Focus

April 2024WorldFocusInternational News

FOCUS on Public Diplomacy Conflicts – Mexico and Ecuador

Tensions between Mexico and Ecuador escalated on April 5, when Ecuadorian police invaded the Mexican Embassy in Quito. Jorge Glas, the former Ecuadorian Vice President, was arrested while taking refuge in the embassy after being convicted on accounts of corruption and bribery, leading to the diplomatic ties between the two countries being suspended. 

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Russia-UkraineNATO2024March 2024International NewsEurope

Sweden Finally Joins NATO

Effective as of March 7, 2024 the Kingdom of Sweden has officially joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, becoming the 23rd member state to do so. The Swedish entry into NATO has been a gradual process encompassing the change in national diplomatic policy regarding military alliances as well as the shifting popular domestic sentiments which placed their country in neutrality, apart from the conflicts seen in the rest of Europe. 

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2024March 2024FirearmsNarco-StatesInternational NewsNarcotics Trade

Former Honduran President Convicted in the US of Working with Drug Traffickers

Juan Orlando Hernández, a former 2-term president of Honduras, has been indicted on drug-trafficking and firearm charges and was extradited to the United States for trial. Hernández has been accused of conspiring with infamous drug lords such as Joaquín Guzmán Loera, the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel also known as El Chapo, to import copious amounts of cocaine into the U.S and of possessing destructive firearms.

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2024Sports Business and CultureCultureMarch 2024Feminism

Girl Math: Redefining Spending Habits

Living in a digital age means that social media platforms continue to play an integral role in shaping societal norms and behaviors. Among the myriad of trends that have emerged, the concept of “Girl Math” has gained traction, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. Though its name may seem unserious at first glance, this phenomenon offers insights into the complex relationship social media influences towards people’s approach to personal finance. 

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2024March 2024Russia-UkraineWorldEastern EuropeFocusInternational News

FOCUS on Global Ceasefire/Peacemaking Efforts: Russia/Ukraine

The Russo-Ukrainian War has been waging on for over 2 years with no end in sight, capitalized by the recent reelection of Russian President Vladimir Putin. While many scholars believe the Russian campaigns in Ukraine will only stop if Putin is ousted, increasing calls for ceasefire, both in the warring nations and from the international community have surfaced in recent months.

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2024March 2024WorldFocusInternational NewsAfrica

FOCUS: Ceasefire/Peacemaking Efforts in Sudan

The complexity of Sudan’s civil conflict, driven by entrenched grievances among the warring parties, religious divisions, ethnic struggles, competition for oil, and mistrust, lead the country to have a steep uphill climb to peace. The implementation and maintenance of peace have been impeded by breaches, insufficient monitoring systems, and conflicting interests among involved parties.

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