Monday Briefing | March 28 - Journal of Political Inquiry

Presidents Obama and Castro at a news conference in Havana on the US President’s historic trip to Cuba. Picture by Stephen Crowley | The New York Times.

Stories to Follow

Obama’s State visits can open new doors
President Obama’s official visits to Cuba and Argentina this week have made history. As the first U.S. President to visit the countries in 90 and 10 years, respectively, it seems that the administration is committed to strengthening relations with Latin American neighbors. In Cuba, despite historically tense relations with the US, the hope is that an opening of the economy, particularly through technological advancement and internet access, will begin to create better living conditions for the Cuban people. Following President Obama’s state visit, the Rolling Stones, whose music was previously banned from Cuba for decades, performed a massive free concert that has given many in Cuba hope that times are changing. In Argentina, amiable dealings with the new President Mauricio Macri, and the declassification of U.S. government and intelligence records about U.S. policy during and knowledge of Argentina’s “Dirty War” will hopefully help to restore relations.

Karadžić found guilty of genocide in UN tribunal
After a five-year trial at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, Radovan Karadžić, 70, a former Bosnian Serb leader, has been found guilty and sentenced to 40 years with a verdict from the UN tribunal in The Hague on Thursday. Convicted of 10 out of 11 charges brought against him, prosecutors say Karadžić was responsible for some of the most brutal acts committed during the 1992-1995 war, including the 44-month siege of Sarajevo and the massacre of 8,000 men and boys in Srebrenica.

Despite recent caucus victories, Sanders will have a hard time closing pledged-delegate count gap
Bernie Sanders needs more victories like those he got in Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii this past week. All three states are predominantly non-black states, which gave Sanders a leg up, as Clinton has historically underperformed in those situations during both presidential races she’s entered. While there are few caucuses left, the remaining primaries will be high stakes for Sanders, who is likely to face some difficulty as states like New York and California (both with triple digit delegates to offer) have diverse populations, a likely advantage for Clinton.

Happening This Week:

Acing the Interview
Monday, March 28, 2016 | Wasserman Center for Career Development, 2:00 pm
Graduating soon and looking for a job? Maybe a summer internship? Check out this event and find out how to ace those interviews!

A New Way to Counter Violent Extremism with Dr. Sarah Sewall
Wednesday, March 23, 2016 | John Jay School of Criminal Justice, New Building, 59^th Street and Eleventh Avenue, 6^th Floor (Moot Court), 2:00 pm
Join Dr. Sarah Sewall, Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights
U.S. Department of State for a public talk on new ways to counter violent extremism.

The EU Refugee Crisis and the Future of Europe Public Talk
Friday, April 1, 2016 | Columbia University Maison Française East Gallery, Buell Hall, 1:00 pm to 6:00pm
“The current EU refugee crisis now seems to threaten the viability of the Schengen borders and raises questions about the future of the European Union and the possibility of a Brexit. This colloquium will explore Europe’s special situation, geographically as well as juridically, and the meaning of the crisis for the future of the Union, in an interdisciplinary discussion among lawyers, political and social scientists, and historians on refugee and asylum law and rights today.”
Be sure to RSVP online here!

Pillow Fight NYC 2016
Saturday, April 2, 2016 | Washington Square Park, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Join thousands in the park, bring a soft pillow and wait for the battle to start. Be sure to follow the rules and guidelines found here!

In Your Spare Time

Following developments in Russia? Want to know more about Putin, his rise to power, and where Russia is headed? Check out former New York Times Moscow Bureau Chief, Steven Lee Myer’s book, The New Tsar: The Rise and Reign of Vladimir Putin.

Still thinking about your awesome spring break trip? Missing the sun and the free time? Follow these simple steps to start getting back into the swing of school!

This week’s Monday Briefing was brought to you by Brynnan Parish