The Price of Freedom
America / Constitution / National Security

The Price of Freedom

“Freedom isn’t free” – a refrain often used by soldiers, politicians, and country singers. In context, the phrase refers to the remarkable sacrifices our armed service members have made throughout the history of the United States. However, the true cost of freedom is spread across all Americans and is a far higher price than most realize. Recent revelations regarding the … Continue reading

In Soviet Russia, the news makes you: competing portrayals of the spy scandal
Foreign Policy / Gov. Officials / National Security

In Soviet Russia, the news makes you: competing portrayals of the spy scandal

As if US-Russian relations weren’t already complicated enough, a breaking spy scandal has resulted in the expulsion of Ryan Christopher Fogle, a junior diplomat at the US Embassy in Moscow, who allegedly attempted to recruit a Russian intelligence officer to spy for the CIA. Reading the American and Russian press in the wake of the … Continue reading

With Bin Laden Dead, Who is the Most Wanted Man?
Central Asia / Foreign Policy / National Security

With Bin Laden Dead, Who is the Most Wanted Man?

Mexican Billionaire, the most powerful drug trafficker in the world, and recently announced Chicago’s public enemy no. 1 – “El Chapo” – is the world’s most wanted man. Joaquin Guzman Loera, known as “El Chapo” (or “Shorty”) was born into a poor family in Mexico and sold organs as a child. El Chapo’s education ended … Continue reading

America / Economy / Europe / Foreign Policy / Iran / National Security / Politics / Presidency / Sanctions / U.S. Domestic Policy / UN

WARNING: the Adverse Effects of Unilateral Sanctions

Last week, Congress overwhelmingly voted to increase sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran. Although nuclear nonproliferation has become my life work’s purpose, I can’t, in my right mind, agree with our government’s decision to add increased sanctions. On the other Before you stop reading, hear me out. First, let’s examine the general reasons for … Continue reading

A Halloween Treat(y): Political Partisanship and The Declining Role of Article II Treaties
America / Constitution / Foreign Policy / Gov. Officials / National Security / Politics / Presidency

A Halloween Treat(y): Political Partisanship and The Declining Role of Article II Treaties

21st Century government in the United States has become synonymous with extreme political polarization. Since the 2000 presidential election, and the subsequent Supreme Court decision in Gore v. Bush, political bipartisanship has been sparse, at best. Numerous factors have played into the growing political divide in Washington, including a widening ideological gulf between the Democratic … Continue reading

Foreign Policy / National Security / Uncategorized

Spy Game: The Case for Excommunicating Huawei and ZTE

The issue rapidly gaining momentum this election season is our future relation with China. It has been a growing issue for decades now, but somehow the American public is finally ready to confront our problematic ally about years of backhanded camaraderie. Outside of the vitriolic personal attacks on character and domestic policy, the presidential campaigns … Continue reading