FOCUS on Public Diplomacy Conflicts – Argentina and Venezuela
Argentina and Venezuela are currently in the middle of a diplomatic row. Members of Venezuela’s opposition coalition have sheltered in the Argentinian embassy in Caracas.
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2024
FOCUS on Public Diplomacy Conflicts – Israel and Iran
An Israeli airstrike hit the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria on April 1, demolishing the building and killing two Iranian generals and five officers, along with six Syrian citizens, according to Iranian officials.
Read MoreHow to Fix the Migrant Crisis? Federally, Start Treating It Like One.
New York City is facing an influx of migrants. In the last two years, 175,000 new immigrants have arrived in NYC from the southern border. They are arriving in the city in a variety of ways – perhaps most publicly from Texas, by way of a bus sent by Governor Greg Abbott.
Read MoreFOCUS 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.
Read MoreBulgaria and Romania Partially Join Schengen Area
Bulgaria and Romania are the newest partial members of the Schengen Area, the border-free travel zone guaranteeing free movement of goods, people, and capital, which is now comprised of 29 members. Despite the veto from Austria, which enforces the new Schengen status in Bulgaria and Romania to remain unchanged for land borders, their accession is significant for both countries, aiding efforts to install ties to the European Union (EU).
Read MoreUNGA President Dennis Francis Visits Seton Hall University
On March 26, 2024, Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations hosted the President of the 78th General Assembly of the United Nations, Dennis Francis. He spoke to students, faculty, and alumni in a discussion on the role of the UN General Assembly in accomplishing the goals he set out for his administration as they aim to move toward peace, prosperity, and sustainability for all.
Read MoreTurkish Opposition Gets Victory in Local Elections
Local Turkish elections are unfolding and recent news shows that the future of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and current President Tayyip Erdoğan is uncertain. According to Brookings, Erdoğan’s early vows for Türkiye were to bring forth democratic reform but after almost decades of leadership the government has devolved into being “authoritarian and dysfunctional.”
Read MoreArgentina and Colombia Seek to Mend Relationship After Presidents Butt Heads
The governments of Argentina and Colombia have found themselves working to restore a friendly relationship in the wake of a dispute that started in late March of this year. According to a March 31 joint statement from both countries, “The respective governments have taken concrete steps to overcome any differences and strengthen this relationship.”
Read MoreA Ceasefire in Gaza Would Not Bring Peace
It is obvious that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right coalition government have failed to prevent unnecessary civilian casualties, and Israel must demonstrate a stronger resolve to protect innocents caught in the crossfire. However, this does not negate the immediate threat that Hamas and its affiliates, such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad, continue to pose to the security of Israelis.
Read MoreTerrorism in Moscow
On March 22, the terrorist organization Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K) attacked a Moscow concert hall, killing more than 144 people. This attack as caused tension to rise once again in Western society, amplifying United States and European fear that ISIS-K has set their sights on the West.
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