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Decades old Swiss neutrality is being questioned
Protests Russia's invasion of Ukraine have drawn crowds of tens of thousands across Switzerland
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61320132
With an isolationist policy in place, Switzerland has remained neutral since 1815 after being granted "eternal neutrality" at the Congress of Vienna. But with a war waging in the neighbourhood, how does Switzerland remain neutral? They were spared from the atrocities of World War I and II, but in the present-day scenario – the Ukraine-Russia war – the young Swiss have deemed the idea of their country being aloof unthinkable. However, when we talk about Swiss neutrality, it has been suggested that they abandoned their neutrality when they adopted sanctions against other countries. But while these sanctions may be adopted by the Swiss, military support is out of the question. Switzerland's neutrality is legally defined by the Hague Convention of 1907 and forbids sending weapons to countries at war. So, when Germany requested the Swiss to export Swiss-made ammunition to Kyiv, they declined. This denial of ammunition sparked a debate about how it would be legitimate to send the ammunition in defence of European Democracy. There is a sense of responsibility amongst the Swiss to defend the liberal European democracy, and the war in Ukraine has prompted them to rethink this eternal neutrality that they possess. To stay neutral in a warlike Ukraine is immensely difficult; knowing who the good guy is and who the bad guy
By Sanjana Gupta - Batch 20-22
The Symbolism of the Russian Victory Day Parade
Source: BBC News
Russian President Vladimir Putin, on 9 May 2022, said that Russian forces in Ukraine were fighting for the future of their motherland in his annual address marking victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Despite the ongoing rumours that he would make a major announcement, the speech stuck largely to defending Russia's invasion.
He connected the war in Ukraine to the victory of 1945, blaming the West and NATO for rejecting security demands put forward by Russia. President Putin spoke of Ukrainians as fascists, again repeating his false claim that neo-Nazis ran the democratic government in Kyiv.
Trying to drum up nationalist support, he stated that defending the motherland had always been sacred and referred to the eastern region of Ukraine, which is now the main focus of Russia's assault. He further doubled down on unfounded allegations against NATO and Ukraine and described the invasion as a pre-emptive rebuff. He referred to a punishing operation in Donbas to intrude on historic Russian lands. However, the speech was a clear sign that the war would continue and peace negotiations would be difficult to arrive at.
By Rishav Gupta - Batch 20-22
Philippines Election’22: History repeats itself?
Source: TIME (https://time.com/6162028/bongbong-marcos-philippines-president-popular/)
On 9 May 2022, over 67 million people cast their votes in hopes of a new beginning. After the gruelling pandemic and a prolonged period of questionable leadership by former President Duterte, the country is facing one of the worst economic crises. This was enough reason to go and cast their votes in favour of a better tomorrow.
The surprising turn of events came when the son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., saw the possibility of achieving a landslide victory by receiving more than double the votes opposed to his rival Leni Robredo. While Leni has become the face of youth, democracy and liberal human rights, Marcos comes from a lineage of dictatorship, martial law and everything that once led the Philippines downhill.
However, the predicted victory for Marcos is raising eyebrows as we are to believe that the locals might be in favour of his promises for a better future. He preached that the past should be left to the professors and he should not be judged for what went wrong during his father’s regime. The legacy he holds might have given him the upper hand as the people looked at him as one of their own.
What lays ahead and in store for when Marcos actually sets foot in office is yet to be seen. Is it a threat to democracy, is it a promise of change, or is it history repeating itself, remains uncertain.
By Ruchhika Dasgupta - Batch 20-22
Prime Minister resigns, President refuses to step down amidst crisis in Sri Lanka
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%93present_Sri_Lankan_economic_crisis
In the wake of growing protests and turmoil in Sri Lanka, the former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has resigned and left his home accompanied by heavily armed units. The former Prime Minister is now residing at a naval facility in the east. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan court has barred the former Prime Minister from leaving Sri Lanka as he, along with his son, Namal, followed by 15 aides, attempts to leave the country in the wake of increased opposition by anti-government protests. Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has refused to step down and offered to form a new government as the crisis in Sri Lanka escalates over food and fuel crises. The President has imposed a curfew which continued till Thursday following violence on Monday where the pro-government supporters attacked protesters who were located in downtown Colombo demanding his resignation for weeks. The country now has Ranil Wickremesinghe as the new Prime Minister amidst an economic and political crisis.
By Anirban Dutta - Batch 20-22