Connection and Fear: Television in the 21st Century

13612203_10206155636603188_4130233331516496311_n By Gavin Davies

Although smart phones have revolutionized media access, for most people in the world it is still television networks that bring news of the world into their lives. However, T.V. news has had to compete with new technologies and entertainment, which created the conditions for an increased scope and style of news coverage. While this trend has illuminated more people to more global issues, it was also able to show more of the various conflicts that go on in the world on any given day, and created reactionary domestic responses because of it.

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From Liberty to Liability

daniela By Daniel Atherton

“It’s a movement like we’ve never seen anywhere in the world, they say,” Trump said. “There’s never been a movement like this. And it’s something very, very special.”[1]

Fifty-three and a half years ago, there was a movement like this – a movement of impassioned people, fearful for the direction of the country, motivated to make a difference, enraged by the battle they faced in the capitol. The one fundamental difference: back then, America had a dream of liberty, today, America has a nightmare of liability.

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Fidel Castro’s Death, and What it Means to the Rest of the World

14355033_1381372131892109_8836122230010910437_n By Jennifer Amspacher

Fidel Castro was 90 years old when he died on November 25, 2016. He was frail and sickly, yet his death still came to the world as a shock. Fidel Castro was President of Cuba from December 2, 1976 to February 24, 2008, when he resigned and gave power to his brother, Raúl Castro. Not only did he hold Presidency in Cuba for 47 years, Castro was first a law student at University of Havana– then rebel, revolutionary, self-proclaimed anti-imperialist and pro-soviet socialist; labeled as a fearsome dictator by critics and as an everlasting legend and icon by his supporters. The late Fidel Castro, no matter how you view him, was indubitably one of the most politically influential figures in Latin American history.

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Exploitation of Refugees Left, Right, and Centre

mariam By Mariam Tuma

Since the “beginning” of the European Refugee Crisis, a term problematic in its own right, we have been bombarded with mass media campaigns trying to propagate a particular narrative on the issue. The construction of loaded terminology evoking particular emotions, ideologies, and reactions has characterised the very foundation of reporting on the issue.

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Bringing Back Sortition: How Modern Democracies Are Failing and How They Could Be Saved

14523303_10209303430817189_8787678059998973059_n  By Laura Serra

Reactions following the political developments of the past few months can generally be divided into two strands: those who believe they represent a win for democracy and those who believe they are sanctioning its end. Brexiteers and Trumpeteers rejoiced at the outcome of the referendum and presidential elections respectively because it embodied the victory of the will of the majority. Those who opposed their views were silenced by claims that this is the essence of democracy: the majority declares who the winners and losers are, and the majority is always right for the mere fact of being the majority. Continue reading “Bringing Back Sortition: How Modern Democracies Are Failing and How They Could Be Saved”

Water: Oil of the 21st Century?

kat By Katarina Salaj

Water, a natural resource of fundamental importance in sustaining all kinds of life. Something that we take for granted when we take our morning showers, make our favourite pasta or just drink a cup of tea. Population increase, economic prosperity and amplified consumption are just some of the reasons as to why we are now witnessing the fragility and limitations of this vital resource. In fact, water is the underlining cause of many social and political phenomena ranging from poverty, migrations to even civil unrest and wars. Its fundamental importance has led some to refer to it as the ‘oil of the twenty- first century’ (source 1) emphasising the need to understand the extent and gravity of geopolitical effects of its scarcity.

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Crisis in Venezuela: What’s Really Going On?

14055118_1645172599129010_5639526167748039418_n By Emma Temple

Perhaps not dominating, but infiltrating headline news for over a year now, is the political turmoil in Venezuela. The somewhat secondary reporting style regarding this crisis could perhaps be assigned to the fact that more ‘pressing’ matters concern the west at the moment; but you only need to obtain a few of the facts regarding life on Venezuelan streets in order to truly understand the sheer catastrophic consequences that political corruption has had on Venezuelan society.

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The Calm Before the Storm (And What You Need to Know)

By Mikayla Billin

Every four years the most powerful nation in the world elects a new leader.  Tonight the United States will take part in arguably the most controversial election in history, and before polls close and results start flying in, here is a rundown of everything you need to know.
Who Can Be the 45th President of the United States?

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Will Clinton’s Hawkish Reputation Cost Her the Election?

raeesa By Raeesa Khan

When Donald Trump announced he would be running for President, hardly anyone believed he had a realistic chance of becoming the Republican nominee let alone entering the White House. At first glance his egomaniacal persona, reality TV star status, and extraordinary receding hairline made him all but unequipped for the job. Continue reading “Will Clinton’s Hawkish Reputation Cost Her the Election?”