Wanda Vázquez Garced: The Implications of a Pardon for Corruption on Puerto Rico’s Politics


 On January 16th, 2026, President Donald J. Trump pardoned Puerto Rico’s former Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced alongside her co-defendants, the Britannia Financial Group founder Julio Martin Herrera Velutini and co-conspirator Mark Rossini of federal corruption charges she faced during her election campaign (POLITICO). Vázquez’s pardon is especially notable, as it is the first time a […]
Posted April 7, 2026

Current Mass Violence in Mexico & its Effect on Future Geopolitics


After Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, one of Mexico’s top cartel leaders, was assassinated on February 22, 2026, mass violence has been set across the country (Al Jazeera 1). Airlines have cancelled flights to many of the country’s most popular cities and American and Canadian tourists have been warned about possible threats to their safety (Al […]
Posted March 24, 2026

Iran’s Dilemma: Domestic Instability and Foreign Pressure


On December 28, 2025, Iranian shopkeepers took the streets of Tehran to protest the economic mismanagement of the Islamic Republic regime, which has ruled Iran since the 1979 revolution (Amnesty International). Iran’s currency, the rial, fell to a record low against the U.S. dollar and inflation increased to 40 percent, rendering everyday items unaffordable for […]
Posted March 5, 2026

Critical Impacts of Sanctions and Weakening State Management: Iranian Environmental Conditions and Public Health


Since the 1979 revolution, the Iranian government has seen increasing levels of sanctions, with former President of the United States, Barack Obama taking the first step to expand sanctions, in response to increased potential nuclear weapon proliferation, passing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA (Library of Congress; CCMES). The JCPOA was notable for […]
Posted March 5, 2026

Local Women, Global Impact: How Civil Societies are Empowering Women Across Peacebuilding Initiatives


On October 31, 2000, the United Nations passed the UN Security Council Resolution on Women, Peace, and Security (UNSCR 1325). The resolution established an international goal of “full, equal, and meaningful participation” of women in peacemaking initiatives by 2030 (OSAGI). The meaningful inclusion of women in peace negotiations not only advances gender equality, but directly […]
Posted March 5, 2026


Sanae Takaichi Becomes Japan’s First Woman Prime Minister


On October 21st, 2025, Japanese parliament made history by electing Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female Prime Minister (BBC). While her victory marks a major milestone, breaking a barrier that stood for the parliament’s 140-year history (Prime Minister’s Office of Japan), critics are questioning whether her rise truly represents progress for women overall. Takaichi’s […]
Posted December 5, 2025

Pro-EU Party Wins Moldovan Elections Despite Misinformation


On Sunday, September 28th, Moldova’s Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) secured a ruling majority over Moldova’s parliament. The parliamentary elections were highly contested, as Moldova has been in the process of attaining EU membership for the past three years, the government’s economic measures have been unpopular, and there were Russian-backed interference allegations (Reuters). The […]
Posted December 2, 2025

Post-Electoral Conflict in Cameroon: The Erosion of Democratic Institutions and the Rise of Gerontocracy


The Central African nation of Cameroon’s Constitutional Council has announced and sworn in 92-year-old Paul Biya into office for another seven-year term, extending a presidency that began in 1982 (BBC 1; Journal of Democracy; Al Jazeera 1). However, this year’s election takes place amid political turmoil plaguing the country, including tribal, ethnic, linguistic, and religious […]
Posted December 2, 2025


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