Posts in Global
Volunteers from Around the World Join the War in Ukraine
Volunteers from Around the World Join the War in Ukraine

“Less than a month ago, Brazilian shooting instructor Tiago Rossi had no active combat experience; today, he is fighting as a volunteer for Ukraine against Russia, one of the world’s strongest militaries. “I came here to fulfill my mission - if I die it’s because that’s how God willed it,” Rossi said of his decision. According to Ukrainian officials, he is one of almost 16,000 international volunteers who has signed up to join Ukraine’s new International Legion of Territorial Defense.”

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GlobalErich HessUkraine, International Conflict, RussiaComment
A Sphere of Fractured Influence: Why Putin Has Waged Unprovoked War in Ukraine and NATO’s Involvement in Aiding the Crisis
A Sphere of Fractured Influence: Why Putin Has Waged Unprovoked War in Ukraine and NATO’s Involvement in Aiding the Crisis

“Given the history of political and ideological conflict between Western nations and Russia, recent Ukrainian alignment with Western nations as well as NATO has been perceived as betrayal by Putin. With former Soviet nations like Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania already members of NATO, Putin faces a waning sphere of Russian influence in Eastern Europe. Putin’s manifestation of war in Ukraine reveals his fear of losing political influence, as demonstrated by his impetuous and desperate military endeavor to maintain political influence and power over Ukraine.”

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GlobalNia SmithUkraine, War, Putin, Russia, International Conflict, NATO, Europe, EUComment
The World Has Moved to Sanction Russia. Will It Make a Difference?
The World Has Moved to Sanction Russia. Will It Make a Difference?

“Still, this conflict has only been going on for a relatively short period of time (12 days). No one knows how strong Russia’s resolve is in bearing the costs of these sanctions. No one can say whether these sanctions will help bring an end to this war. However, history has shown that sanctions cause real human suffering and have yet to win major concessions for the U.S.”

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GlobalTanner BaileyRussia, Sanctions, Ukraine, Economy, International RelationsComment
Hidden Culture in the Himalayas: Kharnaks in the Changthang
Hidden Culture in the Himalayas: Kharnaks in the Changthang

“Extinction of the animals these groups care for will lead to their cultural extinction as well. The struggles that tribes in Changthang face are unfortunately echoed globally as climate change drastically impacts indigenous groups…The loss of practice does not seem as grave as the loss of history and legacy-a connection to the people who came before-the past and future gone. Without a connection to the traditions and knowledge of past generations, the longevity of tradition remains insecure.”

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Global, EssaysHannah GarnerCulture, Cultural Preservation, Nomads, EssaysComment
The Faces of a Politically Charged Winter Olympics
The Faces of a Politically Charged Winter Olympics

"Dubbed “The Genocide Olympics,” opponents cite China’s mass detention and re-education of Uygher muslims in Xinjiang as well as the country’s rampant censorship of dissidents as reasons to boycott the games. China has continued to push back, denying the existence of a genocide and limiting criticism within the country. As a result of this tension, some Olympic athletes are being pulled away from their sports and thrust into politics as they become the faces of an increasingly controversial Olympic Games.”

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GlobalErich HessOlympics, China, Uyghur Muslims, Beijing, Olympic Boycott, International Relations, SportsComment
In the Streets of Buenos Aires: Protests Against the IMF
In the Streets of Buenos Aires: Protests Against the IMF

“Thousands of Argentinians have taken to the streets of Buenos Aires to protest a new deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The deal is meant to help Argentina repay roughly $45 billion in IMF loans by deferring debt payments dates in exchange for Argentina’s agreement to meet IMF-specified economic targets, specifically reducing their fiscal deficit and limiting spending.”

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Global, Editor's PicksJacob HoechsterGlobal, International Relations, IMF, International Development, Argentina, Latin America, South America, Inflation, Debt, Editor's PickComment
13 U.S. States Back Mexican Lawsuit, Blame Gun Companies for Exporting Violence
13 U.S. States Back Mexican Lawsuit, Blame Gun Companies for Exporting Violence

“The lawsuit comes amid a decades-long drug war that has claimed the lives of over 150,000 Mexicans, many of them shot dead by traffickers armed with U.S.-made guns. Mexico’s stringent gun laws ban virtually all firearm sales, so the cartels rely on stolen and foreign weapons to wage war on rivals and the authorities.”

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Editor's Picks, GlobalJonathan OsborneMexico, Gun Laws, Cartel, International Relations, Lawsuit, Editor's PickComment
Former Congresswoman and Hostage Ingrid Betancourt to Run for President in Colombia
Former Congresswoman and Hostage Ingrid Betancourt to Run for President in Colombia

“Now, almost two decades later, Betancourt has returned to finish what she started. In her announcement, Betancourt said ‘While the FARC enslaved me and my companions, the drug cartels, violent groups and corrupt politicians enslaved each of you. We are going to leave behind this culture of mafias, violence and lies, and we are going to learn again to be free citizens.’”

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GlobalErich HessLatin America, Columbia, Elections, GlobComment
Bandaids for Bullet Holes: Biden’s Incompetence Risks a Russian Incursion of Ukraine
Bandaids for Bullet Holes: Biden’s Incompetence Risks a Russian Incursion of Ukraine

“Bloodshed threatens to repeat itself in Ukraine. In 2014, Putin annexed the Crimean peninsula after its citizens chose to join Russia in a disputed referendum. Russia’s annexation not only challenged Ukrainian sovereignty but challenged the post-1945 world order. But now, tensions threaten to blow. Reminiscent of the expansionist dreams of the Soviet Union, Russia appears to be on the verge of invading Ukraine once again.”

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GlobalMichelle LiuRussia, Biden, Putin, Ukraine, NATO, WarComment
Fret Not, Worldwide Inflation is Merely Transitory
Fret Not, Worldwide Inflation is Merely Transitory

“Global consumers have not witnessed such high levels of inflation since the baby boom after World War II. But these fears of runaway inflation are unfounded, especially considering the nature of the post-COVID economy. Heeding the Federal Reserve’s characterization of inflation as ‘transitory,’ global inflation will fall as the international economy rebounds through the post-COVID fallout.”

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GlobalMichelle LiuInflation, EconomyComment
Armistice Day: Long-Awaited Recognition for Punjabi Soldiers (WWI)
Armistice Day: Long-Awaited Recognition for Punjabi Soldiers (WWI)

“The release of these letters is significant for reminding the world of the contributions of non-Western nations in the World Wars, as well as allowing the descendants of the soldiers to connect to their heritage… Marginalized history of the Punjabi soldiers who fought in World War I reflects the forgotten roles and suppressed history of subjugated peoples by the Western world.”

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GlobalHannah GarnerHistory, WWI, IndiaComment
State Corruption Threatens to Impede South Africa’s Transition to Renewable
State Corruption Threatens to Impede South Africa’s Transition to Renewable

“South Africa’s $8.5 billion funding package represents a pivotal rejection against climate inaction. Lethargy may be a political opiate, but the passion at the COP26 proves one notable fact: 2022 is not the year to cry alligator tears. But, caught up in fervency, policymakers may forget that political intricacies and the normalization of corporate corruption can hinder their lofty goals.”

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Editor's Picks, GlobalMichelle LiuClimate Change, Foreign Policy, South Africa, COP26, Editor's PickComment