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Foreign policy often appears to take shape during speeches, summits, or leader-to-leader conversations. In day-to-day government practice, foreign policy advisors are staff who track international developments, pull together analysis, and help senior officials decide what to do next. They work in foreign ministries, national security agencies, and diplomatic services, often in fast-moving…

Rugby is a sport known for its physicality, and each position on the field comes with distinct roles that contribute to the team's overall success. Knowing how each player functions will give you a greater appreciation for the sport, whether you're new to the game or want to understand the positions better.

Positions such as the loosehead prop (1) and tighthead prop (3) anchor the scrum, requiring immense strength in the upper body. The hooker (2), positioned between the props, is responsible for winning possession in scrums and throwing the ball during lineouts.

Locks (4 and 5), called second rows, are usually the tallest players. They provide support in the scrum and drive momentum during rucks and mauls. Locks, the tallest players on the field, must jump and catch well to keep the ball in the air. They carry the ball during rucks and mauls in open play.

The back row balances toughness and movement with flankers (6 and 7) and 8(8). Sideline flankers must cover wide sections of the field and earn turnovers. The number 8 may take up the ball and start assaults at the rear of the scrum. The number 8, in particular, links the forwards and backs and plays a crucial role in attack.

Backs 9–15 are more tactical and fast. The scrum-half(9) connects forwards and backs with rapid passes and split-second judgments. They need speed, communication, and game flow knowledge. Fly-half(10) is the tactical commander, controlling offensive strategy. Fly-halfs may change the game by passing, kicking, or running. They direct the team's attack, requiring vision and precision.

Statesman Henry Kissinger stated that building peace among nations through tenets in the Peace of Westphalia (Westphalia) requires understanding conflict and pragmatism, or practicality. However, adhering to only pragmatism and understanding conflict has become challenging in the modern world.

In his book World Order, Kissinger referred to the Peace of Westphalia as the beginning of international relations. This agreement came after the end of the Thirty Years' War and one of Europe's most destructive eras of conflict. The Peace of Westphalia stipulates that no one nation should overpower others.

Kissinger stated that adhering to this agreement required a practical approach to international relations with a deep understanding of history and how conflicts arise. World Wars I and II exemplify how understanding the environment that fueled aggression provides insight into how these conflicts began, regardless of the leader.

However, other experts state that the complexity of 21st-century global politics makes it difficult to understand conflict and pragmatism. For example, China’s military superiority in Asia and the Asia Pacific has allowed it to become a giant, engaging in land and water disputes with Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and the Philippines. China holds power over these nations, and its influence runs counter to the interests of the United States, another global power.

Alternatively, Russia serves as an example of the failure of Westphalian principles. Since the breakup of the USSR, the country has slipped in prominence on the world stage. Moreover, Russia has tried to re-establish itself by aggression, not diplomacy.

A cum laude graduate of Princeton University, Benjamin Spacapan holds a law degree from Harvard Law School and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Outside of his professional pursuits, Benjamin Spacapan is interested in American foreign policy. The United States and North Korea do not have diplomatic relations, contributing to a historically tense, hostile relationship. No U.S. Embassy operates…

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A graduate of Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School, Benjamin Spacapan earned a law degree and a master of business administration, as well as a bachelor of arts in history from Princeton University. At Princeton, Benjamin Spacapan volunteered with campus groups like Best Buddies Friendship program. Active on college campuses nationwide, the Best Buddies program pairs students who do…

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An accomplished New York City-based professional with a background in investment banking and financial analysis, Benjamin Spacapan graduated with a JD and an MBA from Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School, respectively. Benjamin Spacapan has a longtime interest in foreign affairs and international relations. On November 2, 2022, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken had a phone…

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A graduate of both Princeton and Harvard, Benjamin Spacapan holds a senior title at a middle market private equity firm. Over the years, Benjamin Spacapan has maintained a commitment to his community, serving as a volunteer for several charitable organizations, including Working in the Schools (WITS). Dedicated to aiding kids in the development of important literacy skills and positive…

Four Standard Approaches to Foreign Policy

A senior-level professional at a financial company, Benjamin Spacapan holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, a JD from Harvard Law School, and an AB from Princeton University. He also possesses a career history that includes stints at large financial institutions such as UBS Investment Bank. Outside of his work in the finance industry, Benjamin Spacapan maintains an interest in foreign…

Tips for Rugby Beginners

Benjamin Spacapan obtained his JD from Harvard Law School in 2020 and has since worked in private equity. He also worked as an investment banking analyst in Chicago. In his free time, Benjamin Spacapan enjoys rugby and occasionally plays it at alumni team events. Originating in England, rugby is an exciting, high-impact sport now popularly played internationally. For beginners, the sport may…

“The Introspective Statesman” – Henry Kissinger’s World Order

A seasoned professional with a history in investment banking and financial analysis, Benjamin Spacapan has a longtime and passionate interest in world politics and foreign policy. In 2015, Benjamin Spacapan authored “The Introspective Statesman,” a review of World Order by Henry Kissinger. Released by Kissinger in 2014, World Order is the former U.S. Secretary of State’s 21st book. In the words…

The Princeton Best Buddies Program

Benjamin Spacapan recently graduated from Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School with a JD and MBA respectively. Before joining Harvard, Benjamin Spacapan earned a BA in history from Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey. While at Princeton, Mr. Spacapan volunteered with Princeton Best Buddies. Princeton Best Buddies is a chapter of Best Buddies, a nonprofit that advocates for…