As an oft-static region of the world erupted in protests this past winter and spring, onlookers might have had fair reason to ask what had changed. Hosni Mubarak had ruled Egypt since 1981, his party undefeated since its founding. Yet in a matter of weeks, the “Pharaoh-for-Life” relinquished office, a man without supporters. Even more … Read more
The revolution was the easy part. In the wake of the various governmental transitions in Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, and other nations across the Middle East, the idea of democracy in the region is once more in full swing. With the death of the traditional autocracies, reformers dream of a new wave of representative, constitutional government. … Read more
The idea that demand for oil may affect American foreign policy is neither a new nor particularly novel thesis. Many commentators from Pat Buchanan to Thomas Friedman have argued that the United States counteracts its own interests through its purchases from authoritarian regimes in the Middle East. Less examined, but equally potent, however, may be … Read more
Democracy is a messy business. As the ongoing conflicts throughout the Middle East illustrate, the pendulum of social upheaval often swings wildly and in unpredictable directions. Since 2006, Thailand has found itself in the throes of political uncertainty, punctuated by outbreaks of anti-government protests and violent repression. The pattern may seem deserving of a “revolutionary” … Read more
As citizens and policymakers alike wait to see where the 2011 Egyptian revolution will head, the anxiety may come with understandable sense of déjà-vu. Some 59 years ago, in fact, British colonialists faced similar turmoil, following a 1952 coup in which the Free Officers, a group of junior military officers led by Gamal Nasser, deposed … Read more
In a letter to her husband on March 31, 1776, Abigail Adams urged John Adams to “remember the ladies” as he and his fellow founding brothers created a new nation. Unfortunately for Mrs. Adams, her pleas were dismissed by Mr. Adams who accused her of being “saucy.” It would take the new nation 144 years … Read more
Creating gender equality in American politics won’t prove easy Caroline Cox Although Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann shone bright in the political spotlight during the fall campaign, the American midterm elections proved a generally disappointing cycle for female candidates. Despite promises of a new “year of the woman,” many of the most prominent females running … Read more
Women still lag in math and science By Pragya Kakani Improving the quality of education in mathematics and science has become a serious concern for the United States over the past several decades. A recent study by the Program from International Student Assessment (PISA) ranked America 21st in science and 24th in mathematics in the … Read more
In the Corporate World, Are Quotas the Answer? Elvira A. M. Sihvola A girl born in Norway today has a free and fair path ahead of her, at least in comparison to the majority of her foreign sisters. Her educational prospects are stellar, with women comprising over 65 percent of the students in tertiary education … Read more
Female participation gave the Egyptian revolution momentum Caitria O’Neill Between Jan. 25 and Feb. 11, millions of Egyptian women from every social class, profession and creed took part in mass demonstrations against the Egyptian government. The Egyptian Revolution stands near unprecedented in the nation’s history, but the female role within the struggle even more so. … Read more