June 7, 2023
The U.S. has over defined National Security as a fight against terrorism for far too long and the U.S. never has faced so many simultaneous threats ever. In this book talk, Tom Shanker and Andrew Hoehn attempt to move discussion away from counterterrorism talks to a more comprehensive definition of American National Security. In the case of China, which was thought of as a place where we [the U.S.] can do business has been predicted in a 1985 article to have an eventual rise in growing economy and a military surplus. Now, China has created an anti access area denial, basically a “keep out” zone for American vessels. Another threat is the Russian state, noting Vladimir Putin as “the threat that was hiding in plain sight.” U.S. intelligence has zero tactical warning about the Russian Ukrainian invasion of 2014, due to America blinding themself because of a lack of intelligence funding. Later, the two writers answer questions on educating the American population, existential threats, and better actions that could be taken in the U.S.-Chinese relationship.
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.
