Live, laugh, and love: The role of social capital and social networks in promoting economic resiliency
With increasing automation and fragmentation of civic participation, social capital has become a prominent explanation for the divergence in levels of institutional resilience and response to shocks.
India: Hope in preparing for the worst?
India’s ability to protect its population will be a true testament to where it stands from the perspective of global development.
AI ethics and the Vatican: A match made in heaven
The Rome Call for AI Ethics proposes six key tenants similar to the European Union’s non-binding guidelines for “trustworthy AI” and the Trump administration’s guidance for federal regulation of AI.
The fog of war: Revising the existing framework surrounding AI & counterterrorism policy in the E.U.
There is an increasing concern that the technological capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to undermine individual privacy and basic freedoms under the guise of counterterrorism and security policy.
Desert locusts threaten food security in East Africa and beyond
Towards the end of 2019, a severe dry spell across East Africa was followed by two similarly intense cyclones, ultimately ushering in a swarm of desert locusts.
Falling on deaf ears: The neglected consequences of marine noise pollution
One of the most often overlooked consequences of an increasingly globalized world is oceanic noise pollution and its negative impact on marine life.
When Winston met Jacinda: How a progressive icon and a nationalist firebrand found common ground
Kiwis stick together, especially when up against an Australian.
Electoral reform: We know it’s needed, but what should it look like?
Electoral reform would leave a defining mark on the country’s political history, as the changes made will not be revisited for decades.
The view from Vienna: How Sebastian Kurz is holding the line
As Turkey sends multitudes of migrants, potentially numbering in the millions, toward the Greek border, Austria’s Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has once again made the case for a steady response based on maintaining security and order along Europe’s frontiers.
Germany’s new alt-right colouring books: The vivid reality of hate crimes in Germany
The project was shelved following intense backlash from politicians and citizens across Germany.
Syria after Idlib: No end in sight
As the Syrian conflict approaches its 10th year and the Assad regime makes its final push against rebel forces, the future of Syria and its people has never been more uncertain.
Peace to prosperity: President Trump’s plan for peace in the Middle East
President Trump calls his ‘Peace to Prosperity’ plan a “win-win opportunity for both sides.” This claim is hotly contested, with many observers seeing it as unequivocally favouring Israel.
Qui dort dîne: It’s time to wake up and address the global food problem
Currently, there are 820 million people suffering from food insecurity, signaling the dire need to mitigate this global issue.
The gatekeepers of democracy: Lessons from the acquittal of President Trump
Prior to his electoral victory, Donald Trump notably declared: “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters.” Four years and one impeachment later, this statement has never seemed more true.
Going viral: The online spread of misinformation about the coronavirus
The misinformation spreading about the outbreak of the coronavirus is moving quicker than the virus itself.
Barricade on the railways: Understanding the Wet'suwet'en crisis
For weeks now, footage has circulated from the snowy evergreen forests of Wet'suwet'en territory, where land defenders of the Indigenous Wet'suwet'en nation have held their ground against the RCMP in opposition to a proposed pipeline.
Davos 2020: Harmful or helpful in achieving climate objectives?
The most anticipated speakers were two individuals that arguably stand at opposite ends of the climate debate: U.S. President Donald Trump and climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Drone striking major general Soleimani: Illegal?
Following the drone strike, the American government has made several legal arguments to justify its decision to strike Soleimani.
Helping LGBTQI refugees find a safer home: Spectrum hosts Rainbow Railroad
Devon, Manager of Program Development at Rainbow Railroad, discussed the challenges facing LGBTQI refugees, and her organization’s efforts to help them, in a lecture hosted by Spectrum at the University of Toronto on January 14th.