History & Politics
Governance, conflict, law, and the global political events of 2013.
The History & Politics section collects the governmental, legal, and geopolitical developments that defined 2013 — from mass-surveillance disclosures to shifts in international relations. Browse the articles below, or filter by the section’s topics.
Iran Nuclear Talks and Geneva Interim Agreement
Iran and the P5+1 world powers reached a landmark interim nuclear agreement in Geneva on November...
US Government Shutdown and Debt Ceiling Crisis
Congressional gridlock over the 2014 budget and debt ceiling brought the federal government to a ...
Syria's Chemical Weapons Disarmament Agreement
Following the Ghouta chemical weapons attack, the US, Russia, and Syria negotiated a disarmament ...
Chelsea Manning Court-Martial Verdict and Sentencing
Army Private Chelsea Manning was convicted on August 21, 2013, of 20 espionage and theft charges ...
George Zimmerman's Acquittal in Trayvon Martin Case
On July 13, 2013, a Florida jury acquitted George Zimmerman of charges in the death of Trayvon Ma...
Shelby County v. Holder (Voting Rights Act Decision)
On June 25, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the coverage formula in Section 4(b) of the ...
Edward Snowden's NSA Revelations
Edward Snowden disclosed classified NSA surveillance programs, sparking global debate over privac...
Gezi Park Protests and Turkish Political Crisis
Mass demonstrations erupted across Turkey in May 2013 after police violently dispersed environmen...
Boston Marathon Bombing
Twin pressure-cooker bombs detonated near the Boston Marathon finish line on April 15, 2013, kill...