Urban Growth and the Fight For Kinshasa’s Last Baobab Tree
The fight to save Kinshasa’s last baobab is a struggle against urban growth that risks erasing nature, memory, and the spirit of the city itself.
When the Chairs are Empty
Beirut faces a series of crises. Amidst uncertainty, empty chairs bear witness.
A Bad Oil Deal for Canadians, a Worse Deal For Albertans
Alberta’s new pipeline plan with Ottawa could leave Albertans bearing high public costs for a Pacific export project with uncertain demand.
The Trials of the Wet’suwet’en Blockade: The Fight for Aboriginal Title
As the trials of three land defenders arrested during the Wet’suwet’en Blockade end, the fight for Aboriginal Title in B.C. continues.
40 Years Later: How Chornobyl Still Shapes Minds, Memory and Politics
Forty years after the Chornobyl explosion, the invisible scars of survivors reveal how nuclear disasters reshape memory, identity, and mental health.
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Human Rights
The White Helmets and The Future of Civil Society in Syria
Majd Khalaf reflects on 13 years with the White Helmets, their merger into Syria’s new ministry, and a call for solidarity after years of war.
Environment
The Struggle to Overcome Geography on the Arabian Peninsula
As the Arabian Peninsula seeks to develop a future of sustainable urbanization, these developments could spiral into ecological disaster.
Our Voices
Ali Lahrech
Staff Writer
Ali holds an Honors B.A. in International Relations, History and Spanish from the University of Toronto, where he specialized in… More »
Emma Webb
Editor
Emma is pursuing a degree in psychology and business at Western University. She’s passionate about global health care… More »
Else Lanjouw
Senior Writer
An eager student, Else has completed a minor in International Development Studies and a semester abroad in Nantes, France… More »
Editor’s Picks
TIFF, Berlinale, Cannes…Your Support is Conditional
By Natalia Stubbs
Film festivals often advocate for justice, but their silence on Palestine reveals contradictions.
Europe’s Green Blind Spot: Environmental Racism Against Roma Communities
By Marine Krauzman
Across Europe, Roma communities live beside landfills and toxic sites, victims of an invisible form of discrimination: environmental racism..
What is Dead May Never Die: Examining the Expansion of Al-Qaeda in Sub-Saharan Africa
By Dami Fakolujo
Years after successful anti-terrorism operations against Al-Qaeda, why are its affiliates in sub-Saharan Africa growing increasingly more powerful?
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Social Justice
Finding a Voice in the Netherlands: A Dutch Uyghur Activist Navigating Politics
By linking diasporas and highlighting voices, Alerk Ablikim helps build a more connected and inclusive society in the Netherlands.
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.
