This blog comes out of a desire to encourage others (and myself) to take a step back from our tired debates over policies of protection and humanitarian issues and begin a new dialogue. These exhausted debates have a tendency to drown out the humanness of such matters, clouding our vision, and allowing us to forget our purpose and responsibility to each other as neighbors. It seems that we as an international community all too often lose sight of what ought to inform our actions and interactions: our shared humanity. It is my hope that this blog will offer a perspective which attempts to find the humanity in the midst of politics and power, and considers how we might use the latter to protect the former.
North Korea: The ICC's Problem with Jurisdiction
On the heels of its first conviction, all eyes are on the International Criminal Court. The world is watching to see if this accomplishment can assist the court in building momentum in its fight against impunity. With fourteen other cases currently before the court, as well as numerous others under preliminary investigation, the court seems to have great potential. For its proponents, things are finally starting to look up. Its opponents, however, might see one conviction in ten years as little reason to celebrate.
Convicting Lubanga: What Does this Mean for the ICC?
It is safe to say that on March 14, 2012, history was made in the realm of international justice. On this day, Thomas Lubanga, former head of the Union of Congolese Patriots (UCP) and its former military wing, the Patriotic Forces of the Liberation of Congo, was convicted in the International Criminal Court (ICC). Charged with war crimes, including conscripting and enslaving child soldiers, Lubanga will now face sentencing in the court.
Four Accomplishments in Four Days: KONY 2012
It is safe to say that only those who have been living under a rock the past four days have not heard or read the name Kony. On Monday, the non-profit Invisible Children (IC) launched their new campaign: KONY 2012.The purpose of this campaign is to make the name Joseph Kony known to the world. Their argument is that if more people know who he is and what crimes he has committed, he is more likely to be brought to justice.
Civilians: The Ultimate Victims of the Veto
While the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) has been gaining traction, particularly with its recent implementation in Libya, the international community is still a far cry from actualizing the doctrine's true potential. Beyond the obvious difficulty of motivating states into a coordinated action, there are additional factors that continually block the implementation of R2P in particular and civilian protection in general.
Mourning the Dear Leader
As much as we like to think we know about North Korea, major events such as the recent death of their “Dear Leader” Kim Jong Il remind us just how little we actually know about the elusive country. Journalists, politicians, and researchers alike have been trying to make sense of the situation over the past few weeks. Many are proffering their own theories of what will become of the country as Kim Jong Un attempts to take power. Ideas range from a potential attack on the south, an opening up of the country, a military coup, or simply a continuation of the status quo.
When the Question is More Important than the Answer
There are times where I find myself wondering how so many people in a society could collectively be asking the wrong questions. How is it possible for such a vast majority to so completely miss the point? This occurrence used to be rare, but is now becoming more common place. I realize the world is indeed a complicated place, and we are never going to have it all figured out. Yet there has to be a point where at least someone in the crowd notices we have been looking at a situation all wrong…right?
R2P: The Responsibility to Protest
I am often shocked when I hear talk about the Occupy Wall Street movement being un-American, or that these people out protesting in the streets should find more constructive things to do with their time. As if they are out there for the fun of it. You know, just didn't feel like going to work that day so they thought they'd go get arrested for walking on a public sidewalk. It constantly amazes me how easily people forget that this country was built on protest and revolution. It’s in our blood.
Setting Aside Politics: Finding Common Ground for Sudan
It can often feel as though our nation is broken down into a multitude of distinct groups that will never come to see eye to eye on any topic. We sense it among our families and friends as we debate the efficacy of a movement such as Occupy Wall Street, in our offices as we heatedly discuss politics, and in our media as we see our nation's political system broken down into the wrong, the right and those that own them. The vitriol in our politics and our media has led to this climate of "us" versus "them" in nearly every aspect of American society.
The Danger of Misinformation: Understanding the LRA
Understanding when and how we ought to act on matters of humanitarian concern is difficult enough without adding blatant misinformation to the mix. It is essential to be clear about who it is we are dealing with, and for what they do or do not actually stand. To further complicate such matters without regard for the truth only serves to assist those who would wish harm on the innocent.
It's Not About Korea: Peace on the Peninsula
The past few weeks I have been working on a dream series with my freshman English class. As first years, they have all recently declared their majors and thus career goals are fresh on their minds. My initial plan was simply to focus on personal dreams. I wanted to give them the opportunity to talk about their life goals and hopes for the future. Do they want to get married, run a company, or become an astronaut? Do they want to travel and see the world? Furthermore, what are the events and people in their lives that help to shape those dreams?
