On February 23, the United Nations Human Rights Council opens its 61st regular session in Geneva. By February 20, much of the diplomatic positioning has already taken place. The Council is often portrayed either as symbolic theater or as moral authority. In reality, it is a negotiation arena. States defend policies, civil society groups document abuses, and resolutions are drafted with language that can echo for years. What happens in Geneva does not automatically transform c

As the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics approach their closing ceremony on February 22, the narrative is predictable. Medal counts rise. National pride intensifies. Host cities celebrate smooth execution. Italy has already recorded one of its strongest medal performances in Winter Games history. That achievement deserves recognition. But mega events like the Olympics are never only about sport. They are also tests of governance. Hosting the Games requires enormous coordination