

Siena Cooney
- Mar 30, 2022
- 4 min
Alleged Russian Agent Connected to Founder of AU Institute
Amidst existing ties between the Carmel Institue and Russian intelligence, another Russian agent tied to AU has been exposed. The new allegations bring increasing suspicion to the relationship between AU and the Russian government. Susan Carmel, the main financial supporter of the Carmel Institute at American University, has close ties to yet another alleged Russian agent, Elena Branson. Branson was charged on March 8 with “acting illegally as a Russian agent in the United St

Alex Moskovitz
- Mar 26, 2022
- 9 min
Ex-Im Rises Again
As the Export-Import Bank appoints its new President, the agency can return to full strength after a decade of controversy and crisis. This seemingly obscure agency has been the center of political acrimony for years, but it may finally return to its mission of supporting the US economy. On February 16th, 2022, American University alumnus Reta Jo Lewis was sworn in as President and Chair of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. The bank, known as Ex-Im, occupies a rela

Meera Sehgal
- Mar 22, 2022
- 4 min
Systemic Racism in Healthcare Technology—Deconstructing the Ruse of Objectivity
Scientific researchers often believe that technology is insulated from racial bias. This assumption is false, and blind trust in the infallibility of medical technology is perpetuating racism within the healthcare system. Unexplored racial biases complicate the generally accepted notion that medical technology plays a purely constructive role in preserving health and well-being. Wearable healthcare technology devices rely on digital biomarkers to continually collect data that


Ella Lane
- Mar 17, 2022
- 4 min
Russia-Ukraine War Highlights Failures of the United Nations
Tensions in Europe have reached a level many say has not been seen since World War II. Can the United Nations overcome significant flaws in its design, or do countries need to look for alternatives to achieve peace? On February 22, Russian President Vladimir Putin began his campaign against Ukraine by recognizing separatist claims in the Donbas. Less than 48 hours later, Putin sent invading forces into the rest of Ukraine. Troops have moved forth from the east through the so-


Kevin Sciackitano
- Mar 7, 2022
- 9 min
All About Inflation
A combination of pandemic-era supply chain issues and corporate price gouging is creating the highest inflation numbers in decades. With prices rising ever-higher, resolving this issue is critical for the economic well-being of America. The biggest story in economics right now is, undoubtedly, the dual problem of inflation and shortages. With inflation running at four-decade highs and many store shelves running empty, these intertwined issues have taken over America (and, to

Mason Binker
- Mar 3, 2022
- 4 min
War Is (Still) A Racket
Even though Smedley Butler's seminal work was published almost a century ago, its critiques still apply today. Warfare continues to be driven by powerful, monied interests, and this destructive political-economy is just as dangerous now as it was in 1935. Major General Smedley Butler wrote War Is A Racket (1935) as a protest against the impending Second World War. He identified the variety of American economic elites who had benefited from the last war and advocated for an en

Molly Dugdale
- Mar 1, 2022
- 5 min
Lessons From Colorado's Wildfire
Colorado's Marshall Fire was one of the most destructive wildfires in the region's recent memory. Learning how to provide relief for those affected by natural disasters is essential; preventing climate change from creating more of these catastrophes is critical. On December 30, 2021, in a suburban idyll just east of Boulder, Colorado, residents are enjoying the holiday season. Trees are still adorned with Christmas lights, and a new year is on the horizon. My family is return