Op-Ed: How Tourism in Kashmir Serves the Nationalist Politics of India
After more than thirty years of separatist insurgency in Kashmir, violence has declined and tourism has grown. But the impression that locals are happy with this status quo is an illusion. Growing tourism to Kashmir, often treated as just an economic boost, should also be seen as a political and cultural shift.
Elon Musk’s X is Politically Dangerous
In the fourteen months since Musk’s takeover, X has reportedly lost 80% of its workforce and twenty-five million daily users. Advertising revenue is in steady decline, exacerbated by Musk’s recent “endorsement” of antisemitic conspiracy theories. Nevertheless, X remains a relevant source of information — with potentially disastrous ramifications for international politics.
Inside the K-Pop Industry
South Korea’s 5 billion dollar K-Pop industry has become its best known cultural export with now-household names like BTS and BLACKPINK. The new K-Pop “craze” is palpable, but behind the synchronized dancing and stunning performances, there lies incredibly dark accounts of sexualization and exploitation.
Balancing Inclusion and Incursion from Kashmir’s Rail Bridges
In March of 2023, the final tracks of the Chenab Bridge were laid down, signaling another milestone in the completion of the world’s highest rail bridge. Passing over the Chenab River, this steel and concrete arch bridge is part of a nationally-funded rail line in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir, located in the Himalayas. This rail line will enhance connectivity between Jammu & Kashmir and the rest of India, especially during winter months, when the highway becomes unserviceable.
The 2024 Election is About Voting for a Commander-in-Chief
The 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be a defining moment in American politics. The implications it will have on America’s voting behaviors, party affiliations, and domestic policies will no doubt be monumental and have ripple effects for decades to come.
