Here, I conceptualize and clarify power. Where previous work in international relations isolates discussion. to the specific context of international relations. I posit that a conception of power is closest to the truth only if it can be applied across all interactions, interpersonal to international, and even that of an entity with an inanimate environment. Power is relational in nature, but is not necessarily social, and an effective framework for the analysis and discussion of power requires conceptualization across the physical, social, and cultural worlds. I develop such a framework, and demonstrate its use in discussing and assessing the power of phenomena in the physical, social, and cultural worlds. I explore how the theoretical frame can be used to develop empirical examinations of the power of a musician on an international tour, a head of state’s twitter profile, a major troop movement, and more.

I reveal the fundamental flaws in the production cycle of the university and how universities can create self-sustaining systems that can help address inequality, conduct research for the common good, and build a more just, stable and impactful university system.

Here, I examine the role of the voter in modern democratic republics. Scholars have long debated whether more political power should be given to those considered more competent. However, many of these debates give little attention to a fundamental question: competent at what? I conclude that voting in such systems is a third-order decision. Voters should focus on assessing the judgment of candidates, not the intricate details of specific policy issues. I discuss the implications of this, including a refocusing of civil education and campaign structure to ensure voters have access to all pertinent and useful information.