Politics

607 sourced events. Showing 601-607.

Events

Politics Timeline

2011

Politics 21st Century Sub-Saharan Africa

South Sudan Declares Independence from Sudan

Decades of civil war between northern and southern Sudan, rooted in ethnic, religious, and resource disputes, ended with the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that included a referendum on southern self-determination. The January 2011 referendum saw over 98% vote for independence. On July 9, 2011, the Republic of South Sudan formally declared independence in Juba, becoming the world's newest sovereign nation and Africa's 54th country. International recognition followed immediately, including from the United States and the United Nations, which established a new peacekeeping mission.

Event Detail

2011

Politics 21st Century Middle East & North Africa

Muammar Gaddafi Captured and Killed in Sirte

Following the Arab Spring uprising and NATO-supported rebel advances, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s regime collapsed in August 2011. Gaddafi fled Tripoli and sought refuge in his hometown of Sirte, one of the last loyalist strongholds. On October 20, rebel forces from the National Transitional Council overran the city after weeks of fighting. Gaddafi’s convoy was attacked by NATO aircraft and then ambushed; he was captured alive near a drainage pipe, beaten by fighters, and fatally shot. His death ended 42 years of rule and marked the culmination of the Libyan civil war, though it left the country fragmented.

Event Detail US Military Atlas

2012

Politics 21st Century North America

Ted Cruz Elected to the U.S. Senate

Ted Cruz was elected to represent Texas in the United States Senate on November 6, 2012. He had previously served as solicitor general of Texas and entered the Senate for a term beginning January 3, 2013. His election placed him in the chamber responsible for representing the state at the federal level and participating in legislation, nominations, treaties, and oversight. The election date and the later beginning of his Senate term are separate milestones in the public record.

Event Detail Gov Influence

2012

Politics 21st Century North America

Elizabeth Warren Elected to the U.S. Senate

Elizabeth Warren was elected to the United States Senate from Massachusetts on November 6, 2012, and began her term in January 2013. She became the first woman elected to represent Massachusetts in the Senate. Before entering elective office, Warren taught law and wrote extensively about bankruptcy and consumer finance. Her public career later included work associated with the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, followed by Senate service focused on a range of domestic and economic policy matters.

Event Detail Gov Influence

2018

Politics 21st Century Sub-Saharan Africa

South African President Jacob Zuma Resigns

Post-apartheid South Africa faced persistent challenges with corruption, inequality, and governance under the African National Congress. Jacob Zuma, president since 2009, had been embroiled in scandals including allegations of state capture by private interests and personal corruption charges. On February 14, 2018, amid mounting pressure from his own party and public protests, Zuma resigned after a late-night meeting with ANC leaders. He was succeeded by Cyril Ramaphosa, who had defeated Zuma's preferred candidate in party elections. The resignation followed a no-confidence motion threat and highlighted internal ANC fractures over accountability.

Event Detail

2022

Politics 21st Century North America

Hakeem Jeffries Elected House Democratic Leader

House Democrats elected Representative Hakeem Jeffries as Democratic Leader on November 30, 2022, for the incoming 118th Congress. The caucus selected him after the 2022 elections, and the new Congress began in January 2023. Jeffries, who had represented a Brooklyn district in the House since 2013, succeeded Nancy Pelosi as the leader of the House Democratic Caucus. His selection made him the first Black lawmaker to lead a political party caucus in either chamber of Congress.

Event Detail Gov Influence

2025

Politics 21st Century North America

Donald Trump Sworn In as 47th President

Donald J. Trump took the presidential oath of office on January 20, 2025, beginning his service as the 47th president of the United States. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. administered the oath during an inauguration ceremony held inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Trump had previously served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021, so the 2025 inauguration began a second, nonconsecutive presidential term. The ceremony followed the constitutional transfer of executive authority at noon on Inauguration Day.

Event Detail Gov Influence