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Alex Gendler

Alex Gendler is a visual writer for VOA Graphics focusing on geopolitics and international news. His previous work includes animated video explainers for TED-Ed as well as articles published in outlets including American Affairs and The Battleground. Gendler is a graduate of Lafayette College and attended New York University's Master's program in Humanities and Social Thought.

Produced by Alex Gendler

April 24, 2024
What are the roles of the US House and Senate?

As the legislative branch of the United States government, Congress is responsible for proposing and passing the nation’s laws. But in recent years, fewer and fewer laws have been making their way to the president’s desk to be signed.
February 20, 2024
Two Years of War in Ukraine

While the conflict dates to 2014, when Russian forces took over Crimea and fostered separatist rebellions in Ukraine’s eastern regions, Russia shocked the world in early 2022 by launching a full-scale invasion aimed at toppling the central government in Kyiv.
January 12, 2024
Beyond Azerbaijan’s Borders, Journalists Are Wary of Retaliation

Threats and a break-in targeting journalists in neighboring Georgia raise concerns of transnational repression
January 09, 2024
Iowa Caucus - Visual Explainer

On January 15, the 2024 U.S. presidential election season will officially kick off with the Iowa caucuses. The process will determine which Republican candidate will become the party’s eventual nominee to challenge incumbent President Joe Biden in November’s general election.
January 08, 2024
Israel & Palestine: Weighing the Solutions

The ups and downs of the one-state, two-state and three-state proposals to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
December 26, 2023
Why Are We Drawn to New Year’s Resolutions?

As the end of December approaches, millions of Americans will make pledges to lose weight, save more money or learn a new language, only for most of these promises to be forgotten in a few months. So, why do we make New Year’s resolutions in the first place?
December 09, 2023
A Look at History of Crimean Tatars in Ukraine

Crimean Tatars represent often-overlooked part of Ukraine's Indigenous history
October 23, 2023
The History of Jerusalem

The Israel-Hamas conflict has brought renewed attention to the Palestinian-inhabited territories, including the Gaza Strip, West Bank and Jerusalem, which is considered key to any future peace plan.
August 28, 2023
Even Outside of China, Many Uyghurs Find They Are Not Safe

Facing surveillance, internment and repression at home, thousands of China's Uyghur population have fled abroad. But even outside of China, many find that they are not safe. VOA examines how the Chinese government extends its reach and pursues political enemies far beyond its borders.
August 27, 2023
‘Barbie’ Movie Drawn Into Controversy Over Contested Region

Geopolitics may be the last thing on the minds of audiences lining up for the Barbie movie. But the blockbuster seems to have waded into an international controversy about one of the globe's most heavily contested regions, leading it to be banned in Vietnam and censored in the Philippines.
July 30, 2023
Rise and Fall of a Russian Ultranationalist

Detention in July 2023 of Igor Girkin has marked a turning point in how Putin’s government treats even those critics who support its military goals
July 18, 2023
Wagner Group Leaves Trail of Destruction from Africa to Russia

Russian private military force known as the Wagner Group captured the world’s attention with its open mutiny and march on Moscow, averted at the last minute through a deal brokered by Belarus

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