All in Current Events

Are Non-State Actors Disrupting the Power Dynamics of International Relations and Diplomacy?

Are Non-State Actors Disrupting the Power Dynamics of International Relations and Diplomacy?

Benjamin Kwasi Akompi
Current Events, International Affairs

State actors have typically dominated bilateral and multilateral relations. Meanwhile, the dynamics and complexities of globalization, internationalization of domestic policy, and increase in global connections have extended the focus of governance beyond the state to incorporate global governance interests. The growing impact of non-state actors (NSAs) in international relations and diplomatic activities underscores the crucial contributions that NSAs make to reduce the perceived legitimacy deficit in global governance at both the international and subnational levels. Conceptually, a state actor is an entity that represents a recognized government, such as a nation-state or its institutions, exercising authority and sovereignty. On the other hand, a non-state actor refers to organizations or individuals not affiliated with or controlled by any government, such as NGOs, corporations, or insurgent groups. Both play roles in domestic and international affairs. On many policy issues and thematic areas of national and global interest, non-state actors play a significant role at the societal, state, and international levels. Given that democratic governance is fundamentally participatory, it allows civil society organizations, as well as non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, to provide input and constructive policy alternatives into both international and government apparatus and other areas of global concern. Respect for and acknowledgment of the legitimacy of quasi-governmental entities driven by specific goals across multiple global economic and political sectors are critical to international relations.

Friend?: A Sociological Study of the Blue Light Epidemic

Friend?: A Sociological Study of the Blue Light Epidemic

Kali Elizabeth Saunders
Business Current Events, Current Events

A recent study has found that the average Gen Z (Americans born between the late 1990s and early 2000s) spends about 3 hours and 28 minutes per day browsing through social media (Wheelwright, 2024). 3.5 hours per day adds up to about 24.5 hours per week. In this study of the sociological effects of this activity that they engage in for one entire day per week, I propose that this “blue light epidemic” that Gen Z’ers are modeling, leads to the dissociation between ideas and realities specifically as it concerns the idea of“friends” and/or the people that they associate with.

Understanding the Rise of Dictatorship: History, Tactics, and Citizen Awareness

Understanding the Rise of Dictatorship: History, Tactics, and Citizen Awareness

Jordan Armando Navarro
Current Events, Political Theory

Throughout human history, tyranny is always a constant threat that rears its ugly head from Hitler and the Nazis to Mussolini and his Brownshirts, to the plethora of dictators of the Roman Empire that fill the history books. With how often a dictator rises, it's good to know the warning signs of a dictatorship rising and what the average citizen in any country can do to prevent them from ever reaching power.

Aesthetics in the 21st Century: Why and how do they matter?

Aesthetics in the 21st Century: Why and how do they matter?

Valeria Li
Current Events

“Aesthetics” traditionally refers to the principles (and often the philosophy) of beauty and art. Lately, however, the term has taken on an additional meaning referring to a particular visual theme, as well as taking on the meaning of simply being beautiful or otherwise visually appealing. “What’s your aesthetic?” and “That’s so aesthetic” are phrases commonly heard in the last five years or so. 

Technology, the Cause of Possible Mutilation and the Murder of Small Talk

Technology, the Cause of Possible Mutilation and the Murder of Small Talk

Ijeoma Anaka
Current Events, Science & Nature, Technology

In an era dominated by smartphones and constant connectivity, the art of small talk seems to be dwindling. With our attention constantly fixated on screens, interactions that once formed the fabric of social cohesion are now becoming obsolete. But could our dependence on technology be more than just a cultural shift? Could it actually be shaping our physical evolution? This article explores the intriguing hypothesis put forward by some researchers that our reliance on technology might lead to the evolution of a physical trait: a node at the back of our necks.

The Age of Drone Warfare

The Age of Drone Warfare

Ryan Dulaney
Current Events, Technology

Warfare inevitably destroys human life. Human life is the fuel war runs on and the medium through which it is carried out. For all of history, humans have organized to destroy one another in this brutal contest. From clubs and spears to cannons and rifles, war has been an omnipresent fixture of human history. However, recent developments have seen a shift in how conflict is carried out - namely, the introduction and development of drone technology.

Live Music is a Dying Industry

Live Music is a Dying Industry

Miguel Rojas
Current Events

The death of Frank Pallett etched the fate of The Chance Theater in stone. A mainstay in Poughkeepsie’s live music scene, The Chance was a theater with over a century of heritage that offered a venue to Count Basie, BB King, and The Ramones when their music careers were still in their infancy. Pallett took ownership of the theater in February 1995 and spent the rest of his life developing it into a place worthy of acts like Bowie and The Rolling Stones, as well as making it a launchpad for local bands to cut their teeth as live performers. When he died in 2021, Poughkeepsie mourned the loss of a local hero, but the city pondered the fate of this historic venue. The venue permanently closed its doors in October 2023. Chai Developers, the new owners, plan to renovate the theater while maintaining its heritage; however, the theater’s indefinite closure indicates the end of an era and reflects a greater global grassroots music venue crisis.

Alleviating Poverty with UBI

Alleviating Poverty with UBI

Hope Lambert
Current Events, Economics

Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a revolutionary idea that ensures everyone receives the basics to survive. The goal is to provide citizens a monthly stipend, between $250-$1,000, to reduce the number of people who struggle to pay for necessities such as house payments, food, and water so that they can focus on other goals like education, quality time with family, and personal hobbies. Poverty creates a life of instability with work, unstable living situations, and little to no access to education. Whenever we speak about poverty, people tend to think that this is only an issue experienced by those unwilling to work (or considered lazy by some).

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