Words Matter
A plain-language glossary for the words that shape public life.
Political Systems & Ideologies
Government structures and political philosophies that shape how power is distributed, who makes decisions, and how authority is justified. These terms are often used loosely. This section pins down their actual meanings and explains how they function in practice.
Refugee
A refugee is a person who has fled their home country because of persecution, conflict, or violence and cannot safely return. Refugee status is defined under international law and requires a well-founded fear tied to specific protected grounds. Refugees do not migrate by choice; they seek protection because remaining at home poses serious risk. The term often appears in debates about borders, humanitarian responsibility, and asylum systems.