I have several extracurricular commitments as well. I have just begun involvement with the Andean Democracy Research Network, managing their yet-to-be created social media accounts and generating awareness for their activities. I am also participating in UBC's Trimentoring Program, a program aimed at helping Arts students learn professional skills like resume writing, interview performance, and networking. I am also a member of UBC's external delegation to World Model United Nations, which is being held in Singapore from March 11th-15th, 2011. Along with my team, I will be representing Pakistan in the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (SPECPOL). Lastly, I am waiting to hear if a paper I wrote will be published in the undergraduate Political Science journal at Columbia University. So far I know I've advanced to the second round of review and am keeping my fingers crossed that I get chosen!
My purpose in writing this blog is to develop better analytical and writing skills focusing on current events, but informed by my classroom studies. I think that applying the new theories and arguments that I am learning in class to current events will be an effective and unique way of studying. In writing these articles, I do not consider myself to ever be right, but am just practicing putting my thoughts into words. I am always open to criticism and am receptive to the prospect of someone changing my mind!
My particular areas of interest are international relations and security, democratic institutions, and political philosophy. My geographic interest is in Latin America, but particularly the recent ‘Left Turn’ and new experiments in development strategies in the region. I am also interested in a wide range of other topics, like the 'war on drugs', counterinsurgencies, corruption, good governance, foreign policy, etc.
This area fascinates me in a way nowhere else in the world does, and I hope one day to travel these countries.
This area fascinates me in a way nowhere else in the world does, and I hope one day to travel these countries.
I look forward to writing this blog and look forward to getting some reader`s comments and criticisms on my articles!
---- Nick Harper
---- Nick Harper
