February 24, 2025
On February 19th, the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs hosted Former Senator Ben Cardin for his 10th appearance with the Council.
Senator Cardin make his position clear: “America’s strength is in its values” (ex: support for democracies, good governance, anti-corruption, and human rights). According to Cardin “we have a responsibility as Americans, as the leader of the free world…to help lead the world to be a safer, fairer, more prosperous world.”
Cardin recognizes that many of the global challenges we face, such as the global decline in democracy and the rise of transactional foreign policy, predate Donald Trump’s presidency. However, Cardin worries that the Trump administration has weakened our standing as a reliable international partner and incorrectly dismissed the importance of soft power as a means of securing our international interest.
Cardin advocates for more extensive cooperation across the aisle, and argues that “we need to listen to people who have different views…we really do need to work to form partisan coalitions.”
Despite his concerns, Cardin’s closing remarks were hopeful. “We can bring about change…This is a great nation, each of us has a responsibility to figure our how we can get effectively engaged to make our country and world a better, a more prosperous, a more peaceful place…You can make a difference.”
Watch the video of this presentation on our YouTube page to learn more about Former Senator Cardin’s perspective on the challenges facing the United States and the future of US foreign policy under the Second Trump Administration.
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.
