Rafael Correa vs William Tolbert

Rafael Correa assumed the presidency of Ecuador, launching the 'Citizen Revolution.' His administration convened a Constituent Assembly to draft a new constitution, which was approved by referendum in 2008. The new constitution expanded social rights, strengthened state control over natural resources, and allowed for presidential re-election.

Correa defaulted on $3.2 billion in foreign debt, declaring it 'illegitimate' and 'illegal' due to corruption in its issuance. His administration subsequently bought back the defaulted bonds at a steep discount, reducing Ecuador's debt burden. This move was praised by some but criticized by international creditors.

Correa granted political asylum to Julian Assange in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where Assange had taken refuge to avoid extradition to Sweden. This decision strained relations with the UK and US, and made Ecuador a central player in the global debate over press freedom and diplomatic immunity.

Tolbert became President of Liberia on July 23, 1971, after the death of William Tubman. He continued Tubman's policies of economic openness and pro-Western alignment but faced growing economic inequality and political unrest.

In April 1979, Tolbert's government proposed a price increase for rice, a staple food. This sparked massive protests and riots in Monrovia, resulting in dozens of deaths. The government was forced to reverse the price hike, but the crisis weakened Tolbert's authority.

On April 12, 1980, Tolbert was assassinated during a coup led by Master Sergeant Samuel Doe. Doe's soldiers stormed the presidential mansion, killing Tolbert and several of his aides. The coup ended 133 years of Americo-Liberian rule and plunged Liberia into decades of instability.