Meet the Senior Writer

We're back again with another Meet the Team introduction! This week we'd like to introduce another one of our Senior Writers, Joseph Bouchard !

• What motivated you to join Spheres of Influence?

I wanted to gain more experience writing in a journalistic and opinionated format, defending values and causes that I care deeply about.

• What have you gained from the role?

The role has helped me develop my passion for writing and research, and realize the importance of media and information. It has also helped me land roles in other newspapers like The Diplomat and think tanks like the Wilson Center.

• What is your favourite article to date, and why?

My favourite article that I have written, I would say is "What I Learned in Colombia on Election Day." For the article, I visited polling stations in Bogotá, interviewed voters, and paid close attention to the historic elections in Colombia last summer. It was quite a rush to gain information in real-time and work with actual people on an issue that impacts the prospects of millions. Doing fieldwork and attending Gustavo Petro's inauguration was also exhilarating, and I got to talk to activist groups (including supporters of the M-19 and Prímera Línea) about the election.

• What do you want to work on most as part of SOI?

Through my time at Spheres, I have been trying to develop our connection to the worlds of security and geopolitics. I think they are the two most important themes in today's global space. I wanted to create an interest in Canada for Latin American security and geopolitical issues, which are often overshadowed by our Southern neighbour's emphasis on the region.

• What’s one thing not many people know about you?

I am an avid drummer and fan of rock and metal music! Otherwise, I initially planned to focus my writing on Russia and the former Soviet Union, but the more trips I took to Latin America, the more I fell in love with the region and realized its importance and significance. I still cover Russia/FUSSR issues from time to time, but Latin America has become the region I am most passionate about.