Monday Briefing | April 27 - Journal of Political Inquiry

Protestors standing 6 feet apart as they protest against Israeli Prime Minister: Benyamin Netanyahu’s latest undemocratic and corrupt declarations on April 19th (Photo courtesy of Jack Guez – AFP via Getty Images

Stories to Follow

International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace: On April 24, the United Nations observed its second International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace.Through UN resolution A/RES//73/127, which was adopted on 12 December 2018, the UN GA made a commitment to reaffirm the values of the UN Charter through the establishment of The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. At the apex of deteriorating international cooperation, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres alongside world leaders reminded the international community just how deeply connected we all are, even in times of crisis. Noting the global pandemic and the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus to be the greatest challenge the international community has faced since the Second World War; the UN Secretary-General’s statement reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to multilateral values, recalled the UN Charter and called for strengthening coordination among all multilateral organizations.

Israel Establishes a National-Emergency Unity Government: After a year of inconclusive elections, on April 20 Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party and Benny Gantz’ Blue and White party have formalized a national-emergency unity government. The unity government will keep Netanyahu in office for the next eighteen months, while Gantz will serve as the deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister. This news comes just before a two week deadline which would have resulted in a fourth election, and days after 2,000 demonstrators took to the streets of Rabin Square in Tel Aviv (while observing social distancing guidelines) to protest against Netanyahu’s leadership.

Happening This Week

Germany, Corona and the State of Exception | Monday, April 27 | 5:00 – 6:00p.m.

Much like other parts of the world, Germany has been under lockdown since mid-March, but its response to the COVID-19 has been credited for its success. Christiane Lemke, Professor of Political Science at the Leibniz Universität Hannover; Claus Leggewie, Ludwig Boerne Professor at the University of Giessen; and Christian Martin, current Max Weber Chair in German and European Studies at NYU will be discussing the current situation. The event will take place via Zoom. Participants can RSVP here.

NYU Center for Global Affairs: Imagining the New Normal: Exploring the Economic and Social Impact of COVID-19 from NYC, London, and Singapore | Thursday, April 30 | 10 – 11a.m.

Join CGA and experts from NYC, London and Singapore as they discuss the economic and social impacts of COVID-19. Learn more about the event and registration here.

In Your Free Time

Remaining positive during this time has been a challenge for me. Like many students who face the fears of graduating into possibly the worst job market in decades, I have found solace in reading books that remind and teach me about the Law of Attraction, spirituality and positivity healing. In particular, Jen Sincero’s You Are A Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life is one of my favorites. An easy read, this self-help book is great for beginners who want to learn more about the power of manifestation, the Law of Attraction and how to change your mindset to start living a better, more positive life!

This week’s Monday Briefing was brought to you by Shivani Somaiya.