current Columns
Read perspectives from Georgetown University students on some of the most pressing themes in the current political landscape.
The world of blockbuster films about plastic dolls and the interworkings of congressional meetings seem to be on completely different sides of our minds and culture. However, what if as opposed to the polarizing sides we imagine those two worlds to be on, they were directly related? For film lovers and political fanatics alike, this column combines the vast arena of pop culture and puts various forms of media in direct connection to the newspaper headlines one reads about congressmen and future presidents.
The consequences of political instability, violence, and human rights violations are far-reaching, including detrimental effects on the physical and mental health of oppressed or war-stricken populations. This column delves into the complex interplay between health and politics, with an emphasis on the adverse health effects of living in politically unstable regions.
With 435 seats opening in the House of Representatives, 34 seats opening in the Senate, 13 gubernatorial elections, and many mayoral elections, 2024 holds the potential to bring in new faces with bold ideas into government to have local and national impact. “Everything Except the Oval” will take a deep dive into the 2024 election cycle, minus the presidential race, to highlight candidates on both sides of the aisle and what their election could mean for the communities they serve and for U.S. domestic and foreign policy at large.
Redistricting only happens every decade, but court battles often continue in the years after to change the outcome. This pattern has continued after the 2020 redistricting cycle, with ramifications for the upcoming 2024 elections for the House of Representatives. This column explores how court battles and redistricting ploys will shape the House majority and future of American politics as a whole.
Workplace democracy is one of the most grassroots forms of political involvement. Labor politics has been seeing a renewed fervor worldwide; as labor interests strive to create an informal "fourth branch of government" domestically while asserting themselves in the global politics of trade, this column seeks to explore the political challenges facing workers around the world today—and assess the tangible impact of their voices.
"Republican Rundown: Inside the GOP Presidential Primary" follows in-depth coverage of the dynamic and ever-evolving race to secure the Republican Party's nomination for the next presidential election. It delves into the strategies, candidates, debates, and key moments shaping this critical political battleground. Stay informed, gain insights, and follow the latest developments as the GOP's top contenders vie for their party's ticket to the White House.
What do you think of when you hear the word “college”? Exams? Parties? Maybe limited dining options? In the grand scheme of politics and policy making, colleges around the country can mean a lot more. In this column we explore the biggest news surrounding campuses across the U.S., whether it be student-led movements, recently passed legislation, or maybe even just the latest college rankings.
ARCHIVED COLUMNS
Previous columns with student commentary on politics, in the United States and beyond.
Dustin Garza: BIG PICTURE POLITICS
As stories fall in and out of the daily news cycle, where is American Democracy heading? This column will examine the big picture of American politics, looking at how headlines fit into broader political trends.
This column examines major procedural rules of the federal government, explaining what they require and why they matter. It will be nerdy, but it will also be clear and informative.
Siona's Column: The Bill of Rights - Today
Zoey's Column: Neutralities
Senators subtweet each other, AOC was featured on Vogue's Youtube, and everyone running for office seems to be on TikTok. Elected officials and those in the political arena often seem out of the loop regarding the norms of living in a digital world—so much so that it is clear those who have a genuine grasp and appreciation for the tools of social and digital media and those whose comms director told them to "do a meme." Social Cues highlights the recent high and low social and digital media political moments from every political party, from all parts of the country.
This column takes a close look at the legislation that is too often quietly passed through Congress and their possible implications for Georgetown students and beyond. Each piece will analyze a proposed bill, discuss how it will affect the American public, and offer resources to voice support or opposition.
Texas is rarely in the news for any good reason: a failing power grid, voter suppression, cruel abortion bans, you name it. With a Republican majority in the state senate and house, rampant voter suppression, and a severely gerrymandered map, it often feels like the cards are stacked against those in the fight to flip Texas blue.
Although all of this is true, Texas is not simply the epitome of the conservative South, as it is sometimes presented in the media. This column will challenge those perceptions, providing an approach to Texas politics that I hope more accurately reflects the myriad of stories that make up the Texas landscape.
There’s a storm brewing in Texas, and we’re going to be here to see where the chips land.
This column explores the long tradition of the anti-monopoly movement's role in American politics, with an aim to document the recent renaissance in antitrust enforcement and reflect on both anti-monopoly’s important role in maintaining democratic citizenship and the limits that it faces.
The economy is a key influencer in the success of policy decisions and campaign platforms. This column cover trends in the U.S. economy and how those issues translate into the political landscape.
Climate change is arguably the biggest threat of the 21st century. This column looks at the social, political, and economic consequences of climate change in the US and abroad. It will explore who is most affected, why, and what changes must be made.
As a growing state fragmented between red and blue, North Carolina is a looking glass of broader trends in American politics, and must be closely watched to understand the future of the United States.
ryan costley: state of the general
In this column, Ryan Costley follows the 2020 Democratic primary election with an eye towards the general.
AC Brake: From Kentucky to DC
This column intends to examine the sentiments of many Americans from the southern and Midwestern United States, getting up close and personal with the people so that we can take an empathetic dive beyond the numbers. Each article will embody the theme: stop labeling people and get to know them.
With 29 electoral votes completely in the air and millions being invested by both parties across the state, all eyes are on the Sunshine State in this consequential election. Writing from his home in South Florida, Eric Bazail-Eimil gives you the honest assessments of the ground-game, the organizing, and the changes that will rock this election and America's future.
Aaron Bennett: 2020 watch
I believe that a big field and a fierce competition of ideas is the best thing for the Democratic Party. This column will break down the upcoming presidential election and the competition for the Democratic nomination by focusing on what matters: the candidates, their messages, their ideas, and their stories. My aim in writing this is to provide some clarity – both for myself and hopefully for others – in a contest that will almost certainly be drowning in “news of the day,” petty infighting, and other ultimately irrelevant information. I certainly won’t shy away from pointing out some of my favorite candidates, but I’m going into the primary with an open mind and an open heart: giving every candidate a chance to make a compelling case and win both. Approaching the primary in this way – in good faith and with an understanding that Democrats are all on the same team – is the party’s best chance to find the ideal nominee and strengthen the party. This column will be both a quick-hitting one-stop-shop for major campaign updates as well as a substantive in-depth look at individual candidates.
Sarah Watson: Reimagining Iran in the World Square: میدان نقش جهان
The Persian phrase stands for Naqshe-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, Iran. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and directly translates to "Image of the World Square." Today, Iran poses many of the world's largest political threats, with frequent clashes with foreign powers. But within a country that many have labeled our enemy lies one of the world's most historic and beautiful cultures. This column aims to explain Iran's current role in international politics while analyzing decades of U.S. foreign policy that helped shape modern-day Iran's political ideology.
Aaron Bennett: FOUR Democratic Superstars to Keep Your Eye on in 2018
Despite ever-changing electoral landscapes, demographics, and headlines, one rule of politics remains constant: good candidates always have good odds. Just look at Congressman Conor Lamb (D-PA18), whose charisma, centrism, and kitchen-table-issues focus helped him grind out a win in a deep-red district last March. Or underdogs Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ayanna Pressley – both of whom successfully primaried popular progressive incumbents by out-hustling their opponents. Or even Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AL), whose loss in the 2010 Republican primary didn’t deter her from launching a write-in bid that ended in her successful reelection and one of the greatest upsets in political history. The lesson is the same: don’t count out strong candidates facing long odds. This mini-series – which I’ll write every Monday ahead of Election Day – will profile four superstar candidates to keep your eye on come November 6. Full disclosure: I’m an unabashed Democrat, so I’ll only be highlighting Democrats who are overperforming in tough districts.
