AN INITIATIVE OF THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS connecting leading global foreign policy institutes
AN INITIATIVE OF THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS connecting leading global foreign policy institutes
It is seventy-one years since nations came together to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with a vision to forge a more just world. However, previous champions of human rights are reneging on this common goal. These declining commitments globally will lead to more insecurity. Shortsighted actions—in response to concerns such as terrorism and surging migration—will cause far-reaching, long-term harm. To ensure our world is more secure, nations should renew their commitment to the centrality of human rights.
It is seventy-one years since nations came together to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with a vision to forge a more just world. However, previous champions of human rights are reneging on this common goal. These declining commitments globally will lead to more insecurity. Shortsighted actions—in response to concerns such as terrorism and surging migration—will cause far-reaching, long-term harm. To ensure our world is more secure, nations should renew their commitment to the centrality of human rights.
The Pacific Islands are of intensifying geostrategic interest. Sitting between Asia and the Americas, the region is one of the world’s most dependent on aid. It acts as the custodian of large swaths of the world’s fisheries and makes up a significant voting bloc at the United Nations, giving the region more geostrategic relevance than its modestly sized population might suggest. With China expanding its foreign aid programs in the region, the geopolitical competition for influence among China and other international and regional powers appears to be heating up.
The Pacific Islands are of intensifying geostrategic interest. Sitting between Asia and the Americas, the region is one of the world’s most dependent on aid. It acts as the custodian of large swaths of the world’s fisheries and makes up a significant voting bloc at the United Nations, giving the region more geostrategic relevance than its modestly sized population might suggest. With China expanding its foreign aid programs in the region, the geopolitical competition for influence among China and other international and regional powers appears to be heating up.