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Freedom of expression and freedom of information aren’t just important for democracy, they’re also crucial to peace, economic growth and even food security. While the 20th century saw a worldwide expansion of free-speech protections, over the past decade, press freedom and human rights organisations have reported a troubling rise in governments cracking down on free speech, especially in areas related to digital communication. In this instalment of Aeon In Sight, Agnès Callamard, the director of Columbia University’s Global Freedom of Expression initiative, explains why free speech has been threatened by state-level responses to the rise of the internet and the international war on terror.
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Engineering
A close-up look at electronic paper reveals its exquisite patterns – and limitations
9 minutes
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Architecture
West Africa was once an architectural laboratory. Is it time for a revival?
12 minutes
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Work
A Swedish expat in the Philippines wonders: what’s up with people sleeping at work?
14 minutes
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Art
‘If you’re creative, why can’t you create a solution?’ One artist’s imaginative activism
17 minutes
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The ancient world
An ancient Roman’s hilarious (and perhaps relatable) response to a social snub
2 minutes
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Death
A hunter’s lyrical reflection on the humbling business of being mortal
6 minutes
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Rituals and celebrations
Meet the entrepreneur whose business is crafting perfect peak experiences
12 minutes
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Human rights and justice
A reporter orphaned by night raids in Afghanistan investigates their cruel legacy
17 minutes
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Work
Does capitalism make ‘non-playable characters’ of us all? An uncanny exploration
21 minutes