THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS · 2018-04-13 · Martin Luther King. THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS 6...
Transcript of THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS · 2018-04-13 · Martin Luther King. THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS 6...
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
2
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE
FOLLOWING FACULTY AND STAFF
FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT IN
PUBLISHING THE SPIA GLOBAL
INSIGHTS MAGAZINE.
WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT
WITHOUT YOU!
DR. ISA SARAC, VIU PRESIDENT
BADAMAA YADAMSUREN, VIU VICE
PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
DR. KLARA BILGIN, DEAN OF SCHOOL OF
PUBLIC & INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (SPIA)
DR. KWAKU NUAMAH, PROFESSOR OF
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC & INTERNATIONAL
AFFAIRS (SPIA)
KATHERINE MAGALIF, DIRECTOR OF CENTER
FOR DEMOCRACY & INTERNATIONAL
AFFAIRS (CDIA)
IDRIS ULAS, ASSOCIATE DEAN, SCHOOL OF
ONLINE EDUCATION
SOOHYUN LIM, VIU GRAPHIC DESIGNER
ALLISON MILLWARD, WRITING TUTOR
KEVIN MARTIN, DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL OF
EDUCATION
VIU WRITING RESEARCH MEDIA CENTER
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
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THE SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Canan Aydin
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Edma Khishigdelger
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Olanrewaju Etti
Enkhjiguur Ganbold
Jacqueline Abel Mwakanyamale
SECTION EDITORS
Stéphane Victorino
Edma Khishigdelger
Olanrewaju Etti
Enkhjiguur Ganbold
Veronica Enriquez
Canan Aydin
Verena Goetz
Jacqueline Abel Mwakanyamale
Paulette Zegarra Hernandez
DESIGNERS
Saisawad Duangkham
Canan Aydin
Edma Khishigdelger
CONTACT SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
Stephane Victorino
Veronica Enriquez
Agather Mgweno
THE STUDENT MAGAZINE OF VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
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The School of Public and International Affairs’ (SPIA)
students and professors took a trip to Richmond, Vir-
ginia on January 21, 2014 to join the Martin Luther
King Day Vigil Against Gun Violence. There were
many speakers such as Dr. Ralph Northam, Mark Her-
ring, Brian Moran and Donald McEachin. It was an
amazing experience for us because we had the oppor-
tunity to listen to their speeches and understand Ameri-
can democracy.
Many people came together to protest gun vio-
lence in Richmond including senators, policy makers,
NGOs, students, clergy, and we, the Virginia Interna-
tional University’s students, attended to support them
with our whole hearts. It was a great atmosphere and we
met a lovely crowd. Everyone talked and expressed
their feelings about gun violence. Gun violence is not
limited to VA: It is one of the biggest issues in the Unit-
ed States. According to VA’s laws, Virginians can carry
guns in public as well as concealed. They also can carry
guns without a license or registration and buy guns on
the internet without a criminal background check.
Moms Demand Action (MDA) is an organiza-
tion that has been trying to create awareness about gun
violence because many people lose their lives to gun-
related violence every year in the United States. MDA
is a nationwide movement and has over more than 1.5
million members in America. All the members are
rightful gun owners who believe background checks
should be mandatory. Its aim is to stop gun violence
and protect lives.
By Canan Aydin
VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
COME TOGETHER FOR GUN
SENSE IN AMERICA
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
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The organization supporters say that
“background checks save lives” and firearms must
not be in dangerous hands. Members of Moms De-
mand Action were carrying bookmarks that read,
The bookmarks were tied with bells because
the members want to stop silence and they have invit-
ed everyone to speak up, and be aware of gun vio-
lence. The people of Virginia came together to protest
repetitive against gun violence and they mentioned
that we have to stop being silence and speak up
against people because of gun violence. We had a
great experience to see how NGOs work in the
United States.
Next, we visited the offices of Senator Chap
Petersen (34th District), and spoke with his legislative
aid. We also talked to Delegate
Mark Keam’s (35th House
District) Chief of Staff,
Julia Kim about the SPIA
program and we had the
opportunity to inquire
about the internships with
delegates in the summer.
Also, we observed a Senate
Committee meeting session.
After that, we visited to the VA Capitol to talk about
the history of the legislature and its functions.
It was an indescribable feeling for me and other stu-
dents to observe the political issues and the current
events in the USA.
“Our lives begin to end the day we be-
come silent about things that matter.” –
Martin Luther King.
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
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There are many people who are contributing to
educating the Afghan youth. One of them is Ms. Leslie
Schweitzer, the Senior VP for International Business De-
velopment, Capitalize, LLC. She is also the Chairman of
the Friends of the American University of Afghanistan
(AUAF). Her talk about AUAF was inspiring. All students
are Afghans and refugees. It recruits and enrolls the coun-
try’s best and brightest men and women – the future lead-
ers of Afghanistan. Each semester, AUAF actively recruits
around the country from Herat to Kandahar. It was estab-
lished in 2006 with just 53 young Afghans registered for
classes. Today, there are nearly 2,000 full-time students in
degree programs – half of them are women. Ms. Schweit-
zer emphasized the continued progress made at AUAF
through the years: the curriculum has been expanded, new
undergraduate degrees have been added, female population
is on the rise, the circle of international partners is widen-
ing, and a new campus is under construction.
Ordinary Afghans encourage their children to
study hard and become educated. For example, Khala
Zainab, age 50, an illiterate woman, who runs jewelry-
making business, said: “If I can make enough money from
my business, I would like to build a school for girls in my
own village. That would be good.” Suraya Samin, age 21,
said, “I want to teach and encourage others to learn.
I believe that with education comes the possibility of an
improved quality of life.” Education is the foundation for
Afghan children, and it is also one of the most powerful
forces to move Afghanistan beyond its war-torn past to-
ward the future that they deserve.
“The Afghanistan 2014 and Beyond: Economic Growth
and Stability” summit took place at the Johns Hopkins
School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) on
March 28, 2014. The summit consisted of three panel
discussions and two special presentations sections.
The three panels covered a range of topics. The first
panel was titled Afghanistan and Pre-Frontier Invest-
ment, the second panel was titled Public Private Partner-
ships, Support Beyond 2014, and the third panel was
titled Social Enterprise. The special presentations sec-
tions addressed Afghanistan’s post-2014 educational
and security outlooks. The general tone of the event was
business-oriented, informative, and optimistic. The goal
of the summit was to encourage participants to invest in
Afghanistan’s future, make long-term commitments in
this country, and make the public aware of its success
and progress.
Two topics that made the biggest impression on
me were education and media in Afghanistan. Both edu-
cation and media are paramount in a post-war, transi-
tioning society such as Afghanistan. Afghans are contin-
uing to fight for peace and stability.
Afghanistan is on the right track for educating
its population, especially girls. Over 8 million children
enrolled in schools including 2.6 million girls. Women’s
right to work, vote, and receive an education play lead-
ing roles in Afghanistan’s society. Chairman Sanzar Ka-
kar of Afghan Holdings Group said that,
AFGHANISTAN 2014 AND BEYOND:
ECONOMIC GROWH AND STABILITY SUMMIT
BY EDMA KHISHIGDELGER
“the young population of Afghanistan is a double-edged sword, thus, they
need to be educated first. They are very optimistic people and every young
person wants to become an entrepreneur. They have a spirit of doing
something, instead of sitting and begging.”
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
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Media is the other factor that contributes the most to
spreading information to people in Afghanistan.
Eighty percent of women have access to a mobile phone,
95% of the population has access to some form of mass
media (television, radio), and 472,000 Afghans are on
Facebook. A thriving media sector has more than 50 tele-
vision stations, 150 radio broadcasters, and 1,000 newspa-
pers. Afghans use social media to bring together people
from all cultural backgrounds.
Mr. Zaid Mohseni – Chief Operations Officer of
MOBY Group – was the keynote speaker of the summit,
and he focused on the growing media. MOBY Group was
established in 2002 by the Mohseni family, and it is a di-
versified media entity with broadcast, production, technol-
ogy, and strategic communications operations in South and
Central Asia, as well as the Middle East.
Today, the company employs over 1,000 staff
members across a dozen integrated businesses in Afghani-
stan, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Iraq.
Mr. Zaid Mohseni is a lawyer by trade, and he oversees all
legal and technology-related matters of MOBY group.
His specialties include media, technology, management,
and the Central and Middle East regions. He informed us
that the TV broadcasting is conducted in both Pashto and
Farsi languages, and its viewership is increased to 59% as
of August 2013.
Afghanistan’s media usage is expanding and
growing continuously, and literacy rate is increasing.
The internet usage is growing, 3G is available, 60% of
population has access to TVs, 90% of population has ac-
cess to radios, and there are 30 TV channels in Kabul.
The keynote speaker emphasized that,
Overall, the summit’s tone was optimistic, high-
lighting Afghanistan’s many opportunities for growth in
business, education, security, media, sports, and women’s
rights. It was timely, informative, well-organized, and pro-
ductive. It provided the audience with a good sense about
the country, and the summit is building a bridge between
businesses and people. The human factor is essential in all
aspects of building of social capital – trust.
“We should never forget where we are coming from, we made so much progress. But often
times, the positive outcomes get lost among negative ones. The future is optimistic for
Afghanistan and it needs to keep good relationships with West. Security, corruption,
economy and jobs, and women’s rights are issues that should be the focus of the country.”
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
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The main points that the speakers covered:
Creation of the corporation, whereby they pointed out
that it was created by the U.S. Congress in January
2004.
Focus of the corporation and its policy, which is sup-
porting the developing countries but the developing
countries that have political stability or good gover-
nance.
Partnership with the selected countries which include
the types of grants they provide to these counties (their
budget) which is 1.7 billion dollar annually.
Termination and suspension of their partnership.
Fighting/preventing corruption
My thoughts and reactions to the presentation: With the points that the speakers covered, it is clear
that they do not just support any poor or developing
country, but they have their own criteria that a country
has to uphold, which, in my observation, is good gov-
ernance. If one looks at the main goal of MCC, it is an
undisputed fact that it supports economically develop-
ing countries. However, I sense there is a political fac-
tor that lies beneath the cause.
Basically, the US wants to influence political sta-
bility in the developing countries in a way that they can
also make them benefit economically. Whereas they
can also establish the anti-corruption programs, since
corruption is one of the big factors that reinforce politi-
cal instability. All the policies that this corporation
have, are somewhat political based. For example, Gha-
na completed its first compact with the MCC in Febru-
ary 2012. Ghana’s development was one of the suc-
cessful projects of MCC because it upheld the partner-
ship agreements by trying their best to fight corruption
and maintain political stability; hence, according to the
speaker, it fulfilled the MCC criteria. A country like
Malawi was suspended in 2012, and the reason was
directly linked to politics. Malawi was suspended from
the MCC development project because it reacted to its
government protestors violently. This is a political is-
sue since it reflects the poor governance of the state.
There are measures whereby a country with political
stability should take to resolve a conflict as agreed
between MCC and its partners, which is in a peaceful
manner and not violence.
My questions: What do they basically do with small grants to
countries that did not qualify the grant compact (big
grants)?
They provide them with project plans and support
to infrastructure, social services, training farmers and
peasants and supporting agriculture generally, example
in a country like Tanzania whose backbone is agricul-
ture. They also provide anti-corruption programs and
facilitate them.
In a country like Tanzania, in which corruption is
like incurable disease, in both public and private sec-
tors how does MCC deal with this?
MCC has tried to work with the Tanzanian govern-
ment hand in hand to prevent corruption and they even
have the anti-corruption programs but still Tanzania
does not show positive change in this factor of corrup-
tion. So they are still observing the country and hoping
for a positive change.
Relevance of MCC in International Develop-
ment: MCC has a major positive impact in the interna-
tional development due to the implementation of com-
pacts and other small programs it has within develop-
ing countries that meet their criteria. With their pro-
grams they have raised the standards of living, opened
international markets, promoted growth opportunities
and created a promising future for some of the world’s
poorest people, for example, they trained the low scale
farmers. On the other hand MCC has to consider coun-
tries that do not reach their criteria and policy, who
also need help. Countries that do not have stable gov-
ernments can use the MCC strategies to make their
positive changes economically and politically. It should
not be only the countries that already have improve-
ments but also the ones that need improvements.
BY Jacqueline Abel Mwakanyamale
THE MILLENIUM CHALLENGE
CORPORATION (MCC)
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
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P
President Obama’s speech was one of the most emotional
speeches he has ever given. He was emotional because he
was trying to persuade all American citizens he was do-
ing well. He was also trying to convince U.S. Congress to
support him in helping Americans achieve the American
dream. This support includes expenditures for the Afford-
able Care Act (ACA) and the creation of new retirement
programs.
For President Obama, the American dream
means several things: equality and access to education,
and job opportunities. Many Americans do not have ac-
cess to job opportunities or higher education, for this rea-
son he is negotiating with 150 universities across the
country to make this dream a reality for the middle class
Americans by opening engineering, science, and technol-
ogy programs, because when people have access to edu-
cation, they have more opportunities to get better jobs,
therefore raising the quality and profits for themselves
and companies that will then increase the American econ-
omy. President Obama emphasized the immigration sys-
tem. He invited Congress to support his immigration re-
form. He said that he cannot work by himself, needs their
approval to make his reform bill a law.
President Obama said that women can also suc-
ceed in America. He gave an example of one “warrior”
woman who succeeded as a single mother. Women desire
equal opportunities at work, having children without sac-
rificing their jobs “I believe that when women succeed,
America succeeds”. Everyone who works full time do not
desire life in scarce conditions, he wants companies to
raise minimum wage to $10.10. He said that people who
work full-time should be able to live well. He does not
want them to sacrifice and raise their families in poor
conditions, he wants the middle class to live better.
Retirement issues such as retirement savings and
health care for seniors were also important part of his
speech. President Obama wanted to talk immediately
with the national treasury to create a new pension pro-
gram, so every single American has an opportunity to
build their retirement with the IRA. This IRA allows in-
dividuals who work to start a saving program, so in the
future they will have an increased income and be able to
afford their own houses. Another issue that he mentioned
is the Affordable Care Act; one example is helping the
seniors by providing cheaper medical prescriptions, he
also mentioned the ACA, giving a new deadline in March
2014, Obama hopes is that every citizen in America has
health insurance by his Obama care program that is easy
to access online.
I believe these subjects mentioned above were
the most important ones in the SOTU Speech. His speech
was really impressive, but I would also like to see these
promises become a reality. Americans still having eco-
nomic and immigration issues to be completed, but I be-
lieve that the entire nation has to work together to get
better results. One man with good ideas is not enough to
drive one of the biggest nations in the word. I think that
government has to pull them to work together perusing
the progress and equality of the United States.
PRESIDENT OBAMA’S STATE OF THE
UNION SPEECH, JANUARY 2014
By Veronica Enriquez
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
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I CHOSE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, NOW
WHAT?
BY STEPHANE S. VICTORINO
What do you want to do after you graduate? Which
field of work do you wish to pursue? What is your
dream job?
Relatives and friends often ask these questions to
graduating seniors and M.A. and Ph.D. candidates. Most
of the time we realize that we do not have an answer for
all of these questions. We actually do not have time to
think about it because we are so busy trying to choose a
course that would match our personal interests or our par-
ents’ expectations that we forget to think about what we
can do with it once we are done studying — if one day
we are done with it!
We are so drawn by what we have to do and what
we need to achieve in a short time period that we forget
about that dream job we
used to want when we were
little kids. We commit our-
selves so deeply to getting
good grades, getting an in-
ternship, keeping our social
lives and hobbies, and main-
taining healthy relationships
with our boyfriends/
girlfriends that the essentials
of all this is forgotten. This
is why I decided to write
this article. I decided to help
all those who feel lost, espe-
cially the ones that chose
International Relations or
other similar broad and gen-
eral courses, which includes
me, by the way. According
to mymajors.com Interna-
tional Relations is
Wow, a lot of fancy
and complicated words! Let
me translate this to English:
International Relations is the study of a country’s politics,
policies, and history. A student of International Relations
needs to be impartial, multilingual (essential!), and ready
to read and write a lot.
Okay, we have the definition of Internation-
al Relations but what can we exactly do with it?
Where can we work?
First of all, International Relations students re-
quire passion. We need to be passionate about working
with people and open-minded about cultural diversity.
We need to be engaged with constant learning. Secondly,
we need to keep in mind that being International Rela-
tions major or a Master’s student does not limit us to jobs
in the public sector. Private and non-profit organizations
and foundations such as charities
are great opportunities for us
because they do business outside
of their own countries. Accord-
ing to University of Delaware,
banks, travel industry firms, pub-
lic relations companies, and non-
profits are sectors that employ
International Relations students.
With an International
Relations degree you can defi-
nitely become a political analyst
and work at the CIA. According
to Russel Huebsch, “U.S. gov-
ernment analysts in the U.S.
made between $49,861 to
$97,333 in 2010”. Other options
for International Relations stu-
dents including employment as
business manager, foreign ser-
vice officer, journalist, political
scientists; for those passionate
by arts and history, International
Relations offers great options
“a program that focuses on the
systematic study of
international politics and
institutions, and the conduct of
diplomacy and foreign policy.
Includes instruction in
international relations theory,
foreign policy analysis,
international law and
organization, the comparative
study of specific countries and
regions, and the theory and
practice of diplomacy.”
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
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Also, for those who are fluent in many languages transla-
tion is a career option. Erika Sivils reminds us that,
If you chose International Relations you certainly have
many options, and finding work will not be a problem for
you. It is guaranteed that you will have success in whatev-
er area you choose. You just need to focus on what you are
doing and what you want to achieve long term. Study hard
and do not lose track of what you have planned. If you do
not have a plan yet it is time to work on it: Do not waste
your time! Your future is waiting on you!
References
Huebsch, R. (n.d.). What Jobs Can I Get With an Interna-
tional Relations Major? Retrieved from eHow: http://
www.ehow.com/list_7530519_jobs-can-international-
relations-major.html
International Relations Major. (n.d.). Retrieved from
MyMajors: http://www.mymajors.com/international-
relations-major
Peters, C. (n.d.). What Can You Do With a Master's in
International Relations? Retrieved from eHow: http://
www.ehow.com/about_6588221_can-do-master_s-
international-relations_.html
Sivils, E. (n.d.). International Relations Career Options.
Retrieved from eHow: http://www.ehow.com/
list_6670174_international-relations-career-options.html
“the U.S. government hires
translators for courtrooms, foreign
relations and medical professions.
Interpreters can also offer their
services part time or through the
private sector.”
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
12
Recently, in Dr. Klara Bilgin’s Comparative Government
class, we discussed world regimes, and we had to explain
how our country’s governments work. When my turn
came up, I discussed Mongolia, and Dr. Bilgin mentioned
how it was possible for a country that is locked between
the two of the largest, most authoritarian, and most power-
ful nations — the Russian Federation and PRC — could
develop a successful and stable Democratic state.
That made me think.
I am Mongolian and have spent most of my life
there, so I thought I knew most of the facts about and rea-
sons behind my country’s government.
Was it that we were powerful ourselves to
resist any external pressure?
That might not be the case: We had spent almost
half of the 20th century as a USSR’s “satellite” state,
playing a buffer zone role between PRC and Soviet Union
during their disputed years. Mongolia has always had a
special, strategic meaning for our two neighbors. Perhaps
it was a successful foreign policy.
The idea of a third neighbor plays a crucial role in
foreign policy of Mongolia. Third neighbor refers to coun-
tries other than Mongolia’s only two neighbors with
which Mongolia has strong relationships. The term third
neighbor was first mentioned by U.S. Secretary of State
James Baker during his visit to Mongolia in 1990, when
democracy was in its infancy. The main concept was to
balance its relations with Russia and China on one hand
and relations with other major countries on the other.
BY ENKHJIGUUR GANBOLD
DEMOCRACY IN MONGOLIA
In the early 1990s, when Mongolia began politi-
cal reforms, the support of the U.S., the United Nations,
and especially Japan along with other Western countries
was crucial to its transition to a liberal democracy.
These third neighbors’ expertise in drafting legislation
about the electoral system helped establish the founda-
tion of Mongolia’s political system. The third neighbor
policy was also an economic success. Donor countries
helped Mongolia overcome its hardships after the sud-
den end of Soviet investment and subsidies, guiding the
country to transition to a market economy.
As the scope of the third neighbor policy ex-
panded, it began to include more bilateral and multilat-
eral political partnerships. Mongolia became a member
of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1997, the
ASEAN Regional Forum in 1998, and the Organization
for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in
2012. Mongolia is currently seeking to become a mem-
ber of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC),
which promotes open trade and practical economic co-
operation in the Asia-Pacific region, which would allow
Mongolia to have open trade with more nations.
With the help of the U.S. and the United
Nations, Mongolian small armed forces turned into a
professional peacekeepers under the UN banner.
This helped to increase Mongolia’s international profile,
and is also part of efforts to implement the third neigh-
bor policy. According to the UN Peacekeeping opera-
tions statistics of 2013, there are 935 military personnel
and advisors deployed in the hot zones.
Confining and limiting any external dependency
was Mongolia’s priority. By seeking and opening alter-
native doors to foreign relations with western democrat-
ic nations gave way to much more a successful transi-
tion. Memberships in a wide variety of economic and
trade organizations provided Mongolia with exclusive
and vital financial support in the transitional years.
Mongolia’s peacekeepers were praised for their
durability and professionalism. They provide protection
for UN operations, along with training and instructing
local military with expertise in operating soviet made
equipment. Nevertheless, the most important ingredient
to successful future lies with partnership and coopera-
tion with its two neighbors. As mentioned, the key idea
of the third neighbor policy is to balance its relations
with its two neighbors.
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
13
More than six years ago, I left my family and everything I
have known behind to start a new life in the US. Many of
us have taken this step to find a better life or to get the ed-
ucation that we might not be able to get at home. All of us
surely ask ourselves over and over again, the question,
“what am I doing here?” I ask myself this question plenty
of times, but then remind myself how lucky I am to be liv-
ing in this country, to have gotten a chance to live the
American dream, and to be working and studying in the
country so many people want to be part of but can’t.
Of course, no one day passes without me missing
my family, my friends, even German food, and I do not
think this will ever stop. We might start a new life, but we
will never be able to shake off our old one. Even though
America has been built by immigrants, there are times that
I am very aware of the difference between me and a US
citizen. I am sure this will never change being a first gen-
eration immigrant.
Take, for example, my job search after graduating
with a bachelor’s degree: Even though I fulfilled all re-
quirements of a job listing, one was missing: a US citizen-
ship or even just a green card. You want to try and apply
for a new visa/green card?! Good luck, it will take you
months or even years, depending on your citizenship.
I consider myself lucky being from a European
country which gives me certain privileges such as less
waiting time, but others have a much harder time.
A major overhaul of the immigration system is in order
and Obama is moving into the right direction. He has been
pushing for it and was able to pass the Dream Act, which
has been the answer to many people’s prayers. Personally,
I know one person who has benefited from it and now
does not have to worry about deportation anymore. It’s a
step into the right direction: integration of illegal immi-
grants that were brought here as kids without a choice.
These people are given a chance to get a degree, to work
legally, and to contribute to the economy. America has
been built by immigrants and will continue to grow be-
cause of us. So, don’t despair, even when it seems impos-
sible at times. Never give up, no matter what curveballs
life throws at us! Embrace your new life, speak English as
much as you can, make a turkey for Thanksgiving, watch
the Superbowl and all its funny commercials, or go to
Starbucks every day. In one word: become an American or
at least try.
BY VERENA GOETZ
BECOMING AMERICAN ( OR NOT)
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
14
After the fall of Germany in the Second World War, the
mantle of leadership fell on the United States to steer world
affairs and become the de facto policeman of the world.
Being a super power has its advantages and disadvantages.
It often requires taking pills for someone else’s headache.
It requires a lot of economic and military sacrifice. That is
why some analysts believe China’s economic prosperity
should not be confused as ascension to the role of a super
power.
Issues needing solution seems to pile up at an un-
precedented rate. Even though the United Nations has suc-
ceeded in preventing World War III, it appears to lack the
ability to solve some of the problems in today’s sophisticat-
ed world.
The missing Malaysian plane is not the only miss-
ing thing being looked for, the world is also searching for
solution to the war in Syria and other violent flashpoints at
different parts of the world. The only country at the center
of it all is the world super power, the United States of
America. When the world sleeps, America offers to keep
watch. The 3-year-old Syrian crisis keeps escalating be-
cause world powers have failed to find a solution to end the
war, and it sometimes feels like the war will go on forever.
Likewise in Africa, conflicts have been going on in
the Democratic Republic of Congo for over a decade. Ac-
cording to the BBC, DRC, which hosts the United Nation’s
largest peacekeeping mission, has seen various degrees of
conflicts and it is struggling to recover from a conflict
tagged “Africa’s world war,” in which millions died in be-
tween 1998 and 2003.
Also in the Central African Republic, there have
been religious crisis, since the Muslim Seleka group
seized power from the Christian government. According
to the Washington Post, the anti-balaka militias have
slaughtered hundreds of people in CAR. In all, families
have been ripped apart, homes and hopes of people have
been shattered.
In essence, there appears to be bigger problems
in other parts of the world that needs the attention of the
United States more than Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
There have been rising cases of home grown militant and
rebels threatening the peace and territorial integrity of
juridical states, For instance Book Haram in Nigeria:
People are dying daily from bullets, guns, and lack of
food and water in all parts of the world, but most of these
sad events go unnoticed in mainstream media, so there-
fore, there is no one to help.
The United States as the only super power seems
to be overwhelmed by world affairs. Coupled with the
sometimes dirty politics being played in Washington, it
has become a daunting task to President Obama’s admin-
istration to intervene in world affairs and still try to avoid
the inevitable and needless bashings from the Republi-
cans.
Unfortunately, the United States goofed when it
supported the ouster of Ukrainian’s former President
Viktor Yanukovych and hurriedly recognized the new
government headed by interim Prime Minister Arseniy
Yatsenyuk without weighing the outcome. This unfortu-
nate incident laid the ground for Putin to take over Cri-
mea.
Honestly, no country, no matter how weak, will
allow a foreign rival to have overriding influence in a
neighboring country, especially in this case. If the crisis
in Ukraine were to happen in Canada or Mexico, will the
United States allow any other country to take the lead
role in mediation? We all know what happened after the
Haiti earthquake, The US had to shoulder the problems to
avoid any country from gaining undue influence in its
backyard.
At the same time, the United States should not be
surprised by Russia’s actions, because Putin has always
given the inkling of doing this. He has been giving the
USA problems on all fronts, from allowing Edward
Snowden take refuge in Russia to the frustration of US
proposals on Syria at the United Nations Security Coun-
cil. The US should have read between the lines and ex-
pected the worst.
The US threatened fire and brimstone if Russia
offered Snowden political asylum. Russia did and nothing
happened. Russia might possess more intelligence on the
operations of the US government than the US has on
BY OLANREWAJU ETTI
THE MISSTEPS OF A SUPER POWER
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
15
Russia, courtesy of Edward Snowden, because Putin would
not have offered him a bed space in Russia for free.
My advice is that the USA should face the reality that Vla-
dimir Putin cannot reverse back on Crimea. He has taken it
for good and there is nothing anybody can do about it other
than to make ineffective sanctions.
The possible scenario is the following: Since Putin
is aware that the United States needs him to end the Syrian
war and to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons, he has a
vital leverage over America. He knows America will come
begging and that is when he will bend their hands to
dance to his tune and perhaps request for the sanc-
tions to be lifted, that is, if they are effective. By then,
America will have no choice but to work with him.
Putin might even use Snowden as a bargaining tool if
the need arises.
Contrary to the reports in Western media,
I don’t think Putin wants to run the world. He just
want to pass a message that he can do whatever he
likes and he cannot be coerced to take certain deci-
sions by the western governments. He is simply flex-
ing his muscles.
I just pity the new Ukrainian government,
because Putin has the power to and will stifle the
Ukrainian economy through gas shortage or price
increases. Consequently, there will be austerity and
the people will grow impatient with their government,
which might lead to public demonstrations again. It is
so bad for Ukraine that they didn’t realize that Europe
and the USA do not have the money to throw around,
which will leave Ukraine with no choice but to lean to-
wards Russia.
More so, the United States should go back to the
drawing board to decide if Ukraine is worth the fight. For
the sake of world peace, the USA and Russia need to bury
their hatchet and stop. As the New Y ork Times puts it, “tit-
for-tat battle of economic and political sanctions.” Moscow
and the West have to work together to find lasting solu-
tions to the war and human crisis in Syria and those Afri-
can countries. The world wants peace, not war.
SORRY HAGEL, WRONG TIME
The United States Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel,
might be ruining his luck for getting the job at the
same time with Secretary of State John Kerry. As much
as they both hold different portfolios, no doubt John
Kerry has overshadowed Hagel and sometimes has
relegated him to the background in issues that should
have been championed by the DOD. While John
Kerry’s influence in the Obama government cannot be
overestimated, Hagel seems to be a man with low
charisma that dwells in the background. After all Leon
Panetta’s reign was not eclipsed by Hillary Clinton,
when both were at the DOD and State Department
respectively.
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
16
As a student of international politics, I have learnt
about hundreds of international organizations that provide
aid to countries during times of need, be it economic, so-
cial, or military. I have even learnt of countries that strive
to survive despite severe challenges that they face and it is
because of the existence of international laws. There are
always theories explaining the huge powers exercised by a
few nations in the world, and how they take sides with
other ones.
However, Venezuela is a very unique case where
I find a lot of contradictions against the existing norms of
international laws and practice. Some of such observations
are the following: powerful countries turning blind eye to
brutal reality of existing challenges/atrocities committed
by a regime; and powerful international organizations ig-
noring the purpose of their very existence and mission,
even when there are blatant violation of human rights and
freedom (CIDH, OEA, UNASUR) in Venezuela.
Today, Venezuela is the country with highest in-
flation in the world. Also its citizens have the second low-
est salary in South America, and corruption is at its peak.
It is also home to the third most dangerous city in the
world, Caracas, the capital of the country.
Since February 2014, Venezuelan citizens, includ-
ing students, are vehemently protesting against several
problems that the country is facing, such as shortage of
essential goods, food, electricity, economics, crime, and
the loss of fundamental rights like freedom. People there
have been protesting using non-violent means. However,
the Venezuelan government has been using violent means
by sending the military forces to act brutally against the
peaceful Venezuelan citizens. Despite the brutality used
by the regime, people of Venezuela, including profession-
als, parents, entrepreneurs, politicians, and citizens from
all walks of life, joined together in peaceful demonstrators
to show their support. As time passed, the discontent from
the government started to grow and the situation became
violent: the military started to use tear gas, guns, and other
violent means — including rape — to quell the demon-
strations. It sounds hard to digest but this has been hap-
pening for more than two months in the country with the
world's largest oil reserves.
On the other hand, Nicolas Maduro, the President
of Venezuela, whose election to the Presidency has hap-
pened under dubious circumstances as it is feared that the
election involved voter fraud, started to call his backers to
go out on the streets and protest against the “so called”
violent right wing protesters (students) claiming that they
wanted to overthrow his government. He even “claimed”
that the protest was backed by the United States.
Here are some important facts: The Venezuelan
government controls 98% of media (TV stations, radio
stations, newspapers). Thus, they relay their anti-right
wing messages and the right wing has no way of voicing
their opinion. The government has control over the mili-
tary, the judicial system, the secret police, and the elec-
toral governing body. Also, Maduro controls every aspect
of the government machinery in the country. Moreover,
previously Chavez and now Maduro created a group of
motorized armed volunteers to serve as their spies to re-
view all activities taking place in the streets, and update
the regime on the latest development.
This motorized group has clashed with the student
protesters on many occasions, and they are probably re-
sponsible for more than half the deaths at the moment. To
protect themselves, the protesters put up barbed wires
across the streets in their neighborhoods to dissuade the
motorized and armed group from going into their areas
and shooting people at will. Maduro supports the motor-
ized and armed group, and on repeated occasions stated
that they do nothing but “good deeds” for the country.
Every day there are more people being kidnapped, killed,
By Paulette Zegarra Hernandez
What is going on in
Venezuela?
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
17
or taken to prison. On the other hand, more people from
the government, the military, Cuba, and the lowest classes
are being paid by the regime to support all kind of violent
activities against the pacific protests.
Maduro has already put three right wing leaders in
jail claiming that they are the ones promoting the protests.
There are four more leaders who are being investigated for
the same reasons. The Cuban elite military has been incor-
porated into the Venezuelan Military and it is thought that
they are the ones pulling the strings in all the major mili-
tary decisions taken by the regime, and that Maduro is on-
ly Cuba's Castro brothers’ puppet.
Pictures, videos, social networks and international
media has brought the grave situation of the citizens of
Venezuela to world’s attention, but it is very sad that so far
no major international organization has come forward to
take notice of the atrocities being committed by the regime
in Venezuela against its citizens. It is also appalling that
no international body has taken notice of human rights
violations and the injustice that the people of Venezuela
are facing. None of the world leaders have taken any kind
of strong steps to condemn the acts perpetuated by the re-
gime in Venezuela. On the contrary, the world media has
started to take less notice of the developments in Venezue-
la as its people continue to suffer silently.
Since February 4th, 2014 until now, there have
been 39 deaths, 608 injuries, and 2.285 people taken to
jail. These numbers are increasing each day. Not a day
passes in Venezuela where electricity is cut for hours. It is
also a miracle if Venezuelans are able to find basic prod-
ucts such as milk, flour, oil, toilet paper, diapers. Even
though they find products for their daily living, their salary
— if they have a job — is not enough to buy what is
needed.
My intention is to inform readers in simple words
about Venezuela’s situation and spread this information,
so the world is aware about the gravity of the situation
there. Perhaps readers have friends in Venezuela, or
friends of friends who know someone in Venezuela who
is suffering right now as human rights are being violated
by the dictatorial regime of Nicolas Maduro.
References
http://alltoptens.com/top-ten-dangerous-countries-
2014/
http://www.foropenal.com/
http://www.tradingeconomics.com/country-list/inflation-
rate
http://www.transparency.org/cpi2013/results
Corruption Perception Index 2013
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
18
THE STUDENT MAGAZINE OF VIRGINIA
INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF
PUBLIC AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
—GLOBAL INSIGHTS—
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
19
“The function of education is to teach one
to think intensively and to think critically.
Intelligence plus character– that is the
goal of true education.”
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
THE VIU SPIA GLOBAL INSIGHTS
20