The Mekong River: Where Renewable Energy Threatens Southeast Asia’s Environment and Diplomacy
The Mekong River in Southeast Asia has been an important river for multiple countries, but it is now threatened by the numerous dams built without much international coordination.
Workshop: Mental Health in Journalism (September 10, 2022)
Sat, September 10, 2022 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM PDT On September 10th, Spheres Of Influence is hosting an online workshop on mental health in journalism, another widely overlooked and underreported issue in the field. The workshop will feature Dr. Saranaz Barforoush, a journalist and an assistant professor of teaching at UBC School of Journalism,…
The Attack on Substantive Due Process: Roe v. Wade and Beyond
The overturning of Roe v. Wade by the United States Supreme Court has stripped rights held for nearly half a century and raises concerns about the new, conservative makeup of the Court. The landmark 1973 case established access to abortion as a federal right, stating overreaching state restrictions were unconstitutional. However, the 2022 Dobbs v.…
The United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Has Been, and Always Will Be, Impotent
After 22 years, the UN mission in the DRC has clearly failed to protect Congolese civilians and build the safe and peaceful environment they had hoped for.
Rojava’s Last Stand: How the International Community failed a Burgeoning Democracy
Once backed by US troops in the Syrian Civil War, Rojava could now find itself surrounded by two hostile state militaries – a consequence of the International Community appeasing dictatorships over democracies.
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Human Rights
The ‘B’ in BDS – Arguing in Favour of Cultural Boycotts
After previously defending their decision to schedule shows in Israel following public backlash, critically-acclaimed indie rock band Big Thief recently canceled their charity concerts in Tel Aviv. In their new statement, they backpedaled on their initial stance on ‘love beyond disagreement’, stating that, “We now recognize the shows we had booked [did] not honor that…
Environment
The Hawaii Water Crisis: How the U.S. Military and Tourism Industry Exploits Hawaiian Water Sources
With the U.S. military and an overcapacity tourism industry exploiting water reserves, Hawaii is now facing a water crisis that disproportionately affects Indigenous and local communities.
Our Voices
Arlene Yang
Social Media Coordinator
Arlene has graduated from UBC with a B.A. in International Relations and a Masters in Management. More »
Solomon Johnson
Senior writer
Solomon is a graduate of the University of New Mexico where he studied Political Science and International Studies. More »
Alex Senchyna
Staff writer
Alex (she/they) graduated from Simon Fraser University with a B.A. in International Studies and History. More »
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Social Justice
Learning from Drug Crises in Vancouver and the Philippines
Vancouver’s opioid crisis and the Philippines’ war on drugs have more in common than you may think. Here is what we can learn from the two.
Who are we?
Spheres of Influence is a non-profit digital publication dedicated to explaining and unpacking global affairs in an accessible way while highlighting underreported issues. We are entirely volunteer-based and youth-led and work to amplify marginalized voices and provide opportunities for youth to gain experience in journalism and global affairs.
