Foreign Involvement Exacerbating Moroccan-Algerian Relations

Ongoing hostilities, worsened by Algeria's support for Western Sahara's independence, have led to the dissolution of Morocco and Algeria’s diplomatic ties. The risk of open conflict is growing as both countries militarize their approach to the matter, and recent incidents in Algeria’s waters stand to test their resolve to the peaceful mediation of disputes.

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King of the North: How Melting Ice Caps Can Make the Arctic the Most Important Region in the World

The continuous melting of the polar ice caps is forcing governments to rethink their strategic plans in the Arctic. Climate change has allowed for this region to become more important on a global scale, and brings with it both exciting new opportunities and daunting new challenges.

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Russia’s Expanding Role in the Korean Peninsula: How the War in Ukraine is Affecting Policies a World Away

In the midst of the protracted Ukraine conflict, which defied earlier predictions, Ukrainian forces stood resolute for over 18 months. As resources begin to dwindle, Putin turns to North Korea's support in a confidential meeting on September 13, 2023. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to back Russia, hinting at military cooperation. Thus, this exchange raises concerns about Russia potentially providing advanced technology in exchange for North Korean munitions. This intriguing alliance could reshape the future of South Korean, Russian, and North Korean relations, as historical ties of the Korean Peninsula to Russia and the potential revival of alliances have profound implications for global stability. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yul speaks to the UN, warning the assembly of the uncertainty surrounding these authoritarian leaders and the escalation of conflict with this growing alliance.

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No Farmers, No Food

India is often labeled as the world’s largest democracy, but the very fabric of its democratic structure has been in question for many years. The contentious farmers’ protests in Delhi, primarily supported by Punjab, epitomize this struggle. The agricultural laws passed by Modi’s administration, are beneficial on paper, but in reality remove the safety net that farmers count on, leaving them vulnerable to corporate exploitation. In response, peaceful protests have been ongoing since 2020 have been met with excessive force, internet shutdowns, and further acts of intimidation, thus raising concerns about India’s future as a democratic nation. This is an ongoing issue that India faces, and the peaceful protests upheld by farmers serve as a reminder that it is vital to protect and uphold the civil liberties of all those in India as well as democracy itself. 

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Captagon: The Stimulant of Syria

A well-known drug in the Middle East, captagon, has transformed Syria into a narcostate. The extensive production of this drug has affected militia, rebel groups, and surrounding countries. Now, as Syria is approaching readmission into the Arab League, President al-Assad is using his opportunity to crackdown on the illicit as a political bargaining chip. 

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Lithium Extraction and its Impacts on Indigenous Communities

Indigenous communities in the “lithium triangle” are advocating for the preservation of their way of life while protesting against the power structures that have continued to prioritize industries and corporations conducting lithium extraction.  It is imperative that the governments of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile address the problem and prioritize the environment and rights of indigenous populations over business and profits.

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Republicans Put War in Mexico on the Menu

The Republican Party’s presidential hopefuls take a stand against the Mexican drug trade in their most recent rhetoric, calling for an American military intervention. This is a departure from former President Donald Trump’s ‘build a wall’ fantasy, but the xenophobic sentiments remain the same. This article examines whether this boots or missiles approach is a realistic expectation, or just another empty soapbox for the GOP candidates to stand on. 

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China’s Firm Hold on El Salvador’s Open Door

In Latin America, the presence of China has become an ever-growing affair of matchmaking between the Asian superpower and some of the world’s developing nations. In the present Bukele-era of El Salvador, an era characterized by doubled-down policies and a crackdown on the social and economic drawbacks, the amity of officials in Beijing has been welcomed with open arms.

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Rail Baltica: The Baltic Region's Transformative Infrastructure Project

For decades the Baltic States have been connected to Russia via a common rail gauge and Soviet influence. With the construction of Rail Baltica punctuating their realignment towards Europe, the potential positive impacts of this transformative project will reverberate not just through the Baltic region but throughout the European continent as a whole.

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The Power of Film: How South Korean Films Alter Legislation Over Pressing Domestic Social Issues

South Korean cinema, epitomized by 'Parasite,' 'Squid Game,' and 'The Glory,' has become a catalyst for societal change. These films have sparked legislative responses to issues like bullying and abuse, aided by South Korea's democratic system. Yet, challenges persist in defining and implementing reforms effectively. To address deeply ingrained problems, a reevaluation of traditional Confucian values is essential. Legislative changes must align with evolving societal needs.

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SkatePal: How Skate Culture is Impacting the Lives of Young Palestinians

This article discusses the importance of community spaces and engagement among Palestinian youth in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, especially when these communities have a higher exposure to conflict. The article specifically highlights the growing skateboarding culture facilitated by a non-profit called SkatePal.

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How Erdogan Became Turkey’s Teflon Don

Türkiye (formerly referred to as Turkey) has survived many tumultuous challenges throughout the 21st century. Coups, economic collapse, natural disasters, constitutional crises, and much more. One thing has remained certain however, Erdogan’s iron grip on power. The recent defeat of opposition candidate Kemal Kilicidaroglu has secured Erdogan another five years as the far-right authoritarian leader of Türkiye, a NATO member and the 19th largest economy in the world. This article aims to explain why Erdogan has become so untouchable despite his clear dishonesty and corruption. 

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Lack of Media Coverage: You Need to Know about the Tragedies along the Aegean Sea Coast

The rise of tragedies related to the migration of such a large number of people has become a common occurrence in the Aegean Sea. Following the 2015 refugee crisis of people fleeing persecution from countries such as Syria and Afghanistan to Central Europe through routes in the Mediterranean, there was a controversial rise among many European politicians regarding migration policies and refugees. This article will address the lack of media coverage with respect to failed migration attempts resulting in deaths of innocent refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and internally displaced persons. 

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