On May 21, 2014, the Center for Civic and Global Leadership (CCGL) held its Second Annual Fellows Symposium.  Faced with the challenge of having thirty-seven Fellows presenting their projects, this year we moved the Symposium to a variety of spaces in the first floor of Batten Library.  The IR Fellows were concentrated in Johnson Lab.  Following introductory remarks by CCGL Director Sean Wetmore, the Keynote Address this year was an inspiring talk from Conrad Hall on the subject of “Civic Engagement and the Common Good.”

Each of the Fellows cohorts then stood and introduced briefly the subjects of their projects.

IR Fellows from both cohorts chose as the subjects of their projects a wide variety of topics:

Thomas Ferguson (’16) presented on “The Effects of Apartheid on South Africa’s Economy.”  As he explained, “As a result of my interest in economics and the development of Africa in the post-colonial era, I chose to study Africa’s most significant economy: South Africa.  In addition to that, I have been studying introductory microeconomics and macroeconomics and hope to teach about these topics in the Breakthrough at Norfolk Academy program.”

Sophie Kidd (’16) presented on “Female Artists for Social Change.”  As she explained, “I am examining the work of a female punk band, visual artist, and writer who all use their works to advocate for social change.  Through their revolutionary artistic advocacy, these artists changed the world with their workds and their ability to promote activism.”

Pablo Vazquez (’16) presented on “Our Best Friend in the Middle East: U.S. Ties to Saudi Arabia in the Last Decades.”  As he explained, “I will be discussing: Saudi Arabia and 9/11; Bush Administration ties to Saudi Arabia; U.S. championing of democracy in Iraq, but not in Saudi Arabia; and finally, how it is all explained by our need for oil.”

Hannah Wheaton (’16) presented on “Child, Not Bride: A Cornerstone to the Advancement of Women in Nigeria.”  As she explained, “There are many pressing issues straining the advancement of young women in sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria, and one of hte most challenging is the high rate of child marriage.  Without the completion of their education, many young women have their childhood stolen and lose opportunities to better their lives and communities.”

Jessica Williams (’16) presented on “North Korea’s Information Bubble.”  As she explained, “North Korea has one of the most tightly controlled media in history.  Freedom of speech and press is a human right that cannot be ignored.  I will be discussing the Hermit Kingdom’s isolated information bubble and how we can reach the people trapped inside.”

Jaden Baum (’17) presented on “Pros and Cons of a Two-State Solution.”  As she explained, “My presentation will juxtapose the benefits of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine and explore the possible conflicts this agreement might create.”

Luke Cromwell (’17) presented on the “Democratic Republic of the Congo: Strengthening the Heart of Africa.”  As he explained, “The DRC’s current state is one filled with corruption, a barely existent economy, lack of security, and rampant genocide.  In 2011, the United Stats alone dumped $2.3 billion in foreign aid into the country, and their situation has only gotten worse.  The DRC’s future depends on foreign guidance now.”

Alix Galumbeck (’17) presented on the “Smack Down in Ukraine: East vs. West.”  As she explained, “Ukraine plays a pivotal role in American-Russian relations.  Will these superpowers become fast friends or will another Cold War ensue?  The answer lies with Ukraine.”

Hallie Griffiths (’17) asked “Why Aren’t We Taking Nuclear Proliferation Seriously?”  As she explained, “I created five questions about nuclear proliferation, the Nonproliferation Treaty, and issues surrounding the Treaty around which I based my research.  The major issue I plan to discuss is the inability of the treaty to deter proliferation and what can be done about that.”

Chris Kazakis (’17) presented on “Economic Policy and Challenges in Brazil.”  As he explained,” I will be doing a piece on the economy of Brazil and the government of Brazil’s approach to economic policy.  I plan to compare Brazil’s economic state to similar nations, present my own opinion on how Brazil can better its economy, and talk about why I think Brazil might be important to the U.S.”

Nico Moscoso (’17) presented on “Chechnya: Ending a 150 Year Struggle.”  As he explained, “My project will talk about the history of Chechnya and its fight for independence from Russia.  My project will present a solution that appeases both sides and makes Chechnya more independent.”