The Compass

The George Washington University’s

Undergraduate International Affairs Blog

Prarthana Shyam Prasad Prarthana Shyam Prasad

The Stories, Struggles, and Structures that Drive Resistance

Rebellion has long shaped human societies. Throughout history, individuals and groups have opposed institutions, regimes, leaders, and each other. The underlying motivations for rebellion and the factors that unite individuals in resistance remain subjects of scholarly inquiry. This article examines the primary motivations for rebellion and presents several prominent historical examples. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of understanding rebellion for contemporary global stability.

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Mahira Ahmed Mahira Ahmed

From Resistance to Revolution: Bangladesh’s Legacy Since 1971

Bangladesh’s history since independence in 1971 has changed the global sphere. United by one language, Bangla, Bangladesh serves as a story of a people’s self-determination, but also persistence of the long-term fight for democracy. Despite Sheikh Mujibur Rahman being revered as the “Father of Nation,” his enactment of a quota system became the trigger to a long standing struggle of human rights violations facilitated by his daughter, the longest serving Prime Minister in Bangladesh. From July to August 2024, the protests led by university students led a mass movement to dethrone an authoritarian government in favor of democracy and human rights.

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Daniel Catapang Daniel Catapang

From the People’s Power Revolution to Bong Bong Marcos: The Decline of Democracy in the Philippines

The People's Power Revolution against the rule of the dictator of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos that brought about the return to democracy in the Philippines occurred only a few decades ago. Following the strongman rule of President Rodrigo Duterte, Filipinos voted to elect President Ferdinand "Bong Bong" Marcos Jr. into the presidency in 2022. With Marcos' dictatorial pedigree and the dangerous precedents of Duterte, the future of Filipino democracy is gravely at risk and the potential for a new rise in authoritarianism in the Philippines is on the horizon.

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