November 10, 2023
It is without doubt that China has become a major actor and attacker in the international system. As Colby goes on to extensively explain, the global landscape of foreign policy as we know it is headed towards irreversible conditions. He passionately puts forth his criticism of politicians’ lack of urgency when it comes to tackling the rise and threat of China. America’s standing as a global superpower is being directly confronted by China’s rising military and economic strength, and in Colby’s eyes, we are not doing nearly enough. China’s growth doesn’t just create an issue in terms of balance of power, but considering the qualities of the state and leader, this growth will only result in a complete collapse. China’s plans to invade Taiwan is the first of many steps that is projected to destroy sovereignty and democracy as we know it. Will China be successful? In Colby’s defense, if America continues to divide and distribute valuable resources to Ukraine and the Middle East, all it will do is detract from adequately addressing the largest threat to America and the world. It is only if America forms a strong, direct, unhesitant military intervention and prioritizes military and hard over soft power that resolving this conflict can be imagined. Colby’s passion and imminence in his talk is formed through the recognition of how catastrophic and severe this conflict can go. If China’s plan to conquer Taiwan succeeds, the fear of them extending their influence globally becomes a tangible concern.
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.
