Lara Yacoub

Lara is originally half-Syrian and half-Egyptian, but grew up in Mexico City and Calgary, AB. She moved to Vancouver in 2019 to pursue a degree in International Relations at UBC. Ever since moving, she has fallen in love with the city, and in her free time enjoys scouting out the city's numerous restaurants, hidden gems, and beautiful beaches.

Lara Yacoub

Pandemic Fatigue: The Growing Challenge of Fighting the Omicron Variant

January 11, 2022

Pandemic fatigue and public apathy to restrictions have made it more difficult for government officials to slow the spread of Omicron.

Explainer: The African Union

November 24, 2021

Formed in 2002 out of previous attempts at continental organizations and made up of 55 member states, the African Union aims to promote regional solidarity.

Explainer: Shariah Law

November 2, 2021

Shariah law is “a set of guiding rules in Islam meant for direction on moral conduct and even day-to-day life,” yet it is often wrongly framed as an oppressive tool of subjugation.

What the Closure of the Dadaab and Kakuma Refugee Camps Means for Residents

September 28, 2021

The Kenyan government is closing two major refugee camps in Kenya, Dadaab and Kakuma, leaving over 400,000 refugees uncertain about their living situations and well-being.

Human Rights Crackdown in Nicaragua Ahead of November Election

September 21, 2021

With presidential elections coming up in Nicaragua in November 2021, the Nicaraguan government has been heavily cracking down on any opposition movements that would challenge President Daniel Ortega’s authority.

Australia’s Failure to Achieve “Zero-COVID”

September 15, 2021

Australia’s success in combating COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic has now begun to decline, which may be attributed to the country’s vaccination strategy.

Crypto-Economies: The Potential of Cryptocurrency

August 15, 2021

The rise of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin has made engaging in the financial sector much more accessible and has helped certain countries and organizations transform their economic practices.

EVENT: Indigenous Art and Resistance in the Climate Crisis (Jan 27)

On January 27th, from 5:00-6:30 pm, Spheres of Influence is hosting a virtual art gallery and panel discussion called Indigenous Art and Resistance in the Climate Crisis. In this event, we will be featuring the works of some incredible Indigenous artists from across the globe: Mariyeh Mushtaq, Lee Gavin, Elizabeth

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Lara Yacoub

Lara Yacoub

Pandemic Fatigue: The Growing Challenge of Fighting the Omicron Variant

Explainer: The African Union

Explainer: Shariah Law

What the Closure of the Dadaab and Kakuma Refugee Camps Means for Residents

Human Rights Crackdown in Nicaragua Ahead of November Election

Australia’s Failure to Achieve “Zero-COVID”

Crypto-Economies: The Potential of Cryptocurrency

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EVENT: Indigenous Art and Resistance in the Climate Crisis (Jan 27)

What is Hezbollah and How Does It Plan to Stay Relevant

Sudan’s 35th Military Coup Pushes the Country Away from Democracy Once Again

How the US-China Trade War is Shifting Middle Eastern Regional Politics