Editorial Content — Carolina Political Review

Carolina's Premier Undergraduate Political Affairs Journal

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Passing Ushers a Seismic Supreme Court Shakeup

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Passing Ushers a Seismic Supreme Court Shakeup

“The death of Justice Ginsburg further shocked a nation already marred by polarization and a pandemic, and the tasteless jockeying for power that immediately ensued in her wake set the stage for a partisan showdown of epic proportions to determine the future of all three branches of government. When future generations look back on the political significance of 2020, all of the tumult and electoral uncertainty accounted for, they will doubtlessly read about her passing. It promises, in the short term and long, to have seismic consequences.”

NationalFleet WilsonSeptember 20, 2020Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Supreme CourtComment

Japanese Prime Minister Abe's Replacement

Japanese Prime Minister Abe's Replacement

“With the average age of world leaders being at 65 years old, health problems at the executive level are bound to rise. Now, Japan suffers. On Friday, August 28th, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced his resignation due to health concerns, with several scandals marking the end of Japan’s longest serving PM.”

GlobalLabeeb AhmedSeptember 19, 2020Japan, Shinzo Abe, Yoshihide SugaComment

Beijing’s Self-Congratulations on COVID-19 Management: Is it Justified?

Beijing’s Self-Congratulations on COVID-19 Management: Is it Justified?

“This back and forth blame game between China and the United States over COVID-19 has made international cooperation to fight the virus between two of the world’s largest and most influential countries extremely difficult. Further, it remains difficult to understand fully who–if anyone–is at fault for the spread of the virus.”

GlobalMax KobernickSeptember 19, 2020China, COVID-19Comment

Russia Steps in on Growing Greco-Turkish Tensions in the Mediterranean

Russia Steps in on Growing Greco-Turkish Tensions in the Mediterranean

“Tension looms dangerously in the Eastern Mediterranean as many nations weigh in on a growing conflict between Greece and Turkey. The two nations are jockeying over energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean, after Turkish ships entered gas-rich Cypriot waters surveying for drilling opportunities. At the request of the President of Cyprus, Russia has been asked to enter the debate and de-escalate. Most of the EU is split in their approach to the conflict, and the stalemate between Greece and Turkey worsens as strong-arm military standoffs continue in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

GlobalAllison HolbrooksSeptember 18, 2020Comment

Restoring Camelot? Joe Kennedy’s Challenge

Restoring Camelot? Joe Kennedy’s Challenge

“Joseph P. Kennedy III, the grandson of Former U.S. Senator and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, announced on September 21, 2019 that he would challenge incumbent Sen. Ed Markey in the Massachusetts Senate Democratic primary. Kennedy, once considered to be a rising star in the Democratic party, made headlines with the announcement as he would be the third member of the Kennedy family to represent Massachusetts in the U.S. Senate if he won. However this continuation of the Kennedy political dynasty did not come to fruition, making Joe Kennedy the first in his family to lose an election in Massachusetts, leaving the legacy of his family’s Camelot in the past.”

NationalAdam TatumSeptember 17, 2020Kennedey, Markey, Green New DealComment

North Carolina bar owners feel left behind by Cooper’s opening guidelines

North Carolina bar owners feel left behind by Cooper’s opening guidelines

“Some owners are convinced the government has forgotten them due to the lack of information. In order to express their concerns, many have protested outside the Governor’s mansion proclaiming ‘save our bars.’”

LocalSeth MooreSeptember 17, 2020Bars, Friday BeersComment

Johnson Threatens International Law as Time for a Brexit Trade Deal Runs Out

Johnson Threatens International Law as Time for a Brexit Trade Deal Runs Out

“The new acrimonious dispute over Ireland Protocol has put relations between the UK and the EU at a new low. A ‘no-deal’ Brexit - the worst-case scenario - approaches every day.”

GlobalKay LangleySeptember 15, 2020Boris, Brexit, Boris JohnsonComment

Setting the Barr: How Trump's Attorney General has Bent the Justice System to His Favor

Setting the Barr: How Trump's Attorney General has Bent the Justice System to His Favor

“With the general election right around the corner, many have called for voting by mail as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. However, President Trump is adamant that voting by mail is essentially a gateway to fraud, saying that such an act is only done by “cheaters.” And right by his side is the nation’s most recognizable lawyer, Attorney General William Barr.”

NationalLejla BrkaSeptember 15, 2020Trump, Barr, Attorney GeneralComment

Nuclear Powers Clash as China-India Border Tensions Rise

Nuclear Powers Clash as China-India Border Tensions Rise

“Provocations along the China-Indian border threaten to undo years of peace building efforts. As two populous, economically powerful, and nuclear armed states come to the brink of war, de-escalation is paramount.”

GlobalMadison UrbanSeptember 14, 2020India, China, LAC, BorderComment

The Long Standing Relationship Between US Law Enforcement and White Vigilantes

The Long Standing Relationship Between US Law Enforcement and White Vigilantes

“Rittenhouse is not the first and will most likely not be the last white person whose suspected murder is no cause for suspicion to law enforcement. White vigilantes have proven to be a deadly force whose violence is propagated by their ties to police in the United States.”

NationalBrennan MaynardSeptember 13, 2020Kyle Rittenhouse, Kenosha, Police Brutality, Editor's PickComment

Video shows Israeli soldier kneeling on the neck of an elderly Palestinian man

Video shows Israeli soldier kneeling on the neck of an elderly Palestinian man

“The Palestinian flag Hannoun was holding was snatched by the Israeli soldier shortly before Hannoun was wrestled to the ground. In the traumatic event, Hannoun was forced to stay frozen under the soldier to avoid further pressure to his neck.”

GlobalHana KhanSeptember 12, 2020Israel, Palestine, Police Brutality Comment

Why the Electoral College Needs To Be Abolished

Why the Electoral College Needs To Be Abolished

“There is no excuse for the preservation of the electoral college when it undermines our democracy and is a relic of the racism that still pollutes this country. In order to preserve the legitimacy of our elections it is necessary for the United States to abolish the electoral college and switch to a direct national voting system.”

Opinion, ColumnsAaron SugarmanSeptember 12, 20202020 Election, Electoral College, Opinion PickComment

Chinese-born Australian Reporter Detained in China

Chinese-born Australian Reporter Detained in China

“It has been over three weeks since the sudden disappearance of Cheng Lei, a Chinese-born Australian news anchor working for the China Global Television Network (CGTV), an English-speaking channel of China Central Television. On August 14th, the Australian government was officially notified that Lei was being held at a detention center in China.”

GlobalBenjamin Picciano September 9, 2020China, Human RightsComment

The “Never Trump” Republican Convention that got some Democrat’s Attention

The “Never Trump” Republican Convention that got some Democrat’s Attention

“While the Republican National Convention occurred in Charlotte this week another convention occurred simultaneously: the Convention on Founding Principles, led by Republican leaders disillusioned with Trump’s presidency. The Convention strove to bring together disillusioned former Republican and independent voters in opposition to the renomination of Donald Trump and support of a new, more unifying vision for the party and country.”

NationalGrace KinleySeptember 9, 2020RNC, Republicans, 2020 ElectionComment

In wake of Beirut Explosion, Macron Tests the Limits of His Influence

In wake of Beirut Explosion, Macron Tests the Limits of His Influence

“Macron’s push for reforms comes amidst an unprecedented economic crisis in Lebanon—a crisis that is the result of decades of corruption and frivolous spending. The Lebanese Pound has lost nearly 85% of its value, which has resulted in ballooning prices and a shortage of goods. Many economists fear that a situation similar to Venezuela’s collapse is unfolding. Despite this, Lebanon’s political elite refuses to accept reforms that would open the country to international aid.”

GlobalIan StevensSeptember 8, 2020Macron, France, Lebanon, BeruitComment

Israel and the UAE: A Proxy Peace

Israel and the UAE: A Proxy Peace

“The UAE is one of Iran’s top trading partners, and the normalization of relations would be the first step in furthering trade ties between Israel and the UAE. Continued military cooperation between Israel and Arab nations would be directly harmful to Iran-sponsored proxy groups, such as Hezbollah, who have been condemned by both the Arab League and Israel. It remains to be seen what its long-term consequences will be for unrest in this war-torn region.”

GlobalDeep UpadhyaySeptember 8, 2020UAE, IsraelComment

What is Qanon? The Role of Conspiracy Theories in Modern Politics

What is Qanon? The Role of Conspiracy Theories in Modern Politics

“The founding fathers’ iconic belief of “We The People” has been echoed in a new group with a similar belief: “Where We Go One, We Go All (#WWG1WGA).” To Donald Trump, they’re yet another right-wing group of fans who “love our country.” To the FBI, they’re terrorists. Meet Qanon.”

NationalLabeeb AhmedSeptember 7, 2020QAnonComment

Kremlin Endgame Uncertain in Aftermath of Belarus Election

Kremlin Endgame Uncertain in Aftermath of Belarus Election

“Unlike previous revolutions in Georgia and Ukraine, a lack of influence from the West prevents Russian leadership from blaming the uprising on external agitators. Additionally, most Belarusians harbor pro-Russian sentiment, complicating Russia’s position even further: How can the Kremlin support an unpopular leader without stoking the same anger and opposition they saw in Ukraine?”

GlobalLindsey OldtSeptember 5, 2020Russia, Belarus, ProtestsComment

Tensions Simmer in the Eastern Mediterranean over Potential Oil Riches

Tensions Simmer in the Eastern Mediterranean over Potential Oil Riches

“What was previously a local dispute over maritime borders between Greece and Turkey has become a matter of international interest after a 2010 study by the US Geological Survey estimated 1.7 billion barrels of recoverable oil and 122 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Levant Basin. Turkey’s survey vessel -The Orus Reis - crossed into recognized Greek territory in early August. It was originally supposed to finish its mission last Monday, but on Saturday evening, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced that it would remain in the region for another 90 days.”

GlobalKay LangleySeptember 3, 2020Greece, Turkey, EU, European UnionComment

Why North Carolina’s Parole Voting Laws are Racist - and Might Soon be Overturned

Why North Carolina’s Parole Voting Laws are Racist - and Might Soon be Overturned

“If Black felons themselves are a product of a wildly prejudiced criminal justice system, their subsequent disenfranchisement cannot be considered as anything more than another link in a long chain of systemic injustices.”

LocalWilliam CozensSeptember 3, 2020Editor's PickComment