Politics & the World
In our latest editorial, Politics Editor Jonathan Wits delves into Canada’s focus on ambitious climate change initiatives. He argues that they are not only economically burdensome but also out of touch with the struggles of Canadians, fuelling skepticism about climate policies, perpetuating climate change denial, and contributing to growing political division, specifically against the Liberal Party, under the former leadership of Justin Trudeau.
The federal carbon tax has become a focal point of political and public debate in Canada, raising questions about its effectiveness and fairness. QBR Politics and the World Editor Alex Chou examines its fiscal and environmental impacts alongside the regional disparities driving criticism. With Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation and growing discontent over rising living costs, the tax faces a pivotal moment ahead of an incoming federal election. Is it an essential tool to address climate change or an undue financial burden on the Canadian people?
In our latest editorial, Politics Editor Jonathan Wits delves into Canada’s focus on ambitious climate change initiatives. He argues that they are not only economically burdensome but also out of touch with the struggles of Canadians, fuelling skepticism about climate policies, perpetuating climate change denial, and contributing to growing political division, specifically against the Liberal Party, under the former leadership of Justin Trudeau.
The federal carbon tax has become a focal point of political and public debate in Canada, raising questions about its effectiveness and fairness. QBR Politics and the World Editor Alex Chou examines its fiscal and environmental impacts alongside the regional disparities driving criticism. With Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation and growing discontent over rising living costs, the tax faces a pivotal moment ahead of an incoming federal election. Is it an essential tool to address climate change or an undue financial burden on the Canadian people?
In this editorial, QBR Senior Politics Editor Amin Nazari delves into the uncertain landscape facing North American startups. As Canada heads toward a pivotal election, the piece examines how policy shifts from deregulation and tax cuts in Washington to stalled reforms and rising capital gains taxes in Ottawa could reshape the continent’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Drawing on global examples and current data, he highlights the precarious balance between fostering cutting-edge innovation and consolidating corporate power, setting the stage for a high-stakes debate on the future of economic growth and technological leadership.
In this editorial, Politics and the World Editor Maya Galvin furthers her preceding QBR article’s conversation regarding women’s fight to have a voice in politics, this time shifting to a citizen-based perspective. She does so by explaining and examining the mass rape trial in France that captured the world’s attention in its three and a half month duration, instilling onlookers with a sense of sheer horror. Galvin highlights the woman at the center of the case, Gisèle Pelicot, focusing less on what was done to her, and instead showcasing Gisèle’s noble fight against rape culture. This article, while zeroing in on France’s antiquated narratives around consent and sexual violence, underscores the global ubiquity of rape culture, ultimately giving the world a much needed reality check regarding where the problem of rape and sexual violence really lies.
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.
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.
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.
In our latest editorial, QBR Editor Charvi Guduru navigates the intricate issue of conflict minerals in the DRC, analyzing the intersection of government policy and corporate ethics. Highlighting the dual-edged sword of mineral wealth versus societal cost, the article evaluates the efficacy of measures like the Dodd-Frank Act's Section 1502 in mitigating the adverse impacts of mineral extraction. Guduru advocates for enhanced transparency, rigorous regulation, and greater public engagement to ensure that government policy reflect national ESG targets. The article reconnects policy with corporate actions to contribute positively to social sustainability and help to end the cycle of exploitation in the DRC.
In our final segment of our Geo Spotlight Series, QBR Editors Amin Nazari and Gefen Shpil engage in a thought-provoking debate on the shift towards right-wing economic policies under Javier Milei's leadership. In a first-of-its-kind ‘debate style’ format, the co-authors of this article propose two possible views regarding the possible outcomes of Mileli's fiscal policies. Shpil argues in favor, championing Milei's radical reforms as necessary 'shock therapy' to revitalize Argentina's floundering economy through deregulation, privatization, and dollarization. Contrarily, Nazari presents a cautionary perspective, questioning the precipitous and potentially perilous impacts of such drastic measures on Argentina's social fabric and economic stability. Their dynamic exchange sheds light on the complexities of Milei's policies, exploring the fine line between economic revival and societal upheaval. This article not only dissects the ideological battleground reshaping Argentina but also invites readers to consider the broader implications of such bold economic experimentation in a historically volatile region.
In our second segment of the Geo Spotlight Series, Philip Russ and Simon Ing explore the transformative impact of the oil industry on Latin America's economic giants. This thought-provoking article traces the journey from the early promise of wealth and progress to the challenges of the 'oil curse,' where abundance sometimes leads to economic downturns and corruption. The authors examine the shifting fortunes of Venezuela, Mexico, Guyana, and Brazil, revealing how geopolitical strategies, management practices, and international dynamics influence each country's path. Their analysis invites reflection on the future of energy, the potential for sustainable development, and the delicate balance between exploiting natural resources and fostering long-term national growth.
In our latest editorial and first segment of our GeoSpotlight series, QBR Editors Navroz Mehta and Tomas Serrano delve into the heart of the Lithium Triangle—spanning Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile—as a linchpin in the quest for sustainable energy. This insightful piece reveals lithium's pivotal role in the global green tech revolution, confronting the climate crisis with what's been termed 'white gold.' The authors navigate the geopolitical, economic, and environmental landscapes that frame lithium's pivotal extraction, its profound impact on indigenous communities, and the global energy paradigm. Through their analysis, Mehta and Serrano craft a compelling discussion on the journey towards a carbon-neutral future, underscoring the complex interplay of harvesting lithium to power the green revolution.
In our latest editorial, QBR Digital Strategy Officer and Editor Amin Nazari delves into the intricate geopolitics of Yemen, revealing how this conflict is a microcosm of broader regional power struggles. Nazari adeptly unpacks the deep-rooted rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, showcasing how their contention fuels Yemen's ongoing war. He brings to light Yemen's strategic significance, probing the involvement of major world powers like the USA, China, and Russia in this international chess game. He also focuses on the dire humanitarian consequences of the conflict, calling for a critical reassessment of global politics, advocating for solutions that prioritize human welfare above strategic interests and political maneuvering.
In our latest editorial, Dhruv Shah, QBR's Senior Politics Editor examines Big Pharma's deep-seated influence on Canadian politics. His article focuses on the industry's role in healthcare policy-making, especially regarding vaccine patents and the Canada Pharmacare Act. Highlighting concerns about lobbying and the 'revolving door' phenomenon, Shah questions whether corporate interests are overriding public health priorities in Canada's political decisions.
In our latest editorial, QBR Editor Charvi Guduru navigates the intricate channels of media dissemination in the modern age. As she notes, disseminating information in our current environment is carried through the channels of media algorithms, resharing, and third-party influencers which dictate what is seen, distributed, and given importance to. This power of information sharing and news can sway public opinion, shape elections, and educate the masses, serving both to uphold and potentially impair our democracy.
In our newest editorial, QBR veteran and former Managing Editor Noah Lee calls for injecting transformational optimism into the Canadian energy debate rather than furthering divisiveness.
In our latest editorial, QBR Senior Editor Dhruv Shah breaks down the Trudeau legacy, once synonymous with progress and unity, which has now given way to a Canada grappling with rising living costs, housing unaffordability, and healthcare challenges under Justin Trudeau's leadership, prompting a dramatic decline in his approval ratings. As the nation faces these pressing issues, the future of the Liberal Party and Justin Trudeau hangs in the balance, with the looming possibility of the Conservative Party seizing the reins in the 2025 elections.
Following years of uncoordinated U.S. government attempts to curb data security risks from foreign actors, the Clean Network was formed in May 2020. The initiative’s subsequent global campaign came in quick succession as U.S. Undersecretary of State to the Trump Administration, Keith Krach, was under pressure to stop Huawei — China’s prized technology giant — and its seemingly inevitable market domination of fifth-generation (5G) cellular network infrastructure. But what is the Clean Network, and why is it one of the largest accomplishments of recent U.S. politics?
If advanced brain-computer interfaces were to fulfill their promises, they would revolutionize the healthcare industry and provide a higher standard of living for millions of paraplegics. However, if these interfaces transcend the medical field and become enhancement tools, there are a plethora of implications that must be discussed.
We have seen drastic market downturn due to supply chain issues, the Russia-Ukraine War, US-China tensions, and inflation. But what does this mean for our highly integrated world economy? It represents key events leading to further deglobalization. In fact, globalization peaked during the Global Financial Crisis and has been trending downwards since.
While one could compile a list of social issues that are birthed from stripping the national right to bodily autonomy, a plethora of economic reasoning can also be leveraged to advocate for the right to choose. Due to the nature of this issue being so vulnerable, and individual beliefs being so strong there is a high level of polarity regarding the debate of abortion.
What we can learn from the successes and failures of the U.S. conquest
Current Canadian federal spending poses long-term risks for the health of the country that cannot be remediated with alternative theories like MMT.
Iran’s dependence on crude oil must be set aside for social and economic progress to bolster the country’s growth.
Social media provides impetus for political polarization.
This article will explore the evolution of U.S. tariff policy and the current trade policy of President Trump during his second term. By tracing the development of tariffs from the founding of the United States through to Trump’s potential second-term plans, this piece aims to examine how tariffs have re-emerged as a tool for President Trump to address the economic and geopolitical challenges facing the U.S.