International politics

Mount Holyoke community reflects on racial discrimination faced by Africans at the Ukranian border

Mount Holyoke community reflects on racial discrimination faced by Africans at the Ukranian border

In the wake of Russian military forces invading Ukraine on February 24, Mount Holyoke’s McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives organized “War in Ukraine: Why? What Next?” This event was held virtually on March 8. The event, moderated by Professor of Politics and Chair of International Relations Sohail Hashmi, featured Professor of Russian Studies Stephen Jones, Assistant Professor of International Relations and Politics Christopher Mitchell and Cyrus Vance Visiting Professor in International Relations Natalie Sabanadze, who shared an in-depth discussion regarding the invasion. One of the main topics of discussion was the differences between how this war is portrayed by the media as opposed to conflicts in the Global South. Additionally, the speakers discussed the racism being faced by African and Black refugees fleeing Ukraine.

Jeff Bezos asks Dutch officials to disassemble historic bridge so his yacht can leave the shipyard

Jeff Bezos asks Dutch officials to disassemble historic bridge so his yacht can leave the shipyard

Rotterdam, a city in the Netherlands, is mulling over a request to dismantle part of the historic Koningshaven Bridge to allow for a superyacht owned by Jeff Bezos to leave the shipyard, according to CNN.

Students recount their experiences during the Myanmar Coup

Students recount their experiences during the Myanmar Coup

Last year, the Myanmar military, officially known as the Tatmadaw, orchestrated a coup that removed Aung San Suu Kyi, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, from power after her political party, the National League for Democracy, won the election by a landslide. Because the title Myanmar was appointed by the military to replace the Burmese title of Burma, this article will refer to the country by the latter. This month marks the anniversary of the declaration of a state of emergency made by the military on Feb. 1, 2021. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing remains in power, and many people in Burma are still protesting.

Russia threatens Ukraine with increased military presence at border

Russia threatens Ukraine with increased military presence at border

In December 2021, Russian President Vladimir Putin increased the presence of Russian troops on the Russia-Ukraine border. The New York Times reported that this maneuver was accompanied by demands that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization should violate its standing open-door policy, which permits any country to apply for membership, and bar Ukraine from ever applying for membership. In the same article, the Times reported that Putin also “wanted NATO allies to pull all troops and nuclear weapons from former Soviet republics and nations that once belonged to the Warsaw Pact.”

Social Democrats achieve narrow win in German parliamentary elections

Social Democrats achieve narrow win in German parliamentary elections

On Sept. 26, Germany held a historically close election after chancellor Angela Merkel stepped down. Her party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), obtained 24.1 percent of the votes — their lowest in many generations.

Russian parliamentary elections show growing dissatisfaction with United Russia party

Russian parliamentary elections show growing dissatisfaction with United Russia party

Hundreds of people joined together on Sept. 25 to protest the outcome of the Russian parliamentary election, in which Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party won a 324 out of 450 seat majority in the parliamentary Duma — the Russian legislative assembly.

The US lifts travel ban on international travelers

The US lifts travel ban on international travelers

On Sept. 20, Jeffrey D. Zients, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, announced that the United States will be lifting its travel ban for most international travelers as long as they are fully vaccinated and have a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before flying, The New York Times reported.

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