Following the meeting between Trump and Macron, observers were left hopeful at the prospect of a peace deal that both Trump and Macron indicated could happen soon. However, the disagreements between the two leaders appear discouraging for leading a united front in ending the Russia-Ukraine war. No matter the impact of this meeting between Trump and Macron, one thing is for sure: it has shown that diplomacy for the United States looks starkly different in the new Trump era.
Read MoreShocked is one word to describe the congregation of European diplomats in attendance at the Munich Security Conference last week, as American Vice President JD Vance delivered harsh ideological criticisms on the current state of the European Union (EU) and that of the continent as a whole. In what was expected to be a harrowing speech on American defense assistance helping to bring an end to the Ukraine-Russian conflict, instead what followed was a complete reversal. Standing on the podium, Vance barreled down unto his European counterparts with a long list of criticisms, all centered around this idea that for too long, the EU has deviated from the democratic values it preaches.
Read MoreTrump’s MAGA movement is united by a single thing: some form of skepticism toward who they perceive as “the establishment”. However, this shared view manifests itself in numerous and incompatible ways that set the Trump 2.0 presidency on a road to disaster.
Read MoreThe representative government of South Korea was thrown into imbalance and chaos on December 3rd, 2023, for the first time since the country’s democratization in 1987. The sitting president, Yoon Suk Yeol, declared martial law and decried the involvement of “foreign agents” in the National Assembly, pointing to the “mammoth opposition” as the main culprits. This unprecedented move, which lasted approximately six hours before being rescinded, has led to widespread political turmoil, legal battles, and public protests, casting a shadow over the nation's democratic institutions.
Read MoreUpon taking office, President Donald Trump began implementing his agenda through an unprecedented use of executive power. However, many of his actions have faced legal roadblocks, being restrained or enjoined by the Courts. In response, Vice President JD Vance suggested that “judges cannot control the Executive’s legitimate power.” To what extent is this statement true under existing constitutional principles and case law?
Read MoreVietnam’s rapid economic growth stands in stark contrast to its escalating suppression of civil liberties. While the government portrays an image of progress, restrictive laws such as Decree 147 expose a deepening crackdown on free speech and digital expression, citing national security. The decree grants authorities sweeping control over online content, stifling open discourse, limiting political accountability, and fueling concerns over corporate complicity in rights violations. As Vietnam navigates its global aspirations, the erosion of free expression threatens both domestic freedoms and its international standing.
Read MoreAlongside this newfound animosity toward Ukraine, the Trump administration has signaled its willingness to work with Moscow on a deal to end the war. Some onlookers, especially key US allies in Europe, worry that this deal will favor the Russians.
Read MoreSigns across the country read phrases like “No one voted for Elon Musk,” “Stop the coup,” and “No kings in America.” In Washington, D.C., where thousands gathered at the Capitol Pool, demonstrators voiced their frustrations with Congress for not intervening, chanting “Where is Congress?” On Feb. 5 and 17, 2025, protestors gathered outside of state capitol buildings, courthouses, city halls, and other locations to protest the significant changes to the federal government that President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, head of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have implemented since Trump took office on January 20th.
Read MoreLast September, Adams was indicted on corruption charges, with his offenses including bribery, campaign finance violations, and conspiracy; he has since pleaded not guilty. Rather, in an unusual reversal of partisan politics, Adams has garnered support from the Justice Department and the Trump administration against his charges.
Read MoreThe rising cost of living in America has become an inflection point for heated discussions regarding trade economics, foreign relations, the power of tech companies, and much more. Despite the ever-encroaching issue, the bulk of messaging regarding the crux of the housing crises has failed to hit the mark historically, instead chasing after private companies like Zillow as the key culprit. As the housing market continues to be shaped by restrictive zoning laws, high interest rates, and construction bottlenecks, future homebuyers will remain at the mercy of broader economic forces rather than companies like Zillow.
Read MoreAs of Wednesday, February 5th, the UNC System is no longer mandating course requirements for classes dealing with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). All general education and major-specific DEI graduation requirements besides the FC-POWER focus capacity have been suspended, reshaping how certain courses fit into students’ degree plans. Although FC-POWER is yet to be completely cut out from the curriculum given that the shift is so fresh, university leadership has suggested that further changes might be on the horizon.
Read MoreThe renewed violence has brought in regional actors, and concerns have been raised about whether it could escalate into a larger conflict. Burundi, Tanzania, and Uganda have all deployed troops to assist the Congo in fighting M23 and other rebel groups. A summit of East and South African leaders has called for a ceasefire, but any other pressure has stopped there. However, the larger international community has fallen short of putting other pressure on Rwanda despite overt human rights violations by the rebel group.
Read MoreIn 2000, the United States declared measles eradicated, but 25 years later, Gaines County, Texas, is grappling with a measles outbreak, with 124 confirmed cases and counting. The rise of misinformation, distrust in public health, and slipping vaccination rates, exacerbated by the anti-vaccination movement and social media, has led to this preventable crisis, putting vulnerable populations at risk. Public health officials are now fighting to contain the outbreak while emphasizing the importance of empathy, trust, and policy enforcement to combat vaccine hesitancy.
Read MoreIn a misleading post on X, Elon Musk shared a chart showing 14 million individuals over the age of 120 with a “death field set to FALSE.” This may indicate they were not officially listed as deceased. However, data from 2024 shows only about 89,000 individuals over the age of 90 received benefits, a stark contrast to claims of “millions” thought to be taking advantage of the system.
Read MoreDespite efforts having been made in the United States in favor of an American equivalent to the Green Deal, the future remains uncertain with anti-environmental legislation continuing to be passed in Washington
Read MoreThe Education Department’s ultimatum has forced universities across the country into a rather precarious position where they must balance legal, financial, and ideological considerations, representing a larger cultural and political battle over race-conscious policies in education.
Read MorePresident Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s so-called ‘efficiency’ plan is not about improving the government but dismantling it. By slashing federal jobs, stripping agencies of expertise, and weakening institutions like the EPA and the Department of Education, they are not streamlining operations; they are undermining accountability. This is not reform–it is a deliberate effort to erode the very functions that keep power in check.
Read MoreA run-off election is set for April 13, 2025, and will grant the winner a full four-year term. These candidates are not new to snap elections, with both Noboa and González running in August 2023. In the 2023 election, Noboa won with 52% of the vote, becoming the youngest president in Ecuador’s history, and will remain in office until the April election is decided.
Read MoreWhile Trump’s NIH budget cuts are long-term goal for the Republican Party, a swift response by a federal judge showed that this executive action would not go unchallenged.
Read MoreIn response to President Trump’s efforts for stricter immigration laws, 27 Christian and Jewish groups filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security's immigration enforcement agencies. This suit has come shortly after Pope Francis openly criticized Trump’s decision and his plans for mass deportation.
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