The start of a slippery slope?: the Supreme Court’s October docket
In a post Roe v. Wade world, the Supreme Court has shown a clear push for a society that reflects conservative values. This shift started under the presidency of Donald J. Trump, who nominated enough GOP-aligned justices to create a conservative majority of six to three on the Supreme Court. Since Trump and Republican-led efforts […]
Legally Sanctioned Discrimination? The Supreme Court Case and LGBT Employees’ Rights
The Basics On October 8, 2019, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for three cases that will impact the lives of LGBT people across the United States. The cases will determine whether the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bans employment discrimination on the basis of sex, also extends to […]
Mizzou Protests and the Misguided Reactionaries of The Atlantic
Over the last four months, The Atlantic magazine has published a slew of articles lambasting college students for their political oversensitivity. Caitlin Flanagan states, “today’s college kids can’t seem to take a joke.” Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt claim trigger warnings and protests against microaggressions exacerbate mental health problems. Conor Friedersdorf questions the vitriol of […]
Go Set a Watchman: the Finches in 2015
Late in the morning of February 3rd, Twitter was inundated with tweets heralding an announcement that thrilled many people: Harper Lee, of To Kill a Mockingbird fame, will be releasing a sequel to her critically acclaimed 1960 novel. Literary bombshell: Harper Lee to publish a sequel to “To Kill a Mockingbird” http://t.co/x7FFLSDeEq pic.twitter.com/BZdKBhTzgx — Salon […]
One Protest, Two Perspectives
One-nation, two-systems: the political reintegration of Hong Kong into China after a century of being a British colony has recently proved problematic, as the people of Hong Kong have taken to the streets to demand further democratic development. The 1997 Agreement placed the former British colony in a semi-autonomous position, where basic civil and political […]
Setting Alight the Molotov Cocktail: The Kashmir Question
“It is an irony of history that by a combination of fortuitous circumstances a tiny nation of Kashmiris has been placed in a position of great importance, where it can be instrumental in making or marring the future of so many.” – Prem Nath Bazaz (1967) Hindustan’s partition into Pakistan and India precipitated problems and […]
Military Politicization in the Arab Spring
The Arab Spring in Northern Africa and the Middle East is arguably the first widespread liberal democratic uprising in the history of the region. While nearly every country in this area of the world experienced backlash against the government in one form or another, the North African Arabian belt, specifically Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, and Algeria, […]
Progress Report: The Development of Democracy and the Evolving Role of Women in Post-Revolutionary North Africa
This Tuesday, the Center for International Affairs hosted a panel discussion on North Africa and the Arab Spring. In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, people worldwide are left wondering just how successful these North African revolutions were in achieving their core goals of establishing democracy, toppling authoritarian regimes, and promoting regional growth and […]
A Letter to Kerry on Afghanistan
Dear Secretary Kerry: The women of Afghanistan need your help. As head of the diplomatic service of the United States, you have the power to shape US bilateral relations with Afghanistan and therefore direct US involvement in the country. Your recent participation in Afghan peace talks shows that Afghanistan is a top priority; I […]
The Road Ahead: Scotland and the Contentious Question of Independence
“Go back to England and tell them there that Scotland’s daughters and her sons are yours no more. Tell them Scotland is free.” Mel Gibson’s portrayal of Sir William Wallace is legendary in cinema circles; and for the casual observer of modern British politics, this very quote might come to mind when a politician […]