Eurasia News

  C onstitutions are foundational documents that shape the political and legal structure of a nation. In democratic systems, they are intended to establish a clear separation of powers, protect individual rights, and ensure that governance is responsive to the needs of the people. However, leaders in countries like Venezuela, Russia, and Turkey have exploited constitutional amendments to centralize power, eroding democratic institutions. Indonesia faces similar risks with proposals like presidential term extensions and reintroducing state policy guidelines (PPHN), raising concerns over potential abuses of power. This article examines these issues through global comparisons and suggests reforms to safeguard democracy. Hence, the following lines are examining how the mechanism of constitutional amendments can be misused to consolidate power and undermine democratic norms, a phenomenon known as abusive constitutionalism. By analyzing cases from Turkey, Russia, Venezuela, and China, it...

  G eography, despite its various definitions, often manifests as a curse in international relations, creating obstacles that hinder the development of certain nations. These challenges stem from the geographical position of a country’s territory or its natural resources and can expose a state to security threats from both external and internal adversaries. In their pursuit of interests, neighbouring countries or global superpowers often adopt dangerous policies, disregarding international norms and the interests of others. The countries in such delicate environments find it extremely difficult to maintain independence, sovereignty, and sustainable development. Contemporary examples of the curse of geography in today’s world include the Turkish-Greek maritime border dispute, the conflict between Turkey and Cyprus over oil and gas exploitation in the Eastern Mediterranean, and Lebanon's position between two warring states, Syria and Israel. Geography’s curse extends to rivers, where...