Foreign Policy

Current Status of the War in Ukraine

Despite recent negotiations, Russian forces continue to occupy large portions of Ukraine. This brief details the status of the war from its beginning to recent development, with a specific focus on the validity of Russian claims of withdrawal from Ukraine. Finally, with consideration to U.S. interests in mitigating the conflict and ensuring domestic stabilization, the brief also proposes the next steps the U.S. should take to ensure effective economic and military pressure on Russia.

China-Russia Relations in the Wake of Invasion

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, the United States, along with other NATO nations, have imposed significant economic countermeasures against Russia. However, as its economy struggles, Russia may turn to China in search of economic security. This brief explains how Russia has dealt with punitive economic policy from the West, as well as how Russia's long economic relationship with China may play a role in its economic recovery. Finally, the brief considers future approaches the U.S. should take to effectively deter China-Russia relations in the attempt to resolve the Russia-Ukraine Conflict.

Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup: Exploitation of Workers

Sustained protests from migrant workers in Qatar have grabbed the attention of the international sports community as the date of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup approaches. This brief explains the long history of labor abuses towards migrant workers, specifically in relation to construction for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Finally, through an analysis of recent labor reforms within Qatar, the brief analyzes the efficacy of these reforms and considers future approaches needed to ensure the continuation of labor reforms in Qatar.

Threat of War Along the Eastern Bloc: Ukraine

Rising militarization of the Russia-Ukraine border has caused concerns of war along the Eastern Bloc. This brief details the long rooted history between Russia and Ukraine and how it ties into the current conflict. Finally, with consideration to recent developments, the brief analyzes current approaches to the conflict and future actions the U.S. may take in response to continued Russian aggression.

The Military Takeover of Sudan

Violence breaks out in Sudan as a result of military makeover of the regional Sudanese government. This brief details the motives of the coup, including the long history of political instability that preceded it. Finally, it analyzes the future of Sudan following the coup, as well as possible actions to take to ensure the immediate safety of the Sudenese people and to provide measures to enable civilian rule.

U.S. Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing Olympics

Tensions rise between the U.S. and China as a result of the U.S.-led diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Beijing Olympics. This brief explains the reasoning behind the boycott, as well as the past efficacy of such practices. Finally, it analyzes the possibility of further action from the U.S. in response to the current state of relations.

Rising Tensions of the Ethiopian Civil War

This brief analyzes the current conflict between Ethiopia and Tigray. It covers the history of relations between the Ethiopian federal government, Tigray, and Eritrea. It then breaks down the current situation including changes in Ethiopian politics and claims of genocide.

Struggle for Power in Venezuela Maduro vs Guaido

This policy brief analyzes the past and current relationship between the United States and Venezuela. It specifically focuses on Venezuelan politics, the upcoming elections, and U.S. sanctions against Venezuela and its leadership. It analyzes the history of U.S. sanctions against Venezuela, the Chavez regime, and the Maduro regime and how U.S. policy may change based on the outcome of the upcoming elections.

U.S. Role in China-Taiwan Conflict

Rising Chinese militaristic threats against Taiwan with demands of reunification have prompted questions of U.S. involvement within the region. Concerned with the ramification of conflict with China, yet unwilling to acknowledge Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan, the United States must navigate a means to balance its interests and peace within the region. This brief explains the history between China and Taiwan and how U.S. involvement has influenced the relationship between these countries. Finally, it analyzes how the United States has approached the looming possibility of war between the two nations and what routes the U.S. should take to mitigate the risk of further conflict.

Withdrawal Opens Avenue for the Growth of Chinese-Afghan Relations

After the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, the possibility of China stepping into the vacuum to support the Taliban regime became both a possibility and a concern for the United States and its allies. Beijing’s close relationship with Pakistan and their willingness to work with both Moscow and Tehran means the U.S. is, and should be, wary of the extension of this relationship to Kabul, as any relationship between U.S. adversaries is of concern to Washington. This brief explains the history between the Taliban and Beijing, the motivations of each, and the likely outcomes of any negotiations. Finally, it analyzes how these negotiations are impacted by Pakistan and China’s other “alliances”, and how such negotiations would impact U.S. policy both with China and in the region at large.

Freedom and Fairness of the 2024 Bangladeshi Parliamentary Election

In early January, increasingly autocratic leader Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League won her fifth term in office as Prime Minister. For months preceding the election, violence and protests broke out as a result of controversy surrounding Hasina’s rule. These protests were repressed as Hasina became notorious for cracking down on free speech. The main opposition party, Bangladesh National Party (BNP) declined to participate in the election, calling for an interim caretaker government, which Hasina refused. Her victory was highly controversial among BNP members and has been recognized as an unfree and unfair election by several countries.

The Issue of Poverty In Nigeria

This presentation will investigate the subject of Nigeria's growing poverty by examining the many elements that contribute to poverty. This presentation also discusses the steps Nigeria is taking to address this issue. The presentation also proposes some possible solutions.

The Fight for the Future of Israel

The Effects of Covid Travel Restrictions

The Dimming of a Democratic Hong Kong

The Cons of the Dakota Access Pipeline

Syrian Bombings

Strategies for North Korean Denuclearization

Srebrenica Genocide Denial in Bosnia

South Korea's Anti-Leaflet Law: Implications & Next Steps

Shrouded in Secrecy: A Brief on the Israeli Nuclear Program