Volume XLVI staff member Jacob Popeck explains George Santos, a member of the United States House of Representatives, is under investigation by Brazilian authorities and facing a potential felony sentence, which is something that hasn't been seen in modern times.
Read MoreIn its latest effort to promote peace in Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom's parliament is aiming to pass the Legacy and Reconciliation Bill. The proposed bill would severely limit the ability of Northern Ireland's police and judiciary to investigate and punish those responsible for decades of unsolved violence, paramilitary terrorism, and extrajudicial killings. Volume XLVI staff member Matthew Berkowitz argues that the proposed bill, as it stands, may violate several of the United Kingdom's positive obligations under the European Convention of Human Rights. This post explores the implications of the proposed bill, and whether it will actually help to undue decades of sectarian tension.
Read MoreThe United Nations Security Council is responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security. But as Volume XLV Blake Elwood writes, the permanent member veto power is an obvious impediment to the purported purpose of the Security Council. Allowing states to put their interests ahead of the international community, the veto power is invaluable to those who wield it. Therefore, as this post discusses, the veto ensures its own perpetuance, given any proposed reforms are unlikely to survive a veto by permanent member states.
Read MoreThe United Nations announced that the World Population has now reached a historic milestone of 8 billion people. Kayla Towler analyzes the the correlation between international development and the future progression of world population. This post explores the global challenges to sustainable development and the United Nation’s call-to-action to promote global peace and protection.
Read MoreLafarge S.A., a French-based cement manufacturer, was fined almost $800 million dollars by the United States Department of Justice. Lafarge pleaded guilty to providing material support and resources to the Islamic State (ISIS) and al–Nusrah Front (ANF). This is the first time the material support or resources provision of the Antiterrorism Act (ATA) has been used for prosecuting a private corporation. Ryan Green argues that the DOJ using this provision the signifies the aggressive pursuit of non-compliant successor entities.
Read MoreIran's wave of protests following the murder of Mahsa Amini coincides with the reckoning in the U.S. following the Dobbs decision. Volume XLV staff editor Emma Bellows argues that when the abortion debate in the U.S. is viewed in the context of the hijab debates in Iran, the notion that there is an international stripping of female bodily autonomy becomes eerily clear.
Read MoreAmerica has a gun violence problem unparalleled by any other developed country. Thailand, like the United States, is home to millions of guns, and has one of the highest gun homicide rates in Southeast Asia. Clara Abramson argues that a public health approach to gun violence may help both countries.
Read MoreAmid violence against protests surrounding the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran, Rachel Blume argues that sanctions against the Iranian government impact the most vulnerable members of the community.
Read MoreThere is a civil war raging in Ethiopia destabilizing what has been one of Africa’s more stable countries for decades. Harry Solomon explains how the conflict has displaced millions, killed over half a million people, and has created a number of humanitarian crises.
Read MoreDoes traditional recycling really work? Julia Becket argues that to curb waste, enactment of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, which makes producers and manufacturers responsible for a product when it is no longer in use, may be the solution.
Read MoreOver two years ago, the murder of George Floyd sparked massive worldwide protests due to systemic racism and police violence against black communities. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of black activists around the world, the international community has taken concrete measures to hold administrations accountable in order to dismantle systemic racism in law enforcement. Elizabeth Garrison argues while there is still significant progress needed, mechanisms established by the United Nations are promising signs that the international community will continue to address global systemic racism.
Read MoreTurkey’s Parliament passed new legislation on October 13th, criminalizing the spread of “fake information,” and giving the government authority to jail journalists and social media users for up to three years for violations. Taryn Gallagher argues it is unclear whether the new legislation combats fake news or dissent against the current Turkey regime.
Read MoreAs more bodies are exhumed from mass graves following a successful Ukrainian counteroffensive in Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, it is right to ask whether Russia is committing a genocide. Liam Turner argues that Russia is intentionally killing, maiming, targeting, deporting, and separating Ukrainian families, in a war justified by delegitimizing Ukrainian identity
Read MoreRussia, a member of the United Nations Security Council, wields incredible power on the international stage. After its invasion of Ukraine, many have called into question the legitimacy and appropriateness of Russia’s standing, however, Volume XLV staff editor Benjamin Weisbrot argues that simply stripping Russia of its position in the United Nations is not likely feasible. This post explores an alternative possibility of reducing Russia’s international influence and power.
Read MoreVolume XLV staff editor Sibel Iskender argues that the war in Ukraine has exacerbated the global hunger crisis with the loss of one of the world’s largest wheat suppliers. On top of climate change and rising inflation, the war’s impact on food markets further highlights how it will take more than money to solve the problem of food insecurity.
Read MoreThe United States has maintained a policy of “strategic ambiguity” with respect to the long-lasting conflict between Taiwan and China. Volume XLV staff editor Grant Engel argues that with Chinese President Xi calling “reunification” “inevitable,” the United States will soon have to take a firm stance.
Read MoreVolume XLV staff editor Shana Iden argues that as the labor movement grows in the United States, policymakers should consider creating more opportunities for sectoral bargaining, which enable workers in other countries to bargain across job sectors and set standards that increase union membership.
Read MoreVolume XLV staff editor Halley Herbst argues that Russia’s war against Ukraine violates fundamental policies of international law. It constitutes an unlawful act of force under Article 2(4) of the UN Charter; furthermore, ongoing human rights abuses constitute war crimes, eligible for criminal action by the International Criminal Courts.
Read MoreVolume XLV staff editor Hannah Ditchik argues that developing research suggests that there is a strong correlation between the effects of climate change and forced child marriage. In countries where there are already high rates of poverty, the impact of natural disasters and climate change on food security and options for income significantly increase the incentives for families to marry off their young daughters.
Read MoreVolume XLV staff editor Elizabeth Heit argues that prosecuting crimes on the high seas proves difficult, but there has been success in prosecuting such crimes when the United Nations offers its support to sovereign nations.
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