February 24, 2021
The world in which we currently live is multipolar—the international political universe revolving around the United States, Russia, and China. At the top of this influential triad is the democratic United States, with the two autocratic states attempting to overtake this position. Dr. Matthew Kroenig says that this has been a trend in world history for the past 400 years—as democratic institutions better contribute to a state’s ability to run the world stage. The three hegemonic powers of the long global era—the Dutch, the British, and the Americans—have used the advantages of democratic institutions to forge strong economies, powerful diplomatic alliances, and able militaries to consolidate and keep power, even in the face of autocratic competition
Matthew Kroenig outlines in his talk an argument from his book, The Return of Great Power Rivalry. In his book, backed with political science theory, case studies, and data, he argues that although Russia and China—along with other authoritative regime—are on the rise, democratic powers like the United States are the only way to maintain power. To maintain global control a state must maintain economic power, diplomatic power, and military power and Kroenig argues democracies are better equipped in these areas. Kroenig says that the U.S. will remain the world’s leading system for the foreseeable future, but in his lecture, he noticeably leaves out the areas in which the U.S lack while continually pointing towards the downfalls of our global competitors—China and Russia.
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.
