The State of Free Speech Around the World
by Noah Tang
Freedom of speech and the press are two of the most fundamental values of a free society. The First Amendment of the US Constitution protects both rights. Historically, the United States has respected these freedoms, which were among the principles it was founded upon. Most nations throughout history, and many countries today, have not done the same.
Dr. Christine Kim, Assistant Professor of International Studies, is from South Korea. She saw how freedom of speech and the ...
Is the Red Wave Receding?
By Esther Fultz
Predicting political outcomes is, at best, challenging. Election results are influenced by a myriad of dynamic and complex factors, and what seems likely one day could prove inaccurate the next.
This past May, a red wave in Congress seemed probable. Economic and supply chain issues, the crisis at the southern border, and the United States’s response to international conflicts in Afghanistan and Ukraine all contributed to President Biden’s low approval ...
Black Friday is full of irony and crazy people
By Chris Karenbauer
It’s nearly midnight after you ate your hearty Thanksgiving meal. Bundled up in a big winter coat, you have been standing in the Kohl’s line for three hours. The only things you want are a new memory foam pillow and a couple toys at a discounted price. As the store doors open and people trample you to be the first inside, you wonder, “Who on earth decided Black Friday shopping is a good idea?”
Like many terrible ideas, such as the Eagles and “Pretty Little ...
Will Neom City live up to its expectations?
By Esther Fulz
Innovative ideas have long captured the attention of individuals and organizations across the globe. Neom City, currently being built in Saudi Arabia in preparation for the 2029 Asian Winter Games, is no exception. The linear city will be over 175 km long and just 200 meters wide, and house the Gulf’s first outdoor ski resort and a man made freshwater lake. It’s planned to be powered with renewable energy.
Despite the novelty and excitement surrounding the idea ...
Adidas ends its partnership with Kanye West’s brand ‘Yeezy’.
By Anna Harman
For years, Kanye West has been working on his shoe brand, “Yeezy” with Adidas. Although this partnership has been weakened for a while, recently, conflict arose between West and the company. Adidas reviewed and ended its Yeezy partnership with him.
Kanye West claims Adidas stole his designs for some of his Yeezy shoes. Taking to Instagram to vent his frustrations with the company, he stated “I AM ADIDAS.” While it is no secret that West often presents himself as ...
Russia’s Economy Holds for Now-But That Could Change
By Esther Fultz
Economies are volatile, especially when international conflict is involved. A country’s economic condition depends heavily on its political environment, which is influenced by various factors and can change overnight. One country of particular economic interest recently is Russia, which invaded Ukraine last February and has faced economic sanctions from countries in the west since.
Economically, Russia is heavily reliant on the energy sector, as a leader in both oil and ...
China’s increased aggressiveness pushes Taiwan away and prompts strong but confusing response from US
By Michael Cleverly
In recent years, the US and other countries raised concerns over China invading Taiwan. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s reaction to Nancy Pelosi’s visit heightened these concerns.
Concerns rose because China’s rhetoric grew stronger than normal and their military response was larger than previous visits. One reason China is comfortable projecting its position is because their military is stronger than before. Another reason is because Nancy Pelosi’s ...
UN Report on Xinjiang Internment Marks a Symbolic Step Towards Action
By Spencer Benefiel
After four years of silence, the UN has condemned China’s treatment of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang province, saying the internment camps there are home to “Serious human rights violations” in an assessment released on August 31 by the UN Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The report confirmed countless abuses and listed types of rights that these camps strip away from their unwilling residents, including religious, cultural, linguistic, ...
Russia Invades Ukraine, Raising Questions about the Future
By Michael Cleverly
On February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine from multiple directions, with the goal of taking Kyiv, the capital city, and toppling the Ukranian government. As the war unfolds, questions arise of whether this brutal conflict could’ve been prevented and what it means for the future of the world.
For months, Russian troops gathered on the border and various news companies and world leaders warned of an impending invasion. The Ukrainian and French presidents both claimed that ...
