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RICHARD N. HAASS

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RICHARD N. HAASS

PRESIDENT, COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS

THE WORLD: A Brief Introduction

DATE: November 2, 2020 6:00 pm

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Background

Young Americans suffer from poor educations. Older people find it hard to keep up with the major and substantial changes that have unfolded since the end of the Cold War. The consequences of ignorance: American disengagement from the wider world and poor decision-making at a moment of mounting global dysfunction.

 

There have of course been positive trends over the last 30 years. At the forefront is a huge decline in the proportion of the world population living in extreme poverty. But the positive changes are offset by problematic developments like declining support for democratic institutions, rapidly growing global inequality, the inability for nations to come together to fight climate change, and the resurgence of great power rivals: China and Russia. One could reasonably argue that “global disorder” is accelerating in the years ahead.  The question then is, what can and should the United States do?

 

This talk will discuss the above issues and Dr. Haass’ new Book, a New York Times bestseller: The World: A Brief Introduction and with it world history, what drives various regions of the world, the challenges of globalization, the most influential countries, events, and ideas, and what the United States and her allies and partners need to do going forward to ensure continued American security and prosperity.

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Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.

Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

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