UNSA's student magazine: student-led perspectives on the events shaping our international landscape.
“In a time where we are encouraged to simplify narratives, this magazine aspires to challenge this dangerous assumption.”
The Critical Lens was born out of the desire to encourage students of the University of Bologna to share their perspectives on international affairs. It offers well-researched, nuanced essays — and a platform to strengthen academic writing and critical thinking outside the classroom. It is produced entirely by our Editorial Committee.
July 2026 · Three essays and a report.
Geopolitics at Milano Cortina 2026
How the Milano Cortina Games reveal the entanglement between sport and geopolitics — Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Israel — and the growing irrelevance of the Olympic truce.
Modern Private Military Companies and the 14th-century Italian Condottieri
Concentrated wealth, fragmented authority, insufficient public security: what today's private military sector shares with Renaissance Italy's "compagnie di ventura".
The case of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Fifth-generation warfare, media coverage and the strategic timing of military action: how visibility shapes what global public opinion is able to see.
How violations of international law are killing humanitarian aid
2024 was the deadliest year on record for aid workers. A report on attacks against humanitarians and the international response.
Are you a student of the University of Bologna with something to say about international affairs? Submissions open on 4 November 2026 and close on 13 December 2026. The theme will be announced soon.
M. Belen Camperos
Joel Schrader
Oscar Hennin Hetzinger
Mariagledis Kohilamulla A.
Elena Lusetti
Giulia Malaspina
Sara Palotta
Germano Gianturco