February 3, 2021
Despite having the highest total generation of wealth per annum, the United States ranks 22nd in foreign aid allocation as a percentage of GDP. Since the end of the Cold War, during which bilateral aid was used to contain the spread of communism, the United States has become increasingly isolationist in trade. Professor Natsios says that this has opened the path for China to step in, through the Belt and Road Initiative, to accrue sway in the international system/institutions. Faced with a powerful China following its 20th-century aid model, Natsios calls on the US to revive aid spending to regain legitimacy on the world stage.
Andrew Natsios, a current professor at Texas A&M and the former head of the U.S. Agency for International Development, talks about the importance of foreign aid. He emphasizes the historical role that foreign aid played when trying to bring students from other countries to American universities. He believes that this method should be reincorporated Ito Foreign Aid. He also warns that we are at risk of losing control in the international political realm because powers, like China, are using foreign aid as a tactical maneuver to gain leverage. For example, China was promising vaccines to countries in Africa if they voted in support of their political agenda, leaving developing countries no choice but to abide because they are not receiving aid from Western powers.
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.
