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Op-Ed Contest Spring 2026

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Articles in the topic

Inevitably Unprepared: Rethinking South American Migration Governance

In

Op-Ed Contest Spring 2026

By

Hillary Villegas

This op-ed argues that South America’s migration crisis reflects a failure of governance rather than mobility, driven by political polarization and fragmented policies. It proposes the establishment of a structured regional framework to move beyond reactive and ineffective approaches, ensuring more coordinated and sustainable responses.

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Teach Them to Think with It: The Case for AI Literacy in Every American High School

In

Op-Ed Contest Spring 2026

By

Faran Abbas

As student use of artificial intelligence for homework surges past 60 percent, schools remain dangerously behind in teaching young people how to use these tools critically and ethically. This op-ed argues that mandatory AI literacy education, not bans, not silence, is the only responsible path forward and that Boston's pioneering initiative offers a model for the rest of the country.

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Rethinking India's Climate Strategy: The Case for Short-Lived Climate Pollutants

In

Op-Ed Contest Spring 2026

By

Pranav Chazhiyill

Climate policy has largely focused on long-term decarbonization, overlooking short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) that drive a significant share of near-term warming. This op-ed argues that integrating SLCP mitigation into climate strategy can deliver rapid climate benefits and help close the near-term mitigation gap. A dual approach is essential to keep climate targets within reach.

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The Energy Bill Crisis No One in Albany Wants to Touch

In

Op-Ed Contest Spring 2026

By

Raghav Raj

This Op-Ed argues that New York continues to prioritize expensive fossil fuel infrastructure over renewable alternatives, as seen in Governor Hochul's recent approvals for gas pipelines and mining operations. Passing the NY HEAT Act is an essential solution to eliminate the "$200 million annual subsidy" for gas expansion and to protect over 1.2 million struggling families by capping energy costs at 6% of household income. Ultimately, I assert that transitioning to clean energy is not only environmentally necessary but also more economically viable than maintaining an outdated and costly gas system.

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Libyan Arms Deal: Implications for Regional Security and Political Stability

In

Op-Ed Contest Spring 2026

By

Swapnil Sujal

The paper expresses how the 2026 Libyan arms deal with Pakistan portrays the ineffectiveness of the arms embargo on Libya, the possibility of the transfer of weapons to RSF and which may worsen the Sudanese crises along with internally strengthening the dynastic approach of Khalifa Haftar for the future of Libya.

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The Cost Imbalance of Modern War: The Necessity of Reform

In

Op-Ed Contest Spring 2026

By

Shunyata Lysenko

Low-cost autonomous weapons systems are changing the dynamics of modern warfare and exposing a critical vulnerability in U.S. defense and national security. The War in Ukraine and recent operations in the Gulf demonstrate that adaptability and cost-efficiency determine capability just as much as raw technological superiority, a lesson that applies as much to American private sector defense contractors as it does to government agencies. The United States must take bold steps to invest in affordable, scalable solutions across both public and private sectors if it hopes to keep up with the pace of modern warfare.

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Old Glory

In

Op-Ed Contest Spring 2026

By

Henry Eckersley

This commentary piece critiques an alarming pattern arising in the modern American political system. Citing Jean-Jacques Fazy’s concept of “gerontocracy,” the op-ed argues that the United States is increasingly governed by an aging political class that does not reflect the demographics or priorities of its population. Focusing more narrowly on Georgia, it calls for reforms to reduce the generational gap between leaders and constituents in order to strengthen democratic representation and accountability.

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Gen Z and Governance: Social Media and the Limits of Digital Influence on Policy

In

Op-Ed Contest Spring 2026

By

Kavya Yadav

This op-ed examines how Gen Z is transforming policy discussions through social media, making them more accessible and immediate. It argues that while digital platforms have amplified youth voices globally, their influence often remains limited to visibility rather than actual decision-making power.

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The NPP knows exactly what the PTA does—that is precisely why it has kept it.

In

Op-Ed Contest Spring 2026

By

Nadeem Zafar

Sri Lanka’s most reform-credible government in decades has not just failed to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act. It has used it, defended it, and quietly drafted a replacement that preserves its worst feature. That is not oversight, that is a choice.

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