Every year, the Super Bowl captures millions of viewers with its ads. However, this year, ads strayed from their common formulas and got political.
Author: Catherine Gao
Catherine Gao is a recent graduate from McGill University, with a Joint Honours degree in Political Science and History with a minor in Environment. Her academic focus was primarily modern American history and international relations, particularly international human rights law. She has worked for numerous non-profit organizations and has a particular interest in environmental policy and human rights. She enjoys doing communications and policy work, and is interested in the methods to effectively distribute and spread information. Catherine hopes to pursue a post-graduate degree but is enjoying her time off from school where she can build her professional skills and hopefully do some travelling. In her free time, Catherine enjoys reading short stories and watching nature documentaries. Originally from Toronto, Catherine now lives in Calgary where she has the opportunity to go hiking and rock-climbing. She hopes to hike down the Grand Canyon in the near future.
Feminine Hygiene and Security
How does limited access to feminine hygiene products affect women in developing countries? Catherine Gao makes the case that access to feminine hygiene products should always be included in aid.
Canada’s new carbon pricing policy: 4 questions to consider
Prime Minister Trudeau’s recent carbon pricing policy has been a prominent topic of discussion. Catherine Gao explores four questions that may come up to be addressed before 2018.
The Legacy of the Japanese Empire
Japanese Emperor Akihito has hinted he wants to abdicate – what does this mean for his country’s politics and culture? Catherine Gao explores his life and legacy.
Why is Canada so Quiet About Mexico’s Human Rights Record?
Catherine Gao investigates Canada’s silence on human rights abuses in Mexico. She argues the countries’ political and economic ties are too strong for criticism.
South China Sea: Regional Instability and the Hague Ruling
Now that the Hague’s ruled in favour of the Philippines over its competing territorial claims with China, what’s next for tensions in the South China Sea? Catherine Gao sees political instability on the rise.
Powder Keg: Venezuela, Food Insecurity, and Political Unrest
Amid mass rioting over the past weeks, Catherine Gao looks at the relationship between food insecurity and Venezuela’s political unrest.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Canada’s Refusal to Negotiate with Terrorists
Following the recent murder of Canadian Robert Hall by Abu Sayyaf militants, Catherine Gao takes a look at ransom payments and the ethical and strategic dilemmas they create.
China’s Defensive Diplomacy: Competing Notions of Human Rights
Catherine Gao examines the Chinese government’s use of “defensive diplomacy” when facing international criticism of its human rights record. She argues competing notions of human rights between China and the West are at play.
Obama Goes to Asia: A Series of Firsts
Though his presidential term is coming to a close, Obama is showing little signs of slowing down. Catherine Gao examines the potential for Obama’s seven-day Asia tour to shape his successor’s foreign policy in the region.