The Compass
The George Washington University’s
Undergraduate International Affairs Blog
Shigeru Ishiba, Kazuo Ueda, Yoji Muto, and the Japanese Economy & Trade
The Japanese economy and its trade are very complicated subjects with numerous aspects to it, but one way to look at them is through the lens of key figures. By analyzing the Japanese Prime Minister, Governor of the Bank of Japan, and the Minister of the Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry, it shows how they focus on different areas of the economy and how they can influence Japanese economic and trade policies. Through their individual qualities, it is possible to see how these figures compliment and contrast each other in their attempts to rejuvenate the Japanese economy.
Ishiba Diplomacy and What it Means for the US Latticework in the Indo-Pacific
While Ishiba's diplomatic outlook has been different than the views of his predecessors, this could be used to the advantage of the US. Ishiba has been more pro-Chinese than his predecessors and seems willing to work together with China on common issues. With US leadership in question throughout the world, and a possible Japan-US fallout looming over tariffs, now is the time to see what impact Ishiba's diplomatic strategy would have on the US' latticework strategy to unite the Indo-Pacific through a multitude of agreements between nations and whether it is possible to incorporate Ishiba's diplomacy into the US' strategy.
History of United States’ Relation to Greenland
This article looks at the history of US interest in Greenland, focusing on the changing motives behind its strategic importance over time. Recent comments from the Trump Administration have brought a spotlight to the historic trends of involvement with Greenland, shifting as a result of geopolitical, economic, and military priorities. From resource-driven interest to strategic involvement, this paper looks at the fluctuation of interest through administrations and foreign policy doctrines. Greenland has remained an important point of interest in the region.
From the People’s Power Revolution to Bong Bong Marcos: The Decline of Democracy in the Philippines
The People's Power Revolution against the rule of the dictator of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos that brought about the return to democracy in the Philippines occurred only a few decades ago. Following the strongman rule of President Rodrigo Duterte, Filipinos voted to elect President Ferdinand "Bong Bong" Marcos Jr. into the presidency in 2022. With Marcos' dictatorial pedigree and the dangerous precedents of Duterte, the future of Filipino democracy is gravely at risk and the potential for a new rise in authoritarianism in the Philippines is on the horizon.
Is BRICS a Threat to the Western World?
Since 2009, BRICS, originally comprising of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has evolved from a bloc of 10 of the world’s largest developing economies to a growing adversary of the West. With the recent inclusion of 5 new countries—Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia, BRICS now accounts for a quarter of the global economy and nearly half of the world’s population. This article explores BRICS’ progress towards its two primary goals—reducing global reliance on the US dollar and challenging Western hegemony and the US-dominated global order.