Volume XIV Issue V March 2021

India and Pakistan Renew Ceasefire After 20 Years Drew Starbuck In Feb. 2019, the con- Council resolutions on itary source, states NBC. but different circumstanc- ures have not vanished, but Staff Writer flict worsened when India the decades-long dispute According to Foreign es may have prompted the political landscape has blamed Pakistan-based according to Pakistan. Policy, previous cease-fire the latest agreement be- changed. With China’s rise, For the first time in al- armed groups for an at- The region of Kash- violations were caused, in tween India and Pakistan. Pakistan’s political desires, most 20 years, India and tack on the Indian-admin- mir itself has faced many part, by local commanders The recent ceasefire and international pressure, Pakistan have ceased fir- istered Kashmir town of hardships due to contin- on both sides of the bor- may be in the self-inter- this latest gambit could be ing across their shared Pulwama that left more ued conflict. Since 2018, der having considerable est of both sides. India a short-term agreement or border. Military officials than 40 Indian security Indian information shows leeway to undertake mil- has barely stabilized its a major shift in policy for from both nations re- force members dead, ac- that 70 civilians and 72 itary actions. When one northern border with Chi- both nations, states For- leased a joint statement cording to Al Jazeera. Pa- na since a series of clash- eign Policy. To make this stating they have agreed to kistan denies these allega- es last year and may not work, Pakistan will have a new ceasefire that went tions. Al Jazeera describes be eager to start another to rein in the activities of into effect at midnight on that when India carried border crisis with its old terrorist organizations that February 26, according out a retaliatory air attack rival, states Foreign Policy. exist within their borders, to The New York Times. a few days later, Pakistani Pakistan may also have while India will have to The ceasefire agree- jets also scrambled to con- its own reasons to reduce exercise suitable restraint ment includes the disput- duct similar air raids near tensions. Under Former along the Line of Control, ed region of Kashmir in military installations in In- United States President furthers Foreign Policy. the Himalayas, which has dian-administered Kash- Donald Trump, the U.S. The odds may not reflect been the main source of mir. While tensions cooled An India-Pakistan ceasfire has implications for regional security. adopted a tougher stance the situation, but there contention between India when Pakistan returned Courtesy of Flickr toward Pakistan, furthers may finally be a chance for and Pakistan. The region an Indian fighter jet pi- soldiers have been killed side bolsters its position Foreign Policy. With a long-term peace in the con- has seen the two sides lot who was shot down, in the exchange of fire through the construction new U.S. president, it flicted region of Kashmir. regularly exchange artil- the relationship soured across the border, ac- of fortifications, the - op may be in Pakistan’s in- lery and small-arms fire. further in August 2019 cording to NBC. On posing side often initiates terest to demonstrate that Contact Drew at drew.star- Despite the apparent low when India revoked a the Pakistani side, nearly fire. These actions rarely it can be a responsible [email protected] intensity of the conflict, it special constitutional sta- 300 civilians have been have the approval of high- partner in the region and annually kills dozens of vil- tus granted to Indian-ad- killed since 2014, when er commanders or political play a role with the peace lagers and military person- ministered Kashmir. This violations of the original authorities. Many analysts process in Afghanistan. nel in the region, reports move was in violation of ceasefire began to rise, ac- remain doubtful that the While the reasons be- The Washington Post. United Nations Security cording to a Pakistan mil- newest ceasefire will last, hind earlier ceasefire fail- German Politician Resigns Over Mask Scandal

Natalie Sherman she planned to step down world was dealing with a since been forced to resign poorly in elections, accord- are “totally unacceptable” Staff Writer in September. BBC News personal protective equip- from his role in the CDU ing to The Washington and “unforgivable viola- notes that with Merkel ment shortage. party as well as his position Post. Some analysts believe tions of ethical standards.” In Germany, corrup- leaving office, strong CDU According to The in the Bundestag, Germa- that the response to this The most striking con- tion allegations are threat- leadership is needed if the Guardian, MP Nikolas ny’s parliament, following scandal could be the differ- demnation of Löbel and ening the Christian Dem- party is to pick up the torch Löbel’s company earned these allegations. He was ence between whether the Nüsslein, however, comes ocratic Union (CDU) as from the chancellor. 250,000 euros by broker- pressured to do so by the CDU wins the elections or from German President well as its sister party the Two politicians are at ing a deal between face- current leader of the CDU, not. The Washington Post Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Christian Social Union the center of this corrup- mask suppliers and private Armin Laschet. furthers that this is a so- a member of the Social (CSU) ahead of elections tion scandal: Member of companies in the cities of The other MP at the called “super election year” Democrats (SPD). Reuters in multiple German states. Parliament (MP) Niko- Mannheim and Heidelberg. center of the scandal, in which major state elec- quotes Steinmeier as say- The CDU is the party of las Löbel and MP Georg Löbel is the representative Georg Nüsslein, is said to tions take place in addition ing, “MPs, of all people, German Chancellor Ange- Nüsslein. Both earned from Mannheim, a city of have received a commis- to a national election. The are holding out their hand la Merkel, who has been in several hundred thousand 300,000 residents. He ini- sion of 600,000 euros for scandal is impacting the before the modest medical power for 15 years. How- euros from the sale of face tially resigned only from facilitating a deal between entire party and may hurt protection of face masks ever, this scandal is com- masks during the early days his role on the foreign af- facemask manufacturers the seats the CDU can win even reaches the people... ing just months before of the pandemic when the fairs committee but has and the Bavarian Health and the coalitions it will be That is shabby and shame- Ministry. Nüsslein belongs able to form after the na- ful!” to the CSU, the Bavarian tional election. This scandal comes as sister party of the CDU. While discussing the the slow vaccine rollout Rather than resigning im- corruption allegations, across the EU is causing mediately, like MP Löbel Politico reports Armin frustration and ire with- was pressured to, Nüsslein Laschet as saying, “Anyone in Germany. This scandal will stay in office through who, as a representative of reveals how some saw the the end of his term. Ac- the people, tries to make pandemic as an opportu- cording to The Guard- money for himself in this nity to profit off of the ian, Nüsslein denies any crisis must leave parliament current zeitgeist of anxiety wrongdoing. immediately. Any MP who and fear. Many Germans With key elections in enriches himself in the feel that politicians should multiple states just on the crisis damages the highest do more to help Germa- horizon and a national good of democracy, trust.” ny’s recovery and this scan- election in September, this Another prominent dal has shown that some scandal could harm the conservative German politicians have much The scandal undermines the German government’s image as a leader on COVID-19 policy. CDU in regions where it lawmaker told Deutsche more interest in protecting Courtesy of vperemen.com was already performing Welle that these scandals their wallet than German citizens. Join the Team! Inside Int’l News Int’l News Diplo News Opinion Contact Natalie at Focus on Thailand Cracks Down Pope Francis Interview with The “Burqa Ban” Vaccine on Anti-Government Makes Historic Professor Wood on in the Age of natalie.sherman@student. Protests Visit to iraq Diplomacy Conflict Mediation COVID-19 shu.edu On pages 8-9. On page 2. On page 5. On page 7. On page 10. March 2021 Page 2 International News Libyan Parliament Approves Unity Government Charleigh Stone The death of de facto vote of 132-2 in favor, with However, despite the the claims as fake news While the main task of Staff Writer leader Muammar Gaddafi 36 members absent. After- advancement of peace designed to disrupt the po- the new administration in 2011 destabilized Lib- wards, Dbeibah told par- plans, obstacles to unity litical process, urging the is to prepare Libya for Libya’s parliament has ya, causing the country to liament that “through this remain. Reuters reports UN to reveal the details of the Dec. 24 parliamenta- appointed a new inter- split into factions. Since vote, it became clear that that Dbeibah’s appoint- its investigation into the ry elections, Al-Monitor im government in hopes 2014, two rival parliaments the Libyans are one unit.” ment and the size of his accusations. According to reports that they will also of progressing unifica- governed Libya, with rebel The new cabinet in- cabinet have drawn cor- The Guardian, the bribes have to provide essential tion in the conflict-rid- general Khalifa Haftar and cludes 33 ministers and ruption accusations both were as high as $200,000, public services, initiate den state. The govern- the Libyan National Army two deputy prime min- domestically and abroad. with one delegate hearing reconciliation between ment of Prime Minister (LNA) occupying the East isters who are said to be A UN inquiry found that that as much as $500,000 warring factions, address Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and the UN-recognized representative of Libya’s he allegedly gained pow- was offered. The Los An- critical national budget will replace the rivaling Government of National geographic areas and so- er after his supporters geles Times reports that needs, and implement the East-West administrations Accord (GNA) occupying cial segments. The execu- offered bribes to attract a UN panel of experts October 2020 ceasefire that have been ruling Lib- the West. The UN has tak- tive branch also includes votes during the Libyan determined at least three agreement brokered by the ya for years, a transition en an active role in Libyan a three-member Presiden- Political Dialogue Forum, participants at the political top UN envoy for Libya, that PBS reports was ap- post-conflict efforts at the tial Council that will be a UN-selected assembly of forum were offered bribes, Stephanie Turco Williams. proved by 132 lawmakers. request of the country’s chaired by Mohammed 75 Libyan representatives though the prime minister The process is further The appointment of authorities, establishing Younes Menfi, a diplomat from the country’s war- candidate was unnamed, complicated by the pres- officials to serve within the United Nations Sup- from Eastern Libya. Naj- ring factions that gathered and the participants were ence of foreign powers the unity government has port Mission for Libya la El Mangoush, a lawyer to elect an interim prime “categorical in their re- taking sides in the conflict. emerged after months of (UNSMIL) in 2011. UN- and human rights activist, minister to serve until na- jection of the bribes.” Historically, Haftar and the negotiation, with the Unit- SMIL’s mandate has been will serve as Libya’s first tional elections were held. Dbeibah has also faced LNA have seen comradery ed Nations brokering a po- modified and extended by female foreign minister. Dbeibah’s office denies backlash for not delivering from Egypt, France, the litical roadmap to hold par- the Security Council every on promises that 30 per- United Arab Emirates, and liamentary and presidential year since its inception, cent of ministerial posts Russia, while the interna- elections on December 24. with the current man- would go to women. In tionally recognized GNA PBS furthers that Dbei- date extending the mis- the end, only five wom- has been backed by Tur- bah, a powerful business- sion until September 15. en were appointed among key and Qatar. As Libya’s man from the western city Fayez al-Serraj, head of 31 government posts. new unity government ap- Misrata, pledged to respect the GNA, congratulated In a joint statement is- proaches these tasks, how- this date following his con- the unity government that sued by France, Germany, ever, there is still hope that firmation. He also told will replace his own admin- Italy, the United Kingdom, the decade-old conflict is lawmakers that “the war istration. Deutche Welle and the United States, the on the road to resolution. should not be repeated. We reports that Dbeibah’s approval of a unity gov- cabinet was approved after ernment has been praised Contact Charleigh at should not kill each other Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, Prime Minister-elect of Libya during again,” as the country pro- two days of intense delib- the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum. as a “critical step” despite [email protected]. gresses toward unification. eration in Sirte, obtaining a Courtesy of Flickr the “long road ahead.” edu Thailand Cracks Down on Continued Anti-Government Protests

Lauren-Marie Diawatan the resignation of Prime 2019 election rules in his Rights Watch explains that Thailand to “bring this law mation of the monarchy, Staff Writer Minister Prayuth Chan- favor and feel that the the court denied the activ- in line” after Thai authori- the revision of the mili- Ocha, who led the 2014 current constitution gives ists’ bail requests multiple ties charged 35 protesters, tary-centric constitution, On March 8, Thai- coup, and the reformation the king too much power. times, despite Thailand’s including a 16-year-old, and the end of intimi- land’s Bangkok Crimi- of the Thai monarchy. The three leaders, ratification of the Inter- under Article 112. The dation and harassment nal Court detained three Al Jazeera furthers that Panusaya “Rung” Sithi- national Covenant on statement urges the coun- tactics against those crit- pro-democracy activists demonstrators gathered jirawattanakul, Jatapuat Civil and Political Rights, try to stop using criminal ical of the government. on the charge of insulting in Bangkok demanding “Pai” Boonpattararaksa, which allows bail requests charges against its citizens International students the monarchy, according the release of some of the and Panupong “Mike” or a faster trial for those for “exercising their rights were warned against par- to Human Rights Watch. protest leaders on March Jadnok, were charged denied bail. Jadnok felt his to freedom of expression ticipating in protests or Al Jazeera states that 15 6. Protesters shouted for with lese majeste, the in- group and him were un- and peaceful assembly.” risk losing their visas, re- other protesters were in- authorities to “release sult of a monarch, for deterred with being jailed, NPR reports that activ- ports Reuters. The day dicted over attending an- our friends” as they sur- their speeches demanding stating that their work was ist leader Panusaya Sithiji- after Bangkok’s Criminal ti-government rallies on rounded a criminal court. monarchy reform at a ral- “only the beginning,” and rawattanakul first spoke Court order, the Asian charges of sedition and Groups burned photo- ly on September 19, 2020. that their cause would out against the monarchy Institute of Technology disobeying a ban on public graphs of the king, chant- Their cases resemble the “go ahead even without in August 2020 as a stu- sent out an email, ask- assemblies. The pro-de- ing for the government to court decision to place us,” Al Jazeera reports. dent at Thammasat Uni- ing for students to “be mocracy movement arose “Abolish 112.” Protesters four other pro-democracy Article 112 outlines versity, reading a manifes- respectful of the laws last year when youth pro- accuse the prime minis- activists in pretrial deten- lese majeste in Thailand’s to calling for the reform and policies of the host testers began demanding ter of manipulating the tion in February. Human criminal code: whoev- of Thailand’s monarchy. country Thailand.” De- er “defames, insults, or In an interview, she felt spite the threats, foreign threatens the King, the that “the monarchy has to students have taken to the Queen, the Heir-apparent be under law like every- streets in protest of Thai- or the Regent” will face in- one else in this country,” land’s government. While carceration of three to 15 stating that the manifesto the institution claims it years. According to Al Ja- was the “first level” to af- was passing on a request zeera, the deputy commis- fect change in the coun- from the country’s im- sioner of Bangkok Met- try. Amnesty Internation- migration bureau, the ropolitan Police Bureau al explains that protests chief of the immigration emphasized that “protests began in early 2020 with office of the university’s are illegal” at a police con- university students and province explained no ference, and anyone who schoolchildren primarily request was made con- participates or invites leading the movement, cerning foreign students. others to “is breaking the organizing, and participat- law.” In December 2020, a ing in protests. The main Contact Lauren at spokesperson for the UN demands of the protesters laurenmarie.diawatan@ High Commissioner for include the dissolution of student.shu.edu Human Rights called for the parliament, the refor- Anti-government protestors show the Three Finger Salute, a symbol of rebellion from the Hunger Games Series. Courtesy of Khaosod English (Wikimedia Commons) March 2021 International News Page 3 Brazilian Supreme Court Overturns Conviction of Former President Hamzah Khan aro won the election. viction. This judge, Ser- new cases and nearly Court’s ruling came down, according to The Guard- Staff Writer Lula was President of gio Moro, later became 13,000 deaths reported saying “This country is in ian. He encouraged the Brazil from 2003 to 2010 the justice minister in during last week alone. a state of utter tumult and use of masks and social In a recent ruling, the as the leader of the left- President Bolsonaro’s ad- Throughout the pandem- confusion because there’s distancing and spoke Supreme Court of Brazil wing Worker’s Party. Ac- ministration. The court ic, Bolsonaro consistent- no government,” reports about the strength of the overturned the corrup- cording to The Guardian, found that Moro expe- ly downplayed the virus, The Guardian. He also Brazilian people. Politi- tion conviction of for- Lula oversaw the largest dited trial dates so that calling it a “measly flu” told CNN that “[Bolson- cians from across the po- mer two-term President economy in Latin Amer- Lula’s defense could not while mocking masks and aro] prefers to wake up at litical spectrum praised his Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ica during his eight years put together coherent ar- lockdowns. He contract- four o’clock in the morn- tone which struck a deep (Lula), according to BBC in office. Under his ad- guments, all but ensuring ed COVID-19 early in ing, tell his lies through contrast to Bolsonaro’s News. The conviction ministration, 28 million that Lula would be con- the pandemic and touted his mobile phone… and fleeting attitude towards was related to the massive people were lifted out of victed and barred from unproven cures, such as we have been producing the virus. Time reports anti-corruption investiga- poverty and Brazil under- running for office before hydroxychloroquine, to fake news as we’ve nev- that Bolsonaro is now tion known as “Operation went a significant period the 2018 elections. The the public. He consistent- er seen in the history of changing his tune on the Car Wash” that exposed of economic growth. He Supreme Court also found ly undermined his health Brazil, and he’s not deal- virus and trying to acquire the largest corruption remained incredibly pop- that Moro had commit- officials and in the span ing seriously.” Lula’s out- more vaccines from Rus- scandal in Latin Ameri- ular in Brazil despite his ted an “abuse of power” of the pandemic, has spokenness has fueled sia, China, and Pfizer. It ca. The Supreme Court, conviction in 2017, which and nullified all of the gone through four health speculation that he may is clear to him that in the however, ruled that Lu- many people viewed as Car Wash charges made ministers, two of whom run for president against upcoming election, Lula la’s conviction was invalid politically motivated. by his court against Lula resigned because of his Bolsonaro in 2022, and remains his biggest threat. because the court he was According to The In- including allowing him to response. According to when asked, he replied tried in lacked jurisdic- tercept, there were many run for president again. Time, he told Brazilians, “I will not deny that in- Contact Hamzah at tion. He was convicted disparities among the This ruling comes at early in March, to “stop vitation.” Although he is [email protected]. of money laundering in judges who voted in Lu- a conspicuous time for whining” about the ris- 75 years old, he claims he edu 2017 and subsequently la’s original trial, creating President Bolsonaro who ing death tolls and spread still has a lot of energy, barred from running for doubt in people’s minds is facing a lot of criticism vaccine misinformation, and has led Bolsonaro by office in 2018 when he about its authenticity. The for his handling of the saying it could “turn 12 points in a recent poll. was considered the front- Supreme Court found coronavirus. According people into crocodiles.” In his speech, Lula runner in the presiden- that a judge in Lula’s case to The Washington Post, Lula excoriated Bol- spoke about the impor- tial race. With no signifi- had illegally collaborated the outbreak in Brazil sonaro’s handling of the tance of getting vaccinat- cant opposition, far-right with the prosecutors to is “worse than it’s ever pandemic in a speech de- ed and remaining vigilant candidate Jair Bolson- help ensure Lula’s con- been” with nearly 500,000 livered shortly after the in the face of the virus, India Threatens to Deport Rohingya Refugees to Myanmar Kiara McGaughey West Bengal this year after checked for identification show adequate citizenship ya a violation of both threats by the Indian gov- Staff Writer officials started to claim and permits of residency. documents for India or international law and the ernment that more refu- that Rohingya refugees A ‘verification exer- Myanmar. Most Rohingya guidelines of the UN’s gees will be detained and Authorities in Jammu were “illegally becoming cise’ was conducted on refugees are considered International Principle of deported have sparked detained over 200 Ro- Indian citizens,” accord- March 14 in Jammu, stateless, as citizenship Refoulment, as the gov- panic throughout Rohing- hingya refugees in early ing to The Guardian. The during which refugee for Rohingya peoples was ernment is attempting ya refugee communities March and are threaten- Hindu Nationalist gov- camps were raided and revoked in Myanmar in to send refugees back to across the state. France24 ing to deport them to ernment of India, run by refugees were summoned 1985, and most refugees a state in which they will reports about the prolif- Myanmar, the state from the Bharatiya Janata party, by police and detained, only applied for refugee be physically unsafe and eration of videos of Ro- which they are fleeing. has stated that they believe continues The Guardian. status from the UN and at risk of being exposed hingya refugees attempt- India claims that the ref- Rohingya refugees are Those who were detained did not apply for Indian to genocidal violence. ing to flee from camps to ugees are considered “il- illegal immigrants and a were taken to Hiranagar citizenship. Ravi Nair, a human rights avoid returning to Myan- legal immigrants” and security threat, calling for jail outside of Jammu and Many human rights lawyer in New Delhi, has mar. In response, Indian explains they are in the the mass deportation of are being prepared for groups and lawyers both filed a petition against authorities have encircled process of deporting the Rohingya refugees. There deportation. The Indian in India and abroad have the detention and depor- some of the camps and detainees back to their have since been ‘verifica- Government has stated condemned the Indian tation of the refugees, are preventing refugees home country, despite the tion exercises’ throughout that the reason for the government’s actions. which is now pending from leaving, causing continued severe violence refugee camps across In- deportation of the refu- They are calling the de- in the Indian Supreme many refugees to flee into against Rohingya Mus- dia in which refugees are gees is that they did not portation of the Rohing- Court, Al Jazeera reports. the forests. Some refu- lims in the region. The According to CNN, the gees fleeing from camps government claims that Indian government still are now trying to seek the detained refugees did stands firm in its claim help at UNCHR centers not have valid permits of that the deportation of across the country. How- residency, despite many Rohingya refugees to ever, according to VOA of the detainees having Myanmar does not violate News, the situation has UN-issued refugee iden- the UN’s guidelines. The only worsened as refugees tification cards. The In- government has also ar- seeking aid from the of- dian government claims gued that India was not a fice UNCHR in New Del- that refugee identification signatory to the UN Con- hi were detained by police cards are not considered vention on the Status of outside the building. valid in India. Refugees, which protects The recent mass de- and outlines the rights of Contact Kiara at tention of refugees is a refugees, and therefore kiara.mcgaughey@student. part of the latest crack- should not be held to it. shu.edu down by the Indian gov- The mass detentions, ernment, which started in Rohingya refugees are being detained and deported from India to Myanmar. refugee camp raids, and Courtesy of The Great Norwegian Encyclopedia March 2021 Page 4 International News Nearly 100 Killed in Equatorial Guinea Explosion Timothy Georgetti er storage of munitions. strengthened the opposi- cars was seized and sold out and pledged humani- and economic terms, as well Staff Writer These high caliber muni- tion’s calls for both him as part of a money-laun- tarian resources. Without as the political pressure on tions, which were stored in and his son, who serves dering investigation into more substantial aid in the Nguema administration Early in the day on a depot on Bata’s Nkoan- a dual role as Equatorial President Obiang Ngue- addition to Spain’s con- from opposition, the po- March 7, a large explosion toma Military Base, were Guinean Vice President ma’s son in Switzerland. tribution, it is likely that litical future of Equatorial ripped through blocks of said to have exploded after and Defense Minister, to In the same year, the those injured in the explo- Guinea is still to be decid- Bata, the largest city in a fire on neighboring land be removed from office. president was forced to sion will continue to suf- ed. Only time will tell if Equatorial Guinea. The migrated onto the base. The corruption claims agree to a $30 million fer. The Associated Press this tragedy will be the end death toll continues to rise, While Deutsche Welle has against President Obiang dollar settlement with the reports that most of the of the Nguema presiden- with official reports hov- quoted President Obiang Nguema are based on United States Govern- hospitals in and around cy or if his response can ering around a death toll Nguema as saying the both his personal eco- ment in a case that cen- the city of Bata, which engender renewed good of nearly 100 and an in- original fire was started nomic situation and that tered on his corruption. were already strained due will towards the admin- jured count close to 1,000, by “neighbors at nearby of the country. Equatorial Given the high lev- to COVID-19, became istration among the peo- according to Reuters. The farms,” Al Jazeera attri- Guinea is a small, oil-rich els of corruption within overwhelmed by the sud- ple of Equatorial Guinea. president of Equatorial butes the original fires to nation with a little over the Nguema administra- den increase in patients, Guinea, Teodoro Obiang soldiers who were ordered 1.5 million residents and tion, as well as the coun- with many victims still in Contact Timothy at timothy. Nguema, appeared in a to burn bush right outside one of the highest GDPs try’s pandemic-related need of care days later. [email protected] press conference after the the confines of the base. per capita in the world at economic retraction, the Given the severity of blast, pleading for interna- This disaster has re- $10,000, according to the millions of dollars in the blast, in both human tional aid to help his small newed the voice of the op- Wall Street Journal. How- damage caused by the re- nation provide adequate position party in calling for ever, majority of the coun- cent explosion will only medical care to those in- President Obiang Ngue- try’s residents actually live make the country’s eco- jured in the explosion ma’s removal from office. on less than $2 a day while nomic situation worse. and to rebuild his coun- His administration, which President Obiang Nguema To help prevent com- try’s most important eco- has been in power since has amassed great wealth. plete economic disaster, nomic and trading hub. 1979 after he executed his President Obiang President Nguema has The massive explosion uncle and former presi- Nguema and his family turned to the internation- originated on an Equato- dent in a bloody coup, has have attempted to move al community for disaster rial Guinean military base been accused of rampant much of their wealth aid and economic relief. and has been officially corruption and embez- offshore. CNN reports So far only Equatorial blamed on negligence zlement for decades. This that in 2019, a collection Guinea’s previous colonial Negligent handling of dynamite caused an explosion, killing at least 100 and injuring over 1,000. relating to the improp- recent tragedy has only of $13 million in super ruler, Spain, has reached Courtesy of Sadi Richards (Flickr) Violence Erupts in Mexico on International Women’s Day Ariel Go Jr. the Mexican economy. smaller in size, which is feelings from women in government of Mexico en’s movement has also Staff Writer Many citizens, however, attributed to the concerns Mexico who saw the bar- to pay attention to and been growing among condemned President Lo- over COVID-19 precau- rier as a symbol of the di- consider their demands, Mexico’s celebrities and Thousands of wom- pez Obrador for ignor- tions. Despite the small- vision that exists between leading to clashes between politicians. According to en took to the streets in ing the problem of gen- er scale of the protest, the women’s movement demonstrators and Mexi- Bloomberg, over 500 pol- Mexico City -some carry- der-based violence. Lopez the authorities decided to and the president. In a co City police. According iticians and supporters of ing their children and oth- Obrador responded by de- erect steel barriers around show of resistance, pro- to BBC News, one such Lopez Obrador’s party, the ers bats and hammers- to fending his record on gen- the National Palace in testers agreed to use the instance occurred in the Morena, have denounced protest the rising violence der equality, mentioning Mexico City on the Satur- ten-foot tall barriers to main square of the cap- Salgado for the rape ac- against women in Mex- that half of his cabinet is day before the day of the their advantage, painting ital, the Zocalo, where cusations against him and ico, on March 8 which comprised of women. De- march. AMLO announced the walls with the names officers used tear gas, ba- have signed on to a letter marked the International spite his professed efforts that the barrier was simply of women killed, many of tons, and riot shields to calling for his removal as a Women’s Day. The march to increase equality in the a means to avoid injuries them victims of femicide. push back protesters and candidate for governor in was stimulated by public state, his policies have and prevent any potential Activists also tore a sec- cause them to disperse. Guerrero. Celebrities like outrage over the actions not succeeded in address- confrontation with the tion of the barrier apart In retaliation, some dem- Julieta Venegas and Gael of Mexican President An- ing the ongoing violence police. According to NBC and spray-painted differ- onstrators set fire to the Garcia have also urged the dres Manuel Lopez Ob- that kills more than ten News, the barriers did not ent sidewalks and kiosks. riot shields. There have president to stop finding rador, commonly known women a day and subjects sit well with the public, Some groups opted also been reports of po- fault in the protest move- as AMLO, who many see many others to live in fear further inciting negative for violence to force the lice arresting journalists ment. The Guardian cites as out of touch. Lopez of their lives. According and activists in the crowd. Arussi Unda, spokeswom- Obrador was heavily crit- to Reuters, data shows According to The New an of the Las Brujas del icized for his continuous that at least 939 cases of York Times, Mexico City’s Mar and a feminist col- support of the candidate femicide, or murders spe- security branch reports lective in Veracruz, who for governor of Guerrero, cifically targeting women, that at least 62 officers asserted that “[AMLO] Felix Salgado Macedonio, were reported in 2020 and and 19 members of the has placed the feminist who had been accused that gender violence rates public were injured, some movement as public ene- of rape on two occasions. in Mexico have soared of whom were hit by bul- my No. 1.” She went on to Guerrero prosecutors are over the past five years, lets. While altercations say, “We are not asking for currently investigating with murders of women between women’s rights crazy things. We’re asking these accusations of rape rising almost 130 percent . demonstrators and the that women get to work, against Salgado, but the Unlike demonstrations police are becoming more that women aren’t killed, candidate has denied them of the previous year on common, many agree it is and girls aren’t raped. It’s through his lawyers. International Women’s necessary for the govern- not insane, not eccentric, AMLO was sworn into Day when Mexican wom- ment to understand that it’s human rights.” office in 2018 after prom- en combined their ef- they are not doing enough ising to lead a social trans- forts to form a vast and to prosecute femicide and Contact Ariel at ariel.go@ formation and purge the peaceful protest against commemorate murdered student.shu.edu gender-based violence, A painting reads “We were all”, the chant used at the 8M march for women. country of the deep-root- women’s rights in Mexico City. ed corruption afflicting the march this year was Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Support for the wom- March 2021 International News Page 5 Pope Francis Makes Historic Visit to Iraq Mark Stachowski ago when they seized condemned ISIS terror- for religious coexistence, distancing. NPR reports agement at the Pope’s ac- Staff Writer control of the region. ism while simultaneously Pope Francis also met that the Pope and his trav- tions in attempt to encour- Many Iraqi citizens calling for forgiveness. with the Grand Ayatol- el entourage did get vac- age such peace. Critics, In early March, Pope viewed the Pope’s visit as BBC News continues lah Ali al-Sistani, reports cinated before arriving in however, see the Pope’s Francis embarked on extremely meaningful. In that there have been com- The Washington Post. Iraq. This was the Pope’s attempt to heal Chris- a four-day trip to Iraq, an interview with NPR, plaints by Christian Iraqis Occurring against the first time leaving the Vat- tian-Muslim relations as where he met with polit- Iraqi man Saasane Hasan of discrimination and ha- background of the pan- ican in 15 months due to an artificial publicity stunt. ical and religious rulers to described the Pope as a rassment. The number of demic, the Pope’s arrival in COVID-19 restrictions. The Pope visiting a encourage better Chris- beacon of light. He said Christians in Iraq has rap- Iraq caused many to worry The Pope said he felt like country which has had tian-Muslim relations. that he never would have idly decreased from 1.4 that crowds would cause a he was, “in prison,” due so much history with According to the official imagined that Pope Fran- million two decades ago new wave of cases. NPR to not being able to leave Christians and Muslims, Vatican itinerary, titled cis would visit his country, to 250,000 now. Through- describes masses that the the Vatican for so long. especially during a pan- Apostolic Journey of His and he expressed admira- out the Pope’s visit, he Pope held with little social NPR quotes United demic, is a momentous Holiness Pope Francis tion at the Pope’s bravery called for violence and ex- distancing, despite plans States President Joe Biden event. According to The to Iraq, the Pope arrived to come to the country de- tremism to be eradicated made by the Vatican and on his thoughts of the New York Times, Iraqi in Baghdad on March 5, spite safety concerns that and for Iraq’s Christians local organizers to make Pope’s visit, saying “To officials saw the visit as where he was met by the turn many others away. to be afforded full rights sure there were always see Pope Francis visit an affirmation of the Prime Minister and later On March 7, the Pope and liberties. Appealing masks and proper social ancient religious sites, in- country’s importance that day visited the Iraqi prayed in Mosul on top cluding the biblical birth- in the region. Perhaps President. He concluded of church ruins destroyed place of Abraham, spend a call for peace is what his trip in Erbil, where by ISIS. ISIS took control time with grand Ayatollah the world needs today. he led mass in front of a of the region in 2014, and Ali al-Sistani ... and offer large crowd. He preached Christians were among prayers in Mosul … is a Contact Mark at words of encouragement those who were displaced symbol of hope for the mark.stachowski@student. to Christians living in and persecuted in num- entire world.” Supporters shu.edu Iraq, pointing to a bet- bers, according to BBC of the Pope’s visit see it ter future in which they News. The Pope prayed as inspirational, stressing can restore the commu- for the victims of ISIS and the importance of peace nities that were ravaged the war with ISIS. CBS Pope Francis’ landmark visit signals unity between Christianity and Islam. among religious nations by ISIS militants years News states that the Pope Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and expressing encour- New Zealand Announces Initiative to Make Sanitary Products Free in Schools ues The New York Times. Hitchings and her cofound- Lauren-Marie Diawatan er, Jacinta Gulasekharam, Staff Writer began a campaign in 2019 pushing for free period New Zealand Prime products, submitting a pe- Minister Jacinda Ardern tition of 3,000 signatures announced on February to New Zealand’s parlia- 18 that starting this June, ment. Julie Anne Genter, all New Zealand schools a member of the coun- will provide free sanitary try’s Green Party and the products to tackle period then Minister of Women, poverty across the country, brought the cause to the reports Reuters. “Period Prime Minister’s office. poverty” refers to the poor New Zealand is the sec- accessibility to pads or tam- ond country to make period pons that can negatively products free for those who impact education, health, needed them, following and employment, according New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern fights to provide women with increased access to sanitary products. Scotland, who did so in No- to The New York Times. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons vember 2020, according to The New Zealand Minis- will cost an estimated $18 states that “providing free continues the Ministry of students reporting that The New York Times. Like try of Education states that million through 2024. period products at school Education report. The tri- “they felt heard and cared the initiative in New Zea- all state and state-integrated The Ministry of Ed- is one way the govern- al included fifteen schools for,” and that they are ap- land, Scotland’s legislation schools, from primary to ucation report cites a ment can directly address and kura in the Waikato re- preciative of the choic- expands on previous acces- secondary education, and Youth19 Survey explain- poverty” and improve the gion, all receiving enough es provided for them. sibility efforts to make free kura – state schools based ing that 12 percent of year well-being of the coun- free period products to The initiative began access to tampons and pads on Maori culture and values, 9 to year 13 students find try’s children, continues account for 3,200 people. with Dignity NZ, an orga- in education and public according to the New Zea- period products inaccessi- Reuters. She hopes to The Ministry of Educa- nization that works to pro- buildings a legal right. Scot- land Education for Parents ble because of their price. see “improved engage- tion worked alongside vide free sanitary items for land’s law includes collabo- – can now choose to receive The report also references ment” and “reduced fi- five suppliers to provide New Zealand’s students rating with local authorities free period items for their research from the Uni- nancial hardship amongst a variety of period and and youth. The founder, to make period products students. The first phase versity of Otago, which families,” with less stu- tampon products. These Miranda Hitchings, stated free of charge for everyone. of distribution will include furthers that 94,788 girls dents missing school be- suppliers employed differ- that her organization ap- cause of their period. ent engagement strategies, pads and tampons, but the from New Zealand’s poor- proached schools, finding Contact Lauren at Ministry of Education will est households may have The country-wide plan with some offering their that period poverty was laurenmarie.diawatan@ consider expanding to pro- difficulty purchasing peri- to rollout free period products to be ordered “incredibly prevalent” and student.shu.edu vide menstrual cups and od products, causing them products in schools was in advance and others that many school nurses eco-friendly sanitary under- to miss school because announced following the installing dispensers in and teachers were person- wear. NPR News reports of their menstrual cycle. widespread success of bathrooms. The Waikato ally paying for products that the entire program Prime Minister Ardern the Waikato trial phase, trial phase concluded with for their students, contin- March 2021 Page 6 Diplomacy News Professor Ann Marie Murphy Discusses the New Center for Foreign Policy Studies Nandini Jani Murphy received the Di- macy. Two of her most laborates with a team of respectfully defend argu- foreign aid, as well as propa- Staff Writer plomacy Teacher of the sought-after classes include esteemed diplomacy pro- ments is an indispensable ganda and disinformation. Year award in 2017 as well an undergraduate course on fessors to design and imple- skill. Projects developed A few themes the center The Diplomatic En- the Researcher of the Year comparative foreign policy ment a number of research within the center are de- has explored in recent years voy recently joined Pro- award in both 2011 and and a graduate course on projects, teaching, and train- signed to give students the include the power transition fessor Ann Marie Murphy 2019. She is the recipient statecraft-designing foreign ing programs for graduate opportunity to strengthen in the Asia-Pacific, the im- for a riveting discussion of several research grants policy. Sarah Bond, one of students. Murphy’s team their critical thinking and pact of democracy on the about her profession- and fellowships, which have Murphy’s current under- includes Dr. Zheng Wang, analysis competencies, while policy making process in al career in the field of allowed her to conduct re- graduate students, considers diplomacy professor and also giving them a platform emerging powers, and trans- diplomacy and develop- search on Asia and South- what she has learned in her director of the Center for for meaningful application. national threats in Southeast ments within the School east Asia, one of which comparative foreign policy Peace and Conflict Studies, In accordance with the Asia. Moving forward, it of Diplomacy’s Center includes the Fulbright U.S. class as “fundamental to Dr. Yanzhong Huang, pro- center’s goal to provide will prioritize research and for Foreign Policy Studies. scholarship. Murphy’s re- [her] understanding of how fessor and director of the students with meaningful programming related to the Professor Murphy search is centered around states evaluate actions and Center for Global Health networking opportunities, impact of the U.S. presiden- joined the School of Di- the political development events that inevitably impact Studies, Professor Benja- Murphy hosted a virtual tial transition on American plomacy and International in Asia as well as the rise of foreign policy” and believes min Goldfrank, specialist event with former World foreign policy and its im- Relations in 2004. Since transnational security issues. that “every diplomacy stu- in Latin American studies, Bank President, Depu- plications for key allies, ad- then, she has been the re- In addition to her inde- dent should take this class and Professor Margarita ty Secretary of State, and versaries, and other issues. cipient of numerous awards pendent research, Murphy with Professor Murphy.” Balmaceda, specialist in U.S. Trade Representa- The Center for Foreign recognizing her for distin- teaches both undergraduate As the director of the Eastern European politics. tive Robert Zoellick on Policy Studies is a unique guished student mentorship and graduate-level classes Center for Foreign Poli- At the center, Murphy’s March 3. Murphy moder- opportunity for graduate and research development. at the School of Diplo- cy Studies, Murphy col- team strives to provide ated the discussion which students at the School of students with the neces- highlighted topics such Diplomacy to explore their sary knowledge and skills as U.S. allies, public and interests in the field while to become effective poli- congressional support, receiving personalized guid- cy analysts and advocates. and America’s purpose. ance from acclaimed pro- The Center for Foreign As a result of fessors and faculty. As the Policy Studies engages stu- COVID-19 restrictions, director, Murphy strives to dents through career-de- Murphy has coordinated a connect passionate students velopment workshops, number of watch-parties with the professional op- guest-speaker events, and and webinars for students portunities that will deep- esteemed professional net- and faculty to observe in- en their understanding of working opportunities. One ternational relations pre- international relations both of the many skills devel- sentations at research cen- in theory and in practice. oped through these pro- ters beyond the university. grams is communication. These online events have Contact Nandini Murphy pointed out that addressed topics including at nandini.jani@student. Dr. Ann Marie Murphy specializes in U.S. foreign policy in Southeast Asia. the ability to articulate and human trafficking, race and shu.edu Courtesy of Seton Hall University Robert Zoellick Speaks on Foreign Policy and U.S. Diplomacy Jazlyn Dominguez dation to its current state. chapter is dedicated. Zoel- foreign policy’s agenda. Zo- international system. Dr. stressing the importance of Staff Writer When asked what moti- lick uses Hall as a reference ellick explained that North Murphy raised the ques- public opinion in forming vated him to write his book, for talking about trade and America is a base of U.S. tion of what challenges a democracy. He also men- The School of Diplo- Zoellick said that he was foreign policy issues, such foreign policy - a unit of the U.S. will face as it be- tioned the theme of prag- macy recently welcomed inspired by practical prob- as the Smoot Hawley Act three energy and trade-suf- gins to restore alliances and matism with congressional former World Bank Presi- lems in understanding for- of 1930, and the Recip- ficient democracies with how these challenges can support. This transitions dent Robert Zoellick to dis- eign policy. He explained rocal Trade Act of 1934. more than 500,000,000 be addressed. In response, into the fifth tradition, cuss his new book, America that theories in diplomacy Zoellick chose Hall due to people. He also agreed Zoellick went over a short which discusses America’s in the World: A History of are helpful in understand- his belief that trade can that it is often overlooked synopsis of alliance poli- purpose: liberty and inde- U.S. Diplomacy and For- ing foreign policy, but not as serve as the key to peace by in American foreign poli- cies throughout American pendence. The question eign Policy. Zoellick also much as practical problems helping to build prosperity cy, although it should not history, such as isolation- dealt with the challenges of served as the Deputy Sec- and experiences. Zoellick and mitigate risks of con- be, given its significance. ism in the early 20th centu- promoting American ideas retary of State, and U.S. focused on the American flicts with other nations. The second tradition ry and the new alliance sys- abroad. Zoellick discussed Trade Representative from experience and ideas in di- Speaking about Vannevar deals with trade transna- tem based on economics in the difficulties resulting 2001 to 2005. The event plomacy to further indicate Bush, Zoellick described tionalism and technology. the postwar order. Then, from external environ- was moderated by Dr. Anne the influence of the U.S. him as the “godfather of Dr. Murphy questioned he highlighted some of ments, public attitude, and Marie Murphy, Director of alongside that of Europe. an American diplomacy why a breakdown of for- the challenges found in the the push for democracy. the Center for Foreign Pol- The book gauges American that leverages perpetual eign trade would be cost- domestic, security, and eco- Once Zoellick dis- icy Studies and Professor at experiences and includes science and technological ly for the U.S. and how nomic agendas. In terms cussed the five traditions, the School of Diplomacy. a comprehensive analysis change.” This chapter in to prevent it. Zoellick re- of domestic challenges, the the event wrapped up with The event kicked off of U.S. history and nota- the book focused on the sponded by naming the economy and pandemic a student-directed ques- with an introduction by Dr. ble political figures. Aside scientific aspect of diplo- benefits of trade, including recovery require the most tion & answer session. Courtney Smith, Acting from this subjective analy- macy, discussing events its economic advantages, effort. However, security The questions ranged in Dean of the School of Di- sis, Zoellick also highlights such as Bush’s ‘Endless prosperity, ties with other issues stemming from the topics from great-pow- plomacy, who familiarized his own ideas and person- Frontier’ report to the U.S. nations, and a non-zero- different forms of aggres- er politics to the use of the audience with both Pro- al assessments of the sta- president in 1945, urging sum scenario for all par- sion the United States is historical memory. Dean fessor Murphy and Robert tus of U.S. foreign policy him to develop a future ties. He mentioned the U.S. currently facing, as well as Smith closed the event Zoellick. Dr. Murphy high- based on his experiences. science policy post-WWII. acting as a cutting-edge other countries’ reliance on by reminding students of lighted Zoellick’s extensive The discussion moved Next, Dr. Murphy as- economy, which requires the U.S., are also prevalent. why lessons in history are achievements by describing on to assessing the contents sessed the five traditions it to make new rules for The fourth tradition important and how we him as “one of America’s of the book, at which point of U.S. diplomacy listed in new industries. However, deals with public and con- can connect past challeng- most experienced and ac- Dr. Murphy noted some in- Zoellick’s book. Regarding it is difficult because oth- gressional support, raising es to solve current ones. complished statesmen.” fluential figures mentioned, the first tradition, she asked ers want to protect the in- the question of whether His book, she said, success- such as Cordell Hall and about the significance of dustries that already exist. it is possible for the presi- Contact Jazlyn fully helps one understand Vannevar Bush. Zoellick North America in U.S. The third tradition fo- dent and Congress to work at jazlyn.dominguez@student. the scope of American for- first elaborated on Cord- global power and why it is cuses on the importance of together on U.S. foreign shu.edu eign policy from its foun- ell Hall, to whom a whole overlooked in American alliances and order in the policy. Zoellick replied by March 2021 Diplomacy News Page 7 International Committee of the Red Cross VP Talks on Humanitarian Action in Contemporary Warfare Jasmine DeLeon ensuring that it is embed- him, the ICRC does not violence because of gangs the ICRC stands ready Geneva Conventions res- Staff Writer ded in training manuals simply provide assistance, and organized crime, to work with the Unit- onate with diverse cultural and training programs but also works to protect which is driving displace- ed States and others on and religious tradition.” The International Com- of armed forces and people in armed conflict. ment and endemic vio- global COVID-19 vaccine One example of how mittee of the Red Cross also police forces when An important feature lence in Central America, deployment to ensure the ICRC has merged (ICRC) has been using hu- it comes to law enforce- of the ICRC, Carbon- a case in point,” he noted. equitable distribution. the universality of IHL manitarian action, policy, ment,” Carbonnier added. nier noted, is that it acts Armed conflict is -cur According to him, the with specific cultural en- and diplomacy to combat Carbonnier also ad- as a neutral intermediary rently being compound- ICRC has been helping vironments is by working the impacts of contem- dressed the common in war. For example, the ed by climate change and states better mobilize with Muslim scholars to porary warfare, according question of whether IHL organization arranges as COVID-19, Carbonni- financial resources to highlight fundamental to Gilles Carbonnier, the works. Without attempt- a neutral intermediary er continued. “Climate combat these challenges principles of IHL and vice president of the ICRC ing to sound overly opti- dignified distribution of change fuels competi- are through diplomat- norms under Islamic law. at a School of Diploma- mistic, he acknowledged human remains to fam- tion over scarce resourc- ic and humanitarian re- While humanitarian ac- cy event on March 18. that while there are some- ilies. In October 2020, es, and the pandemic lief efforts Two ways are tion and diplomacy are One of the distinguish- times egregious viola- the ICRC arranged the stretches medical and by encouraging states to methods of combating ing qualities of the ICRC is tions of IHL, it does very turnover of over 1000 de- social worker systems to provide essential services the challenges of con- that, although it is a private often work in practice. tainees to the operation in their limits, which exac- to the population and by temporary war, these organization under Swiss “International human- Yemen using confidence erbates tension and in- mobilizing donors and methods are not applica- law, it is bound by inter- itarian law often saves building measures after equalities in fragile con- international partners. ble to all conflict areas. national humanitarian law lives,” Carbonnier said. two years of diplomatic flict environments.”. The When asked to provide “There is no human- (IHL), which applies in sit- “Every day we see military talks building on the 2018 issues of climate change practical examples of how itarian solution to the uation of armed conflict, commanders making de- Stockholm Agreement and COVID-19 are ur- the ICRC engages with large humanitarian crisis Carbonnier said. This is cisions not to hit places in According to Carbon- gent matters high on the state and nonstate actors, we have seen over the important to note since the order to spare civilians.” nier, three main chal- ICRC agenda, he assured. Carbonnier emphasized years evolving in Syria founding of the IHL paral- Another specific dis- lenges of contemporary “Over half of the the importance of going and Yemen,” Carbonni- leled that of the ICRC. Car- tinction of the ICRC is warfare today are the countries that are most beyond engaging directly er concluded. “It is only bonnier described this mo- that while many other hu- “protracted nature of vulnerable to climate with all parties to the con- through a political settle- ment as “the birth of the manitarian organizations conflict, the fragmented change are also impacted flict. “It is critical for us ment or solution that such laws of armed conflict that focus on specific sec- nature of parties to the today by armed conflicts. to engage all those states a complex humanitarian seek to preserve humanity tors or target groups, the conflict, [and] the fact The convergence of cli- that can wield a positive crisis can be addressed.” in the worst of the conflict.” ICRC focuses on a multi- that war is happening mate risk and conflict influence on parties to the “What we do at the faceted response to help more in urban centers and aggravates food insecuri- conflict in terms of re- Contact Jasmine at ICRC is promote IHL people affected by armed settings.” He also warned ty, economic insecurity, it specting international hu- jasmine.deleon1@student. all the way from assisting conflict according to their against the privatization weakens access to essen- manitarian law.” “It is crit- shu.edu states to adopting nation- priority needs, Carbonni- and criminalization of tial services,” Carbonnier ical also to ensure that the al laws and regulations to er clarified. According to conflict. “We see endemic furthered. He added that norms embedded in the Professor Wood Discusses New Undergraduate Course and Mediation Work in Libya

Sergei C. Valenzuela and dialogue in periods of positive relationship. organizations didn’t have Staff Writer open violence when polit- “[Along with] a re- a footprint on the ground. ical environments and di- search focus,” he ex- As such, when we arrived The Diplomatic En- alogues become toxic. His plained, “we’re also look- in Libya, there wasn’t any voy recently interviewed organization is closely in- ing [for] personal skill large organization present Professor David Wood volved with conflict man- sets. [We have to consid- giving us room to oper- to discuss his new under- agement and developing er] the attributes of an ate.” graduate class and ongo- new ways for promot- individual who’s engaging Wood added that “big ing conflict mediation ing stabilization in Syria, with those in conflict. organizations like Oxfam work. With over 15 years Libya, Yemen, Georgia, As such, we are both in- and Care International of experience as a peace- Abkhazia, and South Os- terested in a balance be- move quite slowly be- building expert, Professor setia. Wood has been at tween the academic rigor cause they have a heavy Wood currently serves as the School of Diplomacy at the university and the internal bureaucracy and a professor of practice at since 2018 and leading the skill sets needed on the a lot of risk management the School of Diplomacy. development of several ground.” Wood added procedures. [Therefore], His work includes resolv- projects through the Cen- that he hopes “[students] as a smaller organization, ing violent international ter for Peace and Conflict obtain a good sense of we are more mobile and conflict and mediating Studies in the MENA re- what it is that drives con- able to work. Our ap- peace processes, which gion. He is also teaching a flict and what are the ways proach to mediation,” he Professor Wood works in peacebuilding in Yemen and Libya. he has done both at the graduate-level course and in which we can manage stressed, “was to do it at Courtesy of the School of Diplomacy non-governmental and an undergraduate course it.” the point of violence be- fied] levels of violence are knowing how to make international level for a on conflict studies. Additionally, Wood tween people, since the creating high levels of hu- a difference in a bigger wide variety of agencies. During the interview, spoke about what it was risk threshold of others is manitarian aid and affect- world. None of us can In 2011, Wood created an Wood discussed the com- like to establish PCI and often beyond them.” ing state infrastructure. make changes by our- international peacebuild- ponents and approach he how he built his reputa- Since he worked in The weakened infrastruc- selves [as] we are all parts ing organization, The uses with his undergradu- tion for political support. high violence and con- tures also become a cause of a bigger puzzle.” Peaceful Change Initia- ate students and explained “It started in Libya after flict areas, like Yemen, for humanitarian needs. tive (PCI). His organiza- how the field of conflict the open face of fighting Wood recognizes that the As such, we actually need Contact Sergei at tion focuses on mediating studies is academically ended. There was just very biggest challenges with- to deal with all these three sergei.valenzuela@student. conflict that arose from rigorous. The course re- little left in Libya after 40 in protracted conflict are parts within the country shu.edu the Arab Spring in the quires students to under- years of organization of the massive humanitarian in order to move towards Middle East and North stand various conflict -ar the [oppressive] regime.” need, political violence, a solution.” Wood refers Africa starting in the same eas, as well as the motives He furthered, “Within and fractured state infra- to these three compo- year. for either the rise of vio- that period of time, there structure. He also finds nents of the conflict cycle Wood’s research fo- lence in a conflict or the was very limited exposure that these three things as “The Nexus.” cuses on interactive ap- reasons for why a conflict to the international com- are interlinked. Wood ex- Professor Wood con- proaches to mediation moves from violence to a munity and international plains that “the [intensi- cluded that “It’s all about March 2021 Page 8 Focus on China Chinese shots are inactive and middle-income. Mr. tation of a digital health vaccines. According to desperately need aid in Mia DiPaola vaccines, meaning that Guo Weimin, a spokes- passport. In addition to an additional Associated low-income countries. For Staff Writer dead COVID-19 particles man for the Chinese Peo- donating vaccines to other Press report, Serbia was China, which has histori- are injected into the body. ple’s Political Consultative countries, China plans to the first European country cally seen little international Over a year after the However, there are Conference, called claims set up vaccination stations to use vaccinations from interest in its pharmaceuti- world first felt the effects some concerns preventing that China is using its vac- and offer Chinese vacci- China, which purchased cal products, success with of the COVID-19 pan- countries from jumping cines to “expand [their] nations in other countries. 1.5 million doses of the its vaccinations could now demic, countless vaccines on the China train. Foreign Sinopharm vaccine. Hun- lead to profit later. have been produced at re- Affairs reports that, unlike gary followed in Serbia’s Foreign Affairs says that cord speed. Vaccine diplo- many Western vaccine al- footsteps, approving the China’s vaccine diplomacy macy, the practice of using ternatives, questions re- Sinopharm vaccine after appears to focus on reha- shots to enhance a coun- main about the safety and delays in shots from the bilitating its global image, try’s regional ties and glob- effectiveness of the three European Union. Chi- which took a hit following al status, provide nations Chinese vaccines currently na’s aid fans the anti-EU criticism the country re- like China the opportuni- in use. There is only lim- flames that already burn ceived last year at the out- ty to flex their diplomatic ited information available strongly in these countries’ break of the pandemic. muscles by using resources from Phase 3 clinical tri- populist leaders, who are Through the release of vac- and development to their als, and results from trials outspoken against the EU. cinations, China “is look- advantage. If vaccine di- in China and other coun- According to the Wash- ing to showcase its global plomacy is a competition, tries have yielded disparate ington Post, many devel- health leadership to lower- then China is winning. results. Disclosures from China’s COVID-19 vaccine is used primarily in developing countries. oping and low-income and middle-income coun- The vaccines developed China are slow and spotty, Courtesy of Marco Verch (Flickr) countries are turning to tries, where it is distributing by China are an attractive with some even question- geopolitical influence” is Analysts say these efforts China after being shut out vaccines.” By offering vac- alternative to many West- ing the validity of the trials “narrow-minded,” reports are “aimed at improving of Western markets. Ms. cinations to countries that ern jabs. The BBC reports China released. Reuters. Chinese President China’s image across the Jennifer Huang Bouey, failed to receive the prom- that unlike its Western al- While China claims it Xi Jinping echoed this world.” a China expert and epi- ised shots from the U.S. ternatives from Moderna is not using vaccine diplo- sentiment, promising to The West, China, and demiologist, claims that and other Western nations, and Pfizer, both Sinovac macy, it has delivered “vac- make his nation’s vaccines Russia are fighting a bat- “COVID can be a real China demonstrates its and Sinopharm vaccines cine aid” to 53 countries a “global public good.” tle for influence in Central game-changer for China.” strength and value as an ally. can be stored in a regular and exported vaccines to South China Morn- Europe and the Balkans. China has “never seen fridge and do not require 27 others, though in small ing Post reports that one It seems that in the mean- such large international Contact Mia at mia.dipaola@ extremely cold tempera- amounts, says the Asso- facet of China’s vaccine time, China gained a leg demand for their pharma- student.shu.edu tures. Additionally, instead ciated Press. Countries diplomacy includes a plan up on the competition as ceutical products,” making of using new and unprov- ordering vaccines from to vaccinate all nationals Serbia and Hungary now this a prime opportunity en mRNA vaccines, the China are classified as low- abroad and the implemen- depend largely on China’s to win over clients who India

made-in-India vaccines lion vaccine doses to the world, according to BBC cine diplomacy should not its risks and therefore Chimdi Chukwukere doses to more than 70 WHO’s COVAX pro- News. be considered as purely recommends it.” Howev- Staff Writer countries since January gram to distribute inoc- Pharmaceutical pro- “altruistic.” Rather, India’s er, this has not deterred 20, including Bangladesh, ulations to poorer coun- duction costs in India are vaccine diplomacy should New Delhi from sending Since the beginning of Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, tries. also among the lowest in be viewed as seeking to vaccines to more Afri- the COVID-19 pandem- the Maldives, Mauritius, So far, New Delhi’s the world. According to leverage its scientific and can countries. In fact, ac- ic, developing countries Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Iran, successful vaccine diplo- Hindustan Times, In- technological know-how cording to a recent report faced long delays obtain- Cambodia, Bahrain, Can- macy has been possible dia’s home-grown vac- for influence in the in- from the Hill, the bio- ing access to vaccines ada, Oman, Afghanistan, due to certain factors, cine, Covaxin, costs ternational system. He pharmaceutical company due to vaccine national- Barbados, and the Domin- included the cost-effec- barely $4.06 per dose, further urged develop- Ocugen Inc. expects to ism and hoarding by rich ican Republic. According tiveness of the vaccines, compared to U.S. pharma- ing countries to remem- sell 100 million doses of countries. To fill the gap, to External Affairs Minis- the efficiency of India’s ceuticals-made vaccines ber to pay the goodwill India’s Covaxin vaccine India has emerged as a try spokesperson Anurag pharmaceutical industry, Novavax ($15.35), Pfiz- back when an opportuni- in the U.S. this year upon ‘vaccine superpower’ and Srivastava, more than 6 and the increasing need er-BioNTech ($19.80), ty arises, noting that “if emergency use regulatory source of hope to poor- million vaccine doses have to counter China’s influ- and Moderna ($25-$37), and when the permanent approval from the Food er countries, which are been supplied as aid, with ence in the Asia-Pacific. Johnson & Johnson ($10). seats at the United Na- and Drug Administration unable to access vaccines the others being sent on a India’s pharmaceutical Even when compared to tions Security Council are (FDA). due to their high cost and commercial basis. industry is the world’s Russia’s vaccine, Sputnik ever rearranged, grateful As the United States unavailability. India is of- “Instead of securing a largest producer and ex- V ($10), China’s Sino- governments will know and the European Union fering governments in de- country by sending troops, porter of generic drugs, pharm ($77.80), and Sino- who has done the most to focuses on the inocula- veloping nations both the you can secure the country accounting for more vac ($14), India’s Covaxin save a world reeling from tion of its citizens and locally-manufactured Brit- by saving lives, by saving than 25 percent of ge- ($4.06) appears to be the the onslaught of a deadly China falters in meeting ish AstraZeneca vaccine their economy, by helping neric drugs produced cheapest. Possessing the pathogen.” global demands, India and its own home-grown with their vaccination,” globally. It also accounts capacity to manufacture Yet, India’s vaccine di- has stepped up and is vaccine, Covaxin. said Dania Thafer, the for more than 60 percent high-quality vaccines at plomacy is not immune to filling the void as a great Just days after India executive director of the of manufactured glob- very cost-effective rates challenges and pushbacks. power would. Their vac- rolled out its domes- Gulf International Forum, al vaccines – this huge has given India the ability Recently, several Euro- cine diplomacy continues tic inoculation program a Washington-based think manufacturing capacity to donate millions of dos- pean and Asian countries to help mend relations – which has so far in- tank, according to the New gives India leverage and es to neighboring states temporarily suspended with neighboring states oculated more than 30 York Times. This is exact- empowerment to meet and partners. the roll-out and use of the like Bangladesh and Sri million people – Prime ly what India is doing as it global vaccine demands. In a recent op-ed with Oxford-AstraZeneca vac- Lanka, and solidified re- Minister Narendra Modi continues to donate mil- The Serum Institute of Project Syndicate, Shashi cine over concerns that lations with Cambodia, announced that India will lions of vaccines to neigh- India (SII) manufactures Tharoor, a former UN it may be causing blood Seychelles, and Nepal – all supply countries with vac- boring states in Southeast 1.5 billion vaccine dos- under-secretary-general, clots in recipients. The states within its sphere of cines through a foreign Asia, Latin America, Eu- es every year from the former Indian Minister of World Health Organiza- influence. policy initiative called rope, and Africa – experts company’s manufactur- State for External Affairs, tion refuted such claims, Vaccine Maitri. Republic have dubbed such moves ing plant in Pune and is and current MP for the reassuring countries that Contact Chimdi at World reports that New as “vaccine diplomacy.” currently by far the larg- Indian National Congress, the ‘benefits of the Astra- chimdi.chukwukere@student. Delhi sent 58.64 million India also offered 1.1 bil- est vaccine maker in the suggested that India’s vac- Zeneca vaccine outweigh shu.edu March 2021 Vaccine diplomacy Page 9 Israel Juliet Nangini its national healthcare vaccines overseas as part Bank. NBC News cites to vaccinate Palestinians ians accused Israel of Staff Writer system, which requires of its vaccine diplomacy Caitlin Proctor, an associ- depends on which per- “political interference” all residents to pay taxes efforts, even as Palestin- ate of the Migration Pol- spective is being exam- for hindering a shipment The world’s most in exchange for medical ians remain unvaccinat- icy Centre, who explains ined—through the Oslo of Russia’s vaccine dona- pressing challenge is the services. However, there ed. Israel sent shipments that the vaccines are only Accords or the Geneva tions intended for Gaza rush to inoculate every- is a catch to Israel’s quick of extra vaccines to allies a “drop in the ocean” for Accords. NBC News at a military checkpoint, one against COVID-19 vaccine response—con- supporting a one-state Gaza’s two million resi- says that the Oslo Ac- reports The Washington and achieve herd immuni- sent and privacy. Israel solution and states that dents. Israel also agreed cords, signed in the ear- Post. ty. Some countries choose made a deal with Pfizer have or intend to move to vaccinate the 100,000 ly 1990s, are a set of Despite the issues and to exchange vaccines with and BioNTech to receive their embassies to Jeru- Palestinians who work in agreements between the questions that arise about foreign nations to reward vaccine supplies partly in salem, such as Guatemala Israel. Israeli Government and vaccine diplomacy and compliant behavior, while exchange for medical data and Honduras. According Other countries have the Palestine Liberation who holds the crown in others seek to help coun- for research. The coun- to Reuters, Israel shipped stepped in to assist Pales- Organization which gives the new “arms race,” the tries that do not have ac- try’s health-management 5,000 vaccines to Hondu- tinians with vaccinations. the Palestinian Authori- virus makes no distinc- cess to vaccines. The So- organizations also collect ras and several thousand While Israel is shipping ty limited responsibilities tion between countries ufan Center, a non-profit patient data, which allows to the Czech Republic to vaccines overseas, China in the West Bank and and transcends all global research center, calls this for quick intervention to engage in vaccine diplo- and India, both of whom Gaza. Under this agree- boundaries. a “new arms race,” states monitor those who are macy. Even though the are exporters of the vac- ment, Israel would not “To me, health should France 24. Amid this infected. To some, such Czech Republic supports cine, are planning to send need to provide vaccines, be beyond politics,” Pal- “vaccine diplomacy” race, as Israel Democracy In- a two-state solution, the doses to the West Bank as healthcare responsi- estinian Health Minister Israel is demonstrating its stitute’s senior fellow country is one of Israel’s and Gaza. The Europe- bilities would rely on the Mai al-Kaila tells The power to the international Tehilla Shwartz Altshul- biggest supporters. Addi- an Union also pledged Palestinians. However, Al Washington Post. “We community and stands as er, “it’s frightening,” and tionally, last month, Israel to provide 20 million Jazeera adds that Israel is and the Israelis, the Leb- number one in global vac- calls for “stricter rules in paid Russia to purchase euros to supply vaccines required to enforce “the anese, the Syrians, the cine rollouts. The country terms of asking for con- vaccines for the Syrian for Palestinians, says The adoption and applica- Egyptians, we are all vaccinated almost 60 per- sent,” reports The Wall regime in exchange for Jerusalem Post. Russia tion of the prophylactic in the same region. We cent of its residents over Street Journal. an Israeli captive, despite donated 10,000 doses of and preventive measures should reach herd immu- 16 years old with the first Despite the praise Is- Prime Minister Benjamin their Sputnik V vaccine, necessary to combat the nity together.” dose, according to The rael receives for its vac- Netanyahu’s claim that while the United Arab spread of contagious Wall Street Journal. cination efforts, there is “not one Israeli vaccine” Emirates donated 40,000 diseases and epidemics” Contact Juliet at Multiple factors are growing controversy re- was sent to Syria, reports doses of the Russian under the Fourth Gene- [email protected]. contributing to Israel’s garding the lack of Pales- the Associated Press. vaccine on March 11, ac- va Convention in its role edu success, including its tinian vaccinations under Recently, however, Is- cording to Reuters. as an occupying power. large supply of the Pfiz- Israeli occupation. Israel rael sent 5,000 vaccines to The debate regard- Additional tension arose er-BioNTech vaccine and is criticized for shipping Palestinians in the West ing Israel’s responsibility recently when Palestin- Russia dose at $10, and markets needs following the lack ply of Western vaccines, gaining more acceptance Agency expressed con- Luisa Chainferber Sputnik V as the “vaccine of Western interest in Moscow found itself with despite initial criticisms cerns regarding the safety Senior Correspondent for all mankind.” the region, reports Reu- an opportunity to gain regarding Moscow’s quick of Moscow’s vaccine and Despite its branding, ters. The Russian Direct geopolitical influence in approval of the vaccine. compared it to “Russian The global effort Russia’s vaccine is fac- Investment Fund, which South America, reports Thomas Mertens, head roulette,” countries in the against COVID-19 is in- ing skepticism globally, is responsible for the in- the Wall Street Journal. of Germany’s standing EU such as Slovakia and tensifying as countries reports the Washington ternational marketing of Thomas Shannon, a for- commission on vaccina- Hungary are already seek- race to vaccinate their Post. Russia is fighting Russia’s vaccine, admitted mer U.S. Under Secretary tion, said that Sputnik V ing to obtain the vaccine. populations and use vac- claims by the U.S. State that “Africa is one of the of State for Political Af- is “a good vaccine that Despite the concerns for cine diplomacy to improve Department that Mos- key markets for Sputnik fairs, noted, “What the will presumably also be the political implications relations with foreign cow’s intelligence agen- V.” The offers made to coronavirus has done approved in the EU at of the Russian vaccine, nations. Russia’s Sputnik cies sought to politicize African countries could and what the vaccines some point,” reports the many experts emphasize V vaccine now has emer- Sputnik’s Western com- become some of the larg- have done is give Rus- Guardian. the importance of dif- gency authorization in petitors by publishing est vaccine contracts to sia another opportunity Additionally, according ferent vaccines, including more than 30 countries false information online date, even though the of- to build relationships in to the Associated Press, Sputnik V, to ensure a and a peer-reviewed effi- about Western vaccines. fer occurred while Russia South America,” which Russia signed a deal with faster vaccination cam- cacy rate of 91.6 percent Like other countries, itself was still struggling had weakened following Italy on March 10 to begin paign globally. in Phase 3 trials, reports Russia is seeking to gain to start its national vacci- the end of the Cold War. the production of Sputnik the New York Times Vac- geopolitical momentum nation campaign, reports In Europe, which is V for the first time in the Contact Luisa at cine Tracker. Researchers from its COVID-19 vac- Reuters on an earlier news traditionally more skepti- European Union. While luisa.chainferber@student. are currently working on cine. For example, while piece. cal of Russia, Sputnik V is the European Medicines shu.edu a single-dose version of Western pharmaceutical Besides African na- Sputnik V, which would companies are charging tions, Russia is also reach- be called “Sputnik Light.” African states more than ing Latin American states On its official web- double the per-dose price through vaccine diploma- site, the vaccine’s pro- they charge for wealthier cy. According to CNN, ducers note that Sputnik countries, Moscow of- Russia already delivered V was the first registered fered the African Union vaccines to Argentina, COVID-19 vaccine in the 300 million doses of its Mexico, Venezuela, Boliv- world. The vaccine is now vaccine as well as a fi- ia, and Paraguay. As coun- being produced in several nancing package, reports tries lifted lockdowns and countries such as India, the Carnegie Endowment sought vaccines, Sputnik South Korea, Kazakh- for International Peace. V became an attractive stan, and Brazil. While This offer can be in- option for Latin America the website explains that terpreted as a geopoliti- given its lower price com- the price per dose can cal move, as both China pared to other vaccines, vary due to logistics and and Russia started to seek such as the Pfizer-BioN- ways to meet African Tech. production costs, it sets Russia’s Sputnik-V vaccine is being exported to South America, Africa, and Asia. the maximum price per countries’ vaccination Given the limited sup- Courtesy of Flickr March 2021 Page 10 Opinion “Burqa Ban” in the Age of COVID-19 Shweta Parthasarathy the ban “is tearing open Switzerland, Muslim face claimed that burqas stand And, what makes it worse, same result as wearing a Staff Writer old wounds, expanding coverings are “a symbol in the way of the “open as with so many other is- niqab - most of the face the principle of legal in- for this extreme, political communication” vital to sues in today’s world, the is covered, save the eyes. Switzerland joined sever- equality and sending a Islam which has become an “open society.” COVID-19 pandemic “It’s a big contradiction,” al other European countries clear signal of exclusion increasingly prominent in Former French Prime highlights another prob- she said of the paradox in banning burqas, niqabs, to the Muslim minority.” Europe and which has no Minister Manuel Valls lem with the justification created by the confluence and other face coverings Human Rights Watch la- place in Switzerland.” He called burkinis, a full- of the ban: what about a of the ban and the pan- in public. This so-called beled the ban “discrimi- continued, “In Switzer- body swimsuit often used protective face mask? demic. “burqa ban” and those that natory” and called it “the land our tradition is that by Muslim women, “the To maintain what is The result, therefore, is came before it are highly latest in a harmful trend.” arguably just a facade, an even larger controver- controversial and inspired More interesting than lawmakers in many of sy surrounding the ban. debate over religious free- the consequences, how- these European countries European governments doms and secularism, all of ever, is the motivation made the ban purposeful- created a double standard course, complicated by the behind these bans. Ad- ly vague, never mention- where an individual can COVID-19 pandemic. vocates of the law claim ing which face coverings be fined for wearing a face One of the biggest is- that the ban is meant to were allowed or prohib- covering, but also for not. sues many people have with protect national security ited. But the pandemic And this contradiction the bans is that it infringes interests and the culture created a yet unanswered is inherently intertwined on the religious freedoms of these European coun- paradox – how can face with the devious inten- of the Islamic communi- tries. In fact, most of coverings be mandated tions behind these laws. ty. According to the BBC, the laws do not mention in one context, while also No matter how hard poli- many supporters, including burqas, niqabs, or Islam being prohibited in an- ticians attempt to hide the The Netherlands’ Prime in any way. According other? motivations behind their Switzerland claims the “burqa” ban protects national security and culture. Minister Mark Rutte, claim to the BBC, the propos- Courtesy of Pixy Moana Genevey, a laws, the consequenc- the ban is “religious-neu- al in Switzerland did not gender policy officer at es of those laws always tral,” because they report- mention Islam by name you show your face. That affirmation of political the European Network tell the true story. In this edly ban not only burqas and was apparently aimed is a sign of our basic free- Islam in the public space,” of Equality Bodies (or case, it tells a story filled and some other traditional at stopping protesters doms.” and banned them in 2016. Equinet), noted to Eu- with discrimination, bias, Muslim face-coverings, but and rioters from wearing Swiss People’s Party Nicolas Sarkozy, the roNews that the differ- stereotypes, and double also balaclavas, helmets, masks. President Marco Chiesa former president of ence in legislation “when standards. and anything else that im- Yet some prominent further explained “The France, said that burqas you cover your face for pedes identification. How- authorities have explained burqa creates a barrier be- and niqabs oppress wom- religious reasons and Contact Shweta at shweta. ever, The Islamic Central that the ban helps Mus- tween the person wearing en and were therefore when you cover your face [email protected]. Council of Switzerland, a lim women assimilate it and the environment “not welcome” in France. for health reasons” is seri- edu group dedicated to serv- into their home countries, and thus prevents integra- There is, overall, an ously lacking. ing the Muslim communi- while removing remind- tion into society.” understanding that while According to the ty in Switzerland, said the ers of Islamic extrem- Wobmann and Chiesa none of these bans overt- New York Times, , Brit- ban was “Islamophobically ism. Walter Wobmann, are not alone in this sen- ly target Muslims, the im- ish schoolteacher Alia motivated.” The group ex- the chairman of the timent, according to the plicit motivation is clearly Jafar noted that wearing plained, reports NPR, that Swiss referendum com- BBC. Austrian govern- to prevent Muslim wom- a protective mask and the decision to implement mittee, explained that in ment officials have also en from wearing burqas. a baseball cap have the Legalizing Marijuana in Mexico Creates a Power Triangle Involving Transnational Drug Companies Patrick Condon violence in Mexico and in the drug trade. While law enforcement agents. it took in funds from distribution, transforma- Staff Writer increase the government’s state control of the drug Through aid and policy transnational drug com- tion, and sales.” These ability to protect its peo- trade through policing is promotion, the U.S. sys- panies, further alienating systems, in effect, would Mexico is positioned ple, but what does this re- marketed as safer than the tematically fought cartel indigenous Mexican farm- primarily benefit the in- to become the world’s ally mean for the future of notoriously cruel behavior influence in the Mexican ers. Drug companies from fluential people at the top largest legal marijuana the drug trade? of cartels to control trade, states, cementing U.S. in- the U.S. and Canada are of the system who are market in the world. On Mexico is one of the the duplicitous nature of volvement in Mexican now “making investment connected to government March 11, 2020, the lower few countries in the West- controlling the trade re- drug policy at the cost of decisions” on policies af- agencies and transnational house of Mexico’s Con- ern Hemisphere to con- veals a bloodier truth than thousands of innocent fecting the legal selling of drug companies. This pro- gress passed a bill legaliz- sider legalizing recreation- the bill suggests. lives – this continues to- the drug and watching this posed avenue further ma- ing recreational marijuana. al marijuana. If Congress This bill comes at a day through transnational bill closely “with interest,” nipulates industry access This bill would “let users passes this bill, it will join complicated time in Mex- drug companies, suggests according to Al Jazeera. to favor those connected with a permit carry up to the small list of countries ico’s history of the can- the Associated Press. Now, as transnational to transnational compa- 28g and grow as many as to legalize recreational nabis trade, which stems Until now, the two drug companies move in nies, including the U.S. eight plants at home for marijuana, after Uruguay back 100 years to the Mex- main actors in the drug to influence policy imple- government, with over- personal use,” accord- and Canada, reports the ican Revolution. Originat- trade were influential mentation, a frighteningly sight and control of the ing to BBC News. Cur- BBC. According to the ing from a 1920 law ban- cartels and government influential power triangle largest cannabis market in rently, it is illegal to carry New York Times, Mexi- ning marijuana, the drug agencies. While the car- is forming, undermining the world. If the bill were more than five grams in co would be the world’s which is largely grown by tels retained domestic in- the entire purpose of this to have the proposed im- Mexico. This promising largest cannabis market, local indigenous farm- fluence by controlling the bill and the 127 million pact, it must allow the for- bill does not come with- propelling its influence ers received the negative production of cannabis Mexicans to be affected. mation of an agency that out warning though, as it over the growing drug perception that it “could through violent threats, The question of legal provides equitable access fails to address the violent trade even further. While degenerate the race” and U.S. agents aided the po- recreational usage remains to all Mexicans. While this history of Mexico’s car- many opponents say this lead to “homicidal mania,” lice tasked with bringing at the core of this bill. is not likely to bring down tel-led market. While the may increase cartel pow- permanently marring the down the cartels. Howev- While it seeks to legalize any of the three major bill serves to promote the er, ruling party lawmaker safe, recreational practice er, this led to hundreds of marijuana, it that does not powers in the world’s larg- freedom of recreational Simey Olvera highlights by many indigenous peo- thousands of arrests of guarantee equal access est drug trade, it may pro- marijuana usage to Mex- the bill’s ability to dispel ple, explains The Nation. loosely-involved growers and treatment for affected vide a more transparent ico’s population of 127 the false narrative that This negative stigma was and couriers, resulting in people. According to the approach to the legaliza- million, its implications marijuana is dangerous to further amplified by the the “public trust in police Associated Press, the bill tion of marijuana and its affect cartels, local grow- public health. This narra- prejudicial foreign poli- [dropping] quite low,” The “would permit recreation- subsequent trade. ers, and transnational drug tive marks an important cy of former U.S. Presi- Washington Post reports. al use of marijuana, but companies across the re- distinction between the dent Richard Nixon, who As the Mexican govern- establish a system of li- Contact Patrick at gion. Additionally, the dangers of cartel-involve- fueled the drug war be- ment found legal ways of censes required for the en- patrick.condon1@student. bill’s purpose is to reduce ment and state behavior tween cartels through U.S. controlling the drug trade, tire chain of production, shu.edu March 2021 Opinion Page 11 Derek Chauvin’s Trial is Beginning: What has America Learned, and How Do We Continue Forward? Lylian Pagan BBC News reports erupted – more specifical- Moreover, Floyd’s killing among other reforms. justice cannot succeed in Staff Writer Floyd appeared cooper- ly, Black America erupted reveals a greater problem Meanwhile, NFL re- chaos. ative at the beginning of with generations of fear, between law enforcement versed their opinion on The American people On March 25, 2020, the the arrest and apologized anger, and frustration and the Black communi- taking a knee during the can no longer turn a blind world watched as George repeatedly to the officers, driving people to pro- ty. This new outlook on National Anthem by is- eye to abuses against the Floyd laid face down on a but a struggle ensued tests in the streets. Floyd’s race relations and police suing an apology to Colin Black community. Some street outside a Minneap- when officers tried to put name became a rallying brutality brings hope for Kaepernick, who first led will say that Floyd was a olis shop, pleading for his Floyd in their squad car. In cry for protesters against long-overdue change in the silent protest among criminal with an extensive life. Floyd was accused of response, officer Chauvin police brutality and injus- police training. Black athletes and the record and that Chau- attempting to pay for cig- the “maximum restraint tice, reports Newsweek. So, where does that Black community. Cor- vin was doing his “job.” arettes with a “fake” $20 technique,” as per the The Black community is leave the U.S. since Floyd’s porate America also took Others might say “Floyd bill. Floyd was handcuffed Minneapolis PD training over-policed for minor in- death? History.com says a stand on race relations, should have obeyed or- and restrained by police materials. Floyd never had fractions that draw virtual- states are slowly removing with companies like social ders”, while others might officers, while then-Min- the opportunity to defend ly no attention anywhere the Confederate Statues media giant Tiktok and think those police officers neapolis police officer himself in a court of law. else, according to CBS are spread over 31 states tech giant IBM showing had the right to restrain Derek Chauvin placed his No one could have News. plus the District of Co- full support for the Black criminals by any means knee on Floyd’s head and imagined the impact those As the jury selection lumbia – far exceeding Lives Matter movement. necessary. What Floyd neck for 7 minutes and 46 final moments would have for Chauvin’s trial begins, the 11 Confederate states There is no doubt that and Chauvin have done seconds. Those moments, on America. In the after- what remains is an as- that seceded at the outset police officers are faced is open the dialogue be- captured on spectators’ math of Floyd’s death, tounding mobilization by of the Civil War. Police with challenging respon- tween white America and mobile cameras and summer 2020 was defined the Black community and departments across the sibilities making the work Black America. Let us not shared on social media by protests in major cities allies, all the while Chau- country are beginning they do important. No forget that Floyd did not and the news, were Floyd’s like New York, Chicago, vin’s lawyer seeks to delay to consider reform. On one wants to see their have the opportunity to final moments alive. and Portland. America the trial until after Floyd’s March 3, 2021, House city burning down or po- defend himself in court, family settles a 27 million lawmakers voted 220-212 lice officers getting hurt. while Chauvin has been lawsuit against the city of to pass the George Floyd Good police officers given that privilege. Minneapolis and the po- Justice in Policing Act, a should be respected and No matter your lice department. The main sweeping reform bill that appreciated for what they thoughts or feelings about shift is people who have would ban chokeholds give to maintain peace and Floyd or Chauvin, the not considered, or experi- and alter so-called qual- security in the areas they death of Floyd changed enced police brutality are ified immunity for law patrol. However, what the U.S., deeply and for- now faced with seeing it enforcement, NPR re- America is coming to real- ever. from the perspective of ports. The legislation also ize is that the phrase “law millions of Black Ameri- redirects funding to com- and order” is used to justi- Contact Lylian at cans. Since Floyd’s death, a munity-based programs, fy abusive crackdowns on [email protected] poll by Politico concludes opens the door to pursue peaceful protestors puts six in ten white Ameri- claims of police miscon- Black Americans on edge After nearly a year, Chauvin’s long awaited trial is underway. cans now say racism is a duct, and excludes reli- for justifiable reasons. Courtesy of Flickr “big problem” in society. gious and racial profiling, The pursuit of liberty and The Biden Administration Must Makes Amends for Trump’s Middle East Policy

Sebastian Kopec time, we have acted in a de- ministration’s withdrawal steps simply for the – as rorism,’” Reuters reports work with allies in find- Staff Writer liberate manner that aims from the Nuclear Deal an entry ticket to get back regarding a possible draft ing grounded, diplomatic to de-escalate the overall and assassination of Gen- to the table with Iran.” It memo. Though not yet solutions to the crises of As the first half of situation in both eastern eral Soleimani still fresh in appears the road to a new confirmed, this would be the past decade. However, President Joe Biden’s 100 Syria and Iraq.” Departing Iranian leadership’s mind, Nuclear Deal will be a a very strong start to re- in order to be successful, days passes by, many are from the Trump Adminis- the Biden Administration slow, diplomatic slog. pairing U.S.-Palestinian the Biden Administration now beginning to ana- tration’s general reluctance has done nothing to begin As for the Israel-Pal- relations. Though it risks must make amends for lyze the trajectory of his to continue their involve- rebuilding trust with Iran. estine conflict, more con- angering Israel, a stable the previous administra- term. The most recent ment in the ongoing con- Sanctions still strangle structive solutions seem solution going forward re- tion and go beyond sim- airstrikes in Syria on Feb- flict in Syria, the United Iran as the COVID-19 to be underway by the quires the U.S. to broaden ple diplomatic measures ruary 25, 2021 against Ira- States once again appears pandemic wreaks havoc current Administration, its coalition of allies in the if long-term solutions are nian backed militias, have ready to aid its coalition on Iranian citizens. Ac- marking a return towards region. to be reached with Iran or seemingly set the tone for partners in the region. cording to NPR , “One working with American al- Though souring rela- elsewhere. his Middle Eastern policy. Unfortunately, for Pres- of President Biden’s cam- lies. Addressing a group of tions with Iran, the Syrian Many Americans and for- ident Biden this shift is not paign promises — reviv- diplomats at the State De- airstrikes sent a clear mes- Contact Sebastian eign policy analysts now seen favorably by either ing the 2015 Iran nuclear partment, President Biden sage to the international at sebastian.kopec@student. wonder where the Biden Syria or Iran, the latter of deal — is at a standstill. remarked, “I’ve asked my community. The U.S. re- shu.edu Administration will go which the Biden Admin- Iran has been ramping up Middle East team to en- turned to global affairs moving forward. istration hoped to begin its nuclear program and sure our support for the and is once again ready to Targeted at multiple fa- renegotiating the Nuclear demanding that Biden United Nations-led initia- cilities in Eastern Syria, the Deal with. CNN reports lift economic sanctions tive to impose a ceasefire, retaliatory strike against “The Biden administra- imposed to deprive the open humanitarian chan- the militias, Kait’ib Hez- tion is disappointed after regime of cash.” Unless nels, and restore long-dor- bollah (KH) and Kait’ib Iran rejected an offer by the Biden Administration mant peace talks.” To that Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS), the European Union to takes active steps to repair end, it appears that Biden sent a strong unilateral partake in nuclear talks U.S.-Iranian relations, fur- is extending a hand in good message to both Iran and with the U.S. and the oth- ther talks will fail to pro- faith with Palestinian of- American allies. In an offi- er signatories of the nu- duce meaningful results. ficials. “It is also reported cial release by the Depart- clear deal on Sunday, but More likely, however, as to take a tougher stance on ment of Defense, Penta- said they remain open to a senior state department Israeli settlement activities gon Press Secretary John diplomacy with Iran.” It official stated in an offi- and mentions efforts ‘to Kirby stated, “President is unlikely that Iran will cial briefing on the deal, obtain a Palestinian com- Biden will act to protect be ready to trust the U.S. “I know President Biden mitment to end payments Following U.S. airstrikes in Syria, the Biden Administration has set the tone for Middle Eastern policy. American and Coalition again anytime soon. Not doesn’t think that the to individuals imprisoned Courtesy of Flickr personnel. At the same only is the Trump Ad- United States should take (by Israel) for acts of ter- March 2021 International news Page 12 Hong Kong Detains 47 Activists in Continued Crackdown on Democracy Zachary Schullian foreign forces.” This na- lasts until 2047, security no matter the age or social eventually disqualified ernment, with subsequent Staff Writer tional security law was laws and crackdowns by standing, pro-democracy from running for office. arrests following on those passed in Beijing without mainland China demon- activists remain in danger The elections were ulti- deemed guilty on charges On February 28, 47 Hong Kong’s consulta- strate Hong Kong’s weak- of increasingly powerful mately postponed under of “subversion.” pro-democracy protest- tion, signifying Mainland ening sovereignty. Chinese authority. pressure from Beijing, cit- Reuters reports that ers were arrested in Hong China’s ever-increasing According to Al Ja- Many of those arrest- ing the COVID-19 pan- Hong Kong has dropped Kong on charges of con- dominance over the island zeera, the arrest of 47 pro- ed for subversion were demic as the reason for from the rankings of the spiracy to commit sub- city. testers displays the widest targeted for participating the delay. Heritage Foundation’s version, The Associated A Beijing-controlled use of the China-imposed in an unofficial primary China and Hong Kong Economic Freedom In- Press reports. The news election committee will national security law to election last June. Many called the attempt to dex, on which it held the comes as yet another not only have the power date, and those convicted sought to elect a majority fill the legislature with number one spot for twen- chapter in China’s quest to decide who is allowed of charges are often de- of pro-democratic can- pro-democratic represen- ty-five years. The think to exert legal control over to hold positions of pow- nied bail and face life in didates to Hong Kong’s tatives an act meant to tank cited Beijing’s control the former British colony. er, but also directly-ap- prison. Such large crack- legislature, but many of “overthrow” and “para- over economic policies as Prominent activists on point “a large proportion” downs demonstrate that those candidates were lyze” the Hong Kong gov- the reason for the decline social media, many of of the Legislative Council, in the rankings. The Hong whom are in their 20s, BBC News reports. This Kong Financial Minister have been primary targets makes it virtually impossi- responded by calling the for the Chinese Commu- ble for any pro-democra- decision “unwarranted” nist Party (CCP) due to cy candidate to be elected and “unjustified,” stating their influence over a wide to the Hong Kong legisla- the policies are consistent audience. Last month, 55 ture. The Wall Street Jour- under the “one country, other activists were arrest- nal recorded Xia Baolong, two systems” rule instat- ed. Chief of Beijing office ed in 1997. He also called The Washington Post on Hong Kong affairs, as the assessment “politically explains that Hong Kong’s stating, “Those who vio- biased.” government enacted a late Hong Kong’s national law obliging loyalty to security law aren’t patri- Contact Zachary at the CCP for anyone who ots.” zachary.schullian@student. seeks to run for political Over the past year, shu.edu office in Hong Kong. The China has been system- law, passed last June, crim- atically overhauling dem- inalizes acts under broad ocratic institutions and terms such as “secession,” freedom of speech in the “subversion,” “terror- city. While Hong Kong’s Hong Kong protestors fight tirelessly for political autonomy. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons ism,” and “collusion with independence officially

CONTRIBUTORS Ariel Go Jr. Charleigh Stone Chimdi Chukwukere

JARRETT DANG DANIELA MAQUERA SARDON Drew Starbuck Editor-in-Chief Digital Editor Hamzah Khan Jasmine DeLeon HARSHANA GHOORHOO JOAQUIN MATAMIS Managing Editor Layout Editor Jazlyn Dominguez Juliet Nangini MEGAN GAWRON CHRISTIANA MONES Kiara McGaughey International News Editor Communications Liaison Lauren-Marie Diawatan JUDITH KOREN LUISA CHAINFERBER Luisa Chainferber Opinion Editor Senior Correspondent Lylian Pagan ANDREA HEBEL DR. COURTNEY SMITH Mark Stachowski Associate Editor Faculty Adviser Mia DiPaola Nandini Jani Natalie Sherman This publication is made possible through the generosity of Patrick Condon the Constance J. Milstein, Esq., Endowed Fund. Sebastian Kopec The views expressed inThe Diplomatic Envoy are those of the writers and are not Sergei Valenzuela intended to represent the views of the School of Diplomacy, Seton Hall University, Shweta Parthasarathy or the CJM Fund. Timothy Georgetti Zach Schullian For more information on sources, go to blogs.shu.edu/thediplomaticenvoy