March 28, 2023
There has been a great deal of confusion of what the U.S.’s interests are on the global stage. Normally, they are tangible, military, economy, etc., or they revolve around values. One of the more defining interests is defending a certain type or world order, one of liberalism, democracy, and freedom. Kagan then digresses into America’s history where in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the U.S. was invulnerable to outside attack, and as a nation it chose to intervene with conflicts. In World War One, world order was changed entirely, so the U.S. chose to fight for the liberal world order to return, one that ensure American prosperity. That same liberal world order was defended once again in World War Two, when it was threatened by fascism and imperial Japan. For a modern twist, the Ukrainian invasion once again has given the U.S. a choice to make, wither to fight for the liberal world order hastily, or to wait to see if any outcomes arise. Kagan in the question-and-answer portions discusses topics surrounding Senator William Borah, the Great Debate of 1940-1941, and views of communism versus fascism in the U.S. government.
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.
