Articles by Vanessa Baird

As the New Internationalist embarks on its great, democratic, community shares experiment, Vanessa Baird explores the contradictions of today’s media landscape.

One of the richest universities in the world, Oxford University, is using a quick, brutal legal tool to evict homeless people. Vanessa Baird reports.

Courage can change the world. Vanessa Baird delves into what makes some people exceptionally brave.

Are we too scared to use the f-word? asks Vanessa Baird.

Vanessa Baird reports on how a disused garage near her Oxford home has become a beacon of hope.

Rupert Murdoch is only part of the problem. Vanessa Baird reports from the Media Democracy Festival in London.

The world has lost a great internationalist, writes Vanessa Baird.

Vanessa Baird reviews a gripping new documentary from Peru which has global implications.

The politicians tasked to execute Brexit are clueless. Luckily, others are thinking about what to do next, Vanessa Baird writes.

Vanessa Baird reports on new citizen initiatives calling for honesty in politics.

Take the finger off the self-destruct button, say protesters. Will it work? asks Vanessa Baird.

Does it matter that these titans are so successful? Vanessa Baird examines what their domination means for all of us.

We can unite on this – Remainers and many Leavers too – suggests Vanessa Baird.

Britain’s EU referendum has unleashed a complex set of crises and challenges. Vanessa Baird tries to look ahead.

Farewell cosmopolitan Britain – hail mean, delusional little England. Vanessa Baird responds to the referendum result.

As voters gear up to decide this week whether Britain should stay in or leave the European Union, Vanessa Baird makes a case for fear – and political realism.

NI editor Vanessa Baird responds to questions on Twitter about her latest magazine ‘Blood brothers’.

Its not just for show, as the bombing of Yemen illustrates, writes Vanessa Baird.

Vanessa Baird takes a look at this ‘special relationship’.

British politicians will decide this week whether to extend airstrikes against Islamic State into Syria. Vanessa Baird on why they should vote ‘no’.

To tackle Islamic State’s terrorism we must stand in solidarity with its mainly Muslim victims, argues Vanessa Baird.

In this video, New Internationalist co-editor Vanessa Baird introduces our October magazine looking at the transgender revolution.

It’s about basic human rights – and relinquishing fixed ideas that are doing harm, argues Vanessa Baird.

Compassion for refugees is spreading across Europe. Could it lead to a saner ‘open borders’ policy? asks Vanessa Baird.

Vanessa Baird tries to think positively about the UK election results…

Vanessa Baird remembers a remarkable and utterly original beacon of the Latin American Left.

Around the world, people are mobilizing against biotech bullies.

Monsanto has a mission. But where will it lead the rest of us? Vanessa Baird begins this month’s investigation into one of the world’s most powerful and hated corporations.

A campaign to clean up the media and restrict ownership is gathering momentum. Rupert Murdoch won’t like it, writes Vanessa Baird. 

What is Iran doing – trying to force women to have children? asks Vanessa Baird.

This week’s announcement by Obama and Castro is momentous. But getting rid of the embargo is unlikely to be swift or easy, writes Vanessa Baird.

The communist island is opening up for business. Vanessa Baird begins an investigation into what’s going on - and what it means.

In the shadow of the US embargo, Cuba is building a gigantic port and free trade zone. Vanessa Baird looks into the issue.

Cuba is inching towards a free media and political choice - or is it? Vanessa Baird takes a closer look.

Vanessa Baird captures a country in cautious transition.

There’s something in the air. Vanessa Baird dares to hope that growing mass action on energy might make a difference

Amnesia rules as the war to ‘ultimately destroy’ Islamic State begins. Vanessa Baird seeks alternatives.

Top novelist Leonardo Padura talks with Vanessa Baird on why his books disappear in Cuba, and his hopes and fears for the country’s future.

The US supreme court’s decision to back vulture funds could damage all indebted economies. Vanessa Baird reports.

The fight against cuts gears up for a summer of resistance. Vanessa Baird reports from London.

Dog-whistle populism may be more toxic and enduring than we think, writes Vanessa Baird in the aftermath of the European Parliament elections.

Have you got what it takes? It’s not for the fainthearted…

Admired by the public, reviled by those in power, whistleblowers are on the frontline of democracy. But need they be martyrs? Vanessa Baird asks.

Rita Banerji on girl-hating sex selection, rape and the chances of a ‘true feminist revolution for India’.

Survivors of forced sterilization in Peru are using mobile phones to speak out.

Members of Peru’s armed forces have still not been brought to justice for the atrocities they committed during the country’s civil war, reports Vanessa Baird.

Women in Peru are using mobile phones and an Inca communication system to tell their stories, writes Vanessa Baird.  

Vanessa Baird ponders the tactics needed to resist austerity. 

Vanessa Baird reports on the scandal of sex selection and what it is doing to women - and the world.

How South Korea sorted out its sex ratio.

Vanessa Baird reports from Manchester, where 50,000 hit the streets in a bid to save the National Health Service from those determined to kill it.

Is this the beginning of the end for the world’s deadly and ill-conceived ‘war on drugs’? asks Vanessa Baird.

Red faces for pundits as maverick economics trumps – again. Vanessa Baird reflects.

Is this the turning point, when British people find the courage, power and unity to say ‘no’? Vanessa Baird on the People’s Assembly.

Activist Lohana Berkins explains how Argentina is pioneering transgender rights.

Argentina is not in the habit of being cowed by international pressure and financial big-hitters – or by proponents of austerity. Vanessa Baird reports.

Stormy times ahead in the world’s eighth largest country. Are there lessons to be learned? asks Vanessa Baird.

Asks Vanessa Baird as a shocking new survey is published to mark the International Day Against Homophobia.

Vanessa Baird tunes in to some rumblings in the Southern Cone.

A violent mugging in Montevideo brings New Internationalist editor Vanessa Baird face to face with the greater crime of health inequality.

Writing from Argentina, Vanessa Baird finds little enthusiasm for the President’s renewed Malvinas campaign.

The super rich are gaining from the economic crisis while the poor get the blame – what can be done to stop them?

The benefit cap is another example of how we are letting the feral rich destroy society says Vanessa Baird.

How do they get away with it? Vanessa Baird investigates.

A meeting in London this weekend looks at what it does for Peru’s poor.

The demand for illegal drugs is solid and the trade in them resilient - despite expensive and punitive attempts to stop it.

NI editor Vanessa Baird looks at the many reasons why this is the only option that makes sense.

Vanessa Baird explains why legalizing drugs could save lives and money around the world.

Vanessa Baird argues the ex-Barclays boss is being used to divert attention from the real problem: the relationship between finance and politics.

Vanessa Baird ponders the treatment of a whistleblower on the eve of the Rio+20 Earth Summit.

New Internationalist will soon be tackling the thorny issue of drug legalization and we want your questions and comments on how it could be done. 

Vanessa Baird reports on a new campaign pressing for tighter monitoring of unscrupulous mining companies.

Both inequality and economic instability are growing. How deep does the connection go? wonders Vanessa Baird.

Here’s how to get from where we are to where we want to be…

Look out for Occupy 2.0! Vanessa Baird on a movement that won’t lie down and die 

We watched, we read, we listened: New Internationalist’s favourite films, books and music from last year.

New Internationalist editor Vanessa Baird dissects the financial crisis at Occupy London’s Tent City University.

Respect for indigenous rights leads to company pull-out on controversial dam project in Peru, reports Vanessa Baird.

Vanessa Baird on why, when it comes to human numbers, nothing sells like fear.

Radio 5 Live: Vanessa Baird talks about what’s behind the panic as World Population hits 7 billion.

The world’s population is about to hit seven billion - should we panic?

Divide-and-rule doesn’t wash as popular resistance to austerity grows, writes Vanessa Baird.

The scale of indigenous-led protests against mining in southern Peru took most by surprise. Vanessa Baird on what led to such flare-ups.

From Canada to Congo, from India to Australia, indigenous communities are fighting for their lives and livelihoods.

Vanessa Baird discovers why the Asháninka people of the River Ene are taking a hard line against dam builders – and others.

An interview with Vanessa Baird, author of our October issue’s main feature on the indigenous peoples resisting environmentally damaging projects in South America and across the globe.

Vanessa Baird reports from Peru, which has just elected a left-leaning President.

New Internationalist’s co-editor Vanessa Baird is reassured by the Asháninka community’s refusal to talk to journalists in Peru, where she is investigating indigenous resistance to mega-projects.

As the ripples of rebellion spread through the Arab world, what’s next for democracy?

The London anti-cuts demo has prompted much hissyness and prissiness.

MEPs’ fury over European Commission secrecy

Who shapes the policies and laws that govern us? If you think the answer is ‘our elected politicians’, read on. Vanessa Baird examines the secretive but expanding power of corporate lobbying.

As the rich pig-out on austerity, others are gearing up for action

Slashing public services the Tory way is sexist, elitist, deceitful and disastrous. There is an alternative… and it adds up.

Why aren’t we more like Latin Americans? Vanessa Baird asks.

Vanessa Baird celebrates the joys of disenchantment and the birth of hope.

On the eve of the Pope’s visit to Britain, a confession at last…

By Petros Markaris

Enter the babies of mass destruction…

New hope for international action on global warming has come from Bolivia, where President Evo Morales is convening a People’s World Conference on Climate Change. Vanessa Baird reports on a multifaceted initiative.

Is hell really other people? Vanessa Baird concludes with some sobering facts and reflections on equality.

The climate refugees of tomorrow.

China and Iran: two ways to do family planning.

How ‘abstinence’ is pushing up the abortion rate.

Includes a murky past.

The average age of the population is increasing – people are living longer. Also, women are having fewer children. But is this greying of nations really a ‘crisis’?

Why tiny Timor Leste is undergoing a baby boom.

Vanessa Baird wonders why the demographers aren’t panicking.

Forget the G20 - Help set a new agenda

The Aid Debate continues with Teresa Hayter challenging a cherished premise

Some call it ‘live aid’. Some call it ‘dead aid’. The debate is raging. Vanessa Baird and Jonathan Glennie tell the story so far…

Vanessa Baird draws a few conclusions.

‘Even if there are 100 bombs on voting day, all Afghans should vote,’ President Karzai recently urged. From Kabul, Travis Beard surveys the – rugged and character-rich – scene in the build-up to next week’s presidential elections:

Blind to bloodshed, Peru signs big new oil deal…

A selection of post-election South African reading.

Like the best, most haunting bolero, Havana Fever is liable to linger in the mind well after its final phrases.

Leaders who violate human rights beware! Peru shows the way…

And what does it mean? Initial reactions to the G20 deal from the Put People First coalition

Photos from the Put People First rally in London taken by NI Production Manager Fran Harvey.

The April 1 protests in London were remarkably peaceful, considering public anger and provocative police tactics, writes Vanessa Baird

It’s time to ask some very basic questions, like: What are banks for? What are houses for? What’s credit for? What’s the economy for? Or, for that matter, what’s the environment for? Vanessa Baird suggests a 10-point economic detox programme.

Vanessa Baird on the Put People First march and what’s next

Shocking new report on how the crisis is affecting the global South

Tell them what you think! Here are some ways in which people are mobilizing around the G20, writes Vanessa Baird.

If the G20 think they can quietly stitch up the world’s economy on April 2 they better think again.  Protest is mounting, with a massive demonstration planned to coincide with their meeting.

The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

And the West acting like it knows best… again. Isn’t it time we listened to Afghans, asks Vanessa Baird?

Bolivia’s indigenous president easily won Sunday’s ‘recall vote’, securing between 60 and 63 per cent of the vote. That’s even more than the landslide election victory that brought Evo Morales to power in 2005.

A key government official responsible for developing the Yasuní-ITT proposal to keep some of Ecuador’s oil in the ground, has recently handed in her resignation. Juana Ramos resigned her post citing ‘personal reasons’. This follows the resignation of Alberto Costa, the main architect of the groundbreaking proposal from his position as chair of Ecuador’s Constituent Assembly.

Is Ecuador’s bold proposal not to exploit a billion barrels of oil in the Yasuní National Park a serious option for combating climate change? If so, the world is going to have to move fast, warns Vanessa Baird.

It comes as no surprise that the southern province of Tarija voted for autonomy from Bolivia last weekend.

Every family has its secrets. So does every nation. But Turkey’s official secret remains extraordinarily potent because public references to the massive event that occurred 93 years ago are forbidden.

Thoroughly researched and with heart-warming personal accounts, Tom Fawthrop’s Swimming Against the Tide is an inspiration.

A new collection of poems by one of Britain’s most significant poets

‘It’s too confusing for me,’ I heard a student confessing outside Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre. To the right was a group of Tibetan exiles with their brightly coloured flags, here to greet the Dalai Lama on the Oxford leg of his UK tour.

It couldn’t have been more symbolic. We all strained to see the Olympic flame, barely visible, ringed by a double band of Chinese security guards and British police as it approached Downing Street.

This Sunday – 6 April – the official Olympic torch rally comes to London. If you can make it, you can show your support for the people of Tibet and send a message to world leaders by taking part in the Free Tibet Campaign’s peaceful protest.

Are things beginning to look up for the world’s indigenous peoples? Vanessa Baird begins a series of three reports from Bolivia, where the signs look most hopeful – and most precarious.

Vanessa Baird examines the global trade in girls and young women sold into the sex industry.

Creative ideas from around the world.

The Facts

Lesbians in India

It was just sitting there, waiting to happen – the Paul Wolfowitz corruption scandal.

But over so small a thing! I don’t want to belittle the World Bank chief’s actions, but using his position to ensure a plum job (salary $200,000) for his lover Shaha Riza is chicken feed by World Bank standards.

DVD: The Cave of the Yellow Dog directed by Byambasuren Davaa.

Whistleblower John Githongo speaks to Vanessa Baird; plus extracts from his explosive dossier.

Tainted projects brought to you by the World Bank

Contacts, campaigns and other useful stuff on where to go from here.

Vanessa Baird traces the wily ways of corruption – and the war against it.

Bravery and integrity from around the world.

As Used on the Famous Nelson Mandela by Mark Thomas

Havana Black by Leonardo Padura and translated by Peter Bush

What is it? Vanessa Baird embarks upon a journey of discovery.

When local government had to move out of the way of activists on a mission. Tomás Hernández explains.

Stop the War by Andrew Murray & Lindsey German.

Brain-drain. Racism. Exploitation. Poverty. Inequality. Charting a path through the healthcare minefield.

Action contacts and resources.

Nancy helps repair a tradition that was damaged in her absence.

There are 86 million economically active migrant and immigrant workers, including refugees, in the world today. Nearly half of them are working in North America and Europe.

In Banana Hill much is expected of a nurse from abroad.

Kenya’s struggle with sleaze.

A journey through the country’s troubled past to visit Nancy’s 90-year-old mother.

Hospital visits reveal the brain-drain of nurses and a deepening crisis in Africa’s health provision. Who is to blame?

Kenya Profile Population: 33.5 million Total area: 582,646 square kilometres Life expectancy: 44 years

Introducing nurse Nancy Wambui Itotia, her dilemma – and her country’s. Vanessa Baird reports.

To Kenya with Nancy to see what she has left behind – and the effect that the money she sends home has on her family.

Another world is possible if… by Susan George

Homophobia is still so strong in Indian society that Shaina, from the Organized Lesbian Alliance for Visibility and Action (OLAVA), does not want to give her real name.

Undercurrents News Network produced by Paul O'Connor and Zoe Broughton

Indian villager Daud Sharifa Khanam’s dream is to build a mosque for women – with a female priest.

It’s been a tough time for equality. But is it really ‘an endangered species’, as some have suggested? Vanessa Baird takes stock.

Jim Motavalli charts a route for hydrogen-fuelled cars.

six climate-change deniers and their views.

Global warming is with us. So are the solutions. Why don’t we wake up to them? asks Vanessa Baird.

Vanessa Baird examines the fears that are fuelling the debate about refugees.

Stormy Weather by Guy Dauncey with Patrick Mazza

Sharp Focus on the Mauritius-based fiction writer Lindsey Collen

The Element of Water by Stevie Davies

Gay activism is growing worldwide – especially in the Global South. But where’s the equality asks Vanessa Baird.

The murky world of the arms trade escapes public scrutiny most of the time. Vanessa Baird visits Somalia, where its bloody consequences are all too apparent, and asks what can be done in a world awash with weapons.