with economic turmoil, political corruption, and social unrest.
By Vivian Yao9 months ago in Journal
Brewing Trouble: How Climate Change Threatens the Global Coffee Industry
Introduction Coffee, one of the world's most beloved beverages, has a rich history and a complex journey from bean to cup. It takes 3-4 years for coffee plants to grow before they bear the precious berries that are picked, washed, pulped, dried, and roasted to create that familiar brew. Globally, we consume a staggering 500 billion cups of coffee each year, sourced from millions of farmers across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. However, a looming crisis is threatening the coffee industry's future, driven by the adverse impacts of man-made climate change.
By Vivian Yao9 months ago in Journal
Jakarta's Sinking Nightmare: Groundwater Pumping and a Colonial Legacy
Jakarta, the sprawling capital city of Indonesia, is facing an unprecedented and alarming crisis – it's sinking. While coastal cities around the world are grappling with rising sea levels due to climate change, Jakarta's predicament is unique. This sinking phenomenon has been unfolding for decades, putting the lives and livelihoods of millions of people at risk.
By Vivian Yao9 months ago in Chapters
Fruit Trade Disruption: How Taiwan's Farmers Became Pawns in Geopolitical Tensions
In the heart of Taiwan's lush countryside, farmers like Hsieh have been cultivating atemoya, a variety of custard apple, for years. Atemoya is a beloved tropical fruit and a major export of Taiwan, with about 90% of its yield making its way to China. However, in September 2021, China suddenly imposed a ban on all atemoya imports from Taiwan, citing concerns about pests.
By Vivian Yao9 months ago in Journal
Egypt's New Capital: A Mirage of Solutions for Cairo's Overpopulation Crisis
Introduction Cairo, Egypt's bustling capital, has long been a city of historical significance and cultural richness. Yet, for decades, it has struggled with overwhelming population density and inadequate living conditions. The Egyptian government, led by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, introduced a bold solution in 2015: the construction of a New Administrative Capital located in the desert, approximately 50 kilometers from Cairo. The government contends that this new city will alleviate Cairo's overpopulation crisis. However, the roots of Cairo's congestion run deep, and the government's decision to build a new capital raises questions about its true intentions.
By Vivian Yao9 months ago in Journal
The Commonwealth in Transition: From Empire to a Global Partnership
On November 30th, 2021, a significant chapter in history was written as Barbados officially declared itself a parliamentary republic. The lowering of the queen's flag marked the end of a more than 350-year-old colonial relationship with the British monarchy. However, amidst this monumental shift, the Commonwealth of Nations, a vestige of the British Empire, continued to play a pivotal role. This article aims to explore the evolution of the British Empire, the birth of the Commonwealth, and the complex relationship between the monarch and the nations that make up this diverse organization.
By Vivian Yao9 months ago in History
Pakistan's Water Crisis: A Legacy of Engineering Beyond Limits
Pakistan's Indus River Basin, a region of vast farmland and intricate water infrastructure, stands as a testament to mankind's engineering prowess. However, this impressive feat of reimagining the landscape has given birth to a multitude of problems, including water scarcity and devastating floods. This article delves into the historical transformation of the Indus River Basin, from its pre-colonial days to its current state of crisis, shedding light on the consequences of overengineering a once-natural system.
By Vivian Yao9 months ago in Earth
The Cost of Glittering Stadiums: Qatar's Dark Side Revealed as the FIFA World Cup Approaches
As the world celebrates the FIFA World Cup final once in four years, the most recent World Cup that took place at Qatar's grand Lusail Stadium, has more to the story than the gleaming architecture and colossal infrastructure. Behind the scenes of this global spectacle lies a troubling tale of exploitation and abuse, shedding light on the stark realities faced by migrant workers who toiled to transform Qatar into a host for one of the world's most prestigious sporting events.
By Vivian Yao9 months ago in Journal
The Nakba of 1948: Unveiling a Hidden History of Pain and Loss
In the shadows of history, obscured by the passage of time and overshadowed by political narratives, lies a tale of pain and suffering that still resonates today. It is a story of a people who saw their lives irrevocably changed, a story etched in the annals of a small village known as Deir Yassin. This is the Nakba of 1948, a chapter in history that the world must not forget.
By Vivian Yao9 months ago in History
The Global Chip Battle: China's Quest for Technological Dominance Sparks U.S. Security Concerns
In the high-stakes world of semiconductor technology, a battle is raging between two global giants: China and the United States. This clash isn't about market share or trade tariffs; it's a conflict deeply rooted in national security concerns. To understand how these two superpowers became entangled in a modern Cold War over computer chips, we need to delve into the history and the complex web of dependencies that define the semiconductor industry.
By Vivian Yao9 months ago in Journal
The Dominican Republic's Baseball Legacy: From Sugar Mills to the MLB
Introduction The Houston Astros' triumphant 2022 World Series win showcased their baseball prowess, but behind their victory lies a captivating story of global talent. More than half of the players on the championship team hail from countries outside the United States, with an astounding 13 players from Latin America. Among these, the Dominican Republic stands out as a baseball powerhouse, contributing six players to the victorious Astros. This success reflects a broader trend, as Dominican players have become a dominant force in Major League Baseball (MLB), comprising over 10% of all foreign-born players. This article delves into the unique relationship between the Dominican Republic and baseball, exploring the origins of this passion, the journey to MLB, and the economic impact on both nations.
By Vivian Yao9 months ago in Journal