Noted recall: The goal is to describe, in just a few words, what the article is about. Additionally, if I think the article is particularly note-worthy (good or bad), I will comment on that. Compare this to a small sticky note, something to jog your memory about the contents of an article. Of course, if I miss the point of an article, or fail to find anything remarkable, that is entirely the fault of the reviewer.
Available at: http://bjwa.brown.edu/archives/
Portugal and the Future of the European Union - Aníbal Cavaco Silva
(read 2018-09-25)
I must say this was a rather dull article. Talks about Portugal being a great team player, has always supported the European Union. And the Eurozone. Discussion of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), and look back at how Portugal handle the 2008 financial crisis.
My Current Public Stance on United States-Mexico Integration - Vicente Fox Quesada
(read 2018-09-25)
Very brief overview of US-Mexico relations, and what could improve. Family and economic ties, government agreements. Some economic discussions, NAFTA, what might happen if NAFTA ends. The article closes with some discussion about drugs, gangs, guns. Pleasant read, disappointed in how short the article is.
Transforming Global Health and Development Through Human Rights - Tarja Halonen and Hina Jilani
(read 2018-09-26)
Very brief article, discusses how women's and children's health has improved over recent years, establishing high level working group to continue such progress.
Climate Action: An Opportunity the Global Economy Cannot Afford to Pass Up - Felipe Calderón
(read 2018-09-27)
Good summary of global action against climate change, recent improvements. Cities, costs of urban sprawl, benefits to centralizing populations. Public transportation, changing focus to electric vehicles (government use). Land use, reforestation. Finance, investing in greener technology, climate disclosures, "green" bonds. Economic growth and climate change action are not an "either/or" choice.
Mob Rule of the Wisdom of the Crowds? Reflections on Referendums and Policy - Matt Qvortrup
(read 2018-099-27)
Overview of referendums and citizen initiatives (from now on, combining both in one term). Some discussion of referendums in non-democracies. Argues that referendums are not just mob rule; that countries with frequent referendums have lower inequality, higher voter turnout (in general), and citizens are more politically informed than peer countries.
Referendums and the Institutionalization of Authoritarianism in Turkey - Steven A. Cook
(read 2018-09-29)
Overview of referendums in Turkey. Particular discussion of Erdogan. On paper, the referendums are not that bad, but have been abused to support authoritarianism. Discussion on voter turnout, legitimacy.
Elections in International Democracy Assistance - Yves Leterme
(read 2018-09-29)
Explains what Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) is, and what they do. Discusses what are elections, what do they accomplish. How to ensure they are fair and democratic? That is the purpose of IDEA, to assist governments in providing free and fair elections. I found this informative, not only introducing IDEA, but also exposition of challenges to elections.
Defending and Recovering American Election Systems - Thomas Hicks
(read 2018-09-30)
Discussion of US Election Assistance Commission (EAC). Providing training, materials to election officials. State of current (electronic) voter systems. Improvements since 2016, national defense is more aware, but still lots of room for improvements. Aid provided by government isn't enough, primarily state responsibility to upgrade systems. Paper voting isn't always the answer (e.g. blind voters).
Discussing the Future of the Democratic Party - Tom Perez
(read 2018-09-30)
Short interview with Tom Perez. Just a few questions and answers, the worthwhile ones where the discussion about DNC, planned improvements to be made going forward (lessons learned in 2016).
Lost in Translation: Cultural Interpretations of Family in East Africa and Implications on Children's Care - Kelly Bunkers, Beth Bradford, and Karen Smith Rotabi
(read 2018-10-01)
Discussion of childcare and family in East Africa. Discussion of Intercountry Adoption (ICA). Large growth in adoption agencies in the past two decades, seems to be mostly commercial enterprise that focuses on profit. Recruiting children by not telling parents adoption is permanent and other deceptive practices. Other examples and cause for concern are given in the article.
Forgetting Its Common Humanity: America's Immigration Story - Anita Maddali
(read 2018-10-02)
Some history of immigration in the US, restrictions based on country. Previously focused on keeping families united, that seems to be fading out. Obstacles to becoming a citizen.
Arab World's "Quiet" Reproductive Revolution - Marcia C. Inhorn
(red 2018-10-02)
Most countries in the middle east have seen declining birthrates, up to 3-4 fewer children per woman compared to 30 years ago, about 2-3 on average now. This is even among poor laborers, seems to be a cultural shift and not just economic change.
Empty Houses, Abandoned Graves: Negative Population Growth and New Ideas in Neo-rural Japan - John W. Traphagan
(read 2018-10-02)
Discussion of population decline in Japan. Particular focus on temples. How temples are adapting to change, how they're adapting to cover operating costs. A few short words on the same topic but for cities.
Forced Displacement Today: Why Multilaterialism Matters - Filippo Grandi
(read 2018-10-03)
Article about forced displacement, refugees. Survey of the last few years. Currently higher number of refugees than previous years, and also fewer people returning home.
Fighting Crime and Terrorism in the Age of Technology - Rob Wainwright
(read 2018-10-03)
Brief discussion about modern organized crime and terrorism, adaptations to technology.
International Relations in the Trump Era - Robert Jervis
(skimmed 2018-10-03)
Interview with Robert Jervis, skimmed through, "deterrence" seems to be the main theme.
Yemeni Women and Civil Society in Light of Political Transformations and War - Tawakkol Karman
(read 2018-10-04)
Discussion of recent and current events in Yemen. Particular focus on women in society. Was making lots of progress on women's rights, working on requiring women representation in government. Then the Houthi coup happened, much repression now.
Invisible War: Central America's Forgotten Humanitarian Crisis - Jason Cone and Marc Bosch Bonacasa
(read 2018-10-04)
Look at refugees and asylum seekers leaving Northern Triangle of Central America (NTCA): El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras. Some of highest rates of violence in the world. What Doctors Without Borders does to help, statistics gathered, vast majority of people leave NTCA due to violence or similar. What governments have done to make it harder for people to escape, specifically Mexico and US policy.