Articles
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.
Protecting Journalism: Policy Ideation in an Evolving Media Environment
In our latest editorial, QBR Editor Charvi Guduru navigates the intricate channels of media dissemination in the modern age. As she notes, disseminating information in our current environment is carried through the channels of media algorithms, resharing, and third-party influencers which dictate what is seen, distributed, and given importance to. This power of information sharing and news can sway public opinion, shape elections, and educate the masses, serving both to uphold and potentially impair our democracy.
The Clean Network: The Tech War's Winning Hand
Following years of uncoordinated U.S. government attempts to curb data security risks from foreign actors, the Clean Network was formed in May 2020. The initiative’s subsequent global campaign came in quick succession as U.S. Undersecretary of State to the Trump Administration, Keith Krach, was under pressure to stop Huawei — China’s prized technology giant — and its seemingly inevitable market domination of fifth-generation (5G) cellular network infrastructure. But what is the Clean Network, and why is it one of the largest accomplishments of recent U.S. politics?
The Reality of Mind Control
If advanced brain-computer interfaces were to fulfill their promises, they would revolutionize the healthcare industry and provide a higher standard of living for millions of paraplegics. However, if these interfaces transcend the medical field and become enhancement tools, there are a plethora of implications that must be discussed.
Reeling in the Line: What Will a Deglobalized Future Look Like?
We have seen drastic market downturn due to supply chain issues, the Russia-Ukraine War, US-China tensions, and inflation. But what does this mean for our highly integrated world economy? It represents key events leading to further deglobalization. In fact, globalization peaked during the Global Financial Crisis and has been trending downwards since.
America v. Itself
While one could compile a list of social issues that are birthed from stripping the national right to bodily autonomy, a plethora of economic reasoning can also be leveraged to advocate for the right to choose. Due to the nature of this issue being so vulnerable, and individual beliefs being so strong there is a high level of polarity regarding the debate of abortion.
The Sun is Setting on the American Empire
What we can learn from the successes and failures of the U.S. conquest
Canada's Deficit
Current Canadian federal spending poses long-term risks for the health of the country that cannot be remediated with alternative theories like MMT.