Editorial Content — Carolina Political Review

Carolina's Premier Undergraduate Political Affairs Journal

Posts in Editor's Picks

Simulacrum and Cynicism: How New Media Shapes Political Discourse

Simulacrum and Cynicism: How New Media Shapes Political Discourse

“Competition pressures from the increasingly crowded infotainment genre force shows to progressively lower their level of political discourse, relying increasingly on elements like conflict, sensationalization, and humor in an attempt to attract and retain this new class of viewers. This “race to the bottom” of overly simplistic political discourse driven by new political media’s incentives is still amplified by the incentives of the politicians using the mediums to engage the public.”

Editor's Picks, NationalCole MurphyJanuary 31, 2022News, Media, Social, Social Media, Polarization, Editor's PickComment

America Ranks Lowest in Media Trust in Recent Reuters Report

America Ranks Lowest in Media Trust in Recent Reuters Report

“A recent report from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University found that the United States has the lowest level of overall trust in the news among those 46 countries surveyed. What is the problem and how can American institutions solve it?”

Editor's Picks, NationalNoah GottliebNovember 29, 2021Media, Social Media, United States of America, Polarization, Editor's PickComment

Sickouts Reveal a Larger School Staff Shortage Issue

Sickouts Reveal a Larger School Staff Shortage Issue

“Kids are only in school once, and these beginning years are formative in them becoming capable and functioning adults. In fact, the education that staffing shortages are robbing kids of is considered so fundamental that the North Carolina Constitution recognizes that "the people have a right to the privilege of education.”

Editor's Picks, LocalJacob WrightNovember 29, 2021NC Education, NCPOL, State Budget, Minimum Wage, Labor, Education, Editor's PickComment

University of North Carolina’s Institute of Politics Holds Senate Town Hall

University of North Carolina’s Institute of Politics Holds Senate Town Hall

“On November 9th, the UNC’s Institute of Politics hosted a town hall meeting for the upcoming 2022 Senate Race in North Carolina. In attendance for the Democratic Party were State Senator Jeff Jackson — the front-runner of the group — former State Senator Erica Smith, Dr. Tobias LaGrone, and Dr. Richard Watkins, who just recently announced his exit from the Senate race in order to run for North Carolina’s 6th Congressional District. Jen Banwart was the lone Republican of the group, showing a certain level of bravery by bringing conservative views into an environment dominated by young, left-leaning college students.”

Editor's Picks, NationalEvan TarrNovember 22, 2021NCPOL, Senate, US Senate, 2022, 2022 Elections, Editor's PickComment

Can Crypto Save Democracy?

Can Crypto Save Democracy?

“To Srinivasan, cryptographic technologies are an integral development for societal organization and humanity at large. Maintaining that technology is civilization’s true prevailing force, he sees the emergence and growing adoption of cryptocurrency and the underlying blockchain as the cumulation of the very trends of decentralization that can be attributed to the nation-state’s decay.”

Editor's Picks, NationalCole MurphyNovember 16, 2021Editor's Pick, Crypto, DemocracyComment

State Corruption Threatens to Impede South Africa’s Transition to Renewable

State Corruption Threatens to Impede South Africa’s Transition to Renewable

“South Africa’s $8.5 billion funding package represents a pivotal rejection against climate inaction. Lethargy may be a political opiate, but the passion at the COP26 proves one notable fact: 2022 is not the year to cry alligator tears. But, caught up in fervency, policymakers may forget that political intricacies and the normalization of corporate corruption can hinder their lofty goals.”

Editor's Picks, GlobalMichelle LiuNovember 14, 2021Climate Change, Foreign Policy, South Africa, COP26, Editor's PickComment

Exclusive Interview: US Sentate Candidate Jeff Jackson

“Jeff Jackson: current state senator, major in the Army National Guard, UNC-Chapel Hill Law school alum, and most recently one of the two main Democratic candidates vying for the United States Senate seat, vacated by the retiring Richard Burr, paid “the Pit” a visit last week as part of his statewide college town hall tour. In his town hall, last week, Jackson addressed a crowd of around 500, comprised primarily of UNC-Chapel Hill students. Jackson touched on gerrymandering, climate change, the rural-urban divide, criminal justice reform, mental health, and the increasing permeance of politics in public schools, in his introductory address and answered students’ questions afterwards.”

Interviews, Local, Editor's PicksRishi AilaNovember 8, 2021Senate, NCPOL, InterviewComment

COVID Vaccines: A New Way to Observe Global Inequality?

COVID Vaccines: A New Way to Observe Global Inequality?

“As the wealthy in the West see a decline in COVID cases, those in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas see a continuous rise. While wealthy nations begin to move towards a future of a more manageable existence with COVID, suffering in the Global South persists. Anger from leaders and citizens in the Global South towards inequality are beginning to rise with the numbers of deaths and cases.”

Editor's Picks, GlobalHannah GarnerNovember 7, 2021COVID-19, Vaccines, Global Health, Inequality, International Relations, Editor's PickComment

Duterte’s Shadow Looms Large Over Philippine’s Election

Duterte’s Shadow Looms Large Over Philippine’s Election

“As President Duterte prepares to step down after this term, the shadow of his legacy and the War on Drugs looms large over the 2022 general elections. Many voters hope that the power of the ballot box will eradicate the President's harsh policies, but his legacy appears entrenched due to broad popularity and political patronage.”

Editor's Picks, GlobalMichelle LiuOctober 24, 2021Phillipines, Authoritarianism, Dictatorship, Foreign Policy, Editor's PickComment

NC Supreme Court Faces Questions Over Gerrymandering, Referenda, and Recusals.

NC Supreme Court Faces Questions Over Gerrymandering, Referenda, and Recusals.

“NAACP v. Moore could have long-term ramifications for North Carolina’s legislative and judicial landscapes, as it tackles questions on the General Assembly’s authority to pass referenda and judges’ discretion to recuse themselves from cases.”

Local, Editor's PicksNing SoongOctober 18, 2021NCPOL, State Supreme Court, Gerrymandering, General Assembly, NCGA, Editor's PickComment

UNESCO’S Heritage List: Rumba and the Congo

UNESCO’S Heritage List: Rumba and the Congo

“Culture and art’s role in social movements is just one of the many reasons why recognizing, protecting, and learning about cultural practices and sites around the globe are important. There are a variety of potential reasons why a country may want an aspect of their culture showcased and protected as culture encapsulates society and history.”

Culture, Global, Editor's PicksHannah GarnerOctober 17, 2021UNESCO, Congo, Dance, Culture, Editor's PickComment

Dispute Over Biogas Facilities in Eastern N.C. Reveals a History of Discrimination with Broader Implications in the Fight Against Global Warming

Dispute Over Biogas Facilities in Eastern N.C. Reveals a History of Discrimination with Broader Implications in the Fight Against Global Warming

“The dispute currently playing out is no isolated incident, but rather the most recent episode in a decades-long fight against a discriminatory system that speaks to broader questions about who bears the burden of ecological crises and the fight against climate change.”

Local, Editor's PicksCole MurphyOctober 12, 2021Agriculture, North Carolina, Environmental Politics, Environmental Racism, Education, Editor's PickComment

Germany’s Election: New Parties, Old Problems

Germany’s Election: New Parties, Old Problems

“As the polls closed, Germans awaited what may be their most monumental election in the post-WWII era. Now, the SPD and the CDU seek the support of smaller parties, striving to form a coalition. This zero-sum game will not only revolutionize Germany’s political landscape but also the country’s role as a burgeoning world power amidst a declining Pax Americana.”

Editor's Picks, GlobalMichelle LiuOctober 11, 2021Germany, Angela Merkel, Elections, European Union, Editor's PickComment

Nowhere Left to Go: Biden Has No Clear Way Forward on Immigration

Nowhere Left to Go: Biden Has No Clear Way Forward on Immigration

“Biden and his administration find themselves in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic, facing an influx of refugees from a country rife with political turmoil, and situated in a political landscape so polarized that one group has compared the actions at the border to chattel slavery, while on the other extreme, Tucker Carlson of Fox News accused Biden of purposefully attempting to change racial demographics in the U.S. through immigration.”

National, Editor's PicksEvan TarrOctober 10, 2021Immigration, Joe Biden, Southern Border, Editor's PickComment

China Making Steps to Fight Climate Change Amongst Brazil’s Neglect of Deforestation

China Making Steps to Fight Climate Change Amongst Brazil’s Neglect of Deforestation

“Our environment has dramatically changed since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. We have increased the concentration of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere by 48%. Although we are developing sustainable, renewable technology, there are those that still oppose the transition to cleaner energy. If we are to preserve our environment for generations to come, we must have global leaders that are reducing environmentally unfriendly practices and switching to cleaner, sustainable sources of energy.”

Editor's Picks, GlobalJulian LoboOctober 3, 2021UN, Climate Change, Carbon Emissions, China, Editor's PickComment

Mere Words: Biden Pledges for Carbon Neutrality, but Has Achieved Little Action

Mere Words: Biden Pledges for Carbon Neutrality, but Has Achieved Little Action

“As world governments fight in over stagnating debates on climate policy, oceans continue to rise, smokestacks continue to run, and emissions continue to increase. The world is down to the wire, and even America, as a global hegemon, cannot escape these impacts. California already battles wildfires that grow in intensity and breadth each year, putting lives and communities at risk. With such culling approaching, President Biden issued a dire message: America only has a decade left to confront climate change before irreversible impacts manifest.”

Editor's Picks, NationalMichelle LiuSeptember 24, 2021Climate Change, Biden, Editor's PickComment

Tensions Between the U.S. and China Reach Historic Levels Following Afghanistan Withdrawal

Tensions Between the U.S. and China Reach Historic Levels Following Afghanistan Withdrawal

“US-China relations are “as bad as [they have] been since Tiananmen,” according to an expert at UC San Diego. Why are analysts comparing the current relationship between China and the U.S. to that following the Chinese government’s murder of thousands of citizens? Tensions between D.C. and Beijing have risen dramatically in recent years.”

Global, Editor's PicksNoah GottliebSeptember 21, 2021China, Foreign Policy, Xi, Biden, Editor's PickComment

Abuse of Human Rights by Egypt and the Neglect of Western Countries

Abuse of Human Rights by Egypt and the Neglect of Western Countries

“Although the relationship between the U.S. and Egypt is important from a strategic point of view, at what cost does this value bring? Human rights are being trampled on by a U.S. ally and only small actions have been taken to remedy the situation. Only time will tell how President Al-Sisi will react given the Biden administration’s request for human rights violations to be addressed. One can only hope Western countries will hold their allies accountable for protecting and upholding basic, human rights.”

Editor's Picks, GlobalJulian LoboSeptember 19, 2021Egypt, Human Rights, Foreign Policy, Editor's PickComment

NC Opportunity Scholarships: An Ongoing Debate Over School Choice and Discrimination

NC Opportunity Scholarships: An Ongoing Debate Over School Choice and Discrimination

“A debate rages over a program that has distributed over $750,000 in state funds to help low-income families afford private school tuition — North Carolina Opportunity Scholarships. In the 2020-2021 school year, 456 private schools received money from Opportunity Scholarships, with 12,284 families receiving scholarships. Opponents of Opportunity Scholarships argue it is wrong to take public funding and invest it into private schools largely unaccountable to the state.”

Editor's Picks, LocalNing SoongSeptember 19, 2021Public School, Education, NC Board of Education, North Carolina, School Choice, Editor's PickComment