Graphic Truth: Catching the Independence Wave

Over the past 250 years, there have been several major waves of independence: the revolutions of European colonies in the Americas in the 18th-19th centuries, the creation of independent states out of the defunct Habsburg, Ottoman, and Russian empires after World War I, the end of European colonialism in Africa and Asia after World War II, and, finally, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. In honor of US Independence Day, here's an animated GIF that illustrates the historic sweep of the founding dates that countries around the world celebrate today.

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Ukraine has launched US-made long-range missiles into Russia for the first time. Will this change the course of the war? How likely will Trump be able to carry out mass deportations when he's in office? Will there be political fallout from Hong Kong's decision to jail pro-democracy activists? Ian Bremmer shares his insights on global politics this week on World In :60.

A man rushes past members of security forces during clashes between gangs and security forces, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti November 11, 2024.
REUTERS/Marckinson Pierre

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People hold signs reading "Trump, we will not pay for the wall" and "Trump, stop the mass deportations" near the border fence between Mexico and the U.S., in Tijuana, Mexico March 13, 2018.
REUTERS/Edgard Garrido

Donald Trump responded “TRUE!!!” to a post on Monday predicting that he would declare illegal immigration a national emergency in order to deploy the military to deport migrants.

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting on the situation in Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk regions following an incursion of Ukrainian troops, in August 2024.
Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via REUTERS

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Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump dances accompanied by Melania Trump, after speaking following early results from the 2024 U.S. presidential election in Palm Beach County Convention Center, in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., November 6, 2024.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a ceremony for military combat officers at an army base near Mitzpe Ramon, Israel, October 31, 2024.
REUTERS/Amir Cohen

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Microsoft’s latest Impact Summary highlights the influence of AI and how it’s shaping key initiatives like bridging the digital skills gap, promoting responsible AI, and advancing sustainability.In the past year, AI has tackled some of the world's toughest problems, from monitoring the Amazon rainforest to providing diagnostic tools in remote areas. Ultimately, AI has the potential to bring education, healthcare, and opportunity to everyone, everywhere. Read the full report outlining Microsoft’s efforts, progress, and outcomes over the last year.