Korean: Pop, Originality, Power

Korean: Pop, Originality, Power

There is a new hit called “Dynamite,” and it’s not by Taio Cruz. Breaking records in the last month, BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan), also known as Bangtan Boys, became the first K-pop group from South Korea to reach the No.1 spot in the Billboard Top 100. Their hit “Dynamite,” a fun ’70s disco-pop song that broke … Read more

A Game of Chess: International Moves in Belarus

A Game of Chess: International Moves in Belarus

Protesters in Belarus have been flooding the streets of Minsk for nine weeks straight, marching against the Belarusian government and President Alexander Lukashenko. These demonstrators demand his resignation and freedom for political prisoners following the August 9 elections, which, according to the official count, have been won by Alexander Lukashenko with a seemingly implausible 80% … Read more

Is a Slavic Spring on the Horizon?

Is a Slavic Spring on the Horizon?

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the newly independent republics seemed to be fertile ground for democracy. Today, only three former Soviet republics have successfully democratized—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—while many have remained saddled with autocratic regimes reminiscent of Soviet-style dictators. Haphazard liberalization of the fledgling republics led to widespread corruption and the … Read more

Splitting the Vote: How Nebraska’s 2nd District could Swing the 2020 Election

Splitting the Vote: How Nebraska’s 2nd District could Swing the 2020 Election

As election day approaches, a potential blue wave is on the horizon. Polls show Democratic candidate Joe Biden’s lead holding steady, and even states once safely in Trump’s camp could be in play. Among the states swelling to support the former vice president, a curious player throws their hat in the ring: Nebraska’s 2nd electoral … Read more

Minor Feelings are Major Feelings

Minor Feelings are Major Feelings

I first read Jhumpa Lahiri on a plane ride back from my first trip to India. Lahiri is a pulitzer-prize winning author, recognized for how her works address immigrant experiences, emotional adversity, and assimilation in America often from an East Indian perspective. In the cold, black cabin I sat with a reading lamp illuminating her … Read more