Articles
Canada at a Crossroads: Balancing Climate Ambitions with Economic Realities
In our latest editorial, Politics Editor Jonathan Wits delves into Canada’s focus on ambitious climate change initiatives. He argues that they are not only economically burdensome but also out of touch with the struggles of Canadians, fuelling skepticism about climate policies, perpetuating climate change denial, and contributing to growing political division, specifically against the Liberal Party, under the former leadership of Justin Trudeau.
Axing or Backing: The Crossroads of the Carbon Tax Debate
The federal carbon tax has become a focal point of political and public debate in Canada, raising questions about its effectiveness and fairness. QBR Politics and the World Editor Alex Chou examines its fiscal and environmental impacts alongside the regional disparities driving criticism. With Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation and growing discontent over rising living costs, the tax faces a pivotal moment ahead of an incoming federal election. Is it an essential tool to address climate change or an undue financial burden on the Canadian people?
Innovation at a Crossroads
In this editorial, QBR Senior Politics Editor Amin Nazari delves into the uncertain landscape facing North American startups. As Canada heads toward a pivotal election, the piece examines how policy shifts from deregulation and tax cuts in Washington to stalled reforms and rising capital gains taxes in Ottawa could reshape the continent’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Drawing on global examples and current data, he highlights the precarious balance between fostering cutting-edge innovation and consolidating corporate power, setting the stage for a high-stakes debate on the future of economic growth and technological leadership.
Beyond the Headlines: Gisèle Pelicot
In this editorial, Politics and the World Editor Maya Galvin furthers her preceding QBR article’s conversation regarding women’s fight to have a voice in politics, this time shifting to a citizen-based perspective. She does so by explaining and examining the mass rape trial in France that captured the world’s attention in its three and a half month duration, instilling onlookers with a sense of sheer horror. Galvin highlights the woman at the center of the case, Gisèle Pelicot, focusing less on what was done to her, and instead showcasing Gisèle’s noble fight against rape culture. This article, while zeroing in on France’s antiquated narratives around consent and sexual violence, underscores the global ubiquity of rape culture, ultimately giving the world a much needed reality check regarding where the problem of rape and sexual violence really lies.
The Glass Ceiling of Conflict
In this editorial, QBR Politics and the World Editor Maya Galvin calls attention to an area of global politics deserving of more attention: the exclusion of women from peace processes, despite the disproportionate impact they experience during conflict and war. Galvin cites literature from the field of gender and politics to underscore how conceptions of hegemonic masculinity dictate who is afforded a seat at the negotiation table, and whose experiences during conflict are put forth. She engages with contemporary examples of Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and the Yemeni crisis to highlight this issue, its ramifications, and the importance for action going forward.
A Political Tug-of-War: Right-Wing Nationalism’s Rise vs. the Left’s Resurgence
In this editorial, QBR Senior Politics Editor Amin Nazari explores the growing divide between right-wing nationalism and progressive left-wing politics across Europe and the Americas. Nazari uncovers the socioeconomic forces fueling these opposing movements and examines how media strategies have amplified their influence. With a focus on the upcoming U.S. and Canadian elections, this piece delves into the broader ideological battle that could reshape the future of democracy on a global scale.
Potholes and Promises: Navigating America’s Infrastructure Rollercoaster
QBR editor Alex Chou explores the pressing issue of America's deteriorating infrastructure, evaluating its significance in the 2024 presidential election. By contrasting campaign rhetoric with actionable policy, the article assesses the current and future impact of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) under the potential leadership of either presidential candidate. Chou emphasizes the importance of critically examining each candidate's policy platform to determine the most effective path forward in securing a sustainable and prosperous future for the United States.
The Role of Government in Corporate Social Responsibility - DRC Conflict Minerals Explained
In our latest editorial, QBR Editor Charvi Guduru navigates the intricate issue of conflict minerals in the DRC, analyzing the intersection of government policy and corporate ethics. Highlighting the dual-edged sword of mineral wealth versus societal cost, the article evaluates the efficacy of measures like the Dodd-Frank Act's Section 1502 in mitigating the adverse impacts of mineral extraction. Guduru advocates for enhanced transparency, rigorous regulation, and greater public engagement to ensure that government policy reflect national ESG targets. The article reconnects policy with corporate actions to contribute positively to social sustainability and help to end the cycle of exploitation in the DRC.
Argentina’s Bold Leap into Right-Wing Economic Reform
In our final segment of our Geo Spotlight Series, QBR Editors Amin Nazari and Gefen Shpil engage in a thought-provoking debate on the shift towards right-wing economic policies under Javier Milei's leadership. In a first-of-its-kind ‘debate style’ format, the co-authors of this article propose two possible views regarding the possible outcomes of Mileli's fiscal policies. Shpil argues in favor, championing Milei's radical reforms as necessary 'shock therapy' to revitalize Argentina's floundering economy through deregulation, privatization, and dollarization. Contrarily, Nazari presents a cautionary perspective, questioning the precipitous and potentially perilous impacts of such drastic measures on Argentina's social fabric and economic stability. Their dynamic exchange sheds light on the complexities of Milei's policies, exploring the fine line between economic revival and societal upheaval. This article not only dissects the ideological battleground reshaping Argentina but also invites readers to consider the broader implications of such bold economic experimentation in a historically volatile region.
A Tango of Oil Money and Prosperity
In our second segment of the Geo Spotlight Series, Philip Russ and Simon Ing explore the transformative impact of the oil industry on Latin America's economic giants. This thought-provoking article traces the journey from the early promise of wealth and progress to the challenges of the 'oil curse,' where abundance sometimes leads to economic downturns and corruption. The authors examine the shifting fortunes of Venezuela, Mexico, Guyana, and Brazil, revealing how geopolitical strategies, management practices, and international dynamics influence each country's path. Their analysis invites reflection on the future of energy, the potential for sustainable development, and the delicate balance between exploiting natural resources and fostering long-term national growth.