Kaiya Davis Introduction Geopolitical rivalry, wars, and changes in economic blocs have characterized the international politics of the mid-2020s. These changes have pushed the People’s Republic of China to adjust their foreign policy and stances on geopolitical events. For example, U.S. military operations in Iran and Venezuela, rising rivalry in Latin America, and tensions with regional states are forcing China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take action, especially under

Kaiya Davis Introduction Since 2020, China has been gradually increasing the number of military displays and strategic maneuvers that test the defenses of Taiwan and American commitments near the South China Sea. Backed by the United States, Taiwan capitalizes on its semiconductor dominance as a counterpoint to increase economic relationships and push for its inclusion in international platforms, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), in the face of these thr

Katie Leslie Introduction to Japanese Women’s Political History Formal women’s rights and privileges in Japanese law emerged only in recent history. In 1947, Japan changed its constitution to include political rights for women, such as voting, running for Parliament, and attending universities. Later, in the 1970s, the Second Wave of Feminism brought global awareness to women’s representation and participation. International organizations and conferences like the 1995 UN

Wells Benjamin Introduction In the 17th century, Cardinal Richelieu, a French religious and political figure, held an extraordinary degree of influence over the affairs of the French Kingdom. His vision of foreign and domestic policy was second only to that of Louis XIII, and throughout his tenure he often served as France’s preeminent statesman. During his political career, Cardinal Richelieu was accompanied by François Leclerc du Tremblay, a Capuchin friar who served as h