Boosting Leverage: How Chinese Economic Expansion in Latin America Challenges U.S. National Security
China’s engagement in Latin America guarantees it will remain a threat to U.S. national security until the U.S. regains regional power through Americas-based collaboration — a path economic advisers and policymakers must promptly pursue to prevent President-elect Donald Trump’s anticipated withdrawal of development aid and proposed tariffs that could drive Latin American countries to work even closer with adversaries such as China. Failure to pursue such collaboration risks democratic backsliding in the Western Hemisphere and an economically isolated U.S. that could be susceptible to global conflicts.
A ‘Second China Shock:’ What it is and its Implications for the United States
China's rise on the global stage was facilitated in large part by an artificial export surge, the effects of which was dubbed the 'China Shock.' Now, with the country facing strong economic headwinds, Chinese leaders are trying to craft another export surge to revive growth. The U.S. may be in for another round of job loss and political turmoil.
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.
A Sparse Divide and Miles Apart: The Reality of the Political Division on Immigration Policy
The aftermath of Title 42’s end deepened the social controversy regarding immigration policy and since then, political polarization on the issue has only increased. Ever since, American immigration policy has been left in disarray; migrant arrivals continue to rise and candidate platforms grow more disunited on immigration gearing up for the November election.
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.
Impending Wildfire: The Possible Economic Consequences of Argentina’s Latest Presidential Election
Argentina elected Javier Milei to the presidency, which has set an opportunity for a hard turn to the right. This approach could be financially and economically irreversible. Argentinian tolerance for such policies remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: Milei’s plans for stabilization, including economic dollarization, would require a complete overhaul of current Argentine infrastructure.
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 Lao Corruption Crisis: The Path Towards Integrity
Laos, like other developing, single-party nations faces a serious issue with corruption. The country loses millions each year to petty bribery and corruption within the government. But there are international solutions that can ease these costs.
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?
Perilous Passageways: African Migration to Europe
Despite the known risks, immigrants continue to attempt the journey from Africa to Europe every day. The last 15 years have seen a dramatic increase in African migrants trying to make it to Europe. These facts beg the question; if the path is so dangerous, why do they continue to go?
Fair Play? World’s Fairs as Tools of Power and their Future
Since their inception in 1851, World’s Fairs have been landmark events celebrating worldwide achievements and inventions from televisions to telephones. Nations have historically utilized the events to project messages of their national superiority on the international scene. Despite still happening in the modern age, they make relatively little noise. But what has happened to the fairs?
The Killing of Alexei Navalny: A New Era of Repression and the Future of Russia
Alexei Navalny was pronounced dead while imprisoned in Russia. His death was condemned by numerous world leaders as an affront to the freedom of the press and an example of Putin’s repression. After Russian elections in March, it is unclear how Russian opposition groups and the Kremlin will proceed without Navalny.
Rivers of Resilience: Indigenous Activism Against Hydroelectric Dams Around the World
Indigenous communities of the Klamath Basin are celebrating a historic victory they thought might never be possible: the undamming of the Klamath River. The river has been the focus of resistance movements for decades. This accomplishment reflects a broader global movement against hydroelectric dams, spearheaded by Indigenous communities from around the world. However, progress for groups such as the Tapayuna people of Brazil has not been met with equal success.
A Shifting EU?: The Rise of the Far-Right in Europe and Upcoming EU Elections
Due to both long-held grievances and recent developments, far-right parties in Europe are experiencing a surge of support. Once de-facto political outsiders, these parties are shifting the balance of European and EU politics.
The Venezuela-Guyana Territorial Dispute: A 250-Year-Old Conflict Reignited
Last December dispute between Venezuela and Guyana over the resource-rich Essequibo territory was reignited. Despite international recognition of Guyana’s claim to the territory, Venezuelan voters passed a referendum claiming sovereignty over the region and an immediate need to retake the territory.
You Can’t Separate the Irishman from the Rebel: Exploring the link between Irish music and activism
There is an undeniable trend in Irish music of dissent and protest. Since the 1700s, the Irish have used music to overcome hardships. Among Irish musicians today, this translates not only into producing media about these topics but taking action that translates into change.
Venezuela's Economic Crisis: Navigating Turbulent Waters
Venezuela, known for possessing the Earth’s largest oil deposits, has navigated through economic fluctuations. Administrative shortcomings have turned its prosperity into a center of economic and political decay. The future of Venezuela remains uncertain, with hopes resting on avoiding the pitfalls of the petrostate paradigm.
Exploitation or Salvation? The Impacts of Foreign Mining Involvement in Panama
Panama is at a crossroads after a recent court ruling regarding foreign mining in the nation. Will the country choose to break free from foreign involvement and further develop its domestic industries or continue its interdependence with foreign nations?
In Plain Sight: The Johnny’s Scandal and Japan’s Culture of Silence on Sexual Assault
This past year, the annual Japanese New Year’s special Kouhaku Utagassen, seemed a little different: no male J-pop groups were featured. Last year, a former member of the talent agency Johnny’s and Associates accused the late president and founder, Johnny Kitagawa, of multiple sexual assaults. The agency holds a virtual monopoly over J-pop boy bands, so this accusation was more than a takedown of a singular talent agency: it unveiled the ugly underbelly of the entire industry to the rest of the world.