Articles
Coca’s Role in Shaping South American Financial Markets
In this editorial, Queen’s Business Review’s Financial Markets Editor Ethan Chan delves into the paradoxical role of the coca leaf in South American economies. Once a revered traditional crop, it now straddles both legal and illegal markets, shaping economic policies and inflation while fueling the global drug trade. As legal uses expand, the coca leaf’s potential to transform rural economies offers a glimpse into the future of South American financial markets.
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.
Quantum Leap: Unbreakable Data Security's Future
In an era where cyber threats are growing, quantum cryptography promises a new frontier of data security. Technology and Innovation Editor Liam Woolstencroft unveils how this innovative technology, rooted in quantum mechanics, is set to protect sensitive information like never before. From safeguarding financial transactions to ensuring the privacy of healthcare data, this article explores the groundbreaking potential of quantum cryptography and the challenges that must be overcome to make it a reality.
Driving into the Future: The Ethical Implications of Autonomous Vehicles
With the rise of autonomous vehicles comes the introduction of intricate ethical dilemmas posed by this technology. QBR Editor Ining Wei explores how the classic ‘trolley problem’ shifts from a philosophical thought experiment to a real-world challenge for developers, policymakers, and society. This article delves into the key ethical considerations surrounding autonomous vehicles, applicable ethical frameworks, the complexities of assigning liability, and the broader implications for the future of transportation.
Perovskite: Powering Next-Gen Solar Cells
Have you ever wondered how your home, bike, or car might be powered years from now? Senior Technology and Innovation Editor Isaac Moore provides an analysis of how perovskite, a synthetic semi-conductor in new solar cells, is supporting the creation of next generation solar panels. The article breaks down the solar energy conversion process, how perovskite changes it, and the challenges preventing the immediate success of the perovskite solar cells.
Open Banking: A Framework for Fintech Innovation
In this editorial, QBR Economics & Policy Editor Rishab Chakraborty discusses how information in the realm of financial services, markets, and intermediaries has traditionally been tightly regulated in a closed loop. This differs from traditional software, where consumer and behavioral data from non-financial institutions is typically unregulated in its use. However, with Open Banking reform coming to Canada’s regulatory data framework, we can see an uptick in innovation in the Canadian fintech space.
The Art of the SPAC
In this new article, QBR Sr. Advisor Joshua Cristofoli explores how SPACs are challenging the traditional IPO process, giving businesses a quicker route to the public markets and altering the financial landscape.
Eat the Rich or Stomp Out the Little Guy: A Roadmap to Capital Gains
In a detailed guide to the recent changes to Canada’s capital gains inclusion rate as part of the 2024 Federal Budget, Senior Economics and Policy Editor Gefen Shpil outlines the impact such changes would have on individual investors, Canadian industries, and the economy. This article seeks to uncover just how many Canadians will be impacted by the changes and, most importantly, whether the Liberals are truly targeting the “ultra-rich”.