By Hamna Tariq (MIA ’23)

Columbia SIPA finally has its very own policy magazine that features pieces on current issues in international security and politics. It Was Always Burning launched on March 1, 2022 to provide a platform for students seeking to discuss and publish analyses on the topics that color our rich conversations in class (and Publique, obviously) every day. 

The idea was born during one of the first Foundations of International Security Policy classes last semester. A few of us security wonks, sitting in the front row, started introducing ourselves to each other. We talked about our past professions and ideal career outcomes. During these conversations about politics and beyond throughout the semester, we realized that we didn’t have a platform specifically for policy and security debate.

“We then saw an opportunity to get more people published on the security issues that matter most to them,” recalls Oliver Magnusson (MIA ’23), Chief Executive Officer of It Was Always Burning.

The Morningside Post, SIPA’s premium news source, and Columbia’s prestigious Journal of International Affairs serve that purpose only to a certain capacity. This gap confounded us. What if I wanted to write a piece on the current constitutional crisis in Pakistan or other present-day political and security issues? And have my analysis published as soon as possible to inform the Columbia community on relevant international affairs events? Where would I go? We soon realized that many of our SIPA colleagues felt the same. 

Thus, It Was Always Burning (IWAB) was born.

IWAB is a platform for informed idea-sharing on the latest topics of international affairs and security, and a publishing opportunity for aspiring commentators. We welcome both experienced and novel perspectives on the latest issues in international security. We encourage discussions, and we strive to incorporate local voices in our pieces. 

“Our goal is to allow students to share in-depth and timely analysis on the political and security developments affecting their in-country experiences,” shares Emmanuelle Cousin (MIA ’23), Executive Director of IWAB. “It’s a win-win, because the SIPA community gets to hear about the ‘local’ perspectives of young people directly concerned by the issues at stake, and the authors get to be published and hone their analytical skills.”

Although only seven weeks young, IWAB has successfully featured interviews with Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez and Eurasia Group founder and CEO Ian Bremmer. The magazine has also highlighted security analyses of current political events from SIPA students. Recently, IWAB featured Ábel Bagdy’s examination of the geopolitical implications of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s reelection and Madai Sauceda’s analysis of Mexico’s placebo democracy.

IWAB does not only feature pieces from Columbia SIPA students, however. The mission of the publication is to feature write-ups from emerging analysts and young professionals eager to dissect the complexities of the global order. To submit a piece or suggest ideas for topics we should be covering, email contact@itwasalwaysburning.com. 

Additionally, IWAB is partnering with SIPA Women in Peace and Security and the International Conflict Resolution specialization to host an intimate writing workshop with successful women in international peace and security on how to write about conflict. The workshop will be on Friday, April 29, 2022 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please register here if you wish to attend.

Hamna Tariq (MIA ’23) is a staff writer for The Morningside Post and managing editor of It Was Always Burning. She is originally from Lahore, Pakistan and enjoys researching and analyzing South Asian socio-political and security issues.