Mount Holyoke community reflects on racial discrimination faced by Africans at the Ukranian border
In the wake of Russian military forces invading Ukraine on February 24, Mount Holyoke’s McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives organized “War in Ukraine: Why? What Next?” This event was held virtually on March 8. The event, moderated by Professor of Politics and Chair of International Relations Sohail Hashmi, featured Professor of Russian Studies Stephen Jones, Assistant Professor of International Relations and Politics Christopher Mitchell and Cyrus Vance Visiting Professor in International Relations Natalie Sabanadze, who shared an in-depth discussion regarding the invasion. One of the main topics of discussion was the differences between how this war is portrayed by the media as opposed to conflicts in the Global South. Additionally, the speakers discussed the racism being faced by African and Black refugees fleeing Ukraine.
Jeff Bezos asks Dutch officials to disassemble historic bridge so his yacht can leave the shipyard
Students recount their experiences during the Myanmar Coup
Last year, the Myanmar military, officially known as the Tatmadaw, orchestrated a coup that removed Aung San Suu Kyi, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, from power after her political party, the National League for Democracy, won the election by a landslide. Because the title Myanmar was appointed by the military to replace the Burmese title of Burma, this article will refer to the country by the latter. This month marks the anniversary of the declaration of a state of emergency made by the military on Feb. 1, 2021. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing remains in power, and many people in Burma are still protesting.
Russia threatens Ukraine with increased military presence at border
In December 2021, Russian President Vladimir Putin increased the presence of Russian troops on the Russia-Ukraine border. The New York Times reported that this maneuver was accompanied by demands that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization should violate its standing open-door policy, which permits any country to apply for membership, and bar Ukraine from ever applying for membership. In the same article, the Times reported that Putin also “wanted NATO allies to pull all troops and nuclear weapons from former Soviet republics and nations that once belonged to the Warsaw Pact.”
