Lebanon is facing a severe economic crisis in 2025, worsened by ongoing conflict and structural challenges. The war with Israel, which intensified in late 2024, has devastated key sectors. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that Lebanon's GDP could shrink by 9.2% if hostilities persist, thereby compounding the country's long-term vulnerabilities. Infrastructure damage is [...]
Lebanon’s municipal elections happened after a long war with Israel and ongoing attacks in the south. Even though Hezbollah lost some of its strength, it and its ally Amal still won many seats, demonstrating their strong support among Shia voters. Some reformist candidates won a few seats, but they faced numerous challenges, including limited funding, [...]
Poverty and limited opportunity, particularly in rural regions, are key drivers of the increase in sex work in Thailand. Most people, especially those from rural and developing areas, experience limited access to education, health care, and secure employment. With few practical options, sex work is a viable choice because it offers a relatively high and [...]
Laos is facing a severe debt crisis driven by excessive borrowing, mainly from China, for large infrastructure projects such as the Laos–China Railway and hydropower developments. Over five billion dollars in Chinese loans have led to overcapacity and financial losses, especially in the energy sector of the country. Weak governance, poor planning, declining revenues, and [...]
Indonesia's rupiah has hit record lows against the US dollar, echoing the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis. The currency's decline, which began before President Prabowo Subianto's October inauguration, has worsened by about 8% due to political and economic uncertainties in the country. Prabowo's controversial policies, such as weakening central bank independence and restricting foreign companies, have [...]
Economic hardships in Western Sahara are deeply tied to the ongoing conflict and territorial dispute. The region remains underdeveloped, and its economy is heavily dependent on the extractive industries, such as phosphates and fishing, which Morocco controls in the areas it occupies. The Sahrawi people, especially those in refugee camps, face severe economic challenges, including [...]
Laos is facing a severe economic crisis, with inflation reaching 31% in 2024, the highest in Asia. The inflation surge is largely due to a weakening kip currency and massive debt, primarily owed to China, for large infrastructure projects like hydropower dams and a high-speed rail line. The country’s debt stands at 108% of its [...]