Features

Technological Advancements Due to World War II

Technological Advancements Due to World War II

Although World War II was the deadliest military conflict ever recorded in human history, it had a transformative influence on technology. Existing pieces of technology were made better or new technology was discovered in an effort to aid the war effort. However, did these technological advancements transcend the confines of wartime necessity? How far did they influence our daily lives and shape the path of human progress? The aftermath of this technological crucible reveals a complicated narrative of post-war transformation where the seeds sown during the war germinated into the roots of the new technological era.

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON BEAUTY STANDARDS

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON BEAUTY STANDARDS

Influencers and celebrities play a significant role in shaping our ideas of beauty, with K-pop idols, lifestyle and beauty brands associating with these figures to appeal to consumers. Beauty filters and edited images on social media have become potent tools for shaping contemporary beauty standards, with trending filters coaxing users to follow the trend portraying an unrealistic social reality, leading to a low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction, costing society about $800 billion annually. To keep up with the latest trends, cosmetic surgery has become increasingly popular among the younger generations, with many turning to these procedures to align with perceived beauty standards. Is our pursuit of ideals simply a result of the social reality we exist in?

Will We Reach Global Boiling?

Will We Reach Global Boiling?

Over the past century, the world has witnessed a concerning deterioration of its environment. Advancements in transportation, industrialisation, and the onset of globalisation, particularly in the mid-twentieth century, have accelerated this environmental decline. While the consequences of global warming may not have been immediately apparent in earlier decades, they have become significantly more pronounced today.  The question now looms: will global warming escalate into global boiling? What actions can we take to halt this trend, and is it within our capacity to do so?

Why the Rise of Africa Should Concern You

Why the Rise of Africa Should Concern You

Africa’s rise as a global superpower raises real concerns.

Its economic rise, while admirable, denotes a potential shift in the global power balance, with several geopolitical implications. 

As the rich continent plays a wider global role, ensuring regional stability, supporting good governance, and improving conflict resolution processes become increasingly important. How can Africa’s rise thus be achieved in a way that encourages stability, sustainable development, and shared prosperity for the region and the globe? Africa may need to proactively address its challenges through collaborative efforts, inclusive governance, and equitable resource management.

Art in the Age of AI

Art in the Age of AI

The slogan “No AI Art” has been making waves around social media and forums the past few months. The proliferation of AI art generator tools such DALL-E, MidJourney and Stable Diffusion have ‘revolutionised’ the world of art and the way we look at creativity. With the development of new technologies, the use of AI-generated art has become an emerging trend in the art world. This new form of art raises important questions about the future of creativity. Should human artists be worried that they will be replaced by AI?

Overpopulation & Population Decline: Should We be Concerned for the Future?

Overpopulation & Population Decline: Should We be Concerned for the Future?

The subject of population and overpopulation has been a perennial hot topic among the public and the academic community. With the recent reports of China’s population decline, the question about its overall impact — whether it’s good or bad — has surfaced. Economists say that it’s an impending economic disaster. Others argue a population decline is what’s needed to overcome a degrading environment and a lack of resources. With these narratives in mind, what will the future look like for countries like China?

Combat Drones: Navigating the Grey Area

Combat Drones: Navigating the Grey Area

In today’s conflicts, the use of combat drones has become ubiquitous across most military forces. While they offer advantages in terms of efficiency and reduced military risk, these drones still lack international regulation — raising concerns about their potential abuse and threat to civilian lives. How can we promote greater transparency and accountability for the use of combat drones? Can we meet the challenges posed by this evolving technology?

The Necessity Of Violence

The Necessity Of Violence

Violence has been plaguing humanity since the beginning of time. Though efforts have been made to reduce this part of human nature, it lingers on like a bad aftertaste. Is the nature of violence embedded in our genes, impossible to rid from society? Or is there something humanity can do to eradicate this awful phenomenon? First we must understand the exact nature of violence.

About Us

The IAS Gazette is a news site run by undergraduates from the Singapore Institute of Management’s International Affairs Society (IAS). Founded in 2018, it traces its roots to The Capital, a now defunct bimonthly magazine previously under the IAS.

The Capital Magazine