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- Bolivia's ruling party collapses
Bolivia's ruling party collapses
and the country shifts to the right as MAS's 20-year rule comes to an end.
Nathaniel Nepomuceno
August 22, 2025
🌍 Welcome to this week’s Unwestern!
Bolivia’s election takes a surprising turn. Belarus’s opposition is split on negotiating with a dictator. Peace talks in Congo stall out. Lebanon takes a bold step in disarming armed groups. And Myanmar sets an election date even as civil war burns.
It takes us about 5 hours each week to put this together—so if you could forward it to that one friend you spiral with over geopolitics, Nathaniel will love you forever.
Last updated on August 21st, 2025 at 23:14 UTC-5
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Latin America & the Caribbean
Bolivia’s election marks the end of an era.
On August 17th, Bolivians voted for president, VP, and all seats of the legislature. It resulted in a devastating defeat for the ruling Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) party, who has dominated for 2 decades. Now, its presidential candidate won just 3% and MAS will lose its majorities in both houses. But, Bolivia’s presidential race is heading for a runoff after centrist Paz took 32% of the vote, while former conservative President Quiroga won 27%. They’ll face off on October 19. The outcome could reshape Bolivia’s political course in a region already rocked by shifting populist tides.
Two attacks rock Colombia in hours. A military helicopter was shot down and a base bombed, killing soldiers in strikes blamed on FARC dissidents.
Mexico’s president hails major poverty reduction of 26% from 2018 to 2024. Claudia Sheinbaum says social programs helped drive the drop, though inequality persists.
Eastern Europe
“I'd talk to the Devil himself”
Exiled Belarusian opposition leaders are bitterly divided on whether to reopen dialogue with President Alexander Lukashenko to secure the release of political prisoners. Some call it an unforgivable compromise with a dictator, while others argue that saving lives must come before principle. The debate reveals the fractures in Belarus’s democratic movement — and Lukashenko’s ability to outlast years of protests, sanctions, and isolation.
Russia’s economy feels the strain. Inflation and shrinking reserves are testing Moscow’s ability to sustain its war effort.
Drone crash in Poland linked to Belarus. Investigators say it likely originated from across the border, raising security concerns.
Africa
M23-DRC peace talks collapse in Doha
Negotiations between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group collapsed this week, with both sides trading blame. Hopes had been high that Qatar’s mediation could end years of fighting in eastern Congo. Instead, the stalemate risks prolonging displacement and humanitarian crises in a region already scarred by decades of war.
Blind Tanzanian activist champions disability rights. Fatuma Saidi Majogo is pushing for healthcare and opportunities after her own fight for sight.
Africa demands a new map. The AU wants global maps redrawn to reflect the continent’s true size, correcting colonial-era distortions.
Middle East
Lebanon begins disarming Palestinian groups in refugee camps
For the first time in decades, Lebanon has launched a process to disarm Palestinian factions operating inside its refugee camps. Authorities say it’s a step toward sovereignty and stability after repeated clashes earlier this year. But the move risks sparking resistance from groups who see weapons as their only defense. The outcome could reshape power dynamics in Lebanon’s fragile sectarian landscape.
Iran’s Larijani returns as security tsar. His comeback signals pragmatism and potential support for a nuclear deal.
Israel approves new settlement plan. Critics warn it would bisect the occupied West Bank, eroding hopes for a Palestinian state.
Asia & the Pacific
Myanmar’s junta sets December election despite raging war
The military regime in Myanmar announced it will hold elections on December 28, even as fighting with ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy militias intensifies. Critics say the polls are a façade designed to legitimize military rule while silencing opposition. With much of the opposition jailed, exiled, or banned, many expect the election to cement — not challenge — the junta’s grip.
Seoul rolls out hologram police - and it’s working?? A virtual “officer’s” patrol has led the reduction of crimes by 22%.
Ex-PM Thaksin faces royal insult verdict in Thailand. The ruling could reshape the country’s already fragile political landscape.
Good News Around the World
10-year-old girl beats chess grandmaster. Her win over a 60-year-old veteran has the chess world buzzing.
Cancer drug crystals made in space. A startup showed how zero gravity could transform medicine production.
Oil spills down 97% since the 1970s. Tougher rules and better tech have cut tanker leaks dramatically.
That’s your global recap for the week!
Stay curious, stay informed, and catch you in the next issue of The Unwestern.
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