Cooper Schirmeier

  

Volume 9 | Issue II | June 2025

The Potomac School ’25 | Virginia, United States

Vanderbilt University ’29

  

International relations, politics, and history have always been more than subjects to me; they are lenses through which I explore systems of power, identity, and change. From early high school, I’ve been drawn to how historical events ripple through time, influencing modern alliances, economic models, and political ideologies. Contemporary developments, from the strategic influence of the Wagner Group in the Sahel region of Africa to the evolution of agro-economics in European agricultural policy, have further sparked my desire to understand the globalized nature of the international community. My interest in research has been further cultivated through my participation in my school’s Global Perspectives and Citizenship concentration. With just nine students, the program encourages an in-depth exploration of international politics, economics, and the dynamics between civilizations. This setting refined my analytical approach and deepened my understanding of global affairs, nurturing my intellectual curiosity to engage in extensive research. The work I produced reflects a growing commitment to discovery and a desire to explore the nuanced ways historical and political forces shape our present and future. In my future academic pursuits, I plan to study international economics and hope to have the opportunity to continually explore topics that inspire my curiosity.