/ ˈkɒŋ.ɡres əv ˈdep.jʊ.tiːz / institution / RE: DEMOCRACY, GOVERNANCE, INSTITUTIONS, LEGISLATURE, SPAIN The Congress of Deputies ( Spanish: Congreso de los Diputados ) is the lower house of Spain’s national Parliament, called the Cortes Generales. It is the main place where national laws are discussed and decided, where the government is held to account, and where the country’s budget is approved. The Congress also chooses the Prime Minister. There are 350 members (called deputies) in the Congress. They are elected every four years through proportional representation – a voting system where parties win seats based on the percentage of votes they receive. For example, if a party wins 20% of the vote, it gets about 20% of the seats. The Congress has more power than Spain’s Senate (the upper house). It can approve laws, make changes to national policy, and overrule most Senate decisions. Based in Madrid, the Congress of Deputies is a key part of Spain’s democracy and represents many different political views from across the country. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ kəˈtɑːn.dʒi ˈbraʊn ˈdʒæk.sən / figure / RE: EQUALITY, JUSTICE, LAW, SUPREME COURT, UNITED STATES Ketanji Brown Jackson is an American lawyer and judge who made history in 2022 when she became the first Black woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court, the highest court in the country. Appointed by President Joe Biden, her confirmation was widely seen as a major milestone for representation in the American legal system. Before joining the Supreme Court, Jackson served as a federal judge and also worked as a public defender—a rare background for a Supreme Court justice. She is known for her clear legal reasoning, deep understanding of constitutional law, and commitment to justice and fairness. Her appointment has been celebrated as a significant step forward for diversity in the U.S. judiciary and a moment of progress for historically underrepresented communities in law and politics. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˌkæp.ɪ.təl ˈhɪl / administration / RE: CONGRESS, GOVERNMENT, LAWMAKING, POLITICS, UNITED STATES When people refer to “Capitol Hill,” they’re often talking about the lawmakers, staffers, lobbyists, and institutions involved in shaping U.S. laws and policies. The Capitol refers to the building in Washington, D.C., housing both chambers of Congress - the Senate and the House of Representatives - and is the centre of legislative activity in the U.S. federal government. The Capitol is not just a physical space but a powerful symbol of American democracy, representing lawmaking, checks and balances, and the division of powers. Over time, the term has come to represent the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government and the wider political culture that surrounds it. Major national events such as presidential inaugurations, State of the Union addresses, and political protests often take place on or around Capitol Hill. Although "capitol" (with an 'o') refers specifically to government buildings, it is often confused with "capital" (with an 'a'), which refers to a city. In this context, Capitol Hill refers more broadly to the culture, institutions, and power structures that shape U.S. federal politics. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ bʌs ˈbɔɪ.kɒt / movement / RE: CIVIL LIBERTIES, HUMAN RIGHTS, POLITICS, PROTEST, RACE A bus boycott is a form of protest where people refuse to use public buses to stand against unfair treatment, usually linked to racism, segregation, or inequality. By withdrawing their money and presence, communities use economic pressure to demand change from transport systems or governments. One of the most famous examples is the Montgomery Bus Boycott in the United States in 1955, sparked by Rosa Parks' arrest for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger. The boycott lasted over a year and became a powerful moment in the civil rights movement, showing how everyday people could challenge unjust systems through collective action. Bus boycotts have since become a symbol of peaceful resistance and grassroots organising. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈbrɔːd.ʃiːt / terminology / RE: JOURNALISM, MEDIA, NEWS, REPORTING A broadsheet is a type of newspaper traditionally printed on large-format pages and known for serious, in-depth journalism. Broadsheets typically focus on national and international news, politics, economics, and cultural analysis, rather than celebrity stories or sensational headlines. Unlike tabloids, which tend to use more visual layouts and shorter articles, broadsheets are valued for their editorial depth and formal tone. Today, many broadsheets have adopted smaller formats, but the term still refers to their style of journalism. Examples of broadsheet newspapers include The New York Times (US), The Guardian (UK), Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (Germany), and Le Monde (France). | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈblʌd ˌdaɪə.mənd / terminology / RE: CONFLICT, ETHICS, HUMAN RIGHTS, TRADE, VIOLENCE A blood diamond is a diamond that has been mined in an area controlled by armed groups and sold to fund violence, war, or rebel movements. These diamonds are often linked to severe human rights abuses, including forced labour, child exploitation, and the destruction of communities in conflict zones. The people who mine them usually work in dangerous and exploitative conditions, receiving little or no pay. The term became widely known during brutal civil wars in countries like Sierra Leone and Angola, where diamonds were used to buy weapons and fuel prolonged fighting. Blood diamonds highlight the dark side of the global jewellery industry—where a product often associated with luxury and love may carry a hidden cost of suffering and violence. This issue sparked global awareness and calls for more ethical sourcing of gemstones. Today, "blood diamond" remains a powerful reminder of how consumer goods can be linked to conflict, and why transparency in global supply chains is so important. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ blæk laɪvz ˈmæt.ər / movement / RE: ACTIVISM, EQUALITY, HUMAN RIGHTS, PROTEST, RACE Black Lives Matter (BLM) is a social and political movement that began in the United States in 2013, following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed Black teenager. It gained global attention in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis, sparking protests around the world. The movement campaigns against police brutality, systemic racism, and racial inequality, especially affecting Black communities. While rooted in the U.S., it has inspired global conversations and actions around racial justice, including in the UK, South Africa, Brazil, and many European countries. Black Lives Matter operates through both organised chapters and grassroots activism, using protests, social media, and community organising to push for policy change and public accountability. It has become a symbol of resistance, solidarity, and the ongoing fight for human rights and dignity. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈbiː kɔːp / industry / RE: BUSINESS, ETHICS, SOCIAL IMPACT, SUSTAINABILITY, UNITED STATES A B Corp (short for Benefit Corporation) is a US-based certification given to businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental responsibility, transparency, and ethical governance. Certification is managed by the non-profit organisation B Lab, which assesses how companies treat workers, manage their supply chains, reduce their environmental impact, and serve the wider community. Unlike traditional companies that focus mainly on profits, B Corps are committed to balancing profit with purpose. They must legally consider the impact of their decisions on people, planet, and shareholders, not just financial gain. The B Corp community includes a growing number of international organisations working in development, sustainability, and human rights. Examples include The Big Issue Group in the UK, Patagonia in the US, and Ben and Jerry's – known for it's tongue in cheek activism. Certification must be renewed every few years, encouraging continued improvement and accountability. B Corp status is now recognised in over 90 countries, helping show that businesses can be a force for good in both local communities and the global economy. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈnɪm.bi.ɪ.zəm / terminology / RE: COMMUNITIES, HOUSING, INFRASTRUCTURE, URBAN PLANNING 'NIMBYism' comes from the phrase "Not In My Back Yard" (NIMBY). It describes opposition to developments like housing, wind farms, shelters, or factories when they’re planned close to where someone lives. People may agree such projects are needed, but still resist them in their own area due to concerns about noise, traffic, safety, or property values. Nimbyism is common in urban planning and infrastructure projects. While it can reflect valid community concerns, it can also slow progress on essential developments like affordable housing, clean energy, or public health services. In international and policy contexts, it’s used to describe a broader tension between public good and personal comfort. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˌbaɪ.əʊ.daɪˈvɜː.sə.ti / terminology / RE: ANIMALS, CONSERVATION, ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including all plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they form. It covers everything from the tiniest insect to the largest rainforest, and even the genetic differences within a single species. Biodiversity helps keep natural systems balanced and resilient, supporting everything from clean air and water to food production and climate stability. When biodiversity is healthy, ecosystems are more able to recover from damage and adapt to change. But biodiversity is under serious threat due to human activity - like deforestation, pollution, climate change, and overfishing. Protecting biodiversity isn’t just about saving rare animals, it’s about maintaining the life systems we all depend on. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˌsɪv.əl ˈraɪts ˌmuːv.mənt / movement / RE: ACTIVISM, AMERICA, EQUALITY, HISTORY, JUSTICE, RACE The civil rights movement was a major social and political campaign in the United States, mainly during the 1950s and 1960s, that fought to end racial segregation and discrimination, especially against Black Americans. It aimed to secure equal rights under the law, including fair access to voting, education, housing, and public services. The movement used non-violent protest, civil disobedience, legal action, and community organising to challenge deeply rooted systems of racism and injustice. It was led by a wide range of individuals and groups, from nationally recognised figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X, to countless local activists, students, and faith leaders. Key moments include the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and the Selma to Montgomery marches. The movement led to historic laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and it continues to influence global struggles for racial justice, equity, and human rights today. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈbel.dʒəm / country / RE: DEMOCRACY, EUROPE, GEOPOLITICS, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Belgium is a country in Western Europe, bordered by France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Its capital is Brussels, which also serves as the main headquarters of the European Union and NATO, making Belgium a central player in international diplomacy. Belgium is known for its three official languages—Dutch, French, and German—and its complex political system that gives power to regional governments. This setup reflects the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity, especially between Flanders in the north and Wallonia in the south. Despite its small size, Belgium has a strong economy based on trade, services, and high-quality manufacturing. It is also recognised for its chocolate, waffles, and beer, as well as its historic cities and contributions to European politics and law. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˌɪn.təˈnæʃ.ən.əl ˈleɪ.bər ˌɔː.ɡə.naɪˈzeɪ.ʃən / institution / RE: EMPLOYMENT, HUMAN RIGHTS, LABOUR, UNITED NATIONS The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a United Nations agency that sets international standards for workers’ rights. It brings together governments, employers, and trade unions to improve working conditions, promote decent jobs, and support social justice around the world. Founded in 1919, the ILO focuses on issues like fair wages, workplace safety, child labour, forced labour, gender equality, and social protection. It creates conventions and recommendations that countries can adopt into their laws and policies, shaping how labour is treated globally. The ILO is unique because it works through a tripartite system – meaning governments, employers, and workers all have an equal voice in shaping decisions. Its goal is to ensure that economic progress does not come at the expense of people’s rights or dignity. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈbaɪ.sɪ.kəlˈθiːəriː / theory / RE: CHANGE, POLITICAL THEORY, SOCIETY Bicycle Theory is a political idea that compares activism or political movements to riding a bicycle - you have to keep moving forward, or you’ll fall over. The theory suggests that constant progress, momentum, and action are essential for a movement to survive and grow. If the effort slows down too much or becomes stagnant, the movement risks losing energy, support, and purpose. This concept is often used in the context of grassroots organising, campaigning, or social change work. It encourages people to stay active, adapt, and keep pushing for progress—even in the face of setbacks. Just like riding a bike, balance and direction come from movement. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈjuː.njən / terminology / RE: EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR, ORGANISING, RIGHTS, WORKERS A union is an organised group of workers who join together to represent their shared interests. Unions advocate for better pay, fair working conditions, job security, and protections against unfair treatment. They negotiate with employers through a process called collective bargaining and can take action—such as strikes—if agreements aren't reached. Unions can also influence public policy, support social movements, and help ensure that economic growth includes fairness and dignity for workers at all levels. Unions have played a major role in shaping labour laws, health and safety standards, and workplace rights around the world. They are especially important in industries where workers may have little individual power to challenge poor conditions. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈtɜː.ki / country / RE: DEMOCRACY, DIPLOMACY, EURASIA, GEOPOLITICS Turkey is a transcontinental country located mainly in Asia, with a smaller portion in Europe, making it a bridge between East and West. It shares borders with countries including Greece, Syria, Iraq, and Iran, and is surrounded by the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Seas. Its capital is Ankara, and its largest city is Istanbul. Turkey has long been strategically important due to its location, military strength, and control of key trade routes such as the Bosphorus Strait. It is a member of NATO and plays a complex role in regional diplomacy, energy networks, and global migration policy. It also has a long-standing but stalled bid to join the European Union. Since becoming a republic in 1923, Turkey has made various efforts to build a modern, secular democracy—introducing multiparty elections, expanding civil rights, and reforming institutions. However, its democratic progress has been uneven. In recent years, critics have raised concerns about press freedom, judicial independence, and the concentration of political power, especially following the 2016 attempted coup and subsequent constitutional changes that expanded presidential authority. Turkey remains an influential and closely watched player in both regional and international politics, balancing its ambitions for growth and global presence with ongoing internal and external tensions. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ zuːˈɒl.ə.dʒi / study / RE: ANIMALS, BIOLOGY, BIODIVERSITY, CONSERVATION, SCIENCE Zoology is the branch of biology that focuses on the study of animals. It looks at how animals live, behave, grow, reproduce, and interact with their environments. Zoologists study everything from the anatomy and genetics of individual species to the roles animals play in ecosystems. This field helps us understand biodiversity, evolution, and the impact of climate change or human activity on animal populations. Zoology also contributes to conservation, medicine, agriculture, and environmental policy. Whether examining wildlife in the field or cells in a lab, zoology connects science with efforts to protect the planet’s living creatures. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈken.jə / country / RE: AFRICA, DEMOCRACY, DEVELOPMENT, ECONOMY, GEOPOLITICS Kenya is a country in East Africa, bordered by countries including Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, and Somalia, with a coastline along the Indian Ocean. Its capital city is Nairobi, a major hub for finance, technology, and international diplomacy in the region. Kenya is one of Africa’s most dynamic economies, with key industries such as agriculture, tourism, technology, and services. It is known for its rich biodiversity - home to national parks, the Great Rift Valley, and world-famous wildlife - and for being a leader in digital innovation, particularly through mobile money platforms like M-Pesa. Politically, Kenya is a multi-party democracy with a history of both progress and challenges. The country holds regular elections, and while democratic institutions have strengthened over time, there have also been concerns around electoral violence, corruption, and inequality. Kenya plays a leading role in regional peacekeeping, trade, and climate resilience efforts across East Africa. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈnɒ.lɪdʒ;ˌtræns.fər / terminology / RE: CAPACITY BUILDING, COOPERATION, DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION Knowledge transfer is the process of passing useful information, skills, or technology from one person, organisation, or country to another. In international development, it often means experts or trained professionals helping others learn how to do something, like using new farming tools, setting up health systems, or improving public services. This can happen through training sessions, workshops, mentorship, or long-term partnerships. The goal is to share what works, so that local communities or governments can build their own solutions and become more self-reliant over time. Good knowledge transfer is practical, respectful, and focused on helping people apply what they’ve learned. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ faɪˈnæn.ʃəl;ɪnˈkluː.ʒən / terminology / RE: DEVELOPMENT, ECONOMICS, EQUALITY, FINANCE Financial inclusion means making sure that individuals and businesses - especially those in low-income or marginalised communities - have access to useful and affordable financial services. This includes things like bank accounts, loans, insurance, mobile money, and savings tools that are delivered in a safe and responsible way. When people are financially included, they are better able to manage money, build assets, handle emergencies, and invest in their futures. It also supports wider economic development by encouraging entrepreneurship and reducing poverty. Financial inclusion is especially important in regions where large parts of the population are unbanked or rely on informal financial systems. Governments, NGOs, and financial institutions often work together to expand financial inclusion by using technology, improving regulation, and designing services that meet the needs of underserved communities. | Back to the Encyclopedia