May 5, 2021
The reign of Liberal Internationalism, which has guided an outward-facing US foreign policy since the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, has seemingly come to an end with the Trump presidency. Pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, defunding the WHO during the Covid pandemic, and reneging on a variety of other diplomatic relations, the US seems to have recycled those isolationist policies that dominated the first 200 years of its history. Dr. Kupchan prescribes a blended approach for the Biden administration going forward—only through cleaning one’s house (i.e. restrengthening civil, political, and economic rights) can the US rebuild diplomatic, economic, and military ties that prove beneficial for all parties involved.
Charles Kupchan talks on the condition of American statecraft and the three major transitions we have had in recent years. He first outlines that prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor the American government was in an era of isolation. Yet, following the bombing, the US entered a contrasting liberal internationalism period. Yet, when Trump ran for president, he moved us back into an isolationist era as a response to the call from the American people to put American first—particularly from the working class right. Kupchan calls this choice by Trump and extreme overcorrection which he believed Biden must fix. He points out three things that he believes Biden must correct and learn from the Trump admin. First, continuing to put Americans first and focusing on domestic policy. Second, pulling America out of costly but ineffective wars. Lastly, learning to be pragmatic rather than too ideologic—meaning not splitting the world into two sectors autocratic and democratic. But rather, meeting the global world where it’s at and being a global player despite ideological differences.
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.
It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.
