“Gray Areas in the Land of the Setting Sun”: Unresolved Legacies, Contested Identities, and Economic Stakes in the Western Sahara Stalemate

While colonialism across the globe has mostly been dismantled following World War II, nations across the globe continue to deal with unresolved colonial legacies and resource-driven conflicts. As a result, we continue to see regional instability affecting vulnerable regions. Understanding the stalemate in the Western Sahara conflict highlights the complex interplay between history, identity, and economic motives, emphasizing the critical need for nuanced approaches in conflict resolution and diplomacy. My research investigates the roles of key factors that sustain the diplomatic stalemate in the Western Sahara conflict through an in-depth analysis of Morocco’s territorial claims, the ideological differences around identity among the players involved, and the strategic interests surrounding Western Sahara’s economic potential. I argue that the primary reason for the ongoing stalemate in the Western Sahara conflict lies in three crucial areas of ambiguity: (1) the unresolved historical legacy of Spanish colonialism, (2) the contested definition of Sahrawi identity, and (3) economic incentives. These gray areas have complicated negotiations, prevented global consensus, and perpetuated the conflict, leaving it in diplomatic limbo. The continued dismantling of colonial legacies remains a critical global challenge, as unresolved disputes like the Western Sahara exemplify the enduring impact of historical injustices on modern geopolitics. The Western Sahara conflict highlights how colonial-era boundaries and policies continue to shape present-day territorial disputes, such as the case with Israel–Palestine or India–Pakistan regarding Kashmir. Understanding the intersections of history, identity, and economics in this conflict provides valuable insights that can inform the resolution of similar territorial disputes, fostering more equitable and stable outcomes in other post-colonial regions worldwide

The Italian Colony of São Paulo: Race, Class, and Cultural Capital in Brazil

WINNER, 2024 ALDO AND JEANNE SCAGLIONE PUBLICATION AWARD FOR A MANUSCRIPT IN ITALIAN LITERARY STUDIES, MODERN LANGUAGES ASSOCIATIONIntroduces a way to study migration that privileges literary analysis over and against sociological data and insists on the importance of culture in the production of political identitiesThis book argues that Italians first became racialized as white in São Paulo, Brazil, at the turn of the twentieth century. Whereas Italians in the United States struggled with xenophobia and were often not fully acknowledged as white, in São Paulo, due to a series of social, economic, and cultural fac­tors, Italians became closely associated with ideas of whiteness, modernization, and civilization. This book brings to light how the overlooked experiences of Italians in Brazil complicate conventional narratives about the racial ambiguity and oppression of Italians in the Americas, on the one hand, and the conflation of Italians with cultural and economic backwardness in Europe, on the other.In the book, close readings of a wide array of texts—the travel writings of Gina Lombroso Ferrero, the short stories of Antônio de Alcântara Machado, the columns of José Correia Leite, the political essays of Miguel Reale, and the memoirs of Zélia Gattai—trace a “New World Italian discourse,” or the overlapping narratives about Italian racial, economic, and cultural superiority that constructed and maintained Italians’ status as a model minority in São Paulo. These discursive practices represent essential antecedents to the racial nationalism that reared its ugly head in Italy throughout the twentieth century and remain central to contemporary debates about national identity in the Italian public sphere

Ethical Elegance: Navigating Consumer Morality and Production Practices in Fashion Through Analyzing Shein, Zara, & Vivienne Westwood

This thesis examines current gaps within sustainable business and sustainable fashion within the global fashion industry by carrying out a comparative analysis of the three companies: Shein, Zara, and Vivienne Westwood. These companies have different positions along the sustainability spectrum and offer insights into how profitability is weighed against environmental and ethical concerns. Chapter 1 addresses environmental sustainability, assessing how each brand is responsible for damaging the environment through overproduction, wastage, synthetic materials, and greenhouse gas emissions. Chapter 2 addresses ethical and social responsibility, considering workers\u27 conditions, fair compensation, and labor protections along international supply chains. Chapter 3 draws on consumer psychology to analyze what drives consumer motivations, how marketing affects ethical decision-making, and why there appears to be a gap between ethical intentions and purchasing behavior. Chapter 4 analyzes the political, legal, and economic frameworks that shape corporate sustainability, with a focus on government regulation, financial incentives, and regional differences in Asia, EU, and UK. Chapter 5 includes conclusions and recommendations, outlining concrete steps for companies, customers, and policymakers to create a more responsible and sustainable fashion sector. Through the placing of these issues within interdisciplinary contexts, this thesis strives to contribute understanding towards comprehending the systemic and behavioral adjustments required to address the environmental and social impacts of fashion

The Last Divided Capital: How UNFICYP Has Inadvertently Perpetuated a Frozen Conflict and the 50-Year Quest for Peace in Cyprus

The island of Cyprus has been divided for over 50 years between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, reflecting a decades-long struggle to reunite the two communities. Since 1964, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has remained stationed on the island in the heart of its capital, Nicosia, physically dividing the two communities. As one of the longest UN peacekeeping missions in history, and one of the oldest and most symbolic cases of a “frozen conflict,” understanding the role of UNFICYP provides insights into the limitations and challenges of long-term peacekeeping, especially in situations where resolution remains elusive. In this paper, I examine to what extent the presence of UNFICYP has contributed to the prolongation of the Cyprus problem resulting in a frozen conflict and the failure to achieve a comprehensive, lasting peace agreement over the past 50 years. Drawing on interviews with UN officials and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, I argue that the long-term presence of UNFICYP troops along with the existence of the buffer zone has inadvertently diminished the urgency for negotiation, particularly from Turkey, further entrenching beliefs in a two-state solution. Additionally, Cypriots have become accustomed to living with UN forces and a divided island, normalizing the status quo and further complicating prospects for reunification. However, I argue that creating communal spaces for dialogue between Cypriots on both sides of the buffer zone could foster mutual understanding, potentially influencing broader peace negotiations. Understanding UNFICYP’s role in Cyprus not only sheds light on the challenges of resolving one of the world’s longest-standing frozen conflicts, but also provides valuable lessons for other frozen conflicts and future peacekeeping missions by highlighting the consequences of allowing a conflict to remain unresolved for decades

Immigrants’ Inhumanity to Immigrants: The Failings of Modern US Immigration Policies through the Lens of Mauritanian Asylum Seekers

By analyzing firsthand accounts of Mauritanian migrants gathered at The Migrant Center of St. Francis Church of Assisi, this paper explores the systemic inequities of U.S. immigration law and enforcement, particularly its impact on African migrants. The research argues that these lived experiences expose the disconnect between official narratives of welcoming migrants and the harsh realities of the immigration system, making a case for a more humane and equitable framework. This will be accomplished by first setting the scene on Mauritania and the culture and history that backs up how the migrants act and why they chose America to emigrate. Their journey is perilous and highlighted throughout the paper, making sure it is understood that leaving one’s home country is no easy feat. Through these examinations, this paper will explore the systemic inequities of US Immigration law and enforcement, highlighting the racialized context they exist in despite aiming to be “race-neutral.” This paper will conclude with how to make US Immigration law and enforcement more humane and welcoming

Beyond Borders: The Lubomirski Dürers and the Global Debate on the Ethics of Art Restitution

Despite the validity of national heritage claims and the legal principles governing ownership, the most ethical resolution to the restitution of the Lubomirski Dürers lies in a global collectivist approach. By prioritizing accessibility to the largest possible audience while acknowledging historical injustices, universal museums can serve as platforms for education and cultural exchange. This approach not only mitigates the exclusivity inherent in nationalist or legalistic solution, but also advances a shared human heritage that fosters global understanding and reconciliation

War in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan: Freshwater Scarcity and the Path to Peace

As climate change intensifies, its effects on the natural environment are becoming increasingly visible. Glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. This transformation of the environment threatens access to natural resources, limits economic growth, and increases the vulnerability of a nation’s ecological, political, and social stability. Freshwater is one of the most essential natural resources. This paper addresses how inadequate access to freshwater in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan has impacted stability within and across borders. Chapter one introduces freshwater as a limited resource, highlighting how the scarcity of it threatens environmental sustainability and human health. It connects this to challenges of water scarcity and the resulting conflicts experienced in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Chapter two explores how policies, economic development, and outdated infrastructure from the Soviet era have intensified climate change related issues. Chapter three examines how Kyrgyzstan’s and Tajikistan\u27s reliance on natural resources and external investment supports domestic economic development, but risks intensifying environmental and geopolitical problems. Chapter four discusses how nationalism and authoritarian style governance can hinder advances towards peace with the prioritization of self-interests over the nation’s interests, and increased vulnerability to external political powers. Chapter five concludes with policy recommendations to bridge the gaps between peace, policy, and water scarcity, expanding on existing proposals and introducing new ones

Christelle Onwu

Abstract Interviewer: Mark Naison, Stephanie Robinson-Ramirez, Jane Kani Edward Interviewee: Christelle Onwu Christelle Onwu’s profound work demonstrates the importance of advocacy and research in changing policies and improving community engagement. Through her experiences with helping children through social work, she realized that the way in which she could truly make change was through policy work and reworking the cultivation of systems to ensure the success of future generations. Christelle, originally from Cameroon, arrived in the U.S. at 17 and attended John Jay College, where she excelled academically and received multiple scholarships. Through her excellence, she has been recognized as one of CUNY\u27s alumni 50 under 50. With her determination and intelligence that paved the way of her journey, she has fostered meaningful work for the New York City Commission on Human Rights and through her advocacy for the African diaspora. Christelle highlighted the challenges faced by African immigrants, including racial discrimination and the impact of federal policies. She emphasized the importance of policy work, community engagement, and research in addressing these issues. Onwu brings to light the importance of having conversations about race and identity to foster understanding and unity, especially in regards to the merging of the African and African American experience in the United States. With this mutual understanding, she also brings to fruition how it is essential to embrace one’s natural identity, as her refusal to fit into ‘societal boxes’ prompted the cultivation of community and advocacy in improving the lives of African and African Americans in the Bronx and New York City. Onwu even created a position as a special advisor to focus on the African community, conducting research and meetings to raise awareness. Onwu’s advocacy, along with the immense research she has to allow for the conversations to occur signifies the true importance of her community efforts, especially in regards to African immigrants and of being of African descent in the United States. Through her personal experience, as well as creating dialogues with the experiences of others, Christelle has fostered enclaves where African communities are able to implement various programs and policies to promote their voices, especially in terms of political and economic progression. Christelle emphasizes the need for coalition building and advocacy to address the challenges faced by the African community, allowing us to see how she constructs direct action and detailed research in order to ensure that direct, consistent change can occur. Christelle Onwu’s dedication and diligence has allowed for the voices of African immigrants as well as African communities in the United States to become a part of the conversation, creating perpetual programs and policies that will continue to cultivate community for many years to come. Onwu is the impetus for direct change

Sharon Kyle

Abstract Interviewer: Mark Naison, Stephanie Robinson-Ramirez, Shellae Versey Interviewee: Sharon Kyle Sharon Kyle’s philosophy for living is one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. This philosophy has made her a prominent figure in the critical news site LA Progressive, and guided her life journey from the Bronx to NASA and law school. Born in 1957, she grew up in the Edenwald projects, where she faced challenges like domestic violence and being surrounded by drug use. She was the sole advocate for her education, without any help or guidance from her parents regarding her intellectual path. However, her uncle, a makeup artist at the Metropolitan Opera, influenced her love for the arts. This exposure to different class structures and the respect she saw that her uncle garnered prompted her perseverance and also impacted the decisions she made. It allowed her to see that she would be able to transcend the boundaries placed by the race and class structure of the United States. Sharon shares this profound influence that her uncle, Leopold Allen had, who was a makeup artist and lived openly as a gay man during the AIDS epidemic. Despite her parents\u27 lack of support for her education, she excelled academically and eventually worked at NASA. Even though she was forced to move to California, leaving her scholarship at NYU behind, she diligently tried to make something of herself to fuel her educational journey and a life of meaning and achievements. Kyle emphasizes the importance of resilience, self-sufficiency, and community in overcoming adversity, and highlights the critical role of the press in democracy. With this, she emphasizes the importance of the press in a functional democracy and the role of LA Progressive in providing critical news coverage and the truth. Her activism and desire to see social justice reflects the adversity she consistently overcomes, but also a message of hope and determination, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and community support. Furthermore, Kyle describes the challenges of redlining and white flight in Queens, leading to a predominantly black neighborhood. Having experienced this firsthand, her viewpoint and resilience to overcome these obstacles is prevalent in her advocacy for social justice. Sharon shares her involvement with critical race theory before the term was even created and her collaboration with Kimberly Crenshaw in bringing these topics into fruition that affect the country we live in today. As she entered the field of law, Kyle reveals how deeply race is embedded in our social justice system. Sharon Kyle’s life story is a model for others, particularly young people. She allows us to see how we are able to overcome constraints placed upon us by race and class structures through hard work, determination, and one foot in front of the other. With her experience in the field of science, activism, and social justice, Kyle’s versatility reveals her resilience. Kyle’s work continues to build community and fight for change within our society and community