| A Message from our Office
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| Message from David Dumke, GPII Executive Director
Assessing the U.S. in a Volatile World
It has been two years since the United States pulled out of Afghanistan. The chaotic departure from Kabul reminded many of the ignominious 1975 collapse of Saigon. Critics contends the withdrawal emboldened rivals, especially Russia and China, and encouraged smaller nations and their leaders to recalculate policies and politics. The hasty exit highlighted that the post-World War II, American-shaped global order was over. Today, as the contours of international politics continue to evolve, questions proliferate about America’s global status and mission.
Indeed, the term “superpower” – at least as understood in the Cold War context – no longer remains operative. The U.S. is still at the top of the international pecking order based on economic weight, cultural influence, military might, foreign aid, logistical capabilities, and network of security and trade alliances. However, policy priorities shifted, new challenges emerged, and Washington is having difficulty articulating and selling its strategy, denting credibility.
The Biden Administration has focused on repairing and expanding the U.S. alliance system. The Russian invasion of Ukraine gave NATO a new sense of purpose, and new members. Today, the 74-year-old alliance is bankrolling and arming Ukraine, with Washington being Kiev’s most generous supporter. The war’s outcome remains in the balance, but it will not end, as Moscow envisioned, with the swift collapse of Volodymyr Zelensky’s government. President Biden has prioritized strengthening America’s position in the Indo-Pacific, especially ties to the other Quad nations of Australia, Japan, and India, as well as South Korea. Washington has made commitments to Taiwan’s security as well and helped birth the AUKUS alliance. The Inflation Reduction Act, which is actuality is a massive climate bill, could very well be a global game changer in combatting climate change and pushing the nation – and world – into a greener future.
But problems mount on all fronts. In Latin America, democracy is threatened by left and right-wing populism. Drug gangs have been emboldened, and human rights are under strain. U.S.-Mexican relations are more tense than they’ve been in years. In the Middle East, Lebanon, Syria, Libya, and Yemen are failed states. Iraq, Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria, all face severe economic challenges, while Tunisia and even Israel struggle with self-inflicted internal political crises. Africa has witnessed a spate of coups and faces the consequences of climate change and food insecurity. In Asia, China’s economic growth, military buildup, and aggressive diplomatic outreach (especially under the Brick and Road Initiative), draws the most attention. But there are other critical concerns, such as the instability of nuclear-armed Pakistan, where floods have affected more than 33 million people. The recent arrest of Imran Khan continues a disturbing trend of political leaders going from high office to prison.
Climate change, extreme weather, and pressure on the water-energy-food security nexus suggest greater government instability and human suffering. Questions abound, and are not unique to one specific region, about migration, health, the rule of law, human rights, the status of women, and religious freedom.
Meanwhile, the volatile American domestic political scene is damaging international prestige. Since 2016, it seems election season is continuous. Great or small, every policy decision seems to be a zero-sum game. In the states, partisan control means winner take all. Compare California and Michigan, on the one hand, to Texas and Florida – “blue” Democratic and “red” Republican states are moving in very different directions. At the federal level, passing critical legislation like appropriations bills and raising the debt limit is exceedingly difficult. Partisan intransigence complicates even dealing with routing matters like military promotions and ambassadorial appointments. In this atmosphere, it is likely Washington’s policies will likely shift abruptly when power changes hands. This destabilizes global politics, and in so doing undermines American claims to superpower status. To be a superpower, one must not only lead, but have others believe it will act swiftly and more-or-less predictably.
The U.S. has gone through moments of turmoil and uncertainty before. The end of the Nixon Administration occurred as America pulled back from Southeast Asia. The Ford and Carter Administrations struggled mightily to stabilize the economy – especially inflation and high gas prices. America’s standing was debated, and policy failures such as Iran suggested its power was waning. What makes today different from that earlier period is the there is on overarching global paradigm – conflict between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. – that defines roles, moderates behavior, and maintains relative order. The world is in a period of transition, and Washington must adapt to new realities.
Global Perspectives & International Initiatives looks forward to an exciting year of events and projects that we hope will shed light on some of the major challenges confronting the world and U.S. – from the Caribbean to Latin American to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. We hope students, faculty and members of the Central Florida community will continue to participate in our activities and support our engagement of international partners in education, the arts, politics, and security.
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– David Dumke, Executive Director, UCF Global Perspectives & International Initiatives
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Wednesday, August 30, 2023 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM
In-person Event - UCF Main Campus, Barbara Ying Center Room 101
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Come join us as we celebrate the 5th anniversary of UCF’s Puerto Rico Research Hub (PRRH). The event highlights the achievements of the last five years in research, student involvement, outreach, and partnerships. Students, faculty, staff, and the broader Central Florida community are invited to come together and celebrate this milestone.
This event is open to the public, but reservations are required. Food and refreshments will be available to enjoy with the PRRH’s friends and guests.
The mission of the PRRH is to investigate the Puerto Rican population and demographic trends to better inform public policy decisions including housing demands, job creation, health issues, social integration, and education.
More Info | All are welcome | Register here
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India's Independence Day Celebration
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Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 4:00PM to 5:30PM
In-person Event - Live Oak Center at UCF
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UCF India Center cordially invites you for a celebration to commemorate the importance of India's 76th Independence Day. The event includes a keynote address by a representative from the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., remarks from Provost Michael D. Johnson, classical Indian music performance, and refreshments.
More Info | All are welcome | Register here
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GPII To Develop Civil Peacekeeping Program
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GPII is working with Belfast-based Rethinking Conflict to develop a unique civil society-based peacekeeping project. The project involves teaching the lessons learned during and after the Good Friday Peace Agreement. Brokered in 1998, the Good Friday Agreement ended “the Troubles” in Northern Island.
During June, GPII Executive Director David Dumke and Non-Resident Fellow Owen Kirby visited Belfast, Dublin, and Cambridge University. During the trip, they met with former Republican and Loyalist combatants, political leaders, social workers, victims, and others directly involved in the conflict, as well as young “post-Good Friday” professionals. They also met with scholars from the Woolf Institute at Cambridge University, who specialize in religious-based conflict resolution.
Additionally, they participated in meetings with former Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern, Irish foreign ministry officials, and American diplomats. While plans are still being developed, GPII and Rethinking Conflict will partner with the Woolf Institute as well as partners in Israel and Palestine. The project looks to combine classroom curriculum with site visits. It will include a deep dive into both the Irish and Israel-Palestinian conflicts. After site visits to Belfast and Dublin, it will close with an academic conference in Cambridge; students from Israel and the Palestinian territories will participate.
GPII will partner with UCF colleges and units on this project, the goal of which is to develop a civil peacekeeping program based on the lessons learned in Northern Ireland. “This is an extremely exciting project. Studying conflicts and conflict resolution is incredibly beneficial to society as a whole and tends to promote dialog and understanding. This is critical for the health of any democracy, and critical for ending conflicts. Seeing and hearing what happened in Northern Ireland first-hand can be a transformative experience for students. We are honored to be working with Dr. Gary and Joyce Mason on this project,” said Dumke, who noted that their June visit was, “incredibly moving and inspiring.”
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Dr. Ted Reynolds Guest on Career Education Report Podcast
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Dr. Ted Reynolds, GPII’s Terrorism Studies Program Director, discusses with Dr. Jason Altmire cyber threats and cybersecurity in higher education focusing on safe practices and ways to mitigate these risks. Dr. Altmire hosts the podcast and highlights with his guest events impacting education and public policy.
Start listening
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Zoe Colon Participates in the Farm Bill Roundtable Discussion with Congressional Hispanic Caucus
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On Thursday, June 22, 2023, Zoe Colon, UCF Global Program Director for Community Initiatives, joined the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) roundtable to discuss the reauthorization of the Farm Bill and its impact on higher education, funding, agriculture, and the Hispanic community. The event was held in Washington, D.C. and hosted by the CHC Vice Chair of Policy Congressman Darren Soto and CHC Chair Nanette Barrágan.
Read more
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Karen Solla Attends the National Human Trafficking Prevention Summit in D.C.
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GPII's very own Karen Solla had the incredible opportunity to participate in the National Human Trafficking Prevention Summit held in Washington D.C. on August 3rd and 4th.
During the summit, Karen immersed herself in impactful conversations, listening to survivor stories that shed light on the challenges faced firsthand. She also engaged in thought-provoking discussions with fellow anti-trafficking advocates, sharing experiences and strategies from across the nation. For more information on the UCF Center for the Study of Human Trafficking, visit https://global.ucf.edu/ucf-htms/
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UCF Puerto Rico Research Hub & Centro de Periodismo Investigativo Event
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The UCF Puerto Rico Research Hub co-hosted a Public Forum with CPI (Centro de Periodismo Investigativo) and the Puerto Rican Bar Association of Florida (PRBAF). The event brought together a diverse group of passionate individuals, sparking enlightening discussions on crucial topics ranging from the Puerto Rican diaspora to the housing crisis Puerto Ricans face both on and off the island, and more. We are grateful to all the participants, speakers, and organizers for making this event a resounding success.
Be sure to follow the UCF Puerto Rico Research Hub on Facebook and Instagram for the latest information on upcoming events!
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| Global Perspectives TV Show
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WUCF-TV’s Global Perspectives Hosts Dr. Zeynep Arda, Associate Professor and the Department Chair in the Visual Communication Design Department, Izmir University of Economics
David Dumke sits with Dr. Arda to discuss how her multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary backgrounds form the basis of her research agenda on online social networks, “Image Becomes Identity 2.0.” The conversation focuses on how social networks are shaping who we are and how we communicate with one another
Start Watching
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WUCF-TV’s Global Perspectives Hosts Dr. Mwita Chaca
Dumke sits with Dr. Mwita Chacha, a political scientist specializing in the politics of regional integration. His current position is at the University of Birmingham. His work on regional integration has addressed dynamics as varied as nuclear energy, trade agreements, military coups, and intervention in Civil War.
Start Watching
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GPII Interns and Fellows scour the global news to write about what is happening in a specific area or region. Each post includes multiple sources and gives a brief recount of a timely event. Check out these articles:
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Zachary Levinson, MENA Intern
An article worth reading by Chandler Kuiper discussing how the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is considered as Iran's primary power projection tool in the MENA region and beyond. Formed to protect the nascent Islamic government in the turmoil of post-revolution Iran, the IRGC has evolved to dominate much of Iran's economic, political, and military scene. It is involved in many conflicts abroad, from Syria to Yemen, and will undoubtably continue to exert Iran's will in the wider world.
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Julia Oldershaw, REIGN Intern
This article examines the 2023 Nigerian Presidential Election which was called on February 28th, announcing Bola Tinubu from the All Progressives Congress Party as the countries next President. Despite multiple assurances that the election was a fair one, accusations of a rigged election continue to emerge.
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|  | UCF GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES
AND INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES
4356 Scorpius Street, Orlando, FL USA 32816
Phone: 407.823.2337 | Fax: 407.823.2526
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