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The article examines politics and government in China, focusing on indications of lack of public trust in government information. Panic buying of salt in response to rumors related to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident in Japan and the belief that a local government official was assassinated for political reasons are discussed.

This article discusses the political tactics of Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The financial and political stability ushered in by Erdogan's government is starting to look vulnerable, and many blame his erratic behavior. Erdogan chose Adnan Buyukdeniz, the head of an Islamic finance house who has denounced the International Monetary Fund, as central-bank chief. Such moves have given fuel to Erdogan's pro-secular enemies who say he is bent on making Turkey an Islamic state.

The article discusses voter turnout among youth aged 18 to 24 in Great Britain and the possibility of introducing online voting in British elections. Topics include statistics on the sharp decline in youth turnout over the past two decades; disincentives for youth to vote, such as support for fringe parties unlikely to win in the first past the post system and the difficulty of registering them to vote; and youth political organizations such as Citizens UK and 38 Degrees.

The author offers opinions on John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons in Great Britain's Parliament. Bercow's public campaigning to increase political participation in Great Britain and improve the public image of Parliament is praised for addressing what is seen as growing political alienation in the country.

The article presents the author's opinion on the government of Israel's attack on a ship that was trying to break the blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian supplies. The author suggests that Israel is encouraging its own isolation by resorting to violence too easily. The author believes that Israel's blockade of Gaza is strengthening the terrorist group Hamas, encouraging antipathy towards Israel, and weakening a possible peace agreement between Israel and Palestine.

The author offers opinions on U.S. economic policy and politics. The widespread public belief that public expenditures are largely wasted is attributed to anxiety over economic conditions. The contradiction between the public's desire for significant government services and its opposition to taxation is seen as unsustainable.