World Cultures “Explainer” Series

The CIAWC aims to tap into Northeastern’s network of undergraduate and graduate students to help shed light on today’s global challenges. The World Cultures Explainer series invites applicants to submit a clear and accurate account or brief history of a current issue/event related to a region of the world or a particular country. Essays should be 2,000-2,500 words. After a competitive selection process, authors of essays selected for publication will receive a gift card.

2024 World Explainers

Geopolitical and Historical Motivations Behind the War in Ukraine

World Explainer by Ben Henschel

Why is Saudi Arabia Spending Billions on Sports?

World Explainer by Matthew Martucci

Reputation as a Compliance Mechanism: The Efficacy of Shaming the People’s Republic of China for International Law Violations

World Explainer by Sara Flynn

Style Guide for CIAWC Papers

Each submission should start with a brief executive summary (3-5 sentences) that clearly states the problem being evaluated and the solution being offered.
Each submission should have a title.
Each submission should be formatted with 12-point font, basic margins. Other than student name, all other personal information should be removed. Faculty names/course numbers are OK (per instructor approval).
See call for papers for specific word counts.
Papers should be well-edited; all relevant materials appropriately cited.
We may ask that winning essays be edited or reformatted to fit CIAWC website needs. Students will also be asked to submit a photo and brief bio.

Interested in participating? How to apply:

Students should submit their world explainers to their professors. The professors will then forward the briefs to our Administrative Coordinator, Diana Atoui (d.atoui@northeastern.edu). Professors may also nominate papers for submission. The CIAWC will review all submitted papers and select winners. The winning papers will be featured on our website, along with the authors’ photos and brief biographies. The submission deadline has passed.

What We Want

The CIAWC invites submissions from current undergraduate students and master’s students studying in any field or major at Northeastern University.

Please refer to the Center’s list of potential topics, or feel free to submit your own.

Examples:

What is Hamas?
What is the International Court of Justice?
Why is there an economic crisis in Venezuela?
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Who are Iran’s Revolutionary Guards?