The other side of International Politics.
Daily, new events and incidents take place globally. This includes happenings on Wall Street, Oil Prices, military conflict in certain nations, and decisions at the highest levels of governance. While many incidents and landmark decisions are televised and published through various media channels, what is reported is often the tip of the iceberg.
As a student of International Relations and Diplomacy, I am often curious and searching for relevant information to support whatever development is currently discussed globally.
With the rise of new media technology and platforms, we have the rare chance of accessing more than one side of the story. This helps shape and create a holistic view of the current happenings and arrive at a more informed conclusion.
Gone are the days when mainstream media controlled or determined what people saw, heard, or believed. With the rise of citizen journalism, we can access more accurate and real life stories of events happening worldwide.
Perhaps, a few examples will help here.
On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin recognised two contested territories as part of Russia. The invasion has continued up until the time of this writing. On the news, we see the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people and also international efforts to rescue as many as possible.
While the news is filled with the bravery and the uprising of the Ukrainian people, more global support and sympathy erupt as the world watches on. However, there is another untold story of Racism, Power Play and Guerrilla Warfare.
Reports by Africans studying in the nation reveal preferential treatment and outright discrimination based on the colour of their skin. Many black students who are fleeing the country are stranded.
In a number of nations like Somalia, Libya, Syria, and even countries in the middle east, there have been continuous contention and never-ending war to restore peace and order in those societies.
Any student of international politics and governance must be aware of multiple sources of information and draw inferences accordingly. Everyone is a global citizen, and we must see and act as one.
There are a number of things that influence international politics and, most importantly, our world view about it:
1. Ideological affiliations:
Ideological affiliations are by far the most powerful influences on our perception of the world. Ideology influences the way we see, perceive and interpret events.
Even within a country, multiple ideologies and beliefs influence the policies people support, the candidates they vote into power, and their national interest.
There are primarily two ideological variations; the liberal-democratic ideology and the conservative-communist ideology.
People who have strong ties to the West or were colonised by the West tend to tilt towards western nations and agree to their influence and policies. Those affiliated with the conservative-communist ideology have an authoritarian grip on their people.
Standing aloof from these two ideological affiliations will help anyone see the world in a whole new way.
2. Nation and origins:
People who grow up in nations with strong religious views and ideas imposed upon them by their leadership will react to international politics differently.
As recently as 2021, the Taliban took over the reins of power and governance in Afghanistan, bringing a 20-year US-led intervention to an end. Their people, policies and outlook on the world are fueled by their radical and extremist religious beliefs.
3. Educational background and status:
With this, a student of international politics should rise above religious limitations, national limitations and ideological traps. The ability to read far and wide and interact with other intelligent minds should open people up to seeing things differently.
The world is an interplay of many actors running with diverse agendas and interests as they interact. We must continually strive to embrace a holistic view of situations before concluding.
