The History and Modern Rise of Pronatalism

The Trump administration has made it clear: it wants Gen Z to catch baby fever. At an anti-abortion rally in January, VP J.D. Vance said that he wanted “more babies” in America (The Columbus Dispatch 2025). In March, Trump dubbed himself the “fertilization president” and suggested a “national medal of motherhood” for women with six or more children (Stechyson 2025).

Implications of U.S. Recognition of Somaliland

In recent years, there has been increased buzz over the United States becoming the first UN member state to recognize the independence of the self-declared state of Somaliland. In March 2022, Somalilander leaders met with members of Congress and the Biden administration to lobby for American recognition of their aspirational state. Citing growing Chinese influence in the Horn of Africa and the success of Somaliland’s democracy as opposed to Somalia’s failed state, Somalilander has made the case for recognition on the grounds of guaranteeing stability and US influence in the region

Politics Across Europe: Looking back at the Draghi Report after a year

The European Union (EU) is turning to new strategies to boost its global competitiveness, which has declined in recent years. The European economy has been hit hard by rising public debts following the pandemic and rising energy costs due to sanctions imposed on Russia following the Russia-Ukraine war. However, when you look at the big picture, the crisis Europe was experiencing was not due to these two events but rather to structural problems.

“Oh Snap” Elections: A Guide to Canada’s Electoral Procedure and Party System

Canadians, originally not due for new elections until October 20 of this year, will go to the polls on April 28, 2025, in a snap election called for by new Canadian Prime Minister (PM) and Liberal Party leader Mark Carney. Carney will face Conservative Party leader and member of parliament (MP) Pierre Poilievre, who, until recently, had successfully campaigned against the incumbent Liberal government to achieve a significant lead in the polls.

A Temporary Rapprochement for Israel and Palestine

Although the peace created by the ceasefire has been unstable, with some noting it to be only temporary- it has put a pause on the hostilities that have enveloped millions of people for the last 15 months. As the new year begins, the world must remain hopeful that a lasting peace can be achieved through multilateralism and faith in our international institutions.

Declining Leaders and An Ascendant Political Right in Germany and Canada

German and Canadian voters will go to the polls this year in national elections. At the latest, Canadian voters will vote in October, while a German snap election will be held on February 23. Both elections will take place in the context of ongoing political and economic turmoil in both countries and backlash directed at incumbent political parties observed in elections globally in 2024.

How the GOP Has Changed After the Rise of Donald Trump

The evolution of GOP policies from the Reagan era to the Trump era is complex and influenced by numerous political, economic, and social factors. While this essay provides a broad comparison, it does not capture the full scope of nuanced policy shifts, ideological debates, and external influences that have shaped the party over time.

Image Credit: Just Brown, flickr

WANTED: Affordable Bedrooms in the City that Never Sleeps

New York City’s housing crisis is a complex tapestry of challenges that affects every corner of the Metropolitan Area. While migration, bureaucratic hurdles, and slow construction are often cited as the primary culprits, the underlying issue lies in exclusionary zoning laws and local land use restrictions.