The Emory International Relations Association Journal

War captures attention, but trafficking thrives in what follows. Beyond the headlines, a hidden infrastructure of exploitation continues largely unchecked. This article explores how human trafficking is briefly illuminated during moments of crisis, yet sustained by structural conditions that persist long after public attention fades. 

*Written prior to the breakout of the 2026 Iran War. A conflict shaped by more than a century of competing claims and unfinished political agreements continues to define the modern Middle East. This article explores the historical foundations of the Israel–Palestine conflict and analyzes how evolving political, legal, and international dynamics have shaped its contemporary trajectory.

A historic first has put Japan in the global spotlight, but the real story lies in the direction that follows. As Sanae Takaichi takes power, her leadership reflects deeper shifts in policy, ideology, and regional strategy. This article examines how her rise signals both a political turning point and a redefinition of Japan’s role in an increasingly tense East Asian landscape.

A fragmented peninsula became a unified nation through a complex blend of ideology, diplomacy, and force—but the intellectual roots of that transformation stretch far earlier. This article explores how Machiavelli’s political thought influenced the strategies, leaders, and nation-building processes that shaped the unification of Italy.

Modern geopolitical competition is increasingly defined by unseen battles over networks, data, and infrastructure rather than traditional military confrontation. This article explores how cyber espionage has evolved into a central tool of statecraft, reshaping the boundaries between intelligence gathering, coercion, and weaponized conflict in the digital age.