News Brief

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1. Strengthening Ties: Russia Deepens Asian Alliances

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a significant mutual military assistance treaty in Pyongyang in June. The pact ensures that both nations will provide immediate military support to one another in the event of armed aggression (AP). The treaty underscores the commitment to mutual defense and cooperation as anticipation of an armed conflict continues to rise (Al Jazeera). Putin has also signed multiple deals with Vietnamese President To Lam concerning the trade of fossil fuels and cooperation in nuclear science and technology. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has intensified efforts to strengthen alliances in Asia, as it faces increasing international isolation and sanctions by the West (NPR). These strategic moves highlight Russia’s pivot towards Asia as it seeks to counterbalance Western influence and maintain its geopolitical leverage.  

2. Global Heat Crisis / Inferno 2024

Just like past summers, 2024 has experienced record-breaking heat waves worldwide. According to Reuters, this year is on track to be one of the warmest years on record, possibly the hottest ever. Countries around the world such as India, Cambodia, and the Philippines, have suffered tremendously. In the US, the heat has been exacerbated by hurricanes that have caused widespread power outages. Global temperatures have increased over one degree Celsius, with Africa, Euroupe, and South America having their warmest year ever recorded (NOAA). The heat is causing various health issues for individuals, particularly those with little or no access to air conditioning or sufficient water. Citizens of these regions are at increased risk of heat stroke and dehydration, and other serious health conditions might be exacerbated (WHO). These extreme conditions underscore the urgent need for global action on climate change to protect vulnerable populations and mitigate future risks. 

3. Update on Israel-Hamas War 

Amid the conflict between Israel and Gaza, there is little indication of a ceasefire as Israeli troops continue to advance deeper into Gaza, exacerbating shortages of food and basic necessities. In February, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) held hearings on Israel's occupation of Palestine, with 52 countries presenting arguments on the legal consequences of these actions (Al Jazeera). Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces rising dissatisfaction as death tolls increase and Israeli hostages remain in captivity. Additionally, in late June, Israel’s Supreme Court unanimously ruled on the conscription of ultra-Orthodox individuals into the army (Al Jazeera). According to the BBC, this community, currently comprising around 12% of the population, has historically supported Netanyahu’s tenure in power. However, the exemption of ultra-Orthodox men has been a source of conflict among Israel’s public. These developments reflect the growing external and internal pressures on Israel’s government during ongoing conflicts and societal divisions.

Final Double Spread Page - World

More than half the world’s population — in over 50 countries — will head to the voting polls in 2024, more than at any other time in history. The deliberate actions of these citizens will not only change the course of democracy, but also serve as a model for voting systems in other countries. However, this pivotal year is far from over, and election results will prove difficult to predict with such polarizing political systems around the globe.

Key Elections Held So Far This Year

In January, Taiwan held both Presidential and Legislative elections. This was a monumental moment for the Taiwanese, especially under China’s continual threats to annex the self-governing island, while flexing its military power over the region (AP). These elections not only affirmed Taiwan’s commitment to its democratic processes but also highlighted the island nation’s resolve to resist external pressures and maintain its sovereignty in the face of geopolitical tensions.

In February, El Salvador, elections were held under domestic uncertainty. The people re-elected President Nayib Bukele, known for his severe crackdown on gang violence and attempts to end corruption (BBC). Bukele’s re-election confirms the El Salavdorean support for his tough stance on crime and corruption, reflecting a broader desire for strong, decisive leadership in the face of ongoing challenges. 

In April, South Korea held parliamentary elections, with the Democratic Party and Rebuilding Korea Party gaining 175 seats, which was a landslide defeat for current President Yoon Suk-yeol’s conservative People Power Party (CSIS). This led to discord between the governing parties, with little attempt of compromise to pass important  legislation. 

In May, Panama held their Presidential and Legislative elections. The results were shocking considering the widespread corruption and discontent around the economy. The country elected José Raúl Mulino as President, while the original running mate of the former president  was convicted on charges of money laundering and disqualified from the race (Time). This surprising outcome indicates a push for reform amidst pervasive corruption.

Between April and June, India held multiple elections, including for positions in the Parliament and Prime Minister. Despite Narendra Modi securing a third term as Prime Minister, his party suffered a significant defeat in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament. This stems from voter frustration over economic problems and opposing foreign policy ideas. The results show a need for Modi to address domestic issues more effectively to restore broader support.

In June, Mexico elected their first female President, Claudia Sheinbaum. Her party, the populist left-wing Moreno party, also won two-thirds in the Chamber of Deputies, which is the lower house of the Parliament. This sets the stage for Shienbaum and her party to implement reforms addressing gender-based violence and gang violence. Her election signals a shift in Mexico’s political landscape and a desire for progressive change and increased representation of women in leadership roles.

In July, England held its parliamentary elections, the results of which decided the Prime Minister. The Labour Party won its first general election victory in over a decade, ending the Conservative Party’s hold on the Parliament. The new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has promised to induce growth throughout the country with economic and social improvements, including housing and education. 

All of these election results demonstrate a desire for change, especially regarding social and financial changes. The majority of these elected leaders have all promised to improve the current situation in their respective countries. 

Corruption at the Polls

Unfortunately, the state of democracy in some countries is actually being undermined during this year’s elections. Regression to authoritarian regimes could have severe negative consequences, especially for the following nations: Russian presidential elections were held in March, with President Vladamir Putin securing his fifth term. Although other candidates intended to run, many were eliminated on undisclosed charges by the Central Election Commission (CEM). Yet at the end of the process, Putin faced no credible opposition. Many international observers consider the elections to be fraudulent, particularly as Putin increased political repression following the beginning of the Ukraine-Russia War. Reports of ballot stuffing, coercion, and bribery further tainted the election, which is now considered the most fraudulent election in all of modern Russian history (Meduza). 

Venezuelan  President Nicholás Maduro won yet another six-year term in late July, in what is being called a tainted election. The government-controlled electoral council announced his victory over opponent Edmundo Gonzálaz. In response, González’s campaign denounced the results as “impossible,” according to The New York Times. Voting centers reported voter intimidation and fraudulent ballot counting. This election represented an opportunity for the South American country to finally end a quarter-century of socialist rule. Under Maduro’s leadership, the country has faced economic collapse, the migration of about a third of the population, and a decline in diplomatic relations. The U.S. and many Latin American countries called for transparency in vote counting, with the White House rejecting casting claims that Maduro rightfully won the presidency. 

An Important Upcoming Election

In November, the U.S. will hold a contentious presidential election. This highly contested race will determine the direction of domestic and international challenges. President Joe Biden abandoned his campaign for reelection on July 21, under pressure from fellow Democrats, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to challenge Donald Trump in the November election. Biden, 81, would have been the oldest person to ever serve as U.S. president and faced serious doubts about his ability to win reelection after several shaky public performances. According to Reuters, it’s been over 50 years since an incumbent U.S. president gave up their party’s nomination. Harris is positioned to become the first Black woman to lead a major-party ticket in American history. This unprecedented shift promises a historic and highly contentious battle between Harris and Trump. 

Conclusion 

Global demand is driving significant improvement and lasting change in countries around the world. People are tired of empty promises and are seeking substantive solutions to address the monumental challenges we face, particularly in improving equity and addressing the economic issues in our daily lives. 

Despite its imperfections, the right to vote remains crucial and forms the cornerstone of democratic governance. Voting empowers citizens — this year, an overwhelming 4 billion of them — to have a voice in the future and to hold their leaders accountable. Stay tuned for more developments as the powerful ballot continues to change lives.