January 13, 2021
Holding more than 13% of the world’s crude oil and 30% of its natural gas, the Artic is becoming a hot zone for international dispute. Hot, here, has more than one meaning—as global warming continues to put indigenous people and animals at risk, while the opening of new waterways welcomes more pollutants and activity due North by various capitalist and state ventures. Territorial disputes for land, sea, and continental shelf rights strain tensions for nations sharing the North. A drastically changing environment sets the backdrop for this new era of competition in this semi-charted land.
Mead Treadwell is the former lieutenant State Governor of Alaska and the Former Chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Committee. He emphasizes the importance of U. S’s involvement in the Arctic. There are only 8 nations that are members of the Arctic Council including: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States, and each of these nations own some form of territory in the Arctic region. In comparison to Russia, the United States is very behind in terms of policy and initiative in the region which Mead thinks is detrimental to U.S. security. There are many potential triggers in the Arctic that could bring us to the brink of a hot conflict such as, territorial disputes, resource conflict, denial of access, or even as a mode of expedited transportation for a separate conflict. He believes that it is crucial for the United States to take a more active role in the Arctic because of the security implications at hand.
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.
