About the Journal
Mission
The University of Rochester Journal for Law, Politics, & Foreign Policy aims to provide undergraduates a platform for rigorous, thoughtful discourse on law, politics, foreign policy, economics, and related social sciences topics. By emphasizing accessible, non-empirical pieces and encouraging diverse perspectives, the journal seeks to enrich campus discourse and foster the next generation of scholars and practitioners in public service, law, and policy.
Background
Founded in 2025 by Pre-Law Society Co-President, Kanishk Shanmugam, and Alexander Hamilton Society Chapter President, Athena Haq, the Journal was created to better showcase student work that falls outside the strictly empirical research genre. While the University offers literary outlets in formal research, campus news, and the arts, there has been a gap in the area devoted to a specific form of analytical writing.
As a STEM-focused institution without a law school in the Greater Rochester area, the University of Rochester has many students of diverse academic backgrounds who have found a interest in law, policy, and other social sciences. The Journal was established to encourage these students to write about issues they are passionate about, and to deeply engage with the ideas that fellow peers bring to the table. This edition is the first compilation of that work.
Masthead
Editorial Board 2025-2026
Co-Founder & Editor: Kanishk Shanmugam, Class of 2026
Co-Founder & Publisher: Athena Haq, Class of 2027
Co-Editor-in-Chief: Chloe Yokitis, Class of 2028
Co-Editor-in-Chief: Austin DeLorme, Class of 2028
Funding
The Journal receives funding from the Alexander Hamilton Society.
JLPFP 