Photographing Gaza: A Case Study in the Politics of Photojournalism and Portraiture
"Palestinian-American photographer Adam Rouhana wrote an opinion piece for the New York Times in which he explained his drive to create positive images to counter the media’s portrayal of the Palestinian people as violent terrorists or expendable additions to statistics. ‘By decolonizing photography,’ he explained, ‘we can decolonize our minds and achieve a more nuanced understanding of Palestinian reality.’ Rouhana’s photography project ‘Before Freedom’ exploring these ideas was recognized at the Belfast Photo Festival of 2024."
Olympic Host Cities Had a Financial Problem. Did Paris Fix It?
In its bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Paris promised to supply a resplendent backdrop to the world’s symposium of sport. The City of Light did not disappoint... Amid the triumphs of the 2024 Games, one glaring figure remains consequential for Parisian taxpayers: the Olympics’ financial cost. For now, the economic outlook is surprisingly promising. Paris initially set aside $8 billion (in USD) for the Olympics, a figure that has since increased to around $10 billion. As recently as May, organizers expected a small profit, a shocking change from the severe losses incurred by recent hosts.
Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi Sentenced to Death for Protest Music: What Does This Mean for Freedom of Expression?
“Art must be allowed to criticize, to provoke, to push the boundaries in any society.” This was the statement declared by a panel of the U.N.’s experts on Iran in response to the death sentence placed upon Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi. On April 24, Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court, led by Mohammad Reza Tavakoli, charged Salehi with “waging war against God” and “corruption on earth”, crimes punishable by death.
Modern Art is Funding Terrorism: The Case of Nazem Ahmad
In January, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency seized 23 works from Ahmad’s collection–together worth $1.3 million. This seizure is the most recent step in investigations into Ahmad, who was charged with financing the organization Hezbollah through his art and diamond dealings. As such, governments are cracking down on the art market but this comes with repercussions for artists, art dealers, and auction houses.
Who Run the World? How your favorite female pop stars are shaping global politics
The pop girls have been “standing on business”. The past year has ushered in an unprecedented era for women breaking through glass ceilings. Female musicians’ accomplishments and far-reaching influence demand greater attention and respect from the global community. The international impact of female pop stars, through their artistry and advocacy, is not to be underestimated.
The Politics at Play in Chess: Three Decades of Russian Influence and Chess’ Political Nature
Chess remains a force for unity: It’s a fun, intellectual game that is unfortunately ever exploitable for soft power. Hopelessly mixed up in international politics, chess is facing the dilemma posed to several other sports organizations– an existential fight for neutrality. Can FIDE break from decades of Russian influence and promote chess for its own sake, and not itself be a pawn in the political games world powers play?
Show of Hands: Enrollment in Early Education in the United States versus Denmark
Research has shown that high-quality ECEC lessens the inequality gap between children of disadvantaged and advantaged backgrounds, increasing the income potential and opportunities for upward social mobility for low-income children later in life. Thus, the US should follow in the footsteps of Nordic countries by improving its ECEC system.
How COVID-19 is Affecting the Sex Work Industry
Sex work provides income for over 42 million people worldwide. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this “close-contact” profession is now banned, rendering many distraught, unemployed, and at high risk of contraction of the virus.
Refugee Lives: Trauma, Celebrations, and Limbo
In 2011, the Syrian Civil War placed refugees on the global stage. Five years later, we only hear about refugees at campaign rallies. What is their situation today?
After COVID-19: Implications on International Organizations and the Global Order
The post-COVID world may be a very different place to live. Due to rapid changes in geopolitics and social lives, we may find ourselves standing in unchartered territory.
Blockchain: An Unlikely Advocate for Women
Despite global actions to reduce sexism, women are still seen as legally inferior in many countries. Can technology help combat this social injustice?
War, Sea, and Wall: The Triple Tragedy of Refugees Fleeing to Greece
Europe has been dealing with a refugee crisis for five to six years now, yet only one country has borne the brunt of it: Greece. The country's response: funding a floating barrier to deter migrants. By Raafiya Ali Khan
Bolivia In Crisis: The Legacy of Evo Morales
Amidst national political unrest, Bolivia's change in leaders has the nation divided. Staff writer Marc Camanag delves into the extent of influence that Evo Morales left on the people of Bolivia.