Martina Moneke

Comedy exposes the truths society hides most fiercely, illuminating our moral blind spots and political realities without fear or apology. Comedy isn’t merely entertainment—it is a civic instrument, a mirror held up to the collective self, reflecting truths that polite…

Society tells us to “count our blessings,” but could gratitude be doing more harm than good? Martina Moneke reveals how forced thankfulness can distort perception, silence emotions, and perpetuate injustice. We live in a world that constantly tells us to…

We often speak of “safe spaces” as if they were structures—rooms with the right words on the wall, policies to shield us, communities pledged to kindness. But safety is not a structure to inhabit; it is a state of being…

Happiness can isolate; contentment connects. Martina Moneke explores why steadiness and wonder, not peaks of joy, are the truest path to fulfillment. Much has been written about happiness. Encyclopedias of advice, viral think pieces, TED Talks, Instagram affirmations—all converge on…

History shows that even the strongest republics crumble when leaders and citizens neglect their duties. Invading armies can topple a state, but republics are often undone from within—by the neglect of those sworn to their care. Rome, with its Senate,…

Democracy depends not just on officeholders, but on the quiet vigilance of institutional and civic actors—the novel “fourth branch” that preserves the Republic when power itself threatens systemic health. With the executive overreaching and the judiciary acquiescent, the Republic’s immune…

As AI takes over essay writing, one-hour walk-and-talk conversations with instructors allow students to demonstrate a proper understanding through reflection, dialogue, and engagement with nature. The rise of generative AI in education presents both an opportunity and a profound challenge.…

Decolonizing our worldview requires decolonizing our language—terms like ‘Global North’ and ‘Global South’ obscure complexity and uphold colonial hierarchies. The term “Global South” gained popularity in the 1990s as a neutral alternative to “Third World,” which had become outdated and…

America’s democracy is under threat from a velvet-glove authoritarianism. Citizens must act now—beyond the ballot box—to defend freedom and accountability. For generations, Americans have been taught that the United States is the world’s beacon of democracy. Politicians across the spectrum…

A modest territorial concession, backed by NATO guarantees and Russian investment, could end the stalemate, secure Ukrainian sovereignty, and lay the groundwork for lasting European stability. The war in Ukraine grinds on with no end in sight. Cities lie in…