Dear Reader,
tep onto the starting line with us in Issue 33 of the Economic Tribune, entitled "Frontlines and Finish Lines." Much of what is changing within the world order can be distilled into a single phrase: competition. As the world hurtles through such an era, be it between states, economies or ideologies, our latest edition seeks to unpack these intricate struggles that shape our collective futures. Each article here aims to offer a perspective on the power plays and subtle negotiations occurring at the frontlines of global change, ultimately guiding us toward the finish lines of tomorrow. In a world where this can not only drive nations but also communities and individuals, we subtly aim to capture the essence of these struggles between negotiators of power and liberty, both overt and understated in tone.
S
This issue’s central theme examines the diverse strategies that agents of change employ to stay ahead. From the forgotten stories unfolding in the shadows to the high-stakes races to the top, our writers delve into the pressures shaping today's decisions.
Off the Record begins with the softer, more intimate human experiences often left untold in the grand narrative. These are the voices of those on the ground, whose stories help us understand the emotional and personal dimensions of global change. Walk along with Kavya as she explores the untold struggles of Indian women to shed light on the intersections between climate change and gender inequality, while Ethan offers a witty piece on the economics of how pop stars like Charli XCX cultivate devoted fanbases. Finally, Xuanchen and Charyl take a critical look in examining a setting most notoriously known for its raw emotion, the Olympics, as they research the hidden financial strains that linger long after the legacy flames are extinguished within host countries.
Meanwhile, Power Moves takes a broader look, zooming out to capture the larger shifts in systems and institutions that are defining this era of transformation, where the decisions of a few can set monumental changes in motion. Here, we aim to paint the landscape of sheer force wielded by leaders, industries and governments today as each participate in this high-stakes game for control. Follow Shania as we explore the contrasting legacies of tech billionaires Sam Bankman-Fried and Sam Altman in a discussion on the fine line between altruism and ambition. Dive into the geopolitical scramble for resources with Aadesh, as he aims to expose the geopolitical scramble for resources essential to clean energy, highlighting how nations jockey for control in a fragile global supply chain. To end it off, consider the government’s role in our dietary choices in maintaining the balance between public health and personal freedom alongside Atharva, as they grapple with the rising economic and societal costs of obesity.
The overarching theme, however, resonates not just with the stories within these pages, but also with the Tribune’s own ambitions. As we look outward to the world stage, we’re also drawing a parallel to our own journey as a publication this year. A path both challenging and exhilarating.
In many ways, it is a race for us, a journey defined by our own frontlines and finish lines. On the former, we’re pushing forward with ambitious goals: a commitment to broader investigative pieces, fostering collaborations and a more expansive digital presence. Each issue we publish, and every topic we tackle, is part of a larger mission to challenge ourselves and inspire you, dear reader, to think critically about the economic forces shaping our world.
Yet, like the topics we cover, we also have our sights on the finish line. This year, we aim to elevate the Economic Tribune as a leading voice within the UCL community and beyond, one that reflects not only current affairs but also the personal, often overlooked narratives within them. We are working toward a transformed Tribune, one that balances tradition with innovation, mirroring the relentless pursuit of progress we see in the stories of competition and change around the world.
Frontlines and Finish Lines, in an unlikely way, is our guide and our challenge. Yes, with each of the presented articles, we capture the pulse of today’s global shifts, but we also tell the story of the Tribune’s own evolution. We hope that as you read, you’ll see both the world’s journey and ours as an intertwined pursuit of knowledge, understanding and growth. And as we continue this race forward, our promise is to remain curious, critical and courageous in exploring the issues that matter most.
Thank you for joining us on this path, and we hope Issue 33 offers you insights that inspire your own frontlines and finish lines.
Pressing onward,
Albern Agnel
Director, 2024/25