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I chose Palestine because of the ongoing events and genocide taking place. This past year, I have been studying and keeping up with the situation in order to form my own perspective on the major global issue. Throughout my own journey, I've been able to consider the marginalized Palestinian narratives and unfold the history of colonialism and resistance in Palestine.

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I chose Yemen because it represents one of the world’s most devastating humanitarian crises, shaped by a complex mix of war, famine, disease, and geopolitical rivalries. Since the outbreak of civil war in 2014, Yemen has become a battleground between the Iran-backed Houthi rebels and a Saudi-led coalition, turning the country into a proxy war with devastating consequences for civilians. The war has crippled Yemen’s economy, destroyed infrastructure, and displaced millions.

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The Caspian Sea, the world's largest enclosed inland body of water, is interesting to me due to its ambiguous classification as a lake or a sea, a distinction with geopolitical, legal, and economic consequences. Bordering Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan, its status determines how its vast oil and gas reserves are divided, impacting regional power dynamics. This intersection of international law, resource competition, and environmental concerns makes the Caspian Sea an interesting place in the world

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I chose the Sea of Marmara because of its historical and geopolitical significance. As the natural bridge between Europe and Asia, it has been a key maritime passage for centuries, connecting the Black Sea to the Aegean and Mediterranean. This made it central to the power struggles of the Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Turkish states, influencing trade, warfare, and cultural exchange.

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I chose Syria because it remains a focal point of geopolitical tensions, humanitarian crises, and regional power struggles. The country's ongoing civil war, foreign interventions, and economic collapse make it a critical case for studying conflict resolution, state failure, and international diplomacy. Additionally, Syria’s role in Middle Eastern politics, refugee crises, and reconstruction efforts offers valuable insights into how war-torn societies attempt to rebuild amid persistent instability.

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Kabul, Afghanistan has always been a place of interest for me as one of my favorite books, The Kite Runner, was set here. Kabul embodies the resilience and struggles of a country that has faced centuries of conflict, occupation, and change. As the capital, Kabul has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, from the Great Game between Britain and Russia to the Soviet invasion, U.S. intervention, and the return of the Taliban. Despite its rich history and cultural heritage, the city remains a symbol of both suffering and survival -- a place where people continue to rebuild their lives despite war, economic collapse, and political uncertainty.

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I chose Turkey because it stands at the intersection of history, culture, and geopolitics, shaped by centuries of interaction between Turks, Armenians, Greeks, Kurds, and other ethnic groups. As the bridge between Europe and Asia, Turkey has been a melting pot of empires -- from the Byzantines and Ottomans to the modern Turkish Republic -- each leaving lasting imprints on its identity, politics, and society. Further, the relationship between Turks and Armenians is particularly significant, marked by both centuries of coexistence and deep historical wounds, most notably the Armenian Genocide of 1915, which remains a contentious issue in Turkish politics and international relations.

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I chose the Nile River because of its unparalleled historical, cultural, and geopolitical significance. As the lifeblood of ancient and modern civilizations, the Nile has sustained human societies for thousands of years, shaping the rise of Ancient Egypt, Nubia, and countless other cultures along its banks. Its waters have been central to agriculture, trade, and settlement, making it one of the most historically significant rivers in the world.