THE WASHINGTON AND LEE
POLITICAL REVIEW
About the Political Review
The Washington & Lee Political Review is a peer-reviewed undergraduate academic journal with a clear emphasis on political science and political theory. The Review showcases exceptional undergraduate scholarship and serves as an ambassador to the academic community at large.
The Political Review is a non-partisan journal committed to publishing the academic work of students all areas of politics and encouraging civil campus discourse.
OUr TEAM
Editor-in-Chief
Samuel Cook
Samuel Cook is a senior from Gastonia, North Carolina, double-majoring in Politics and Computer Science with a minor in Chinese. He revived the Political Review after years of dormancy, serving as Editor-in-Chief. His interests center on classical Chinese political philosophy, Western political theory, and how AI intersects with governance and self-rule. Outside of the Review, he serves on the Facility Executive Committee and is the founder of HillDesk, an AI-assisted congressional scheduling tool. He enjoys camping, game development, tea, and travel.
Managing Editor
Kathryn Price
Kathryn Price is a junior from Richmond, Virginia, majoring in Classics and Philosophy with a minor in Law, Justice, and Society. In addition to editing for the Political Review, she is a Career Fellow, LEAD facilitator, member of General Admissions a cappella, and member of Alpha Delta Pi.
Editors
Akash Abraham
Akash Abraham is a junior from Las Vegas, Nevada who is passionate about learning politics, economics, and law. His primary interest is in South Asian politics and U.S.-India diplomacy. He is the Political Chair for Mock Convention 2028, Editor-in-Chief for The W&L Spectator, and President of W&L's Cricket Club. Outside of academics, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, weightlifting, playing cricket, and watching professional sports.
James Eustis
James Eustis is a senior from Charlottesville, Virginia, double majoring in Politics and History with a minor in Entrepreneurship. He joined the Political Review due to his passion for political writing. He previously served as Editor-in-Chief of The W&L Spectator and interned with RealClearPolitics. He currently serves as a Communications Intern at the Virginia Institute for Public Policy.
Ava Nasse
Ava Nasse is a senior from Alexandria, Virginia, majoring in Politics. In addition to serving as an editor for the Political Review, Ava works as a Program Manager at the J. Lawrence Connolly Center for Entrepreneurship and as the Executive Marketing Chair for the Pre-Law Society. She is also a member of the Delta Society and a former Summer Research Scholar.
Ryan O'Connor
Ryan O'Connor is a sophomore from Wesley Chapel, Florida, double-majoring in Business Administration and Politics with a minor in Journalism. He joined The Political Review to expand his political knowledge through research-based analysis while sharpening his editing skills. He is also Secretary of the Alexander Hamilton Society and the Student Environmental Action League, and founder of Tennis Starts with Love, an adaptive tennis program for children with developmental delays.
Brody Sandifer-Williams
Brody Sandifer-Williams is junior from Asheville, NC. He majors in Global Politics and minors in Arabic language. Brody is primarily interested in Middle Eastern politics and culture, as well as national security issues more generally. In addition to the Political Review, he is a staff writer for the Spectator, a member of College Democrats, and of the Alexander Hamilton Society. Beyond academics, Brody loves hiking as well as all things soccer related.
Frannie Tiffey
Frannie Tiffey is a senior from Charleston, WV, double majoring in Politics and American History. She is most interested in learning about politics and law, specifically national security and defense. Along with being an editor for the Political Review, she also serves as president of her sorority and is a spin instructor. Outside of academics, she enjoys spending time with friends and trying new activities and restaurants in Lexington.
Xandy Veague
Xandy Veague is a senior from Concord, MA. She is pursuing majors in History and Politics with a minor in Poverty Studies. Her primary interest is in 20th century American politics and its influence on Supreme Court decisions, as well as Presidential administrations.
She is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and Jubilee acapella group. In her free time, Xandy enjoys reading, going on walks, and cooking with her roommates.
Copy Editors
Anya Beres
Anya Beres is a sophomore from Upstate New York who is passionate about learning politics, law, and cognitive and behavioral science. She is primarily interested in American constitutional law and government. She is a First-Year Orientation Leader, Traveller employee, member of Greek Life, and LEAD participant. Outside of academics, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing softball, and volunteering.
Graphic Design/Social Media Managers
Lucy Gates
Lucy Gates is a sophomore from Richmond, Virginia, studying History and Museum Studies. While not directly involved in politics, she has strong beliefs that everyone should know about their local government and receive basic civic education. She is also grateful for the discussions surrounding politics that the Political Review and other organizations encourage on campus. She is also involved with InGeneral, Art Museum Student Engagement Committee, and RUF. She loves Mahjong, postcards, art, and the Russian language.
Olivia Magee
Olivia Magee is a sophomore from Ponchatoula, Louisiana who is passionate about learning law, philosophy, and religion. She finds her most interest in political restructuring and inadequacies regarding legislation about online/internet policies. She is interested in pursuing a role as a Federal Prosecutor. Olivia is a Campus Kitchen Leader, Bonner Scholar, and does a majority of her volunteering off campus at Project Horizon. Outside of academic she enjoys painting, reading, playing volleyball, hiking, and playing video games!
