Africa
Climate Change Strikes Again: not just another day in paradise…
by Neo Allert
Climate change strikes again: on 7 December the Seychelles, an island paradise popular with international tourists, were hit by heavy rains that led to severe flooding and landslides, killing three people. While the storm was raging, a blast from an explosive depot in the Providence area of the main island Mahe added to the already devastating chaos and destruction. Since then the state of emergency declared earlier has been lifted. The destruction and shock caused by these catastrophic events, however, continues to impact the lives of these islanders.
It is highly likely that such natural disasters will occur more frequently in the future. With floods, landslides and droughts hitting East Africa earlier this year, the Seychelles are only the latest victim of climate change’s disastrous effects. It is hoped that the international community, currently discussing global solutions to climate change at COP28, will take action to prevent such events from becoming the new normal.
Asia
Rebel offensive deals major blow to embattled Myanmar Junta
by Harvey Young
In the past few weeks, Myanmar’s ruling military Junta has been rocked by a successful military offensive in the Shan state, which straddles the border with China. Ethnic insurgents seized several towns in the region whilst other pro-democracy militias increased attacks throughout the country. Myanmar’s ruling military junta was evidently alarmed by these serious defeats with the president warning that the country is at risk of breaking apart.
Since the Tatmadaw (Myanmar’s military) seized complete control over the government in a coup in February 2021, the country has descended into a state of civil war, with pro-democracy fighters allying with existing ethnic minority militias in an attempt to overthrow the Junta. China, usually the Junta’s most important patron, did not attempt to prevent the offensive following a dispute regarding illicit activities along their border in the Shan state.
Several commentators have remarked that the humiliating offensive in the Shan state could mean the beginning of the end of Tatmadaw rule in Myanmar, exposing major weaknesses of its army. However, the Junta still controls most of the main cities and the resistance groups remain disunited, meaning that restoring peace and democracy in Myanmar could remain a long way off.
Europe
Conor McGregor teases presidential run
by Aidan O’Connor
Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor has indicated he’s considering contesting the Irish presidential election, set to be held in 2025. Laying out a very brief policy platform, McGregor stated he would ‘put it all’ to a vote, with no specific details outlined. His comments were ridiculed by many who pointed out the purely ceremonial role of the Irish presidency, which has no significant influence over the presiding of referendums or legislative agendas. Furthermore, despite being two year’s out from the next presidential election, McGregor’s prospects currently don’t seem too bright, with a IrelandThinks opinion poll projecting just 8 percent would vote for McGregor.
McGregor’s statement follows a Dublin riot on 23 November caused by anti-immigration protestors following the stabbing of three children and a carer by a naturalised Irish citizen originally from Algeria. McGregor, known to be hostile towards immigration, has previously stated Ireland was ‘at war’ in relation to immigration and is currently being investigated by the Gardaí (Irish police) for incitement in relation to the riot. With no significant anti-immigrant presence within the Irish political scene, a rarity in much of Europe, many now speculate McGregor’s fame and platform may give space for such a movement.
North America
631 and more on the way
by Mac Brennan
The Nevada University shooting marks 631 mass shootings in the US since the beginning of the year. Although evidence of an increase in mass shootings since 2010 is not new, there has been a stark increase since 2020. Currently, journalists theorise that the pandemic and the social movements of 2020 were a gateway to a nationwide sense of insecurity. In the first three months of the Covid pandemic and after every nationally reported shooting, gun and ammunition sales rose dramatically. When the individual or the culture of ownership is threatened, Americans may feel the need to arm themselves, as there is a strong link between local leaders supporting gun control and residents buying more arms.
The unease of continuous tragedies could lead to a new precedent for perpetrators. The 15-year-old, (now 17) who shot and killed four people in Michigan two years ago has been sentenced to life in prison without parole. It is a shock that a crime normally sentenced with a possibility of parole for adults, is not given to a minor. It could be a sign of judges taking action to make up for the lack of a national response.
York Global Affairs 