Monday Memo | Humanitarian Crises, Military Disputes, Historic Decisions

Asia and the Pacific

“South Korea Moves to Suspend Licenses of Thousands of Protesting Doctors”

After weeks of protests opposing a government plan to increase medical school admissions, the South Korean government announces a move to suspend the licenses of and heavily fine thousands of participating early-career healthcare workers. Within the developed world, South Korea has one of the lowest doctors per capita, which the government aims to change. Protesters point to ongoing concerns surrounding extremely strenuous work conditions and low wages among medical professionals.

_{By Jin Yu Young via The New York Times, published March 4, 2024}

“Modi visits Kashmir’s main city for the first time since revoking region’s semi-autonomy”

Amidst a continued dispute over the region, Prime Minister Modi’s visit is a continuation of India’s political efforts to create a “new Kashmir.” The visit was marked by a heightened military presence and Modi’s claims of the region’s future success. The event is seen as an extension of Modi’s campaign for national elections in April and May.

_{Via AP News, published March 7, 2024}

Europe

“France makes abortion a constitutional right in historic Versailles vote”

The French parliament enshrines abortion as a constitutional right in a historic joint session at the Palace of Versailles. Monday’s session is the first to change the constitution since 2008. The amendment will give women the “guaranteed freedom” to choose an abortion. This decision was backed by a substantial majority in parliament and among the French public, although anti-abortion opposition has also made itself heard amidst celebrations. Click link to read more.

_{By Kim Willsher via The Guardian, published March 4, 2024}

“As Sweden joins NATO, it bids farewell to more than two centuries of neutrality”

After two hundred years of neutrality towards military alliances, Sweden officially joins NATO following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, taking a clear stance in the ongoing conflict. ⁤Despite its humanitarian reputation for peacemaking and mediation, the Swedish majority favors this shift in position. ⁤⁤This development reflects changing geopolitical realities and concerns, signaling that neutrality is no longer an option. Click link to read more.

_{By David Keyton via AP News, published March 2, 2024}

Latin America and the Caribbean

“Colombia, Bolivia back Brazil’s Lula in Israel row over Gaza war comments”

Colombia’s Petro and Bolivia’s Arce express their solidarity with Brazilian president Lula after Israel declares him “persona non grata” The declaration comes in response to Lula’s remarks comparing Israel’s actions in Gaza to the Holocaust. Brazil has recalled its ambassador to Israel, reflecting escalating international tensions. Click link to read more.

_{Via Al Jazeera, published Feb 21, 2024}

“Argentina’s Milei vows to push economic reforms with or without parliament”

Newly elected libertarian president Javier Milei is determined to push forward ambitious economic reforms despite a lack of support from parliament, aiming to break Argentina out of decades of economic dysfunction. Despite continuously rising inflation rates under the new administration, Milei vows to implement sweeping changes to revive the economy. Click link to read more.

_{Via Al Jazeera, published March 2, 2024}

Middle East and North Africa

“Executions in Iran hit 8-year high in 2023”

Since the protests against the death of Mahsa Amini, there has been a 43% increase in the usage of the death penalty. While some of these deaths are directly linked to the protests, there has also been a rise in the death penalty for drug use and among minority populations. Clink link to read more.

_{Via Al Jazeera, published March 5, 2024}

“Netanyahu rival Benny Gantz to meet US leaders”

Amongst growing calls for elections within Israel, the visit to the US by the centrist member of the National Unity party raises questions about Netanyahu’s support both in Israel and the United States. The visit comes after the US has announced an increase in aid to the region. Clink link to read more.

_{Via Al Jazeera, published March 4, 2024}

North America

“Supreme Court temporarily blocks controversial Texas border law SB4”

The temporary block comes during an election year where immigration and the border are a major concern for voters. The decision underlines the political dispute between the federal government and state authorities on border control. Clink link to read more.

_{By Francesca Gillett via The BBC, published March 5, 2024}

“Israel-Gaza war: US carries out its first aid airdrop in strip”

In an effort to provide relief to the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict in Gaza, the US dropped 38,000 ready-to-eat meals in southwest Gaza. While the move indicates a change in US response to the conflict, it has prompted criticism from many regional aid groups for being “woefully inadequate.” Click link to read more.

_{By Henri Astier via BBC News, published March 4, 2024}

Sub-Saharan Africa

“Millions of Sudanese go hungry as war disrupts food supply”

Months into a war between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), millions of people are starving and have little to no access to food, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. Fighting between the opposing groups has led to cuts in supply lines and the closure of “emergency response rooms,” which, for many, were the only means of receiving food. Click link to read more.

_{By Nafisa Eltahir via Reuters, published March 6, 2024}

“Kenya Signs Deal With Haiti to Send 1,000 Police to Caribbean”

Kenya seals a security agreement with Haiti allowing 1,000 Kenyan police officers to deploy to Haiti. Critics are skeptical of the Kenya police force’s suitability for its proposed role in Haiti due to its history of human rights abuses in combating terrorism. Analysts speculate that the deployment reflects a desire to enhance global ties to the United States rather than concerns about the ongoing crisis. Haiti continues to face escalating violence and political turmoil, prompting calls for international support. Click link to read more.

_{By Abdi Latif Dahir and Declan Walsh via The New York Times, published March 1, 2024}

Happening This Week

Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 6:00 PM- 7:30 PM ET

La Maison Française NYU is hosting “The Antisemitism and Islamophobia: Anatomy of Hatred” seminar with Maurice Samuels and Rachid Benzine, exploring the historical roots and contemporary manifestations of antisemitism and Islamophobia, organized by Martine Trink Rubenstein, LICRA USA. (RSVP)

Thursday, March 14, 2024, 12:00 PM- 2:00 PM ET

CEMS is hosting “The Criminalization of Solidarity in Europe” at NYU, discussing the legal challenges faced by the activists and NGOs aiding migrants post-Lampedusa tragedy, with Violeta Moreno-Lax, Martina Tazzioli, and Seán Binder. The event is available in-person and online. (RSVP)

Thursday, March 14, 2024, 6:00 PM- 7:30 PM ET

NYU’s Department of German and Deutsches Haus is hosting “Overcoming the Present,” a dialogue and bilingual reading with Max Czollek and Jon Cho-Polizzi. They will explore the intersection of art, popular culture, and political discourse in addressing social divisions and the rise of far-right ideologies. (RSVP)

Career Development Opportunities

Jordan Center Fieldwork & Language Training Fellowship

The Jordan Center Fieldwork & Language Training Fellowship at NYU offers up to $2,500 for doctoral and MA students to study Russian or conduct research during the summer. Prioritizing doctoral applications, it supports both in-region and online language courses. The application deadline is May 1, 2024.

NYU Migration Network Graduate Student Award

The NYU Migration Network Graduate Student Award supports summer migration research or artistic projects for NYU graduate students, funded by multiple NYU centers. It covers project expenses, adhering to NYU travel policies. Applications are due by March 29, 2024.

The Center for Human Rights and Global Justice 2024 Summer Internship

2024 Summer Internship Program at NYU School of Law’s Center for Human Rights and Global Justice is open for applications. This program is designed for those looking to explore human rights law and social justice careers, offering roles as research assistants within the Center’s activities.