FOREIGN POLICY POLICIES, ANALYSIS, AND RESOURCES
Latest Foreign Policy Posts
The Responsibility to Protect Doctrine
Brief #127 – Foreign Policy
By Ibrahim Sultan
R2P sets forth a global framework to protect populations around the world from major atrocities and crimes which include: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing. R2P has three reinforcing pillars: I. the duty of every state to protect its people from these crimes, II. the commitment of the international community to help states fulfill their responsibilities, and III. the commitment of countries to take collective action under the UN Charter when a state manifestly cannot protect its populations.
COVID-19 Conspiracies and U.S.-China Relations
Brief #126 – Foreign Policy
By Avery Roe
Recently the Chinese state media has been quoting Wilson Edwards, a Swiss biologist and whistleblower, stating that the United States had been politicizing the origins of the COVID-19 virus and pressuring scientists to keep the truth quiet. This was until the Swiss Embassy tweeted that Wilson Edwards does not exist and the Chinese media began removing the references. It quickly became clear that this was the most recent in a series of state-sponsored COVID-19 conspiracy theories coming out of China.
Trouble in Haiti Part 1: The Assassination of President Moise
Brief #125 – Foreign Policy
By Erin Mayer
The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse of Haiti has rocked an island already rife with violence and turmoil. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield was forced to flee the island early after gunfire erupted at Moïse’s funeral. How the island fares after this ongoing turmoil is still unclear and the U.S. has vowed to not assist.
A Coup or a Necessary Reset in Tunisia?
Brief #126 – Foreign Policy
By Avery Roe
On July 25, 2021, President Kais Saied of Tunisia fired the country’s Prime Minister and suspended Parliament in what he called an emergency situation, giving him total power. Article 80 of the Tunisian Constitution allows the President to take any actions necessary in the event of imminent danger to the country in consultation with the prime minister and parliament.
While President Saied did not consult with others in the government, there has been debate on whether or not his actions otherwise fall inside the law. He has promised to appoint a new government within 30 days. In the weeks since he acted, there has been considerable debate as to what happened and what will come next as the country remains in limbo.
How Effective Are Our Global Organizations?
Brief #125 – Foreign Policy
By Ailín Goode
The United States has been an active member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since its creation in January 1995. As of 2019, the U.S. had been a party in 179 cases managed using WTO dispute settlement procedures. It remains active in the creation and maintenance of the agreements set for by WTO to organize and govern world trade.
Moving Forward After U.S. Withdrawal in Afghanistan
Brief # 125 – Foreign Policy
By Avery Roe
Despite widespread criticism, The Biden Administration has restated its commitment that the United States military mission in Afghanistan will conclude on August 31st. This comes after the Trump Administration made an agreement with the Taliban to remove all American forces by May 1, 2021, a large part of the stated rationale for President Biden’s decision.
Israel Update
Brief # 124 – Foreign Policy
By Reilly Fitzgerald
Early June saw the Israeli Parliament oust the former Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and replace him with a new coalition government and new Prime Minister. The new coalition government consists of nine differing political parties that were brought together in a loose alliance due to their shared displeasure of former PM Netanyahu.
Analyzing the U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Brief #123 – Foreign Policy
By Ibrahim Sultan
After 20 years of war, the United States is pulling its forces out of Afghanistan and the nation’s longest war is coming to a close with as many uncertainties as when the war began. The conflict was born from the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City.
Biden’s Covid Investigation in China Pt.1
Brief # 121 – Foreign Policy
By Erin Meyer
The Biden Administration has asked the intelligence community to investigate the potential Wuhan laboratory leak allegation. President Biden’s statement was clear. “I have now asked the Intelligence Community to redouble their efforts to collect and analyze information that could bring us closer to a definitive conclusion, and to report back to me in 90 days.