The Forgotten Victims: The Fight for Sexual and Reproductive Autonomy Among Women and Girls During the Russian-Ukrainian Armed Conflict

In the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict, which began on February 24, 2022 with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a poignant narrative emerges.[1] Ukrainian women and girls are courageously advocating for their sexual and reproductive autonomy amid human rights violations, stemming from invasion-related sexual and reproductive abuse.[2] This crisis transcends Ukrainian borders, as conflict-related sexual and gender-based … Read more

The ‘Catastrophic’ Implications of Unregulated Artificial Intelligence Warfare

Today’s unprecedented warfare advancements include the integration of artificial intelligence (“AI”), permitting pre-programmed computers to complete specific tasks based on generated algorithms.[1] Described as the “third revolution in warfare,”[2] AI weaponry can target individuals suspected of terrorist activity by collecting, analyzing, and combining data sources through an AI image recognition system, such as drone footage … Read more

Incarceration After the Assent of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act

On a global scale, there has been increasing involvement of the carceral state in issues of gender. This is demonstrated by contemporary legislation punishing homosexuality, conversations around gender identity, and the divergence from a binary gender identity. Discrimination is exacerbated by the effects of global democratic backsliding. Democratic backsliding refers to the elimination of political … Read more

The Overlooked Dangers of the US-China Semiconductor Rivalry

Few technologies are as vital to modern society as semiconductors—without them, most technological devices cannot function.[1] Consequently, any interruption to the semiconductor production process is guaranteed to create problems in critical industries.[2] The semiconductor shortage caused by COVID-19 forced automakers like Toyota and General Motors to suspend production for weeks and debilitated an otherwise strong … Read more

Women and Anti-Corruption: International Policy Strategies to Safeguard Women’s Access to Essential Services

Corruption, a pervasive global phenomenon, poses a significant impediment to development and economic growth.[1] The standard definition of corruption is the “misuse of entrusted power for private gain.”[2] While its impacts are felt across all strata of society, women often bear a disproportionate burden.[3] This article delves into the critical issue of corruption’s impact on … Read more

The U.N. Human Trafficking Protocol and an Examination of the 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report

Over the past century, human trafficking has become a prevalent issue on the global stage. Often conceptualized as a form of modern-day slavery, it has taken hold of an estimated 27.6 million victims worldwide.[1] One of the first instruments to internationally recognize human trafficking was the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking … Read more

Nuclear Renaissance? The Growing International Push for Nuclear Power as Green Energy

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Europe’s subsequent energy crisis, a global push towards adopting nuclear energy is gaining momentum.[1] This surge in support for nuclear energy stems not only from a reassessment of Europe’s dependence on Russian natural gas, but also from addressing persistent challenges in achieving energy goals via wind and solar.[2] The growing … Read more

The Economic and Human Rights Impacts of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa

In 2022, thirty-nine million people were living with HIV/AIDS worldwide.[1] In the same calendar year, 630,000 people died of HIV-related illness.[2] Despite an increase in infections, myths persist about HIV, which leads to heavy stigma around the disease.[3] Governments and aid agencies alike have ramped up efforts to combat the epidemic in recent years.[4] The … Read more

The ICC and the Prosecution of Global Cyber War Crimes

In the modern world, cyber-attacks targeting vital infrastructure like power grids and healthcare facilities are an undeniable reality, overwhelmingly affecting the safety and well-being of citizens worldwide. These attacks have led stakeholders to demand action and guidance from international leaders and organizations in the form of a “Digital Geneva Convention.”[1]  However, this Digital Geneva Convention … Read more