Author

Gretel Kahn

Gretel Kahn is a U3 student currently pursuing a degree in Honours International Development with minors in History and Gender, Sexuality and Feminist Studies. Hailing from Panama, Gretel is a proud Latina at heart thus she has an unwavering interest in Latin American domestic and foreign politics. Aside from writing about Latin America, she also has a keen interest in topics about gender, culture, and the environment. In addition to writing for the MIR, you can find Gretel performing under the theatre lights or in the look-out for free fancy cheeses on campus.

Latin America’s Electoral Turn Towards Populism

Gretel Kahn Apr 29, 2019

As five Latin American countries head to the polls in the upcoming months, it is important to acknowledge the electoral trends that are sweeping the region. Populism is emerging as an antidote for the growing low tolerance for corruption,…
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Venezuela through the Eyes of the Global North

Gretel Kahn Mar 11, 2019

Unfortunately, both the right and the left are blinded by their own ideological agenda when making assertions and arguments about Venezuela. When we discuss Venezuela, and perhaps any country and region that is not our own, it needs to be…
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Fearing the Democratic Socialist

Gretel Kahn Jan 30, 2019

Soon after newcomer representative for the state of New York Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was sworn to the 116th Congress, she gave an interview on “60 Minutes” where she boldly declared that she believes that incomes above $10 million needs to…
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Non-Secular: Church and State Relationship in Latin America

Gretel Kahn Dec 17, 2018

The current political stance of the Church is not passive any longer. Its far-reaching influence in Latin American policies seems to be growing even as numbers of their faithful are declining. Nevertheless, they are the number one lobbying…
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Chinese Incursion in Latin America: A Threat to American Hegemony in the Hemisphere?

Gretel Kahn Nov 1, 2018

In early September of this year, the United States recalled three chiefs of missions from Latin American nations: Roxanne Cabral, the Chargé d'Affaires to Panama, Jean Manes, the ambassador to El Salvador, and Robin S. Bernstein, the…
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The Holy Constitution

Gretel Kahn May 22, 2018

A doctored image of Parkland shooting survivor and activist Emma Gonzalez ripping the US constitution went viral recently, particularly with ultra-conservative social media users that sought to discredit the young activist. A…
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Gendered Expectations: A First Lady’s Handbook

Gretel Kahn Mar 3, 2018

When reports of U. S. President Donald Trump’s alleged affair with porn star Stormy Daniels first surfaced, all eyes were on first lady Melania Trump. Speculations emerged about whether Melania would leave her husband, resulting in Donald…
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World Cup Dreams: The Politics of Football

Gretel Kahn Feb 1, 2018

Note: The author of this article will refer to the sport known as soccer to many Americans as football. The importance of football around the world cannot be understated. For most of the world, particularly in Europe and Latin America,…
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Central America’s Second Coming of the Anti-Establishment

Gretel Kahn Jan 13, 2018

There is unrest in Honduras. As the electoral commission declared the incumbent Juan Orlando Hernandez as President of Honduras, people have taken to the streets with indignity decrying electoral fraud. The results are also contested by the…
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Made in the USA: The Question of Puerto Rican Secession

Gretel Kahn Nov 16, 2017

On June 2017, Puerto Rico voted in a historic referendum for statehood within the United States. An overwhelming 97 per cent of the votes were cast in favour of becoming the 51st state. However, only 23 per cent of the voting population…
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Impunity and Machismo: Femicide Epidemic in Mexico

Gretel Kahn Oct 7, 2017

On the night of Thursday September 8, 19-year-old political science student Mara Fernanda Castillo went out clubbing with her friends. A little after five in the morning, she ordered a cab home from the popular Latin American Uber-like app,…
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What Would Trudeau Do?: The Effect of Canadian Mining Companies in Latin America

Gretel Kahn Sep 6, 2017

During his post as Prime Minister, Stephen Harper enthusiastically promoted the expansion of extractive Canadian industries abroad. Thanks to Harper's policies, today Canadian mining companies are responsible for up to 70 per cent of…
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