Opinion

Authoritarian Success Stories? Evaluating Amartya Sen’s “Development as Freedom” in the Unfree World

Authoritarian Success Stories? Evaluating Amartya Sen’s “Development as Freedom” in the Unfree World

iStock photo by imaginima (2021) By: Claire Chen Amartya Sen’s “Development as Freedom” examines a provocative question posed by authoritarian governments and their sympathizers: does economic development truly necessitate liberal political values, especially in today’s developing world? Such a question becomes especially interesting in the context of Asia’s rapidly industrializing economies. While it is true that some wealthy nations have stable democratic governments, most notably post-WWII Japan, the relationship between prosperity and liberalism is not always clear-cut. South Korea and Taiwan are relatively affluent democracies today, but their authoritarian stints, which both lasted until 1987, could be compatible with economic…
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How Ukraine Can be Rebuilt After the War

How Ukraine Can be Rebuilt After the War

By Ron Ye (Image: Creative common license) It has been more than 10 months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Although it is uncertain when the war will end, it is certain that the amount of destruction is staggering. Russia has, in recent months, begun targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. In September, Russian missiles struck a dam that caused flooding in Kryvyi Rih, the 7th most populous city of Ukraine. Now, Ukraine faces a constant barrage of missiles from Russia that aims to take out their energy infrastructure. This is done in order to further increase the suffering of Ukrainians during the…
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<strong>How far is a grocery store from your home? Dr. Schlundt’s research reveals alarming results on food deserts as an economic factor of health outcomes.</strong>

How far is a grocery store from your home? Dr. Schlundt’s research reveals alarming results on food deserts as an economic factor of health outcomes.

By: Iris An  Take a moment, and try to picture the area where you grew up: How far is it to go to a grocery store which provides healthy foods, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy? If it’s a bit far, considering the car and gas price, how affordable is the driving?How often can you go to grocery stores that provide healthy food Now, think about your family’s diet habit:  How often do you consume healthy food? Is it daily, weekly, or seldom?  Food deserts are residential areas that provide poor access to healthful foods, and that…
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FirstBank and Vanderbilt: Partners into the Future 

FirstBank and Vanderbilt: Partners into the Future 

By Lexi Blakes If you have been tuning into campus events since the start of the semester, you probably heard of this historic partnership between Vanderbilt University and FirstBank. As of August 29th, 2022, the Vanderbilt Stadium has been renamed “FirstBank Stadium”. This partnership comes with naming rights and a campus collaboration agreement, serving as the first step of the “Vandy United Initiative”. This initiative promises a complete renovation of athletic facilities with renderings of the new tennis center, which will be renamed “Lummis Family Tennis Center”, already available as of September 8, 2022.  There has always been money to…
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It’s Time to Actually Reopen The Pub

It’s Time to Actually Reopen The Pub

By: Shane Mumma Image: Photo taken by Shane Mumma during one of The Pub’s pop-up February 2022 events “It was one of the most popular places on campus,” Vanderbilt Student Government (VSG) Senator and graduating senior Joshua Kayiwa said of The Pub, “Even pre-pandemic, you’d have to order ahead to get your meal. That’s how popular it was.” Colloquially known around campus simply as ‘The Pub,’ The Pub at Overcup Oak above Rand dining hall has become a legend known only to a shrinking portion of the Vanderbilt population. Shuttered since the Spring 2020 semester with the start of the…
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: A Few Lessons on Leadership

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: A Few Lessons on Leadership

By: Dave Ghosh Picture taken by Aziz Medhioub Dear Vanderbilt, My name is Dave Ghosh, and I have served as the Division Head and Editor in Chief of the Vanderbilt Business Review (VBR) since its inception nearly three years ago. Yesterday, I stepped down from my position, ending what was an unbelievable run and opening the door for what I know will be a remarkable second phase for the journal. As I reflect on my time with VBR, I find myself experiencing mixed emotions. On one hand, I am one step closer to starting a post-college adulthood that surely will…
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Principles of Self-Investment: Professor Gary Kimball’s Take on Finance and Fulfillment

Principles of Self-Investment: Professor Gary Kimball’s Take on Finance and Fulfillment

By: Benjamin Lee On Wednesday, March 24th, Professor Gary R. Kimball was prepared to give a talk to the Vanderbilt Finance Club over Zoom concerning his extensive experience in finance. However, he ended up providing much more than that, delineating worthwhile lessons applicable across many facets of life. Below are five key takeaways from his  presentation.   Lesson 1: Do what fulfills you.   Both management consulting and investment banking are “fabulous ways to start your career” and “lead to nice opportunities.” At the same time, they lead down “a rigorous career path,” and while they can be “incredibly lucrative… like a lot of…
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An Inside Look at the Recruitment Process at Business Fraternity AKPsi

An Inside Look at the Recruitment Process at Business Fraternity AKPsi

By: Jaime Svinth As a university with no undergraduate business school, Vanderbilt leaves many students yearning for the business mentorship, comradery, and networking given at other institutions. Enter: business fraternity student organizations. Delta Sigma Pi and Alpha Kappa Psi are two business fraternity organizations on campus started by students to bring together those interested in pursuing careers in the business world.  Another semester means another pledge class for business fraternity AKPsi, and another chance for business-minded students to join an organization that bolsters their passion.  Here’s a Vanderbilt Business Review interview with recruitment chair Emilio Karakey to give you the…
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OPINION: The Value of an MBA

OPINION: The Value of an MBA

There was a time when a Master’s in Business Administration – simply known as an “MBA” – was the degree to pursue. Regardless of price, it gave people a chance to pursue a high-earning career of their choice. If one felt trapped by a job and wanted a breath of fresh air, an MBA provided them the opportunity to switch to something else. If one wanted to maximize their wages but could not do so with their present job, an MBA allowed them to increase their earnings. Schools continue to advertise the degree as one that can propel someone to…
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