Other Works
Democracy According to Plato and Aristotle
This is a work of political theory, which happens to be one of my greatest interests. It discusses misconceptions regarding democracy with consideration to Plato and Aristotle, who examined the system extensively in their respective works Republic and Politics. People frequently associate these thinkers with democracy-- which isn't completely wrong because they certainly talked about it a lot-- but most of the associations that they make are nevertheless misguided. In reality, Plato and Aristotle did not view democracy favorably; rather, they saw it as a system of government that only comes about when societies value equality at the expense of virtue.
Taking the Yugoslav Partisans into Appropriate Consideration
One of my personal favorites, this is a historical analysis of the indispensable role that the Yugoslav Partisans played during WWII. I was inspired to write about them simply because I wanted to know more; the Partisans continue to be overlooked in mainstream accounts of the war, so I figured that I might as well teach myself. In order to satisfy my curiosity I conducted research about the group's origins, beliefs, and military operations, which was all incredibly fascinating. Did you know that Josip Broz Tito fought on the side of the Republicans during the Spanish Civil War?
British Tourism in Ibiza: How the Risky and Deviant Behaviors of British Tourists Pose a Threat to Themselves and Local Residents and Businesses
This work revolves around the question of why so many British tourists travel to the Spanish island of Ibiza for holiday. My research encompassed Francisco Franco's decision to open up the island to tourism in 1962, the role of budget airlines in bringing tourists to the island, the island's identity as a haven for music and culture, the risks posed by excessive substance consumption, and an analysis of COVID-19's massive impact on the island's economy. I thoroughly enjoyed creating this because it involved many of the key pillars of global studies; these include history, economics, culture, demography, ethnography, and more.
Cultural Politics and Resistance in the Contemporary U.K.
I wrote this while studying abroad in London, which was likely the most enriching experience of my life. It discusses the relationship between politics and culture in contemporary British society. Essentially, British politics and culture have become innately intertwined to the point where politics ultimately define culture, and vice versa. For instance, the importance of the individual over the collective is both a political value of Britain's most powerful parties as well as a greater cultural norm among everyday people. I learned a lot from Doreen Massey, the author whose source material I drew from, and I noticed many of the things that she mentioned on a regular basis as I experienced London for myself.
Brixton: a History of Diversity and Resistance
Another piece from my time in London, this work is a historical and cultural analysis of Brixton-- one of the city's most eclectic areas. I conducted research about Brixton's early history as a lavish commercial center, its woes during the former half of the 20th century, and its transformation into a diverse cultural powerhouse following the arrival of the "Windrush Generation" in 1948. Moreover, I discussed the immense presence of resistance in Brixton, which can be traced back to events such as the riots of 1981 and 1985. I visited Brixton several times in order to witness some of the information that I had read firsthand, which made this work even more fulfilling.
Policy Analysis: DACA
This is a collaborative analysis of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), which has been one of the main talking points regarding U.S. immigration policy in recent years. After weeks of conducting research and drafting, my group and I produced this memorandum which explains why DACA should be introduced as a law rather than remain as an executive order. While I cannot take credit for the whole work, I can confidently say that I was the most involved in its development and completion.