Category: Politics

[104]

In 1943, noted philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre released what is commonly considered his most influential existential philosophical work, a monolithic 722-page tome bearing the equally weighty title of Being and Nothingness: An Essay on Phenomenological Ontology.

One might expect that, with that name and that subject matter, the book would be nigh unknown to the general public, likely only finding an avid audience in tweed-wearing, high-thinking, pipe-smoking professorial types frequenting smoky salons, quaint libraries, and lecture halls — and yet, Being and Nothingness was (relatively) a runaway success upon publication, gaining purchase even among grocers and shopkeepers, and most notably, women*.

What peculiar reason caused the unforeseen popularity and amazing sales of this book?

Show Answer
The book weighed almost exactly one kilogram, and was therefore sought out to serve as a measure of weight at home and in shops -- the Nazis had confiscated and melted down the regular brass and copper weights to use in munitions.

*Bear in mind that this was in 1943, a time when women's intellectual prowess was not exactly respected in higher academic circles.

[87]

X is a small town in Swiss Alps with a population of about 12,000 residents. The town is known for its skiing activities & great climate recommended by authors like RL Stevenson & Arthur Conan Doyle.
However, the town is more in the news for an annual event in which around 2700 people from various nations come & have discussions.
Identify the town.

Show Answer
Davos, the town where the World Economic Forum is organized.
Read more about The Event & Its History.

[57]

During the Second World War, the United States established a trade embargo against Nazi Germany, making the export of Coca-Cola syrup difficult. To circumvent this, Max Keith, the head of Coca-Cola Germany, decided to create a new product for the German market, using only ingredients available in Germany at the time.
Which drink did he create, which is now sold around the world these days?

Show Answer
Fanta
Read More

[56]

Late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a series of conflicts, interventions, and tensions involving the United States, in Central America.
These revolved around acquisition of large pieces of land, toppling rulers to more favourable ones, servitude of local population and use of American armed forces so that American corporations could secure the resource (X) and distribute it back home.
It even led to the term ‘(X) Republic’, a politically and economically unstable country with an economy dependent upon the export of natural resources.
Identify the resource (X).

Show Answer
Banana.
The conflicts involved United Fruit Company, controlling the economies of Costa Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala in order to produce bananas for American consumers.
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[55]

6 men were sent for an assassination. The first two failed to act. The third threw a bomb which bounced off the target’s car and exploded under the car behind.
The target then went to a town hall to give a pre-planned speech. On his way back, the target’s car happened to stall, separated from his security. A fourth assassin was waiting there by chance, who then fired 2 shots, killing the target and his wife.
Who was the target?

Show Answer
Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The assassination which started World War I.
Watch a more detailed retelling of the events

[54]

Starting in 1377, The Wars of the Roses were a series of civil wars fought between the Lancasters & the Tudors. Involving assassinations, battles and influence from France, the wars lasted generations, with both the factions trying to control the British throne. 
Which popular series did the Wars inspire?

Show Answer
A Game of Thrones
Here's an Excellent Explanation

[52]

The term coined in 1944, combines the Greek word for “race, people” with the Latin word for “act of killing”. While it was first used to describe the Nazi occupation of Poland, but was later used to describe similar events in Armenia, Rwanda and many more.
Which term am I talking about?

Show Answer
Genocide, combining the Greek word genos ("race, people") with the Latin suffix -caedo ("act of killing").
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[51]

The origin of this region goes back 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. It has served as a small capital for the ancient Egyptian empire, sieged by Alexander the Great and involved in the Crusades. It has changed hands multiple times from Persians, Ottomans to the British after World War I.
In its current state, it has been reduced to a size of just 365 km2, blockaded on all sides & called the world’s largest open-air prison.
Which region am I talking about?

Show Answer
Gaza
Read More about its illustrious past

[16]

There is an urban legend related to the political leadership of Russia. It has been followed from 1825, since the time of Nicholas I. Its latest occurrence can be seen in the last 4 leaders as well.
What am I talking about?
Russian leaders

Show Answer
Bald-hairy, referring to the empirical rule of the state leaders' succession defined as a change of a bald or balding leader to a hairy one and vice versa.
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[9]

X are found only in China but are popular across the world due to their appearance. Recognizing this, China started giving them as gifts to nations, which with it had friendly ties. However, in 1984 this stance was changed and China started leasing them out, rather than straight up gifting. The rentals started with $50,000 per month, but were then changed to US$1 million per year.
Getting the opportunity to rent one is considered an honour and signifies the diplomatic relationship with China.
What am I talking about?

Show Answer
Pandas.
The country leases pandas to other nations, known as Panda Diplomacy.
Read more