Charles Kupchan ​

Event information

Charles Kupchan ​

Senior Fellow,  The Council on Foreign Relations

​Professor, Georgetown University

​Former Director for European Affairs on the National Security Council

Future U.S. Global Engagement, Where, When and Why?

DATE: May 5, 2021 6:00 pm

Background

Prior to WWII, the U.S. was essentially an isolationist nation.  Although it had joined with its allies in WWI, after the Great War, the U.S. essentially retreated back to North America.  Then, subsequent to the end of WWII, the U.S. became globally engaged and a world superpower shaping the post-cold war era.  However, recently, there has been a call by many within the U.S. to back away from many of its global commitments.

 

Please join the BCFA for a discussion of the history of U.S. global engagement since the founding of the nation, through the late 1800s, the two world wars, the cold war, the unipolar moment, and recently the reemergence of great power competition. We will then explore the question of where, when and why should the U.S. engage in global affairs in the future.

Share:

Questions about the program?

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Be the First to Hear about Upcoming Speakers

© BCFA All Rights Reserved.

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.

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.