January 30, 2024
The fall of the USSR and Berlin Wall in the 1990s ushered in a wave of democratic resurgence, with the Union’s numerous republics and satellite states shifting towards democratic ideals; a stark difference from their previous administrations. As of recently, however, the world has experienced a democratic recession, with many autocratic regimes expanding and gaining traction. Support for democracy is waning and under attack, politically and physically, most presently with the ongoing war in Ukraine. President Biden has made clear that the fight for the preservation of global democracy is a fight we must all partake in. But will we find ourselves in a world governed by free democracies or dictatorial autocratic regimes? Gilchrist explains that authoritarian rulers use everything in their toolbox to gain and retain power, targeting any opposition, and creating an “Us Versus Them” ideology, in turn creating a political environment hostile to the nurturing of democratic ideals and change. Autocrats also create false notions of choice and foster both domestic and international agendas focusing on the resentment and inhibiting of democratic governments and institutions to distract their people from their lack of freedoms. Gilchrist explains that fostering democracies around the world is fundamental to US national security, as democratic nations have proven to be much more successful in every aspect and are also more compatible with the US. He shows that around the world, democratic governments in El Salvador, Chile, and across Europe are improving their democratic foundations and rallying around the cause for democratic preservation and renewal. Throughout his lecture, Gilchrist stresses the need to create a global society that is closely bound together, with strong relationships between democratic governments and civil institutions, to create a freer and safer world.
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.
