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En ayant tout ce passé pour nous prévenir, comment n'avons nous pas vu Musk venir? Certains disaient encore en 2022 que son rachat de Twitter n'était ni grave ni dangereux! Comment laissons-nous faire ses rachats progressifs et la transformation de de chaînes d'information en usines d’opinions essentiellement d'extrême droite? Est-ce que les magnats des médias d’aujourd’hui sont destinés à choisir—ou du moins influencer—les dirigeants de demain? < Back Les Milliardaires, La Politique et Les Médias Anonymous January 31, 2025 En suivant l’actualité, beaucoup d’entre nous observons la montée en puissance d’Elon Musk avec effroi, entrevoyant déjà un monde où sa plateforme X et son pouvoir du haut de ses centaines de milliards de dollars influencent les élections—non seulement aux Etats Unis, avec son soutien affiché à Donald Trump, mais à travers le monde. En effet, en Allemagne il clame haut et fort son appui à l'AfD; aux Royaume Uni il soutient le parti d'extrême droite Reform UK; à travers l'Europe il affiche une sympathie claire pour les partis populistes. Dans ce contexte, il semble donc important de nous remémorer la réalité historique des magnats des médias sous la forme notamment de deux exemples très différents: Randolph Hearst et Alfred Hugenberg. Dans un deuxième temps, il est aussi important de constater les risques que représentent des monopoles médiatiques privés ici en France, spécifiquement ceux qui tournent le dos à la liberté de la presse dès qu’il s'agit de respecter sa pluralité. Je ne vous apprendrais rien en vous parlant de Musk ou de Murdoch, car leurs noms sont omniprésents, mais connaissez-vous William Randolph Hearst? Ce Millionnaire qui a inspiré le personnage de Citizen Kane est en effet l’un des premiers magnats de la presse, ayant assis son emprise sur la fin du 19e et le début du 20e siècle américain. Cet homme a fini par posséder une trentaine de journaux à travers les Etats Unis dont certains des plus importants de l'époque, notamment The Examiner en Californie et The Journal à New York. Il a largement utilisé ces journaux pour promouvoir des idées xénophobes, et est tenu en partie responsable de l'intervention américaine à Cuba par ses efforts en ce sens dans ses publications. Je voudrais ici faire un parallèle avec l’implication d’Elon Musk dans la guerre en Ukraine que ce soit par le rôle critique que joue Starlink , tel qu’on a pu le constater quand il a retiré son soutien à une opération ukrainienne en 2022, ou par sa communication avec les dirigeants Russe et Ukrainien. Hearst a aussi grandement soutenu la candidature de Roosevelt et s’est lui-même investi en politique en tant que représentant puis en tant que candidat à l'investiture démocrate. On remarque ici de clairs parallèles avec les pires prévisions des risques du pouvoir des géants des médias aujourd’hui. En effet, Hearst est reconnu comme l’un des pionniers de la presse à scandale, et surtout du fake news, qu’il a manipulé au long de sa vie pour promouvoir un point de vu xénophobe et interventionniste. Les risques que comportent de telles techniques aujourd’hui sont décuplés à travers des réseaux comme X et ceux de Meta qui peuvent atteindre le monde entier. C'est pourquoi la fin du fact checking de Meta est si grave dans un contexte où nombreux sont les pays « très vulnérables à la désinformation, qui engendre de l’instabilité politique, des ingérences dans les élections, de la violence de masse et même des génocides » selon l’International Fact-Checking Network . Développons donc cette idée de l’impact du soutien médiatique à des candidats extrêmes. Ce qui est peut être le plus effrayant pour bon nombre d’entre nous au sujet de Musk, c’est son ambition de pousser des idées et des candidats d'extrême droite et, au risque de vous sembler pessimiste, il semble important de souligner un parallèle historique qui résonne avec ces peurs. Alfred Hugenberg, grand homme d'affaires Allemand propriétaire de journaux et chef du Parti populaire national allemand a pour un temps prêté main forte à Hitler, au point d'être dans son premier cabinet. Bien que n'étant en rien le seul responsable de la réussite du parti NSDAP, le soutien de l’empire économique et médiatique de Hugenberg a certainement joué un rôle. Il était non seulement un grand propriétaire de média, mais il avait aussi un studio de cinéma et une agence de presse. Son soutien à Hitler n'était pas désintéressé, ayant espéré jusqu'au dernier moment pouvoir se servir d’Hitler. Mais en fin de compte, ce que l’histoire doit retenir de lui c’est qu’il a mis sa fortune et sa notoriété au service d’un politicien d'extrême droite qui est devenu l’un des pires dictateurs. Nous pouvons malheureusement aujourd’hui tracer un fort parallèle avec les 260 millions de dollars et la puissance médiatique que Musk a mis au profit de la campagne de Donald Trump, mais aussi à son ambition politique en tant qu'allié de Trump et membre de son nouveau gouvernement. Ces magnats ne sont pas que des stars internationales de la propagande politique. E n effet, nous avons nos magnats home grown . Les médias français sont largement détenus par quelques milliardaires , notamment Rodolphe Saadé, Bernard Arnault, Xavier Niel et Vincent Bolloré. Ce dernier va nous intéresser tout particulièrement, car son empire médiatique, qui comprend notamment Canal+, CNews, Europe 1 et le JDD a une tendance très notoire à imposer une ligne éditoriale très à droite. Les critiques de son empire médiatique sont multiples. Il s'agit d’une part d’une fragilisation de l'indépendance des médias dans lesquels il investit, faisant ce que certains appellent un ‘nettoyage’ au moment du rachat pour ne garder que ceux qui soutiennent sa vision. En effet, dans le plus récent de ces rachats, celui du JDD en 2023, un agenda politique transparaît à travers le choix de Geoffroy Lejeune en tant que nouveau rédacteur en chef, juste après que le magazine très à droite Valeurs Actuelles le licencie car trop extrême. D’autre part, Bolloré est reconnu comme le plus redoutable magnat français car il s’attaque aussi aux individus et aux organisations qui s’opposent à lui, les traînant en justice et les menaçant selon un reportage mené par RSF System B , qui explore largement les méfaits de l’empire Bolloré. En 2019, ses tentatives pour empêcher la sortie du livre « Vincent tout-puissant » lui ont même valu une condamnatio n pour « procédure abusive ». Il apparaît donc raisonnable de s'alarmer de la situation en France quand nous voyons tous ces fâcheux parallèles plus ou moins lointains. Je voudrais donc finir sur une note non pas conclusive mais plutôt interrogative. En ayant tout ce passé pour nous prévenir, comment n'avons nous pas vu Musk venir? Certains disaient encore en 2022 que son rachat de Twitter n'était ni grave ni dangereux! Comment laissons-nous faire ses rachats progressifs et la transformation de de chaînes d'information en usines d’opinions essentiellement d'extrême droite? Est-ce que les magnats des médias d’aujourd’hui sont destinés à choisir—ou du moins influencer—les dirigeants de demain? Photo credits: DonkeyHotey on Flickr

Facing the familiar blue light of my computer screen—SkyScanner displayed in my Chrome browser and the threat of several four hour final exams looming over my head—I booked a flight to Paris. < Back Another American in Paris By Maia Zasler December 31, 2023 Facing the familiar blue light of my computer screen—SkyScanner displayed in my Chrome browser and the threat of several four hour final exams looming over my head—I booked a flight to Paris. Apart from the excitement of anticipating a change of scenery in this beautiful, historic destination, I embraced the vision of feeling like a native as I would wrap my wool scarf around me and sip coffee in a Parisian cafe far from the tourist sites. Alas, that dream has long since vanished. As much as I have immersed myself in the French language and culture since arriving in Menton last August, my experience in Paris remained internally a French Sciences Po Menton student, yet externally… sigh …just a girl almost always put in her place as yet another “American in Paris.” This trip in December 2023 marks my third visit to the Île de la Cité . At this point, I feel fairly proficient in the “Parisian way.” I am not deterred when, following a brief exchange of “bonjour(s),” I am answered in English (and met with the occasional pitying, pedantic smile). I persist; I insist on responding in French. I know that athleisure is an absolute no-go (I apologize for even including the word in this article), and that a sturdy umbrella is a must (if it's black, you get bonus points). I will not attempt to go to any museum past 3pm (15h, if you will) lest I have some sort of odd proclivity towards waiting in an infinitely long line that particular day. I could deliver a dissertation on the distinction between a “pain-au-chocolat” and a “chocolatine,” and I know to never order an iced coffee. Yet, my knowledge might as well be utterly useless. To an extent, I understand. American tourists don’t exactly have a great reputation, and perhaps that is rightfully so. France, being the world’s most visited country, definitely has some real, negative experiences to draw from. I will not contest any evidence put forth… but I will say, when I was walking in the 8eme arrondissement—in a long black coat, dark jeans, boots, and a maroon sweater, mind you—and a French man bumped into me and said “excuse me,” I was absolutely demoralized. How did he know?? How do they know??? I don’t get it. Does my American-ness radiate from the back of my head? “Pardon” is so much more fun to say, anyways. It rolls off the tongue much quicker than the clunky “excuse me.” This extra effort and somehow psychic knowledge leaves me gobsmacked. Even the Paris weather seems to go above and beyond to make it clear that I am not completely welcome. The crisp cold and incessant rain are the least of it; strong winds that render my feeble umbrella pointless by ultimately inverting it and snapping the little metal legs leave me susceptible to further frigid unpleasantness. With external elements like this, I can comprehend the desire to make Mondays slightly more bearable by shutting down ostensibly every store. I can also better wrap my head around the Parisian tendency to speak in the negative—when your jeans are wet and stick to the crevices in your legs with an anxious attachment style, one becomes much less optimistic or loquacious. On the rare occasion that I am able to blend in—and I’m not violently shaking my umbrella to get it to right itself—I truly enjoy observing the interactions between the French / Parisians and the many tourists. But, more often, I am—or am adjacent to—the source of fascination in such interactions. For example, during our first dinner together in the lovely Marais district, my roommate, Marly Fisher, got her finger stuck in the loop of her hot chocolate mug handle. How she managed to squeeze her finger through the loop in the first place, I do not know. The issue was, she could not get it back out. As tears gathered in the corners of her eyes—fueled by intense laughter and mixed with profound panic—I could not help but burst out laughing, too, at her repeatedly failed retractions. I attempted to pull the mug off her finger (which was gradually swelling), but to no avail. This, one can imagine, was quite the scene. Our little tug-of-war attracted quite a few looks and chilling, disapproving glares from the servers. I have no adequate defense. Side note: It may be a good thing, then, that water in restaurants is so difficult to come by. We, as Americans, would most likely topple the glass over. The smells of Paris tend to bring out the American in me as well. Now, I would not dare to claim this phenomenon endemic to Paris, but seriously…every time I walk past a metal sidewalk grate I am greeted with a whiff of a warm, pungent odor. I find myself dodging dog feces scattered on the sidewalks or praying I don’t spot a rat scurrying across the metro tunnels. Despite it all, I do truly enjoy Paris, and I love France. I would not have committed myself to studying here for at least two years if I did not. I feel fortified, and I will continue to brave the cobblestone and concrete streets, gradually improving my French thanks to the generous corrections natives kindly provide (without my asking!). While in Paris, I will own up to my identity as an “American tourist,” but, I’d prefer to publicly propagate “je suis étudiante à Sciences Po.”

Charlotte Well's work is undoubtedly one of the best releases of the last few years. It is an ode to memory, aging, and above all, an expression of grief. < Back Missing Figure: An Exploration of Aftersun (2022) By Pedro Meerbaum for Cinémentongraphe November 30, 2023 "I think it's nice that we share the same sky." On a 9-hour flight from Rio de Janeiro to Lisbon, my mom unexpectedly decided to watch the newly-released movie, Aftersun . The critically acclaimed A24 picture was one of my favorite movies of the year, which I had rewatched and analyzed thoroughly since its release. I sat in anticipation for her verdict, questioning if she would enjoy the movie's atypical format, or minimum-plot storytelling, let alone if she would cry as I had at the movie theater. She didn't. She only had one thing to say: "If they had made a movie about me and my dad it would have been just as, if not more, desolating." Her comment, albeit simple and short, lingered in my mind for the following 6 hours of the flight. Had my mom understood the picture better than I, seeing as me and my dad have always been close? Did she see herself in the figure of Sophie, a small girl looking back at the time spent with her absent father? Moreover, what was it about Charlotte Well's Oscar-nominated work that made it so relatable? The answer to those questions became clear as I leafed through old family albums: It lies within the universal attempt to reconstruct the puzzle of what, and why, something from our past is now missing in our lives. It lies within the missing figure. Aftersun follows Calum, played by Normal People actor Paul Mescal, and Sophie, played by the child actress Frankie Corio, as they spend a week of summer vacation in Turkey. Calum is a young single father, not older than 35, of Sophie, an 11-year-old who lives with her mom in Scotland. Set in the late 1990s, the week of vacation is often interrupted by short takes of the present, with a 30-year-old Sophie looking back at her vacation in the Mediterranean through tapes. She centers her reflections on Calum, who is often mistaken to be Sophie's brother and is struggling to embody the role of a father. In between swims and trips to tourist spots, Sophie films her dad with a little camera, the same one she would look back on 20 years later. Wells showcases the week of vacation in Turkey without utilising a traditional plot style, playing with mundane dialogues and a realistic story progression. The director herself said in a Vanity Fair interview that the movie "is not easy to describe, but powerful to behold." Through a format where nothing is revealed explicitly, the audience grasps from the get-go that this specific vacation was, the last time Sophie saw her dad. The movie begins with the sound of a camera whirring and beeping. An adjustment of zooms and focus that soon is complemented by a 90s style video recording of Calum folding clothes in the hotel room. The tape is filmed by Sophie, who comments on her recent birthday, and proceeds to ask her dad: "When you were 11 what did you think you would be doing now?" Sophie's camera whirs again and Calum, answerless, fades. The scene cuts and the movie properly begins. It is exposed, from the first scene, that there is a distance between the dad and the daughter, a feeling of nostalgia that is embedded in the faint background song and camera quality. The audience understands, then, that the movie is merely Sophie's memory. As she rewatches the tapes, and those are revealed to the viewer, the frustration of the daughter becomes clear: she desperately wants to peel the emotional layers of their last week together, looking through its content at the same age her father was when he left her. She is realizing things that her younger self would have never placed: she looks for signs of her dad's depression, indications that his well-being was in jeopardy; any warning that he would eventually fade from her life. It is hard to pinpoint within the narrative precisely what is a flashback, a dream, or simply an imagined piece that the narrator has tried to locate in the puzzle of her memory. Sophie sees a hurt father, a figure that spends half of the movie with an arm cast, and the other half with mysterious scars. When she asks him how he hurt his wrist, he replies "I didn't think it was broken." Co-Director Barry Jerkins (known for his work on Oscar-Winning Moonlight) comments that Wells, in Aftersun , is "wading through wells of quiet anguish." Calum's pain is not simply physical; he cries while taking off his plaster, but he does so with a wall dividing him and Sophie; he shows no perspective for the future, in fact, he claims to be surprised he made it to 30; he condemns smokers in front of his daughter, but quietly lights a cigarette in the room balcony as she sleeps. The nuance of his suffering, one that he so strongly tried to conceal from Sophie, becomes clear to her as time passes, and as she reaches the age of 30. There is no explanation for Calum's whereabouts – one could infer that he took his own life, or that he simply left Sophie's life without any explanation. All that is clear is that the girl tries to fill in the blanks not shown by the tapes. When her dad is not found in the room at night and appears in the morning with a huge scar, she imagines him going for a nocturnal swim. When she looks back at his lack of emotion during birthday celebrations on the trip, she pictures him sobbing alone in the hotel room. She produces a film of their vacation with tapes from her actual camera and tapes of what young Sophie jokingly calls "her little mind camera." The film reaches its climax not in any particular point of conflict, nor in any enthralling revelation. Rather it happens as Calum invites Sophie to dance to "Under Pressure" by David Bowie and Queen. As he awkwardly exhibits his dance moves, white lights flash to the sound of Bowie singing " this is our last dance ." Young Sophie dances with her dad, and as the flashes occur we see older Sophie screaming. It is not clear if she is screaming at her dad out of frustration, or at her younger self, who did not realize that was their last dance, their last moment of intimacy. In the last scene of the movie, Calum films Sophie as she enters the boarding area of the airport. He closes the camera and walks into an unknown door. The recording comes to an end. Charlotte Well's work is undoubtedly one of the best releases of the last few years. It is an ode to memory, aging, and above all, an expression of grief. It is through her mundane, but nonetheless anguished and nostalgic portrayal of the relationship between a father and a child that makes my mom, myself, and millions of other viewers consider this movie relatable. Her search for her dad through her memories is a natural reaction, a universal attempt to bring pieces together and seek solace in the unfathomable. As Sophie herself puts it, it is comforting to know "that even if we aren’t in the same place, we kind of are, you know? We’re, like, under the same sky."

Jean Cocteau est inextricable de l’héritage artistique de la Côte d’Azur. Après un brunch dans un des petits restaurants sur le bord de mer, la chapelle Saint-Pierre est un incontournable de toute visite à Villefranche-sur-mer. < Back La Chapelle Saint-Pierre: Un Chef d’Oeuvre à Villefranche-sur-Mer By Maria Azadian April 29, 2022 “Car il ne s'agit plus de créer une belle oeuvre, mais de créer la plus belle des œvres et que sa puissance secrète rayonne avec une douceur pareille aux rages dévastatrices d'un explosif (...) Toutes les courbes doivent être des arcs qui tirent directement leurs flèches dans le cœur." -Jean Cocteau Tout a commencé quand une enseignante d’arts de mon école s’est débarrassée d’un vieux tas de cartes postales. Ayant commencé ma collection depuis quelques semaines seulement , cette pile de supposés détritus m’a attirée. J’en ai piqué deux ou trois, un peu au hasard. L’une des cartes postales représentait l’affiche du Testament d’Orphée : le dernier film du réalisateur Jean Cocteau. Je l’admets, celle-ci est restée affichée sur mon mur pendant quelques mois, sans que j’y pense réellement. Ceci, jusqu’à un fameux jour l’an dernier où j’ai pris la décision que ma quarantaine passée à visionner The Office pour la onzième fois m’ennuyait un peu trop. J’ai jeté un autre coup d'œil à ma carte postale, et j’ai tapé les mots “ Jean Cocteau Orphée” sur le clavier de mon portable. Depuis, comme j'ai eu la chance de m'installer sur la Côte d'Azur, je tiens à visiter ses traces dans la région où il a passé la dernière partie de sa vie. La visite de la Chapelle Saint-Pierre est une étape essentielle pour mener à bien cette mission. Mais qui est Jean Cocteau? Pour commencer, il faut dresser un portrait de Jean Cocteau. Un homme de haute moyenne classe qui a perdu son père par lesuicide, homosexuel dans une societé qui ne l’acceptait pas mais également apolitique pendant une periode où il ne fallait peut-être pas l’être: Cocteau est un personnage compliqué. L'artiste publie son premier recueil de poèmes, La Lampe d’Aladdin , inspiré des Mille et Une Nuits, à l’âge de 20 ans. Au début de sa carrière, il se lie d'amitié et participe à la création des Six, un groupe musical néoclassique d'avant-garde. Cocteau et les six musiciens se font connaître pour passer de nombreuses soirées au cabaret-bar parisien Le Boeuf sur le Toit . Cocteau devient un artiste extrêmement prolifique. Dans ses livres, films, et pièces de théâtre, son style néo-classique le démarque et le révèle comme anti-moderniste. Un thème récurrent dans ses œuvres reste l’intersection entre le désir et le pouvoir, surtout à travers ses représentations de l'homme "idéal", “héroïque” – des représentations naïves – qui font écho à l’art grec classique antique. Il passe également du temps au Moyen-Orient. Sa tournée de trois mois, de mars à mai 1949, pour la représentation de plusieurs de ses pièces l'amène, entre autres, à Beyrouth et en Égypte. Il documente son voyage dans un journal, qu'il publie plus tard sous le titre de Maalesh . Sa trilogie Orphique, composée de Le Sang d’un poète (1930), Orphée (1950) et Le Testament d’Orphée (1960), qui met en vedette Jean Marais, constitue une merveille du cinéma avant-garde du vingtième siècle. Un mélange magistral du mythe et de la réalité au point que l'un ne se distingue pas de l'autre, une étude de la logique du rêve, alliés à une esthétique irréprochable font de ceux-ci des classiques du film français. Cocteau est décédé le 11 octobre 1963 dans son château à Milly-la-Forêt, quelques heures après avoir appris la mort de son amie proche, Édith Piaf. Il est enterré sous la Chapelle Saint-Blaise dans cette même ville. Jean Cocteau à Villefranche-sur-Mer Cocteau a séjourné plusieurs fois à l’hôtel Welcome , à Villefranche-sur-Mer. Son ami Albert Lorent, délégué au tourisme de la ville, l’invite d’abord à exposer une œuvre à l’entrée de la chapelle. Pour ceci, Cocteau dessine un visage en face de la fameuse rue Obscure. Suite au grand succès de ce dessin, Lorent lui offre la chance de décorer la Chapelle Saint-Pierre, qui deviendra par la suite l’une de ses œuvres les plus remarquables pendant ses années sur la Côte d’Azur. Il repeint cette ancienne chapelle de pêcheurs datant de la fin du 16ème siècle en 1957, alors qu’elle était encore utilisée comme remise à filets. Aujourd’hui, à moins d’une dizaine de minutes de marche de la station de train de Villefranche-sur-Mer, elle représente un des plus grands chefs-d'œuvre de la Côte d’Azur. Bien que l’entrée soit quelque peu coûteuse – trois euros pour une visite qui dure à peu près une vingtaine de minutes – soyez rassuré ! Celle-ci en vaut réellement la peine. Malheureusement, vous ne serez pas autorisé à photographier l'intérieur de la chapelle. Par contre, dès l'instant où vous poserez les pieds à l'intérieur, vous serez transporté dans une réalité autre et lointaine, séparé de la rue animée seulement par un mur d’une épaisseur de quinze centimètres. Les yeux dorés et présents à chaque côté de la porte sont répliqués sur deux chandeliers sur l’autel, se trouvant eux-mêmes à chaque côté d’une statuette d’un oiseau en envol. Ils vous donnent l'impression d'être observé pendant que vous vous promenez dans la chapelle. Ils vous tiennent responsable des endroits où vous choisissez de vous arrêter, de ceux que vous choisissez d'examiner plus en détail comme ceux que vous manquez. Les murs sont décorés de fresques représentant des scènes de la vie méditerranéenne et de l’apôtre Saint Pierre. Le plafond, quant à lui, est recouvert de représentations hypnotisantes d'anges. Les couleurs douces et les lignes peu définies des fresques sont intentionnelles, pour donner l'impression d'être dans un paradis nuageux, brumeux - comme dans un rêve. Le style de Cocteau est simple, presque naïf - représentatif de la mentalité de l’artiste. Cependant, il reste évocateur et puissant. Jean Cocteau est inextricable de l’héritage artistique de la Côte d’Azur. Après un brunch dans un des petits restaurants sur le bord de mer, la chapelle Saint-Pierre est un incontournable de toute visite à Villefranche-sur-mer.

Une rue commerçante bondée, un cri de détresse surgit. Pourtant, personne ne réagit. Cette situation hypothétique avec des comportements à première vue impensables est une réalité bien plus répandue que l'on ne le croit. < Back Le silence de la foule : comprendre l'effet spectateur Elsa Uzan September 26, 2025 Une rue commerçante bondée, un cri de détresse surgit. Pourtant, personne ne réagit. Cette situation hypothétique avec des comportements à première vue impensables est une réalité bien plus répandue que l'on ne le croit. Cela est causé par l'effet spectateur, un effet psychologique qui pousse les spectateurs d'une situation nécessitant une aide extérieure à ne pas agir. Ce phénomène est provoqué par le nombre important de témoins, de spectateurs de la scène. L'effet est théorisé par deux psychologues sociaux américains, John Darley et Bibb Latané, à la fin des années 1960, en utilisant le cas de Kitty Genovese pour proposer leur concept. Catherine dite « Kitty » Genovese est une jeune femme de 28 ans employée dans un restaurant new-yorkais. Le 13 mars 1964 , alors qu’elle rentre à son domicile situé dans le Queens après son service, elle réalise que quelqu'un la suit. Elle se dirige alors vers une borne d’urgence pour alerter les autorités. L’inconnu la rattrape et la poignarde de deux coups de couteau. Kitty hurle de douleur, un voisin crie par la fenêtre et l'agresseur prend la fuite. La jeune femme agonise pendant d’interminables minutes, réveillant plusieurs habitants du quartier. Personne ne lui vient en aide: elle arrive tant bien que mal à se déplacer dans un hall d’immeuble. L'agresseur revient pour la liquider: de neuf coups de couteaux, il lacère sa poitrine et son estomac. Il la viole et lui dérobe tous ses effets personnels. Les secours arrivent finalement trop tard : Kitty Genovese a déjà succombé à ses blessures. Ce qui est frappant et symptomatique dans cette affaire, c'est l’indifférence totale dans laquelle Kitty Genovese est décédée. La police fait état de 38 témoins directs ou indirects, de la détresse et l’agonie de la jeune femme. Témoins qui n’ont bien évidemment à aucun moment porté secours à la jeune femme. Certains affirment à l’instar de Catherine Pelonero , journaliste que “C'est un nombre aléatoire. Des gens ont sûrement vu des choses et ont refusé de le dire. Le chiffre de trente-huit est sûrement plus élevé en réalité.” En effet, ce chiffre a été déterminé de manière entièrement arbitraire et sous-estimerait le nombre avéré de témoins. Cette affaire a permis, outre la conceptualisation de l’effet spectateur en 1968, l’accélération de la mise en place du 911 à la fin de la décennie—un numéro unique qui permet d’alerter les secours et les autorités. Les psychologues sociaux vont ainsi essayer de déterminer ce qui cause cette inaction totale des témoins dans une situation nécessitant pourtant une intervention immédiate. John Darley et Bibb Latané distinguent trois processus différents qui expliquent cette absence d’aide. Le premier est l’influence sociale : dans des situations ambiguës, le spectateur va tout d’abord observer les réactions des autres témoins afin de décider s’il a bien compris celle-ci. Cela résulte en une inaction—au moins pendant un certain temps—qui peut se poursuivre en cas de multiplication de ce comportement. Le second processus à l'œuvre est celui de l’appréhension de l’évaluation : le spectateur va, à l’échelle individuelle, prendre le risque de se tromper devant les autres témoins. Ce risque s’accompagne d’une crainte importante du jugement que les autres portent sur notre propre comportement. Cela entraîne ainsi une inaction du spectateur, l’appréhension du regard des autres prenant le pas sur la volonté de prendre un risque et donc d’aider la personne victime de la situation. Enfin Darley et Latané mettent en avant un troisième élément, celui de la diffusion de la responsabilité : dans une situation où il n’y a qu’un seul témoin, l'individu se sent en quelque sorte obligé d’agir étant donné qu’il est le seul à pouvoir le faire. Toutefois lorsque le nombre de témoins augmente, une dilution de la responsabilité se met en place: le spectateur se demande ainsi pourquoi devrait-il être le ou la seul(e) à agir ? On assiste à une forte répartition de la responsabilité dès que le spectateur est conscient de la présence d’autres témoins: l’inaction devient ainsi l’option privilégiée. L’effet spectateur est un phénomène qui a été constaté de nombreuses fois depuis sa théorisation en 1968. Le meurtre d’Iryna Zarutska fin août 2025, une jeune réfugiée ukrainienne à Charlotte, une ville de la côte Est des États Unis en est un exemple. Dans le métro la jeune femme s’installe en face d’un siège occupé par un homme. Ce dernier se lève brusquement, poignarde Iryna et sort de la rame. Elle perd connaissance et s'écroule sur elle-même. La jeune femme décède alors en l’espace de quelques minutes. Les autres passagers semblent indifférents au sort de la jeune fille: il faudra attendre plus d’une minute pour que quelqu’un aille la voir. Malgré l'identification il y a près de 50 ans du phénomène, il demeure bien présent dans nos sociétés. Une question demeure: est-il possible de lutter de quelque manière que ce soit contre cet effet ? Peut-il tout du moins être atténué ? Il existe plusieurs situations où l’effet spectateur ne rentre pas en jeu. Tout d’abord, les spectateurs peuvent agir lorsqu’ils se sentent concernés par les conséquences de la situation ou l’action elle-même. Cela a pu être mis en évidence avec l’expérience de l’escabeau: une chercheuse se blessait en tombant d’un escabeau. Une seule exception demeure avec ce test: les élèves infirmières intervenaient de manière constante, qu'elles soient seules ou en groupe. Leur formation leur permettait donc d’intervenir sans subir les processus habituellement à l'œuvre avec l’effet spectateur. Le phénomène peut également être atténué lorsque les individus sont amis, l’appréhension de l’évaluation est moins forte et permet aux témoins d’intervenir, non pas à une échelle individuelle mais en tant que groupe. L’effet spectateur est donc un problème social contre lequel il faut lutter en citoyens informés. La sensibilisation est le premier pas à faire pour atténuer les effets nocifs du phénomène. Elle passe tout d'abord par un effort personnel de documentation sur des articles de recherche (notamment celui de Bibb et de Latané). Des actions concrètes peuvent être également envisagées comme des cours de premier secours, ou des campagnes de sensibilisation. S' informer ne se réduit pas à une pratique passive mais aussi à une pratique active de la vie quotidienne. Faire le premier pas vers la victime devient dans ce sens un réflexe: cela permet non seulement d’apporter une aide immédiate, mais aussi de réduire voire d’éliminer le phénomène. Photo Source: Pedro Fait de La Photo, Flickr

En Amérique latine, l'héritage de l'Espagne «a été d'apporter l'espagnol et, à travers les missions, le catholicisme et, par conséquent, la civilisation et la liberté au continent américain»... il faut avoir des nerfs pour défendre une position aussi absurde. < Back l'État Espagnol: Une mémoire sélective By Amalia Heide October 31, 2022 En Amérique latine, l'héritage de l'Espagne « a été d'apporter l'espagnol et, à travers les missions, le catholicisme et, par conséquent, la civilisation et la liberté au continent américain » ... il faut avoir des nerfs pour défendre une position aussi absurde. Je propose de reformuler cette phrase de Isabel Díaz Ayuso, présidente de la Communauté de Madrid, pour se débarrasser des euphémismes inutiles : « En Amérique latine, l'Espagne, malade de son arrogance / eurocentrisme, a IMPOSÉ sa langue, sa religion ainsi qu'une vision du monde où les populations non-européennes avaient un rôle forcé d'assujettissement, de soumission et d'esclavage » . Que quiconque m'explique comment l'Église catholique de l'Inquisition a favorisé le développement de la « civilisation » en Amérique latine colonisée (civilisation que nous associons au XXIe siècle au monde de la science, de la raison, du respect de la diversité, du droit, de la liberté et de l'égalité). Lue hors contexte, j'aurais logiquement pensé que cette phrase très démodée, chargée d'eurocentrisme à l'extrême, datait d'au moins un demi-siècle. À ma grande déception, elle a été exprimée avec un dépit irritant par Isabel Díaz Ayuso, membre du Parti populaire, le 29 septembre 2021 à Washington. Voulant croire que seul ce spectre politique, de plus en plus qualifié de « conservateur » , défendait cette position, j'ai été à nouveau déçue de lire un article dans la colonne d'opinion d'El País, journal prétendument progressiste, où Jaime de las Heras Gordon déclarait : « La plupart des Latinos avancent l'argument typique selon lequel "les Espagnols ont volé notre or", et ils ont raison, mais allons-nous nous le jeter à la figure 500 ans plus tard ? » Il faut saluer la légère, mais significative, amélioration des barbaries exprimées par notre chère Isabel : Jaime de las Heras Gordon ne nie pas que certains crimes ont été commis contre les peuples d'Amérique latine. De toute manière, ses tentatives de réinterprétation historique s'arrêtent là. Malheureusement, il commet la faute de minimiser à la fois les crimes commis (il faut rappeler que l'activité espagnole ne se limitait pas au vol d'or) et la part de responsabilité actuelle de l'État espagnol. On sent une volonté semblable à celle de Pilate de se laver les mains de ce qui s'est passé « il y a 500 ans » . Je suis mauvaise en mathématiques, mais même en utilisant une calculatrice, je n'arrive pas à obtenir les bons chiffres : les indépendances atlantiques datent du XIXe siècle, c'est-à-dire de moins de deux siècles pour de nombreux pays d'Amérique latine. Il semble également que l'État espagnol ait une mémoire sélective. En ce qui concerne Gibraltar, cédé à l'Angleterre par le traité d'Utrecht en 1704, l'État espagnol se prétend victime de l'impérialisme ou de colonialisme britannique, ou du moins l'était-il jusqu'à très récemment. Ce qu'il faut retenir ici, c'est que pour l'État, il s'agit d'une question d'actualité et qui le concerne. Cependant, lorsqu'il s'agit de parler des actions de l'Espagne en Amérique latine au XVIIIe siècle, « l'État espagnol moderne n'existait pas encore » , « ce sont les élites qui ont décidé, le peuple n'avait rien à voir avec cela » , « aucun citoyen de cette époque n'est vivant pour être jugé » . Si l'État espagnol peut se retourner contre d'autres États pour des événements survenus au début du XVIIe siècle, il doit également assumer la responsabilité de sa propre politique étrangère à cette époque. Il est très facile de pointer du doigt sans faire de mea culpa. Ainsi, certaines institutions témoignent d'une volonté de réconciliation historique avec l'Amérique latine et ont la décence de faire leur mea culpa. Le pape François, par exemple, a récemment présenté des excuses au nom de l'Église catholique romaine pour des « erreurs » commises il y a plusieurs siècles. Les fonctionnaires du Vatican d'aujourd'hui n'étaient pas en vie à l'époque de la colonie, et ils ne sont donc pas responsables des décisions prises par les autorités il y a des centaines d'années. Cependant, l'Institution qu'ils représentent l'est. Suivant la même logique, personne ne blâme les citoyens espagnols pour ce qui s'est passé il y a des siècles. La responsabilité n'incombe pas à la population espagnole mais à l'État espagnol, qui a le devoir moral d'assumer la responsabilité de ce qui s'est passé. Mais le grandiose Ponce Pilate espagnol, incarné dans ce cas par notre pauvre ami Jaime de las Heras Gordon, ne s'arrête pas là. Ce dernier affirme également que "toutes les nations colonisatrices ont volé, humilié et tué les conquis. Les Aztèques n'ont-ils pas décimé la population maya, ou les Incas les Mapuches ?" C'est pitoyable comme défense. Supposons que je tue une personne demain et que, devant le tribunal, ma défense pour échapper à la condamnation consiste à accuser mon voisin d'avoir tué deux personnes : cela me rend-il moins responsable de mes actes, moins coupable devant le juge ? C'est totalement incongru. Néanmoins, la cerise sur le gâteau, c'est que l'Espagne, en tant qu'État, montre des signes clairs de fierté à l'égard de son ancien rôle de colonisateur. Sur quoi puis-je me baser pour affirmer cela ? Je vous propose l'exemple suivant : la fête nationale espagnole. Quelle est la date ? Le 12 octobre. Quand Christophe Colomb est-il arrivé en Amérique ? Le 12 octobre. Coïncidence ? Bien sûr que non. La loi 18/1987 stipule : "La date choisie, le 12 octobre, symbolise l'événement historique au cours duquel l'Espagne, sur le point de conclure un processus de construction de l'État fondé sur notre pluralité culturelle et politique, et l'intégration des royaumes d'Espagne dans une monarchie unique, entame une période de projection linguistique et culturelle au-delà des frontières européennes". Cette projection (retour aux euphémismes) est-elle une source de fierté ? Il semble que Isabel Diaz Ayuso se soit inspirée de cette loi pour entretenir ses convictions. Pour être fier, l'État est présent, pour s'excuser, il disparaît. Ce que l'on réclame aujourd'hui, c'est avant tout une justice symbolique. J'admets qu'il n'y a pas de vérité absolue, qu'il y a des nuances et des circonstances atténuantes. Mais les faits restent les faits. L'Espagne a commis des crimes imprescriptibles. Pour qu'il y ait une véritable réconciliation, l'État espagnol doit faire preuve d'un minimum de repentance. Faire de la "découverte des Amériques" un jour férié pour célébrer l'époque de la colonisation espagnole ou permettre aux politiciens de diffuser les avantages de la colonisation n'est pas la meilleure approche. Peu importe le temps écoulé. Les ancêtres occupent une place culturelle centrale en Amérique latine : les générations vivantes cherchent à honorer, à se souvenir et à maintenir le lien avec les générations passées. La nuit des morts au Mexique en est un bon exemple. C'est peut-être la raison pour laquelle, bien que "beaucoup de temps" se soit écoulé, la blessure est encore ouverte et l'amertume n'est pas éteinte. La douleur d'une injustice se transmet donc de génération en génération, et il arrive qu'elle soit si profonde qu'elle embrasse même l'identité entière d'une communauté. L'identité latino-américaine est marquée au fer rouge par cette douleur. Je ne défends pas pour autant l'attitude violente et populiste de certains politiciens latino-américains de gauche, comme Manuel Lopez Obrador, par exemple, qui ont la fâcheuse tendance à utiliser ce trait identitaire pour expliquer tous les maux qui accablent le continent. Il est inadmissible d'utiliser l'Espagne, et le colonialisme/néo-colonialisme en général, comme bouc émissaire pour justifier les crises économiques, l'autoritarisme et la corruption qui ne cessent de secouer l'Amérique latine. En revanche, il me semble légitime qu'aujourd'hui, les communautés latino-américaines ressentent le poids de cette douleur et cherchent à trouver un minimum de respect et de considération de la part de l'État espagnol et de ses représentants.

It is difficult to address the needs of marginalized groups without an understanding of their complex relations, which means that it is often almost impossible—both for non-governmental organisations as well as for governments—to tackle the needs of niche communities within the large immigrant communities amid an already under-funded and underappreciated system. < Back Marginalization within Marginalized Communities Viktorie Voriskova for SPRH Menton December 31, 2024 For decades, migration has been a pressing issue, reshaping societies across continents and generating uncertainty, fear and anger within communities. While there is generally a decent amount of focus on the discrimination between dominant and minority groups, marginalization within marginalized communities is often overlooked. The cases of the United States and the Czech Republic demonstrate the inter-webbing layers that marginalization can manifest itself in. There exists a complicated relationship between Latino migrants who have been living in the U.S. for several generations and those who arrived more recently. In the Czech Republic, disharmony and disrespect between pre-war and wartime Ukrainian immigrants prevail. In the U.S., migration narratives frequently center on the discrimination that immigrant groups face as a whole. Yet, behind the essentialist narrative, there lies discrimination within these communities themselves, which often perpetuates systemic inequities from deep within. According to a study published by School Avoidance Alliance, Mexican migrants in the U.S. often face discrimination from white Americans and from other Latino communities. Mexicans are accused of "bringing crime and crisis," even by members of other immigrant groups who attempt to distance themselves from such stereotypes, so as to save themselves from falling under the same stereotype. It is clear that even though this internal marginalization is fueled by the fear of more forceful external discrimination, it still leads to division within the communities themselves. This further adds to the fear and anger that is already very common within discriminated groups, leading to a more violent perception of the group as a whole. The outcome is yet again a vicious cycle of marginalization, further increasing the division between non-marginalized and marginalized groups. Trader , an international journal of social science and economic journals, presents an extraordinary example of marginalization within migrant groups. Most migrants who arrive at the Franco-Italian border do so after a long, mentally and physically demanding journey, often by sea or in more than one country. Testimonies from migrants collected by advocacy organizations reveal stark hierarchies within migrant populations. For example, those coming from sub-Saharan Africa frequently face exclusion and discrimination by North African migrants despite their shared experiences of displacement and difficulty. Testimonies collected by SPRH volunteers reveal that some migrant groups prioritize aiding those they perceive as culturally or linguistically similar to themselves. This phenomenon reinforces divisions within the group, halting collective efforts to advocate for better treatment and resources from the mayor or NGOs. Marginalization within marginalized groups is an under-examined phenomenon that has an understated impact on the quality of lives of migrants. The cases of the U.S., Czech Republic and Franco-Italian border show how internal fragmentation of a community can further reinforce the unequal treatment that these groups are facing, expanding the division between them and the rest of the population. Migration is a recurring social and geopolitical phenomenon that the world has always grappled with. Especially in light of recent wars and conflicts, further research on the dynamics within marginalized migrant communities could lead to a better understanding of these complexities. Doing so is the only viable pathway from the essentialization of marginalized groups, which could prove crucial in pivoting towards a more equal treatment of marginalized communities globally. The experience of marginalization within marginalized groups is also evident in the Czech Republic, my home country, making this a very relevant issue in the country I grew up in. The increased immigration after the beginning of the war in Ukraine highlights the challenges of integration, even within the immigrant community itself. Ever since the fall of the Soviet unions, thousands of people have migrated to the Czech Republic to find better economic opportunities. These immigrants moved into the Czech Republic intending to stay long-term, be it both sending remittances back home or starting a new life. These migrants, therefore, aimed to gradually seek to attempt and integrate into Czech society. However, the outbreak of war prompted a new wave of migration, shifting public and governmental attitudes. Immigrants, who entered the Czech republic after 2022 as war immigrants of the war in Ukraine and those who have been living in the Czech Republic for decades very often stand in opposition to one another. These two groups differ in terms of socioeconomic status, with the latter being more reliant on humanitarian aid. The disparity in income levels and opportunities has led to divisions and a lack of cohesion within the Ukrainian community in the Czech Republic. Moreover, the Czech government's lack of comprehensive integration policies has exacerbated these divisions, leaving newer immigrants with fewer tools for successful assimilation. The division within the Ukrainian immigrant community is a clear example of a more nuanced societal issue: it is difficult to address the needs of marginalized groups without an understanding of their complex relations, which means that it is often almost impossible—both for non-governmental organisations as well as for governments—to tackle the needs of niche communities within the large immigrant communities amid an already under-funded and underappreciated system.

Ces femmes ont marqué l’histoire par leur bravoure et leur perspective unique; elles méritent la reconnaissance au même titre que leurs collègues masculins. < Back Femmes En Guerre: Les Femmes Cachées Derrière La Caméra Anna Halpern September 30, 2024 On parle souvent de héros de guerre et de ceux qui ont changé la perception que nous en avons, mais il est beaucoup plus rare de parler des héroïnes. Je pense tout spécifiquement aux femmes journalistes, correspondantes de guerre et photojournalistes qui se sont battues pour l'accès des femmes aux zones de guerre, dont le travail a été historique, mais dont la reconnaissance est cruellement manquante. Malgré leurs participations historiques, elles se sont bien souvent retrouvées face à des systèmes qui les opprimaient au point de les punir pour avoir fait leur travail. Nous avons la chance que des femmes telles qu’elles nous aient ouvert le chemin, et il est grand temps que nous leur rendions justice. Il semble donc important d’introduir ici quelques figures qui ont marqué l’histoire et qui représentent parfaitement le courage et l’audace nécessaires au changement. Quand on parle de photojournalisme au feminin, un tournant clé est la Seconde Guerre Mondiale. En effet, les périples des femmes photojournalistes de l'époque sont emblématiques des obstacles sociétaux qu’elles ont dû affronter afin de s’octroyer l'accès à un métier encore presque entièrement masculin. Les femmes journalistes ont même explicitement été interdites d'accès au débarquement le 6 juin. Entre autres obstacles, les femmes se sont heurtées à ce que rapporte Denis Ruellan : « L'armée assurait que les soldats seraient 'perturbés' par la présence des femmes reporters, ce qui revenait à les sexualiser . » Dans ce contexte, les exploits des femmes telles que Martha Gellhorn et Lee Carson sont d’autant plus remarquables. Les deux femmes ont défié le sexisme de l'époque et surtout celui ancré dans l'armée. En effet, Martha Gellhorn a dû se faire passer pour une infirmière de la Croix Rouge et se cacher dans les toilettes pour pouvoir assister au débarquement sur Omaha beach en se déguisant en brancardier. De son côté Lee Carson a réussi à convaincre le pilote d’un bombardier de la faire survoler le débarquement, car son dévouement à son travail et à couvrir les informations lui importait plus que le risque de défier SHEAF (acronyme communément utilisé pour designer le Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force). Ces deux femmes, dont la dévotion à leur travail leur a permis de prendre des photos historiques et de partager à travers le monde la perspective des femmes sur l’un des événements les plus marquants de leur temps, ont toutes deux subi des conséquences coûteuses à leur désobéissance. À leur retour les deux sont convoquées par SHAEF: Gellhorn se retrouve interdite de retourner en Normandie, et Carson s’enfuit sachant les conséquences que ses actes peuvent lui coûter. Bien qu’elles aient fait un travail extraordinaire, l'histoire les a lésées en les condamnant à l'oubli ou à un rôle secondaire derrière leurs maris. Ces femmes ne sont pas seules. Nombre de femmes ont couvert les événements historiques de leur époque, certaines étant même les seules à le faire. Il est notamment important de mentionner Margaret Bourke-White qui était la seule photographe étrangère à Moscou quand l’Allemagne a brisé le pacte de non-agression en juin 1941, ainsi que la premiere femme journaliste de guerre connue. Elle a permis d’ouvrir la voie aux consoeurs qui l’ont suivie. Plus que de participer à une discipline dont les normes et pratiques étaient pour et par les hommes, les femmes ont grandement contribué à changer la discipline du photojournalisme en rapportant de manière très humaine l'impact de la guerre sur la vie des gens et la dévastation qui en suit. Ceci a été la vocation de photojournalistes telles que Catherine Leroy et Lee Miller qui ont fait de leurs carrières de photographes un moyen de capturer la vie quotidienne et la douleur réelle que la guerre fait subir à la population impactée. Cet effort est notamment visible dans le travail de Leroy lors de son incorporation au sein de la 173ème unité Airborne pendant la guerre au Vietnam, durant laquelle elle a capturé la vie des soldats et civils impactés par ce conflit. Elle est grièvement blessée en mai 1967 et brièvement retenue prisonnière par des soldats Nord-Vietnamiens en 1968, mais cela ne la brise pas, au contraire, elle en ressort avec un entretien exclusif qui fait la couverture de Life . Ces femmes ont marqué l’histoire par leur bravoure et leur perspective unique; elles méritent la reconnaissance au même titre que leurs collègues masculins. Aujourd’hui, bien que certains s’efforcent de les mettre en avant, nous sommes encore bien loin de les reconnaître à leur juste valeur. Mais il est possible à chacun de le faire à son échelle, et cela commence par rechercher activement le travail des femmes et le mettre en avant par nous mêmes sans se contenter des récits dominants encore trop sexistes. Pour finir, je vous invite donc à approfondir vos connaissances sur ces femmes journalistes et photojournalistes de guerre à qui nous devons tant et qui méritent d'être connues et reconnues à leur juste valeur, non seulement celles qui nous ont tracé le chemin, mais celles qui continuent de l’emprunter de nos jours.

Feet planted firmly on purple and teal tiles faintly covered in a layer of filth, I was greeted by the familiar odor of buttered popcorn blended with a candy scent so sweet it could make your teeth ache. < Back Driven Snow; A Review of “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” By Maia Zasler January 31, 2024 Feet planted firmly on purple and teal tiles faintly covered in a layer of filth, I was greeted by the familiar odor of buttered popcorn blended with a candy scent so sweet it could make your teeth ache. Ever since the coronavirus pandemic disrupted and permanently altered our lives in 2020, movie-going has become an extra thrilling prospect, a novelty; we’re able to sit in an often densely-packed room, eating and drinking at our leisure, feeling a profound range of emotions alongside complete strangers. I was pleased to note that Short Pump Regal Cinemas, my local movie theater, had not changed in my absence. It was 10:30 p.m., the last showing of the night. The theater was practically empty save for me and my good friend from home. The two of us made our way down a dark hallway, ready to see the latest installment in Suzanne Collins’s Hunger Games franchise, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” released on Nov. 17, 2023. Until that night, we lived adjacent to “The Hunger Games” realm, uninterested in and fairly dispassionate to the story and its characters. Before this outing, I had not seen a single Hunger Games movie, ever. My friend and I were moved to see this new film only due to the immense social media hype surrounding it (and, candidly, a few well-done TikTok edits of one Coriolanus Snow). We found seats in the center of the unoccupied theater. We took a moment to run around the perimeter, enjoying the freedom from un watchful eyes and the subsequently liberating lack of social norms before the trailers stopped running. Silence then befell us both. The original Hunger Games trilogy is set in the dystopian, fictional nation of Panem, a country divided into 12 districts and ruled by the Capitol. Each year, the Capitol hosts a Hunger Games in which a boy and a girl (aged 12 to 18) from each district are “reaped” / selected and forced to fight to the death until just one survivor remains, the Victor. The competition is televised, serving as entertainment for the citizens of the Capitol. The annual, horrific spectacle also serves as a means of punishment for and control of the districts that had attempted a failed revolt 74 years prior. The Hunger Games themes of the growing divide between rich and poor, the weaponization of food access, and the normalization of violence as entertainment are also replicated in this movie-adapted prequel. “The Ballad of Songbird and Snakes” is primarily oriented around the 10th Annual Hunger Games and the development of the trilogy’s most prominent, detestable villain, Coriolanus Snow, President of Panem. The film chronicles young Snow’s ascension to power and the critical interactions and events leading to his apathy and dictatorial, sociopathic behavior as a totalitarian leader 64 years later. Dimly lit and foreboding, the first scene opens three years prior to the first annual Hunger Games. These “Dark Days” reveal a young Snow (Tom Blyth) and his cousin, Tigris (Hunter Schafer), fearfully running around desolate city streets littered with dead bodies in a desperate search for sustenance. The pair see a man violently chop the leg off of one of these dead bodies; Coriolanus asks Tigris why the man would do such a thing. She responds, simply: “He’s starving.” The film then jumps several years into the future, where 18-year-old Coriolanus is in his final year of schooling, hoping to attend university. His family (his grandmother / “Grandma’am” (Fionnula Flanagan) and Tigris) are struggling financially, masking their economic plight from Capitol society. The dynamics between the Snow family members emerge quickly in the plot; Coriolanus may seemingly prioritize his relatives, but there is a lingering sense that selfish motives drive these efforts. He works to preserve the Snow family name to present a strong front in hopes of climbing the political ladder of Panem. At this time, the Capitol notes that the Hunger Games are losing viewership. To help encourage more spectators, the Capitol enlists Coriolanus and his fellow classmates as mentors, assigned to each tribute, or competitor, from the districts. Whoever is able to make their tribute the greatest spectacle, whoever turns their tribute into a Victor , will be the designated recipient of the Plinth prize, an unfathomable sum of money. Coriolanus is assigned to Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), an errant singer from District 12. Lucy Gray’s vocal gift captures the hearts of the Capitol audience, aiding in her chance for survival and sparking Coriolanus’s infatuation. The two strike up an unlikely romance, which must be put on hold throughout Lucy Gray’s coerced participation in the Games. In each scene where the two interact, the audience is left to determine whether or not Coriolanus is acting in good faith: Is he helping Lucy Gray because he genuinely cares for her and is willing to do everything in his power to ensure she makes it out of the Games alive? Or, is he instead helping her because he views her as a pawn in a larger game, a necessary piece in his pursuit of the Plinth prize and political prestige and power? The progression of the plot and intricate dialogue perfectly captures Snow’s moral regression, the series of choices he makes that increasingly favor “evil” over “good.” Coriolanus is a main character that we, as audience members, cannot, in good conscience, root for. His decaying core characteristics are juxtaposed with the goodness in Lucy Gray, her relative pureness to his internal corruption. In this prequel, Snow “lands on top” (to use his own words). Along this vein, the portrayal of humanity is thus intensely bleak. As the movie reached its final minutes, I sat, deflated. I longed for the triumph of good, or at least some insertion of hope for future change in Panem’s social structure. In a way, I mourned the hero that could have been, the failed and fraught love story, and the deaths of the only characters courageous enough to challenge the system that Coriolanus goes on to propagate. Truthfully, my upset and frustration felt a bit silly, but upon further reflection—and binge-watching all four original Hunger Games movies—I realized it was far from frivolous emotion. What ultimately prevails in “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is a manipulative, over-indulgent, perverse ruling class profiting off of the labor and—in the case of the Games—relishing in the deaths of those in the districts, the masses. For the impoverished, the victims of a system that is structured to never be in their favor, unity and solidarity are a pipedream. As highlighted by the outcome of each Hunger Games (up until, of course, the 74th), alliances turn to enemies and there is no winning (other than survival at the expense of human life, of the violent extinguishing of children). The tributes make a show of themselves in hopes of attracting rescuers in the Capitol; the elite have the ability to send “gifts” (e.g., bottled water) to competitors in the Hunger Games arena. Through the lens of “art imitates life,” dystopian stories are often more eerily close to our realities than strict fantasy. Although this film may have been less of an overt political commentary or demonstration of existing societal inequalities and injustices, it astutely captures the initial transitional choices before devolving completely into authoritarian brutality of leadership/regime (on a micro level with Coriolanus Snow himself and on a macro level in the case of Panem). Income inequality in the United States increased by about 20 percent from 1980 to 2016 according to the Pew Research Center. American programs such as the food stamp system are known to cause resentment among the disinvested: the tax-paying low income and those who receive welfare. Food abundance, extravagance and waste are characteristics of the elite—often of “Western” nations—whereas the masses are deprived of necessities (not due to a lack of supply or resources, necessarily, but inefficient distribution and a focus on profit-driven production). The exploitation of violence for views is extremely prevalent in our modern digital culture. As the ancient Greek philosopher Plutarch asserted: “The poor go to war, to fight and die for the delights, riches, and superfluities of others.” The violence of war is turned into blockbuster Hollywood hits or best-selling novels, and the victims of real war, more often than not, do not perish in an honorable manner. They are slaughtered and, in several instances, serve the selfish interests of others more financially well-off. For survivors, veterans who return home are frequently overlooked, and they lack adequate support. This is a particularly prevalent issue in the United States. The Hunger Games—and, more pertinently, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”—does not provide any answers to pressing social and complex moral questions but rather poses them; the film holds up a mirror to the audience and our society, allowing us to see the impurities, the risks, and the dangers that currently lay bubbling below the surface. What I thought this film prequel did most effectively (apart from the fantastic world-building, impressive cinematography, character portrayal, and an epic soundtrack) was incorporate veiled, almost diluted elements of silhouettes of real-world systemic issues and moral quandaries into an already action-packed and compelling narrative; at no point during its two hour and 38 minute duration was I bored. When I finally begrudgingly walked out of the theater, I whined to my friend; I wanted more — both more content (in which I happily absorbed watching the other movies), but also more in a grander sense of the word. We should be able to expect more from our leaders, from each other, and from ourselves. “The Hunger Games”—like any quality piece of art—gives us an opportunity to reflect, if not just to enjoy its aesthetics and intrigue. In a review published in the New York Times, Amy Nicholson shrewdly writes that the film and its content “moves us to spend its gargantuan running time reflecting on contemporary headlines, mourning the generational tragedy of anger and fear begetting anger and fear.” Through the medium of film, the Hunger Games illustrates the susceptibility of the inherent goodness and purity that we are born to the probability of it being tainted by our surrounding conditions. In this view, nurture trumps nature, and if this is true (which I believe it to be), then change can be made in both directions. What is done can be undone, laws can be written and rewritten, and extended power can be limited. After all, the “Victor” should be a healthy society where collaboration and understanding set a stage for the next generations to thrive.

< Back Menton Abroad! Where Our 2As Are Going Next Year and Why Pedro Meerbaum Two years in France, one year abroad—so goes the structure of Sciences Po's Bachelor of Arts. The standardization of this academic path throughout all seven campuses, save the students enrolled in Dual Bachelors, is non-traditional to its core. The halls of our campus have grown accustomed to the transient nature of the students, staying for no longer than 2 years, quickly scattering through the globe. With 480 partnerships, Sciences Po offers more than 80 different choices of countries for exchange. The possibility for a mixed year, combining one semester of studying and one of work experience, widens the array of opportunities that Sciences Pistes have when shaping their personal and professional trajectories. For Sciences Po, the element of the exchange year aligns with its goal of being an international university and preparing (ideally) globally-minded leaders. With each delocalized campus (that is to say, non-Parisian), there is an assigned regional specialization. In a normative scenario, a student specializing in (e.g.) Latin America would go on exchange to a country in the region, allowing them to further their studies of the area and spend a year improving their language skills and expertise in the field. In reality, the exchange program is not limited to the campus specialization, and the wide variety of options (with often limited spots) naturally pushes for an international dispersion of students. Nonetheless, students studying a particular region and its language usually feel more inclined to carry out their exchange in a country of their geographical minor. The campus of Menton has 129 second-year students going on exchange, 17 of which are going to the main region of studies of the campus: the Middle East and North Africa. That makes for 13.18% of these 129, a relatively lower number than other years. The class of 2025, currently on exchange, has 24 students in the city of Cairo alone. I conducted a survey and examined the demographics of this year's exchange to understand more about the decision-making process of our current second-year students—where they are going, why and what were the key factors that made the Middle East such a low-scorer in the third-year destinations, despite it being our region of study. Almost half of the Sciences Pistes in Menton have decided to continue their studies on the European continent, amounting to 61 students. The Schengen and Euro benefits were not a primary driving factor—22 out of the 61 are going to continue their studies in the United Kingdom, 12 of whom are going to London. Notably, Italy and Spain are also locations that were widely chosen by 2As, with 10 and 8 students, respectively in each. Both allow students to validate their minor in the Mediterranean, albeit the big concentration of students in not-so-Mediterranean cities like Milan and Madrid. Per the form, students attending Italy, Spain and the UK had cultural interests and career prospects as their primary reasons for choosing their destination. Other European destinations were pivoted towards personal connections and academic opportunities. North America, the second most chosen destination, is more evenly distributed. Seventeen students have decided to carry out their exchange in the United States and twelve in Canada. The city of Montreal, in the francophone province of Quebec, was the most sought-after North American destination, with five students going to McGill and four to Université de Montréal. Meanwhile, in the US, Washington D.C. unsurprisingly ranked first, being sought for its politics-related opportunities. Career and academic prospects are unanimously indicated as a primary reason for crossing the Atlantic. Students going to the US reported concerns regarding visa application processes, political turmoil amidst the new presidential administration and a fear of feeling isolated within large student communities. The transition from the small Menton campus to exponentially more populated universities and cities is a shared concern for all regions. Seven Mentonais have chosen to continue their education in Latin America, five of whom are going to Argentina and the remaining to Chile and Colombia. Students going to the region have expressed interest in learning Spanish and want to shift their focus from the MENA to a new area. Five students also decided to explore the Southern Hemisphere, but across the Pacific. Four students are going to Australia, and one to New Zealand. All students going to Oceania have chosen universities in different cities, from Adelaide to Brisbane. All students going to the continent that answered the survey were French, half of whom described an interest in improving their English skills while simultaneously taking advantage of a friendly and cross-cultural environment. The ten students going to non-Middle Eastern Asia are almost equally distributed in the region, each receiving one Mentonais for the next year (China, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam). Hong Kong and Japan were the region's highlights, receiving two and three students, respectively. Unfortunately, most students going to Asia decided not to participate in the survey. The few who answered shared excitement about exploring the continent and the various cultures but were concerned regarding housing. In the Middle East and North Africa, the seventeen students have dispersed themselves in four different countries across the region. Two students have chosen to study in Morocco, studying in the prestigious private Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and continuing their education in French. Two students have gone to Jordan, an option available only for Political Humanities students that offers an intensive Arabic course. Four students have been allocated to the American University of Cairo (AUC) in Egypt, and the remaining nine are going to Turkey. In the latter, three will be going to Bogazici University, and six will be going to Galatasaray University, making it the choice with the most Mentonais this year. I reached out to some of the students going to the Middle East who were interested in hearing what they had to say about their choice for the third year. One of the students, who is going to Istanbul next year, told me she wanted to continue her education in the Middle East to deepen her knowledge of the region. However, as a young woman embarking on this experience alone, she felt Turkey was the safest choice. The same interviewee said she didn't know a single Turkish word, but she was so enamored with Istanbul's landscape that she couldn't shy away from challenging herself. In a different interview, a student going to Aman, Jordan, reported his interest in the intensive program. The programs in Jordan remain one of the few left in partnership with SciencesPo, where students can engage in intensive language learning. The other option, in Cairo, did not attract such students—he said the transition from small Menton to the megalopolis of Cairo did not appeal to him. He found a perfect balance of his interests in Jordan. The final interviewee, going to AUC, traces the origin of her choice to a trip to Cairo organized by the Bureau des Eleves last October. While visiting the city she went from being excited to explore as a tourist to deciding to extend her stay as an exchange student. Besides her new-found love for the city, she looks forward to immersing herself in Egyptian culture and refining her Arabic skills. When asked if she had any concerns, she shared with me that navigating a different, more conservative and religious environment might be a challenge but that it will nonetheless be gratifying. All in all, the reasons behind the reduction of students going to the Middle East remain unclear. The regional war in the Levant raises undeniable insecurities, and the pause in exchange to immediate countries involved also limits the choices within the region. In September, I attended a counseling session on 3A in the Middle East, where the counselors revealed less allocation of spots for big sought-after universities, such as AUC, asking for students to place it as their first or second option in their rankings if they intended in attending these universities. The newfound competitiveness of these universities was not mentioned, however, by a single student who responded to the survey. The difference in demographics won't have a clear explanation or a defining narrative. Part of it comes from the individual interests of students or the current zeitgeist . Regardless, students from all year groups share the excitement of following their peers' path, whether in the busy streets of Cairo or on the beaches of Australia. Menton's student community is an international fabric composed of pieces from all over the globe, and it's only fair that this same group will remain unceasingly international in their choices. It is invariably an exciting task to talk to our 2As, hear about their personal academic paths, and get to know a bit more about where the transient figures of our campus will go next. Photo credits: adampadam, 2007 Previous Next

Considering the war between Israel and Hamas, we have often heard about antisemitism and anti-Zionism. Their definitions, and extent to which they overlap, are often subject to debate and ambiguity. < Back Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism: The Crucial Nuances We Are Losing Considering the war between Israel and Hamas, we have often heard about antisemitism and anti-Zionism. Their definitions, and extent to which they overlap, are often subject to debate and ambiguity. However, blurry distinctions and the inability to see the difference between the two only makes communication more difficult and divisive. In order to examine these differences, we can use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism: “Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of Anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” The definition of anti-Zionism is much less agreed upon, but it is largely seen as an opposition to the Zionist movement to create a Jewish state in the Middle East, roughly corresponding to the historical land of Israel, and this support for this modern state. The first clear point that comes out of these definitions is that within the definition of antisemitism, nothing indicates anti-Zionism as one of its forms. This is crucial because, in my view, this indicates that you can criticize the existence of the state of Israel without being antisemitic. However, the nuance needed here is the basis for this criticism. Indeed, if the reasoning for why Israel is not legitimate uses the argument of religion, it can become antisemitism. Moreover, a factor that is largely understated is the fact that word choice matters and certain phrases have become symbolic of surface Anti-Zionism turning into antisemitism. This notably includes referring to Israel and Israelis as “the Jews'' and “the Zionists.” This is an important point to make as it is not necessarily intuitive in regards to the term “Zionist.” The reason for this is not that the term is in and of itself problematic but rather that it has often been used interchangeably with the term “Jew,” which has lost much of its original meaning. A further distinction to be made is that not all Jewish people support Israel blindly, and not all Jewish people are even Zionists. Support for the existence of Israel does not inherently mean that people support the current government or actions of Israel. Holding all Jewish people responsible for the actions of Israel is antisemitic because it essentializes Jewish people rather than acknowledging individual experiences and perspectives. This is important as a rise of antisemitism has been a clear result of the war in Israel, with over 1,059 antisemitic acts having been reported since October 7 in France alone. Importantly, there are also Jewish people who identify as anti-Zionist. In this regard, we can note that organizations such as Jewish Voice for Peace have been denouncing Israel for years. Depth should also be applied in regards to the Israeli population which does not have a singular vision. In fact, a majority of the population currently wants Netanyahu to resign, clearly indicating that the manner in which the war is being conducted is not universally accepted amongst Israelis themselves. Moreover, peace movements such as Women Wage Peace have been audible critiques of Israeli policies, bringing together Israeli and Palestinian women around a common critique of the cyclically violent nature of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. In the context we are living in, it is important that many realize that though somebody may not be antisemitic, they may relay messages with underlying antisemitic messages. The fact that Pro-Palestinian protests have been often linked to the idea of antisemitism is not a fatality. Each of us can make an effort to promote sensitive messages in order to make peace protests, which should be a universal cause, a welcoming environment for all. Making peace protests unwelcoming is just another way of creating an unnecessary division and an ‘us’ against ‘them’ environment which pushes each side to extreme narratives and lack of communication. The angle of protesting is therefore extremely important to the cause of peace. It also leads to the wider question of the importance of word choice and paying attention to the messages we spread. Though this is not targeted to the Sciences Po student body, the message is still valuable to our community, especially on this campus, where many deeply care about the matter, and just a bit more tact and nuance can allow for far more productive conversations.

“The streets were paved with jasmine flowers,” recalls Haya, a Syrian refugee, in a UNHCR interview. This poignant image, evoking the former beauty of Damascus, also symbolizes resilience amid Syria’s ruins. The jasmine, blooming despite devastation, reflects the Syrian opposition's endurance—fractured but persistent in its quest for freedom over two decades. As jasmine blossoms through cracks, so does opposition to Assad’s regime, embodying hope amid ongoing struggles. < Back Blooming in Fragments: The Syrian Opposition Camilla Maury for the Centre Étudiant pour la Recherche Stratégique (CERS) December 31, 2024 “The streets were paved with jasmine flowers,” recalls Haya, a Syrian refugee, in a UNHCR interview. This poignant image, evoking the former beauty of Damascus, also symbolizes resilience amid Syria’s ruins. The jasmine, blooming despite devastation, reflects the Syrian opposition's endurance—fractured but persistent in its quest for freedom over two decades. As jasmine blossoms through cracks, so does opposition to Assad’s regime, embodying hope amid ongoing struggles. Syria's geographic significance has long made it a stage for global powers. Regional and international actors like the U.S., Turkey, and Iran vie for influence, making Syria a geopolitical linchpin. This external involvement amplifies domestic turmoil rooted in authoritarian rule, initiated by Hafez Al-Assad in 1970 and perpetuated by his son, Bashar. Opposition movements have risen and fallen under oppressive tactics, yet fragments of resistance endure, striving to reclaim Syria’s future. This analysis explores the evolution of Syria's opposition across three key phases: early movements (1980s–2000s), the Civil War (2011–2016), and the fragmentation that characterized Syria before the recent opposition victory. Part One: Repression Waters The Flowers of War November marks a grim anniversary for Syrians: the start of Assad's hegemony in 1970. Hafez Al-Assad’s regime silenced dissent through mass arrests, torture and extrajudicial killings. By the late 1970s, the Muslim Brotherhood launched armed resistance , including assassinations and urban guerrilla warfare. However, the regime’s brutal responses, culminating in the 1982 Hama Massacre , crushed this movement, leaving tens of thousands dead. Fear and repression stifled significant opposition for decades. In 2000, Bashar Al-Assad’s succession inspired brief hope for reform. Intellectuals initiated the "Damascus Spring," holding forums and publishing manifestos like the “Manifesto of the 99.” Yet, the regime quickly suppressed this movement, arresting activists and silencing dissent. Opposition was pushed into exile , where figures like Radwan Ziadeh advocated internationally for human rights. Despite their efforts, fragmented leadership and limited reach hindered meaningful resistance. Economic hardship compounded repression in the 2010s, with rising unemployment and poverty fueled by drought and inflation. By 2011, inspired by the Arab Spring, Syrians demanded reform. The regime’s violent crackdown transformed peaceful protests into rebellion, plunging Syria into civil war and reshaping the opposition landscape. Part Two: The Blooming The Arab Spring of 2011 ignited new hope for the Syrian opposition. Protestors demanded freedom and reform, but Assad’s violent response escalated into civil war . The Free Syrian Army (FSA), formed by army deserters, became the opposition’s primary armed force, capturing territory and advocating for democracy. At its peak, the FSA controlled significant areas and achieved victories with Turkish support, like the 2016 Operation Euphrates Shield. However, the FSA suffered from fragmentation and inconsistent foreign backing. Divided by regional and international interests, its effectiveness waned. Russian military intervention in 2015, involving extensive airstrikes, decisively shifted power back to Assad, leading to the FSA's retreat and the fall of Aleppo in 2016. Diplomatic efforts also emerged, with the Syrian National Council (SNC) and its successor, the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, striving to unify opposition factions and gain international recognition. Yet, these efforts faltered due to fragmented leadership and competing foreign agendas, while rivalries among backers like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey weakened coordination, undermining the opposition’s ability to present a united front against Assad. As the war intensified, extremist groups like ISIS and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) gained prominence. ISIS, with its brutal campaigns, drew global attention but eroded the broader opposition’s credibility. In contrast, the SDF, supported by the U.S., gained legitimacy by combating ISIS and advocating for Kurdish autonomy. However, Turkey deems the SDF a terrorist organization due to its ties to the YPG (People’s Protection Units), which forms the backbone of the SDF, and its affiliation with the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party), a group responsible for decades of insurgency within Turkey. This designation, combined with Turkish hostility and the power vacuum left by ISIS, limited the SDF’s ability to challenge Assad directly. Part Three: The Withering Russia’s 2015 intervention in Syria decisively shifted the conflict in Assad’s favor. Framed as counterterrorism, it primarily targeted opposition forces like the Free Syrian Army (FSA) rather than ISIS. Deploying advanced jets, artillery, and personnel, Russia’s focus on opposition strongholds like Idlib escalated violence and ensured Assad’s survival. This intervention deepened Assad’s alliances and sidelined opposition forces. Turkey emerged as a key supporter of the opposition, backing Idlib-based resistance to counter Assad’s forces and protect Turkish interests, including managing refugees and combating Kurdish groups. Operations like “Spring Shield” in 2020 demonstrated Turkish resolve but were undermined by clashes with Russian-backed forces, such as the February 2020 airstrikes that killed 34 Turkish soldiers. Fragmented Turkey-backed militias, operating with conflicting agendas, further complicated Ankara’s efforts. A lack of broader international support critically weakened the opposition. As global priorities shifted and NATO remained disengaged, Turkey and the opposition became increasingly isolated. Forced into uneasy cooperation with Russia, Turkey’s ability to counter Assad diminished. Supported by Russia and Iran, Assad reclaimed most of Syria, reducing the opposition to scattered factions confined to the North and Northeast. The Last Fading Petals: Assad’s Final Days In the war’s aftermath, Assad had consolidated power domestically and achieved key diplomatic victories. The Arab League reinstated Syria in 2023 , and nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE reopened embassies, prioritizing regional stability over isolating Assad. These developments, spurred by crises like the February 2023 earthquake, bolstered Assad’s legitimacy. A unified force was needed to challenge the regime, but the opposition remained fragmented and weakened. The SDF controlled resource-rich Northern areas but faced internal divisions and Turkish aggression. Turkey’s operations, like “Claw Sword,” and Arab tribal dissent hindered the SDF’s effectiveness. Meanwhile, Idlib’s opposition was dominated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) , a former al-Qaeda affiliate governing through the Syrian Salvation Government. Although Turkey has been financially supporting and training Syrian rebels since the Civil War and has never directly opposed HTS, the group remains isolated, relying on international aid while combating Assad’s forces, internal factionalism, and challenges to its authority. Both the SDF and HTS were thought to have lacked the resources, unity and international backing to meaningfully challenge Assad. Russian and Iranian alliances, coupled with normalization efforts by Arab states, had marginalized the opposition and entrenched Assad’s power. Conclusion: Hope Among the Ruins Damascus, December 12, 2024: After years of brutal conflict, Syrian rebels have succeeded in overthrowing Bashar al-Assad’s regime, marking a seismic shift in the nation’s modern history. The coalition behind this victory is a diverse mix of factions, from remnants of the Free Syrian Army to Islamist groups and newly formed militias. United only by their shared opposition to Assad’s decades-long rule, they overcame deep divisions to wage a relentless campaign, bolstered by support from regional powers. Despite their triumph, the future of Syria under their governance remains uncertain, since the coalition’s ideological diversity and competing priorities pose challenges to achieving a stable, unified leadership. Moving forward, the international community will likely focus on how these groups navigate governance, rebuild the nation and address pressing issues like reconciliation, security and economic recovery. The world will be watching closely as Syria begins the daunting task of rebuilding, reconciling and forging a new political future.

Truth be told, when life (or the mayor in this case) gives you a fair, you make magic out of it. < Back Bastion Fair Brings Magic to Menton By Angeliki Vytogianni March 30, 2022 Just around a month ago, most Sciences Po students in Menton started coming back from their Christmas holidays only to find a noticeable change — a surprise in Bastion. Bright, loud, and food-scented, it offered fluffy teddy bears, wild rides, and any other fair games one could imagine in this crazy small town. If you are currently a Sciences Po student in Menton, chances are you did not miss the fair that took place throughout the month of January, even spilling into the beginning of February. Disclaimer: this is not an investigative article to uncover the truth hiding behind fairy lights and annoying fair music. I did not get the scam behind the teddy bear games. Nor did I manage to figure out how to win an iMac, a PS5, or whatever it is they offer. I also don’t know how they make some of the best crepes I’ve had in Menton, or how the burgers, fries, sandwiches, churros, and other fair foods tasted so good. But while writing this during the last few days of the fair, I have realized one thing: it’s the magic that does the trick — the ambiance of celebrations, parties, and liveliness that we all so desperately needed. As the campus suffered a brutal Omicron attack, classes for the spring semester officially started, and the post-holiday blues hit, the fair was there to help keep the Mentonese ummah’s spirit high. So, I am simply transmitting the magic of the Menton fair in some personal and not-so-personal highlights of the past weeks. This way we can relate not only to the ups and downs we experienced in this fair, but also observe how crazy this town is. Let’s start with the first visit: it’s around 5 p.m., already getting dark and chilly (January weather). The fair, however, is at its peak; the crepes are coming out one after the other, hot chocolate is being made in bulk, and the lights are shining bright and colorful. Now, it is your first night in Menton, so you naturally gravitate towards the flashiest diversion in town to see your friends and spend time with them, as they all get back after the Christmas break. Scene 2: It’s a nice, sunny morning on the Riviera, and, following your New Year’s resolution, you put your trainers on and decide to go on a run. The only difference is that the Bastion area is now occupied by the flashing, noisy fair. So, on your trail by the beach, you have to shuffle through cantinas of food, multiple different stands of games, shooting challenges, and rides. Scene 3: The January 2022 COVID cluster has been tearing the campus apart and sending a good majority of students into isolation. As you have been getting restless inside your apartment, you decide to put on your KN95 mask and go on a short walk to get some fresh air. Of course, you avoid the fair so as not to transmit the virus to all the locals or visitors that are having fun there. What you realize as you are walking far away from any other people, is that the fair, with the lights and the setup, still beautifully decorates this part of the Cote d’Azur. Scene 4: The season has started and house parties are being thrown every weekend, so naturally, you get ready, you pre-game, and before you go to the party, you take a stroll around the fair area. Maybe a churro stand is still open, maybe the rides are more fun after a couple of tequila shots. Maybe the lights are just more mesmerizing, creating the club atmosphere that we need since COVID measures are still in effect. The scene continues later as well, before going home and calling it a night, a walk through the – dead at this time – fair of Menton is almost mandatory to get the feels of a summertime festival town. Scene 5: It’s a regular Wednesday evening, you have finished your fifth or sixth hour of class, but instead of going straight home and under your covers, you and your friends decide to go to the fair, have a crepe, a burger, a beer, some churros, or a slice of pizza, chatting away with your friends. This leaves you feeling like you suddenly escaped your university student reality to go to simpler times. The next few scenes, however, include some not-so-positive reactions and experiences in the fair. First of all, the scam of the challenges! I interviewed many students, and no one could say that they won a brand-new PlayStation, Macbook, or iPhone. I am fairly certain that the only “wins” we can count are some small furry animals. We should also mention the noise and annoying playlist of four pop songs ON REPEAT for the entirety of the month. Naturally, students that live close to the area were not amused to be waking up to the noise of the fair, hearing people scream through microphones, and getting the same songs stuck in their heads. Lastly, the pirate boat ride going back and forth high into the sky was responsible for some sparse injuries here and there. I know someone that decided to do the ride and ended up flying for most of it, while also falling on their knees and bumping their arms around. But we should look at the glass as half-full: when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. The magic of the fair, at least for the Sciences Po students of this town, was that you could visit at any time of the day or night, guaranteed to have a fun time, with some bizarre moments sprinkled in there. Even though it operated in “Menton time,” opening around noon and shutting down around 8 p.m., it was still an experience to walk through at 3 or 8 a.m. It also signaled a second part of the festivities in Menton, beginning just after the Christmas market and right before the Lemon Festival, adding a very warm atmosphere to this town. If you ask most students of this campus whether or not they miss the festival, you are guaranteed to get a positive answer. Because truth be told, when life (or the mayor in this case) gives you a fair, you make magic out of it.

« Mal nécessaire, » il s’avère que la Grèce entretient un rapport étroit au tourisme, d’autant plus au surtourisme. Pays autant dépendant que victime de ses effets, il s’inscrit pourtant dans des logiques qui tentent de dépasser ces limitations initiales, pour tirer pleinement parti de sa situation. Le tourisme, en tant que phénomène, subit des transformations, des mutations, qui—nous l’espérons—vont dans le sens d’une meilleure adaptation aux priorités contemporaines. < Back Le « Surtourisme » En Grèce : Un Mal Nécessaire ? Margarita Kopsia April 30, 2025 À l’heure où le soleil réapparaît à travers les nuages mentonnaises et où l’on songe à nos escapades estivales, la saison touristique en Grèce est sur le point de débuter. Mais tandis que le pays s’apprête à recevoir l’immense majorité des quelques 30 millions de touristes qu’il accueille chaque année, le moment serait aussi venu de questionner les enjeux qui vont de pair avec de tels records exceptionnels, faisant des paysages grecs les véritables victimes de leur succès. Le tourisme en Grèce: moteur de croissance, mais à quel prix ? La Grèce a accueilli en 2024 près de 35,9 millions de touristes étrangers, un « cap historique » dont les effets sont devenus trop apparents pour ne pas être examinés. Car en réalité, le tourisme, bien que générant 18% du PIB national et permettant l’emploi de « 900 000 personnes, » est la même force que celle derrière l’importante dégradation environnementale et l’augmentation des prix qui caractérisent les destinations les plus célèbres du pays. Qu’il s’agisse des îles dans la mer Égée, de la capitale grecque, Athènes, ou les îles des Cyclades et du Dodécanèse, les ravages d’un tourisme de masse sans précédent ont des conséquences considérables. Entre les difficultés liées à la gestion des déchets, les pénuries d’eau sur les îles et les embouteillages dans les sites urbains, ces « défis de saison » rendent les discussions autour des limites du tourisme plus que pertinentes. Peut-être faudrait-il alors aussi s’interroger sur le réel impact de cette « overdose » touristique, afin de mettre en évidence une face moins ensoleillée de la Grèce, mais qui mérite à son tour d’être étudiée. À titre illustratif, la situation dans laquelle se trouve l’île de Santorin est caractéristique de ces dynamiques contradictoires, qui font du tourisme en Grèce une force à double tranchant. Les enjeux de Santorin dévoilent à quel point le tourisme est vecteur de défis mais aussi de développements, qui sont d’ailleurs aussi ceux des autres îles des Cyclades comme Mykonos, Paros ou Naxos, et d’autres destinations populaires dans la mer Égée et au-delà. Selon les propos tenus par le maire de Santorin en 2024, les problèmes dûs à la « saturation » de l’île rendent sa situation incontrôlable, à l’image des obstacles courants en « approvisionnement en eau et en électricité » pendant l’été. Car au-delà de la « défiguration » du paysage engendrée par l’omniprésence des hôtels et des complexes de luxe, et la menace que cela représente pour la préservation et la mise en valeur de son patrimoine naturel et culturel, il faut aussi noter que la densité de cette masse touristique rend l’île « inaccessible » pour la grande majorité de la population. En effet, dans le courant des mois de juin à septembre, Santorin n’échappe pas à la « flambée des prix » qui touche la plupart des endroits les plus visités de la Grèce, ni à « l’indisponibilité des logements » pour les populations locales. Parallèlement, les débats relatifs aux limites du tourisme acquièrent une dimension sociale et politique, lorsqu’il s’agit pour les locaux de juger que leurs droits sont menacés par ces affluences, mais aussi—et surtout—par la non-application des lois relatives à l’aménagement urbain sur les littoraux. Ainsi, le « mouvement des serviettes , » « né [...] sur l'île de Paros » en été 2023, fut un « mouvement de protestation inédit » en réaction à « l'occupation illégale des plages par des restaurateurs et des beach bars, » contraire à la Constitution grecque. Ainsi, comme l’explique la Présidente de la Chambre de l'environnement en Grèce en 2024, « les lois sur la construction sont très faibles et très flexibles en Grèce. Il y a un cruel manque de plan d'aménagement du territoire, et lorsqu'il existe, il n'est pas respecté. » Plus que le tourisme de masse, le « surtourisme » Malgré ces problématiques, le secteur tertiaire représente toujours trois quarts du PIB grec, et est lui-même largement constitué des activités touristiques. Ainsi, s’il ne s’agit pas pour la Grèce de renoncer au tourisme, comment pouvons-nous nommer l’impasse dans laquelle le pays se trouve, en faisant allusion aux problèmes associés à sa branche économique dominante? Se livrer à un telle entreprise de conceptualisation est important, parce que mieux nommer ces problèmes, c’est aussi mieux les comprendre. Saisir toute l’ampleur du surtourisme en Grèce et ses complexités intrinsèques est nécessaire pour affronter plus efficacement les enjeux qui le constituent. Face à cet engagement, la notion de surtourisme s’impose, soit overtourism en anglais. Selon le Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), ce néologisme « se caractérise par une mobilité accrue où l’afflux de visiteurs dépasse la capacité d’accueil d’une destination. » Cependant, à la différence du simple concept de « surcharge » touristique, le surtourisme permet d’attirer l’attention sur les « paradoxes intrinsèques au tourisme international, » entre « logiques de rentabilité et exigences de durabilité. » Car, en réalité, le cas de la Grèce est loin d’être unique. Et le surtourisme, toujours fidèle aux dynamiques de mouvement qui le caractérisent, ne se limite pas aux frontières nationales, mais dépasse les pays et les nations. Qu’ils s’agisse de l’Italie, de l’Espagne et des capitales européennes, des îles et des pays en Asie du Sud-Est tels que Bali ou la Thaïlande, ou des pays en Amérique latine comme le Mexique et le Pérou, les dangers du surtourisme deviennent de plus en plus visibles. Ils suscitent parfois de vives réactions de la part des habitants et des gouvernements. Ainsi, si la Grèce a prévu d' « imposer aux croisiéristes une taxe de 20 euros, » Florence met en place « l’interdiction d’Airbnb et des locations saisonnières [...] dans le centre historique » et « au Machu Picchu au Pérou, la billetterie est devenue plus stricte avec créneaux horaires imposés. » Le développement d’un tourisme durable en Grèce: une perspective réaliste sur le long terme? Loin de se laisser désespérer par cette situation, certains préfèrent interroger—de manière compréhensive et réaliste—la perspective du développement d’un « tourisme durable » en Grèce. Ce dernier permettrait au pays de réconcilier ses activités économiques dominantes avec le bien-être de ses habitants et la préservation de son patrimoine naturel et culturel, conformément à la définition du tourisme durable proposée par l’Organisation mondiale du tourisme. En tant que « tourisme qui tient pleinement compte de ses impacts économiques, sociaux et environnementaux, actuels et futurs » et « répondant aux besoins des visiteurs, des professionnels de l’environnement et des communautés d’accueil. » Le tourisme durable peut raviver l’espoir, mais aussi susciter de nouvelles séries de questions, notamment par rapport à sa réelle efficacité et moyens d’action. En Europe ces dernières années, « durable » sonne de plus en plus avec « train, » en vertu de l’ accessibilité de la plupart des villes européennes telles que Londres, Amsterdam, Barcelone ou Milan à travers les réseaux de TGV ou autres trains de nuit. D’autre part, un nombre croissant de touristes privilégient des formes de tourisme alternatif, favorisant une meilleure proximité avec la nature et les moyens de transport moins polluants. L’offre devant suivre la demande grandissante, force est de constater que ce projet est aussi en train de gagner en popularité et de prendre forme en Grèce. Ainsi, « de nombreux hôtels et complexes hôteliers ont installé des systèmes photovoltaïques afin de réduire les diffusions de gaz carbonique, » tandis que l’agenda de la Grèce en matière de tourisme durable se concentre également sur l’élaboration de nouveaux plans d’investissement. La nouvelle « Loi sur les incitations aux investissements », ainsi que son « nouveau schéma PPP (partenariat public / privé), » incarnent ces engagements. Par conséquent, serait-il davantage intéressant de se demander si le tourisme durable en Grèce est un projet qui portera ses fruits, une promesse qui mérit e d’être tenue? « Mal nécessaire, » il s’avère que la Grèce entretient un rapport étroit au tourisme, d’autant plus au surt ourisme. Pays autant dépendant que victime de ses effets, il s’inscrit pourtant dans des logiques qui tentent de dépasser ces limitations initiales, pour tirer pleinement parti de sa situation. Le tourisme, en tant que phénomène, subit des transformations, des mutations, qui—nous l’espérons—vont dans le sens d’une meilleure adaptation aux priorités contemporaines. Il faut réponder au mieux aux préoccupations de ses contextes locaux. Photo source: Mstyslav Chernov on Wikimedia

< Back Double Earthquakes Devastate Turkey and Syria: What You Can Do To Help By Ecesu Basara February 28, 2023 On the morning of Monday, February 6, at around four a.m. local time, the ground shook in Turkey. It shook so hard that even residents of Israel, Lebanon and Cyprus claimed to have felt the trembling. Authorities determined that the quake’s magnitude was 7.7, and its depth was 10 kilometers, which made its impact much more intense. The following day, another earthquake of a 7.6 magnitude struck at 11 a.m. and added to the ruin. As of Monday, February 13, the death toll stands at over 35,000, and it, unfortunately, keeps rising every day. When the initial earthquake rocked Turkey in the early morning, most people slept in their homes. Since many of these structures were not built to withstand such powerful earthquakes and collapsed, trapping people within, the extent of destruction and loss of life was tremendous. Search and rescue efforts are still being conducted in the Kahramanmaraş cities that were most impacted by the two earthquakes. As of now, more than 80,000 people have been injured, and it is estimated that 70,000 more are out on the streets for fear of their homes’ infrastructure. The Minister of National Education, Mahmut Özer, announced that classes in the earthquake zone will not resume until March 1 and decided to close all universities in Turkey until the next academic year to use dormitories as temporary housing for survivors. Since this last decision, university students and academic personnel have expressed their anger about the shutdown; one petition signed by over 76,000 people on the Change.org website states: “We can find different solutions for the people affected by the earthquake, do not distract us from our education, do not limit our opportunities. The number of university students enrolled is 8,196,959, while the number of students using the state dormitory is 678,763. Since there are many accommodation opportunities for earthquake survivors, we DO NOT ACCEPT the deprivation of more than seven million students!” Many are suggesting that the nationwide university closures serve to minimize reactionary research efforts into the role of government neglect in the post-earthquake destruction of Turkey. Because of government carelessness before the natural disaster, contractors were allowed to utilize inappropriate materials and disregard fundamental seismic guidelines when determining how to build homes. As temperatures reach a chilling -10°C in some affected areas, international organizations and the Turkish government scramble to aid those in need. However, the first response effort in Syria remains much more complicated; the country, ravaged by war, is not receiving equal help as Turkey. They do not have appropriate equipment or search and rescue teams, and civilians often find themselves alone in rescue efforts. In the West, most are hesitant to donate to Syria as they do not trust that their donations will reach the people in need. If you would like to help, you can either donate through the Thracian and Anatolian Student Association (TASA) (all information is on their Instagram @tasamenton) or donate directly to the “Ahbap” organization, which is not affiliated with any political or religious groups and publishes their financial reports. TASA in Menton recently held a fundraising bake sale and has been collecting donations since the earthquake hit Turkey and Syria. When faced with a situation this severe, it is imperative to remain cognizant of our chosen course of study. Our specialization in the Middle East entails a collective duty — we must band together to support this region in which we are all so invested.

Following the Oct. 7 attack on Israel and the resulting retaliation on the people of Gaza, college campuses have become a hotspot for heated debate and resulting administrative censorship.   < Back Face Á La Censure Riposte Étudiante: Analyzing Freedom of Expression for Students in France By Jenna Ahmed for Amnesty International December 31, 2023 College campuses across the globe are grappling with the regulation of diverse opinions in an educational environment where the safety of students, the integrity of fundamental freedoms, and the reputation of the institutions are at stake. Following the Oct. 7 attack on Israel and the resulting retaliation on the people of Gaza, college campuses have become a hotspot for heated debate and resulting administrative censorship. On Nov. 16, Sciences Po Students, professors, and administrators woke up to barricades stacked against the campus's front entrance accompanied by a sign that read, "Face À La Censure Riposte Étudiante.” That morning, a collaboration of several student organizations, namely, Solidaires Étudiant-e-s, had placed dumpsters, construction borders, and other materials blocking the entrance to campus and attendance to the daily lessons. In an explanatory email to peers and administrators, the students expressed their discontent with "Sciences Po's policy of censorship against any student support for Palestine," as well as the administration's “lack of support in response to threats from the far-right, including calls for rape and murder." The students also called out the administration for "at best psychological pressure, at worst harassment" directed at students supporting Palestine. Finally, they ended with concrete demands calling for freedom of expression within the law. The blockade quickly caught the community's attention; Menton residents, French news outlets, and campus staff observed the student protests. Dozens of students stationed themselves in front of the blockade in support of the cause, and at 3 p.m. that afternoon, with directions from Campus Director Yousef Halaoua, the police came to lift the blockade. More than twenty police officers in riot gear entered the back entrance of the campus and removed the blockade from behind the students. Several students received minor injuries as the officers shoved the barriers against them. Over the next hour, the authorities physically removed 66 students and informed them they would be fined for participating in an illegal protest. In the weeks leading up to this event, the atmosphere on campus was highly contentious between students and administration, and within the student body itself. The Oct. 7 attack led students to be fiercely vocal regarding the attack, overall historical conflict, and enduring humanitarian crisis. Discontentment was sparked in the students by several actions by the Sciences Po administration at both the campus and university levels. Shortly after the attack, and in the weeks following, Sciences Po Paris released several statements of acknowledgment and solidarity for the Israeli victims and those affected in relation, notably expressing less, if any, support for Palestinian victims. However, the triggering point was when several students received emails from the administration addressing the media they were posting on their private Instagram accounts regarding Israel and Palestine. Further, during this period, local news networks and French politicians publicly targeted Menton students for their support of Palestine, accusing the campus of antisemitism and terror apologia, which left the students feeling unsupported by their campus and their community. Students were unimpressed by the administration's immediate response to this distressing situation and, ultimately, questioned the legality behind new and old restrictions in France regarding freedom of expression and protest. Does the French government have the power to limit speech, and to that point, does Sciences Po have the authority to sanction students' private accounts? The complexities of French and international law and the context in which these laws are incessantly abused by French authorities may answer these concerns. In an interview with Ph.D. student Samantha Vaur, a Law and Politics seminar teacher at Sciences Po Menton, we discussed the specifics of French freedom of expression and protest laws. Primarily, she emphasized that "international law is very relevant," stating that "France is a state party to international conventions on human rights where you can find freedom of expression — Article 19 Universal Declaration, Article 19 Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 10 of the European Convention, and Article 4 on the Elimination of Discrimination." Succinctly, France has, on an international level, committed to protecting these specified freedoms. Nevertheless, Vaur also identified the significance France has applied to the notion of Public Order, which outlines "both legal and physical guarantees of freedom, security, and peace of mind, which are necessary for individuals to live together in society." In an article on the French Council of State, author Rim-Sarah Alouane argues that France has traditionally applied an extremely narrow application of Public Order in the name of ensuring public safety. Alouane further asserts that French politicians have repeatedly attempted to bypass the rule of law to combat terrorism. France’s approach to freedom of expression through anti-terrorism rhetoric is a common trend evident since the end of the 20th century when many assert that French jurisprudence shifted from protecting expression to combating terrorism. Finding a balance between the two has been challenging; on several occasions, the European Commission on Human Rights has considered France’s sanctions "disproportionate and, therefore, unnecessary in a democratic society." On Sciences Po campuses, many students feel anti-terrorism clauses are being abused to sanction opinions that do not resonate with the university’s position. In an interview with Islam Mohamed, another Law and Politics seminar teacher, he discussed the importance of understanding how “apology of terrorism has been abused by the French government as a legal tool” long before current conflicts brought the issue to the university stage, stating that the Israel-Palestine debates on campus have only added another layer to the issue’s complexities. When asked if there is a legitimate concern of terror apologia among students and if so, what is the appropriate administrative response of college campuses, he responded that: “In general, there can be limitations to freedom of expression even outside the scope of terrorism. How we assess the legitimacy of these limitations is by assessing whether these limitations are proportionate to a particular security threat. Taking an action that limits freedom of expression that is disproportionate to a danger of the threat would be considered illegitimate by the European Union and French government.” Ultimately, although freedom of expression and protest are recognized rights, French law has been instrumental in the consistent limitations of these rights. This debate, which is seen on both national and international scales, presented itself at Sciences Po following emails to three students who posted pro-Palestinian content that was identified by Sciences Po’s legal team as apology of terrorism. This came after the controversial statement by French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin calling for pro-Palestinian demonstrations to be banned and perpetrators to be arrested in the name of disrupting public order. Although the legality of this directive is inconclusive, it certainly constructed an atmosphere of distrust and unrest among students. Due to the debates forming around these emails, the student blockade, and several contentious meetings between students and administration, Director Yousef Halaoua held a meeting for the entire campus where he explained recent controversial administrative actions. Regarding the blockade, he explained that blocking an educational facility from running its daily functions is illegal and goes against school policy. Secondly, he cited the French penal code 421-2-5 as the motivation for emailing students. This code states: "Directly provoking acts of terrorism or publicly advocating these acts is punishable by five years' imprisonment and a fine of €75,000." The exact content of these students' posts is unknown; however, many students have questioned the legitimate authority the administration has over personal content and whether the administration was motivated by the student's political stance rather than the outlined legal limitations to freedom of expression. The continuity of this issue is made apparent by the atmosphere of distrust French authorities have created around the government's ability to protect certain rights. Amnesty International has published copious reports criticizing France's actions regarding protest and speech. In an article titled "France is not the free-speech champion it claims to be," Amnesty details how France's record on freedom of expression is incessantly bleak. The article cites the example of the European Court of Human Rights finding the convictions of 11 activists for campaigning for a boycott of Israeli products a violation of their free speech rights. Amnesty displays that the application of restrictive laws to this particular conflict is familiar. Following the Interior Minister's ban on pro-Palestinian protests, Amnesty International France's President stated that "The ban on all demonstrations in support of the Palestinians in France constitutes a serious and disproportionate attack on the right to demonstrate…A ban can only be legal if it is motivated by a specific threat and if it is demonstrated that no other less restrictive measure could guarantee public order." Again, the importance of the proportionality of a legal action to an issue of expression is apparent. In essence, despite international law protecting and outlining certain fundamental freedoms, states within international bodies exercise extensive discretion. The issue of freedom of expression and protest in France is complex and tremendously relevant when applied to a university campus with a political science focus. As previously mentioned, limitations to fundamental freedoms are legally sound; nevertheless, neither the media nor the students are ignorant of current trends directly affecting the acceptance of the expression of political opinion.

The groundbreaking discovery of CRISPR has the potential to cure and even prevent at least 8,000 genetic diseases, but what ethical concerns does this technology raise? < Back The Ethics of Gene Editing By Isabella Aouad March 30, 2022 The genome is the blueprint of our being. Each person's genome comprises 20,000 to 25,000 genes, which define our physical traits, immunity, and even some of our abilities. Genes are made up of strands of DNA, and much like words, a change in just one letter can change the whole meaning of a gene. In fact, such a microscopic mutation in one gene can sometimes translate into a serious genetic illness. Gene therapy is the introduction, removal, or change of DNA strands to repair or alter a gene and thus cure a genetic illness. This kind of treatment has been accelerated by the discovery of CRISPR (an acronym for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), a protein that cuts targeted strands of DNA with unprecedented precision, faster, cheaper, and more efficiently than ever before. The groundbreaking discovery of CRISPR has the potential to cure and even prevent at least 8,000 genetic diseases that afflict people with cancer, hemophilia, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis, among many other lifetime diseases. We have the knowledge to cure thousands of people severely suffering from genetic diseases, yet many oppose this cure, which they dismiss as "unethical." Are we "playing God" by attempting to alter our genetic code? Is changing the very nature of our being justified by the fact of sparing a person from a psychologically and physically painful disease? CRISPR's potential in genetic engineering gives us immense power to make people's lives better, but comes with significant risks if it were to get out of line. Adopting CRISPR gene therapy threatens to open a Pandora's box with chilling consequences. For one thing, biohackers could use CRISPR gene editing methods to enhance their abilities or alter their traits. Biohackers believe that we do not need to accept our bodies' shortcomings if we can engineer our way past them and boost our physical and cognitive performance. However, this philosophy could cause significant harm in the hands of inexperienced and reckless ordinary people. One such example is biohacker Josiah Zayner, who injected himself with DNA from CRISPR gene-editing technology at a biotech conference while live-streaming his experiment. Zayner has now become a biohacking celebrity with thousands of followers. Strongly advocating for the "democratization" of such a powerful technology, Zayner founded The Odin. This garage-run company sells biohacking supplies ranging from 20 dollar DNA to an 1849 dollar DIY genetic engineering kit. Although he is currently under investigation for practicing medicine without a license, his company is still running. Biohackers are still conducting experiments with insufficient knowledge of the technology, which could seriously harm their health. This example illustrates the dangers of making CRISPR technology widely accessible due to its potential to be used for self-enhancing purposes. Moreover, another essential risk accompanying the widespread adoption of CRISPR technology would be its application for germline gene editing. Germline gene editing is the process by which an individual's genome is edited so that the change is heritable. This is achieved through genetic alterations within the germ cells or the reproductive cells, such as the egg and sperm. This kind of treatment would affect the adult receiving it and their future offspring. By altering the genetic makeup of entire generations, this application of CRISPR technology threatens to exacerbate existing inequalities between families who could afford germline gene therapy and those who could not. Despite these frightening potential threats, I believe that CRISPR gene therapy could be a game-changer in treating genetic diseases more efficiently and painlessly than other medications, chemotherapy, and other existing treatments currently do. Nevertheless, the applications of CRISPR gene editing should be strictly regulated and limited to modifying somatic cells (all cells apart from reproductive cells). Somatic gene editing is not inheritable and would thus act as a promising analogous treatment for the adult undergoing the therapy. As long as caution and regulation are applied to control such a powerful technology, its effect could be a great relief for suffering patients worldwide.

If you recall Integration Week, you would remember yourself in lots of crowded places, with a drink in hand, moving to some song that you were told was a “Mentonnaise classic,” and the following day, being asleep during some presentation about French health insurance or some administrative procedure. < Back Integration Week 2021 By Viola Luraschi September 30, 2021 Now that classes have started, Integration Week seems like a very distant memory. In reality, it was only about a month ago that some of us were meeting each other for the first time, exploring the town whose streets we now know by heart, and navigating our way through administrative procedures. If you recall Integration Week, you would remember yourself in lots of crowded places, with a drink in hand, moving to some song that you were told was a “Mentonnaise classic,” and the following day, being asleep during some presentation about French health insurance or some administrative procedure. In fact, for the week beginning the 23rd of August and ending the 28th, the BDE organised events day and night to facilitate the integration of the first years into the Mentonnaise community. You will remember the speed dating on Monday, a great way to meet new people; the discovery of Menton (which some groups took more seriously than others); the iHome Family Feud on Friday, where we learned more about Menton; and of course, kebab lunch and the hike on Sunday with Environnmenton. Arguably, some of the highlights of Integration Week were the MEDMUN party on Tuesday, where different teams competed in drunk games, the BDA artist party on Wednesday at Soundproof, and the MentonLoves party at Monkeys with the monochromatic theme. It was between conversations, hookups, and drunk moments that strangers became friends. While we got to enjoy the week, behind the scenes stood the hardworking Integration Week Committee made up of members of the Bureau des Eleves (BDE) and other second year volunteers. The BDE, whose President is Ada Baser, is made up of a Vice-President, Owen Sircelj, a Treasurer, Raphaël Phanor, and four poles: On-Campus events, Off-Campus events, Communications and Logistics, and Social Service. The BDE was first created with the intent of connecting administration to the student body, but over the years, the BDE’s role has become much bigger. The BDE has shifted from a simple bridge to a complex organization that is now a vital part of the campus. Most student events and initiatives are coordinated by the BDE and its members, without much recognition. They not only provide the basis of the Mentonnaise social fabric, but also meet with the administration regularly. Additionally, they take on some of the administrators' burden of managing campus events and other on-campus initiatives. In essence, the role of the BDE goes much deeper than what most may think. The four poles each tackle different parts of the job: Communications and Logistics works on designing and promoting events and initiatives, their role focuses on achieving maximum outreach on campus; On- and Off-campus poles have an overlay as both deal with the organization and coordination of events — On-Campus is more specific to daytime events dealing with life on campus, while off-campus has its focus on evening events that deal more closely with student life on a more social and less academic level; Social Service, on the other hand, was first created last year due to the COVID pandemic in an attempt to improve safety and security in the community, though this pole has now developed into focusing on the outreach with the local community. The Social Service pole has started an initiative called Pizza et Parlare which consists of distributing pizza to those without a home once a week and understanding their needs. The BDE urges all of you to participate, connect with the community, understand realities different from ours, and learn how we can help those around us. The BDE has lots of fun initiatives and events for the upcoming year, so make sure to stay tuned!

Despite technical limitations and ethical considerations, it’s hard to understate the revolutionary nature of the CRISPR system. In just over a decade, its use has proliferated to the majority of fields within the life sciences, yielding important clinical advances to tackle congenital diseases and understand viral mechanisms that target humans in order to accelerate the vaccine-making process. < Back What's CRISPR, Anyway? Feidias Psaras December 31, 2024 How it came together There was a meeting of minds in Puerto Rico in 2011. At a conference for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats ( CRISPR ) systems and RNA Biology held in San Juan, Emanuelle Charpentier, a young microbiology researcher at the Umeå University in Sweden, presented her findings on a new RNA-protein complex that played a role in the function of a bacterial immune system. The presentation was a wake-up call for Jennifer Doudna, who studied the specific biochemical relationships related to RNA and believed that this mechanism could have wider implications. At the time, the CRISPR molecule was considered a niche field of study rather than the widely used gene editing tool that it has become now. It concerned a specific bacterial defense response against viruses, which involved an enzyme (Cas9) that performed precise incisions in the DNA as well as an attached RNA molecule which led it to the site of interest. In other words, the system was made up of ultra-precise molecular scissors and a guide. But the problem was that the guide could not be replicated by scientists; it was impossible to modify. A year after the conference, the final piece to the puzzle of precise genome editing that spanned decades was finally put in place; working together, Doudna and Charpentier discovered the crucial customizable guide that would allow the natural process to be co-opted in lab conditions outside of the bacterial cells that fostered the conditions that allowed the process to happen naturally. The short time of eight years spanning CRISPR’s discovery and the jointly awarded Nobel prize in Chemistry is just a small indicator of its seismic impact. But as is usual regarding scientific discoveries, it is difficult to understand what the repercussions of even the biggest breakthroughs entail for the future of everyday life. So where should we start? What is genetic engineering, really? Anyone who’s taken a beginner Biology course knows that the cell is the fundamental building block of life. Our bodies are made up of tens of trillions of cells, each with a different set of internal machinery and function. Deoxyribonucleic acid, commonly known as DNA, is the molecular blueprint that exists within each cell and determines its unique functions. This is made possible by the double-helix structure of the DNA itself, which essentially comprises two long strings of molecular code that are copied, sent out into the cytoplasm and used to create all the important molecules that cells need to survive and carry out their function. The important thing to understand here is that the code of the DNA—save for mutations, viral/bacterial invasions and a few other exceptions—stays the same and is the essential determinant of its host cell’s identity. A change in even a single unit of code within the DNA could result in the complete breakdown of the cell or in an improvement of a given function. But the latter, logically enough, happens much more rarely than the former—most mutations are either neutral or detrimental. While natural selection provides a process by which the many bad mutations are filtered out while the few good ones carry themselves to the next generation, ‘bad’ and ‘good’ are relative terms. A watermelon that has an increased seed density has more chances of spreading those seeds and propagate its DNA across generations, but yields less nutritious value for us humans. Genetic engineering, then, is the purposeful manipulation of organisms’ genomes to fit our purposes. Funnily enough, we started doing it thousands of years before we had any idea about DNA; selective breeding of animals and plants to create friendly and obedient dogs out of wolves and sweet and near-seedless watermelons is a testament to that. But this method is not a very effective way to edit genomes. It’s limited to mutations that occur naturally in plants, often taking multiple breeding generations to yield reliable results, and is not precise at all; in naturally occurring mutations, stretches of DNA might be altered along with the gene of interest. What does CRISPR add? Ever since the discovery of DNA in the 20th century, scientists had been coming up with effective ways to induce targeted genome manipulations. Initially, these efforts included bombarding plants with radiation in the hopes that a useful mutation would pop up. In the 70s and 80s, more sophisticated methods developed with the discovery of specialized restriction enzymes that recognized and cut specific sections of DNA, as well co-opting bacteria such as agrobacterium to use as delivery mechanisms for genes of interest into the cell. But still, all of these mechanisms presented significant limitations: while high levels of radiation fast-tracked the process of mutation, researchers had no control over the actual changes occurring over the genetic code; restriction enzymes were fixed, and could only recognize certain sequences of a specific length ; the agrobacterium delivery system worked only in plants and inserted genes randomly in their genomes, thus potentially nullifying their function. Instead, easy manipulation of the CRISPR RNA-protein complex in laboratory settings means that the system is programmable and precise. It can perform different types of ‘incisions’ on any part of the genome depending on the manipulation. The ease and efficiency of this mechanism means that genetic engineering becomes not only incredibly quicker, but also much cheaper. Its performance-enhancing capabilities enable a higher rate of experimentation and therefore discovery. What has CRISPR achieved so far? CRISPR’s versatility opens the door to an entirely new, more hands-on generation of genetic engineering across fields. In terms of agriculture, it provides an important avenue into more efficient and precise genetic altering of plants. As mentioned before, humans have for centuries employed a rudimentary form of genetic manipulation (selective breeding) that is way too imprecise and slow. The same problem exists in different degrees with more modern methods of genetic engineering such as the introduction of new DNA via bacteria. Even though CRISPR technologies are not fully developed yet and their delivery faces difficulties, they are crucial to a more precise and effective creation of GMOs. It means that plants are more resilient to adverse conditions such as extreme temperatures and pesticides, in turn aiding crop outputs in an age of climate change and rapid populational growth. CRISPR-Cas9 also offers a more accurate method to simulate how genes are passed down and mutate across generations. From mammals to insects, the tool has been used to swap out sections of DNA with ones of interest in order to help scientists better understand how these genes behave; whether they have a tendency to replicate and what molecules, if any, they provide the blueprints for. With gene therapy, CRISPR adds an entirely new and powerful treatment method that enhances our clinical toolset. In 2014, the first instance of this was trialled in the UK to treat a patient with sickle cell anaemia. Commercially known as Casgevy, it involved the extraction of the problematic mass-producing cells responsible for the production of defective red blood cells, as well as their subsequent DNA modification before reinserting them back into patients’ bone marrow. Late in 2023, both the UK and US approved the commercial use of such drugs. A slew of other such gene therapy treatments follow; promising treatments for brain and ovarian cancer, diabetes and even AIDS. The emergence of CRISPR gene-editing in a clinical setting, however, poses serious ethical concerns. After gaining governmental permission, for example, researchers in the UK successfully modified human embryos in 2016. Even though they were later discarded, the scientific feat signifies that it is now possible to pick and choose our babies’ genomes. But should we be able to change the genetic makeup of an embryo? If so, would it only be to prevent life-threatening congenital diseases like Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome or less serious medical conditions such as dwarfism as well? Disability activists such as Rebecca Cokley, who views her achondroplasia less as a disease than as a part of her identity, argue that CRISPR is an existential menace to people like her. Purely cosmetic gene edits, such as those that would increase height or intelligence, are even more controversial; the concept of designer babies, previously a fit of science fiction fancy, looms as a frightening prospect that could entrench social inequalities by embedding them into our very genomes. Conclusion Despite technical limitations and ethical considerations, it’s hard to understate the revolutionary nature of the CRISPR system. In just over a decade, its use has proliferated to the majority of fields within the life sciences, yielding important clinical advances to tackle congenital diseases and understand viral mechanisms that target humans in order to accelerate the vaccine-making process. With all this, it’s important to note that the Cas9-system is only the first of many generations to come. Already, discovery of protein complexes such as Cas12 and present more precise and less error-prone mechanisms. In any case, one thing is clear: the discovery of CRISPR marks the beginning of a new age in genetic engineering.

So what do the Golden Globes teach us about the film industry? Apart from the obvious elitism and unreasonable standards it sets in most aspects of our lives, it highlights the necessity of appreciating one's work. In some cases, it emphasizes the importance of sharing happy moments with those who understand and support you. Perhaps from a more career-focused point of view, the awards also present a wonderful opportunity for filmmakers, actresses, and actors to get widespread recognition. < Back All Roads Lead To Hollywood: What Do Golden Globes Teach Us About The Film Industry? Ema Nevřelová February 28, 2025 February might be the shortest month in the Gregorian calendar. Still, in the Hollywood one, it is surely the longest one. It is, after all, a lengthy road from January’s Golden Globes to the Academy Awards—popularly known as the Oscars, taking place in March. It may be the most dreaded month for the film industry but is also a perfect moment to yet again glance at the common people of Hollywood. Even as the film awards seasons are changing, one thing remains constant: the controversies. If, until today, the Golden Globes were known to you only through outfit ratings, this article will get you back on track. This year marked the 82nd annual ceremony of the Golden Globes. The first soirée was held in early 1944 by the Hollywood Foreign Correspondents Association (later renamed the Hollywood Foreign Press Association). A year later, marking the year of true Golden Globes, the president of the HFPA, Marina Cisternas, announced the idea of awarding a statue of “shiny globe on a pedestal”—mirroring the internationality of the Golden Globes. If you are a newbie to the glistening world of movie awards, you might wonder what films and in which categories can receive the Golden Globe. For this year, there were 27 categories in total; the two most prominent distinctions and a difference from the Oscars is that there are 14 categories for motion pictures and 13 categories for television. Both motion pictures and television are then further divided into drama and comedy or musical categories. On the other hand, the Oscars have only one category: the award for Best Motion Picture. Enough with technicalities, let’s move to the drama. In August 2020 Kjersti Flaa, a Norwegian entertainment journalist, filed a lawsuit against the Hollywood Foreign Press Association claiming that HFPA “institutionalized culture of corruption.” The association’s members were often said to accept gifts from movie producers and not select new journalists based on merit but personal and other connections. Flaa’s lawsuit and subsequent amendments were dismissed. So what does this “no name” Norwegian journalist have to do with anything? Flaa has recently gained attention for sharing interviews with celebrities that she found offensive. One of her most watched videos is called “The Blake Lively interview that made me want to quit my job” and it fueled the rumors around Blake Lively’s questionable promotion of the movie “ It Ends With Us.” Flaa joined the wave of Lively’s old interviews in which the actress often answered arrogantly or made inappropriate jokes, and this led the public to call her out as ignorant or a bully. It further escalated when Lively submitted a legal complaint against Baldoni for sexual harassment and retaliation. Justin Baldoni also filed a lawsuit citing defamation, invasion of privacy and civil extortion. Nothing seems to stop Flaa’s desire to cancel Lively; she still regularly posts videos commenting on Lively’s actions while also shaming other, mostly female, celebrities. Following Flaa’s unsuccessful lawsuit, in February 2021, the LA Times published several articles based on their investigation into the HFPA. It not only turned out that the members were accepting gifts—such as a vacation to Europe paid by the production team behind the series Emily in Paris— but that there was also not a single black person among the members eligible to vote. Not everything can be old but gold. These allegations almost ended the golden era as some actors started boycotting the awards. In a giant leap for Hollywood, Tom Cruise returned three of his Golden Globes, shining a light on graver claims that have previously not gained as much media attention. Brendan Fraser, for example, recalled that he had been groped by a member of HFPA. Subsequently, in May 2021, the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), a long-term partner of the Golden Globes, announced that it would not televise the Golden Globes ceremony in January 2022 following the controversy. However, to sprinkle it with a bit of hypocrisy, NBC did air the Golden Globes again in 2023. The ceremony ended up not being televised at all in 2022, and while the organizers blamed it on the COVID-19 pandemic, the real reason was much more likely the boycott of the awards by actors and producers from the film industry. As HFPA was trying to recover from what seemed like an end of Golden Globes, they came up with the golden mean. In June 2023, the Golden Globes were purchased by Eldridge Industries, which vowed to make fundamental changes to the awards. Firstly, they transitioned from a non-profit organization, which was exempt from paying taxes, to a for-profit organization, therefore, dismantling the HFPA. However, the members of the former association could stay as voters for the Golden Globes with the sole difference that they were now being paid. The internet media Vulture claimed that the actor’s “pay is $75,000 per year, and they get insurance — medical and dental.” It makes one wonder what gold made the voters want to stay. Furthermore, the Chairman of Eldridge Industries, Todd Boehly, to diversify the voting body hired more non-member voters. However, there is no information as to whether they are being paid or not. Gradually, these changes started to be visible and the Golden Globes is slowly repairing its reputation. According to the Golden Globes website, 47 percent of the voters are female from more than 85 countries and 60 percent are racially and ethnically diverse. This vague statement in itself is not persuasive enough, but this year's Golden Globes in the opinions of some, proved that they are worthy of more attention. Now, let’s recapitulate some of the most striking events from the 2025 Golden Globes award ceremony. Golden Globes are usually hosted by actors and/or comedians. This year marked a major first in the history of the awards as the hostess, Nikki Glaser, was the first solo female to host the event. While some of her jokes left the audience a little cold, overall, her performance was a success as she did not forget to jokingly reminisce about recent events: Donald Trump’s inauguration , a series of lawsuits against P Diddy and so on. Perhaps one of the most poignant moments was a speech made by Zoe Saldaña for winning the Best Female Supporting Actress for the Netflix musical Emilia Pérez . She started her speech by saying: “I have dyslexia, so I kind of forget when I am really anxious,” not only giving visibility to people with learning disabilities but also to mental health struggles. This is all the more important because films like Emilia Pérez would likely not have received an award or even a nomination under the previous Golden Globes. In 2023, there was not “ a single film with strong Black themes, actors or behind-the-camera talent was among the Best Picture nominees in either Drama or Comedy/Musical categories.” Despite there being many adept productions such as The Woman King, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Till . Another speech that is even speculated to be worthy of the Oscar committee's attention is one made by Demi Moore after she received the award for Best Actress in a Horror for her performance in Substance . She went viral for her touching speech in which she acknowledged that: “Thirty years ago I had a producer tell me that I was ‘popcorn actress’ and at that time I made that mean that this wasn’t something that I was allowed to have.” Moore reminded us of the importance of self-confidence and how rewarding it can be to prove people wrong—especially those who made us doubt ourselves. Although a little forgotten in the past few years, Adrien Brody made a memorable speech for the Best Actor for the drama The Brutalist . It is a movie about a Jewish Holocaust survivor who immigrated to the United States. Brody alluded that the plot is in some ways similar to his mother’s side of the family's journey to the United States and he expressed hope that the movie would give visibility to those immigrating and suffering with the process. After reading through the whirlwind that Golden Globes are, you might be asking the important question: who will win this year’s Oscars? There is no direct tie between the awards, nevertheless, the Golden Globes are often seen as a predictor of the potential Oscar winners. One of the influential factors of Oscar’s committee are reportedly the speeches made by the actresses and actors at the Golden Globes. The nominations for Best Picture include the already discussed The Substance, Emilia Peréz and The Brutalist. Apart from those mentioned, this year was strong for musicals and/ or music-related dramas, with Wicked leaving us wanting to hold space for one another through nails-holding or Timothée Chalamet reminding us that Bob Dylan is still alive in Bob Dylan: A Complete Unknown . In my opinion, this year’s winner should be the political and biographical drama I’m Still Here , portraying the story of an incredibly resilient Brazilian woman, Eunice Paiva. This is just a fraction of Oscar nominations, yet they are names that we will likely keep hearing even as the year progresses. So what do the Golden Globes teach us about the film industry? Apart from the obvious elitism and unreasonable standards it sets in most aspects of our lives, it highlights the necessity of appreciating one's work. In some cases, it emphasizes the importance of sharing happy moments with those who understand and support you. Perhaps from a more career-focused point of view, the awards also present a wonderful opportunity for filmmakers, actresses, and actors to get widespread recognition. This is where we are getting to the uglier side of Hollywood, which sadly is not prominent only in the film industry. It is the gender pay gap, the fact that actresses and actors sometimes had to endure sexual violence, racism, and other forms of discrimination without being listened to when they spoke out. Yet, the change in the Golden Globes voting body sends a positive message about the kind of environment and type of work the film industry and those tied to it appreciate. While Hollywood has never been gold and shiny, there might still be a chance for reform, if the pressure is strong enough. Photo source: Peter Dutton, Wikimedia commons