Do Better
On World Refugee Day, let's heed Brexit's lessons and do better.
Happy Summer!
June 20 marked World Refugee Day. There are about 117 million displaced people worldwide — and the number is rising. Nearly 90 percent of refugees come from only 10 places: Afghanistan, Syria, Venezuela, Myanmar, Ukraine, Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, Congo, and Somalia. Yeah, they’re fleeing because of conflict and political oppression.
A large number of these refugees have sought respite in the West, in Europe and the US. And they have made themselves and migration a top concern. Back in March, I noted that for Americans it’s not the economy, but immigration that keeps them up at night — and what will matter in the November election. That has not changed. Gallup notes that immigration persists as the number one issue in the US. In particular, people are uneasy with those seeking asylum or else making their way into the country from the US southern border by any means possible.
As I’ve previously said, what people should be uneasy with is growing inequality and the enormous role corporations have in our society, not to mention governance. That’s something the British are realizing.
Eight years ago, on June 23, 2016, voters in the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. “Brexit,” the right argued, was a way for Brits to “take back control” of their country from Europe, namely its regulations and open borders. Indeed, one of the biggest drivers behind Brexit, which was the only thing that Brits could talk about back then, was keeping migrants, whether from Eastern Europe or otherwise, out of the UK. Figures on the right, such as UKIP’s Nigel Farage, claimed that these migrants are to blame for the country’s economic woes.
As Brits head to the polls on July 4, Helen Lewis points out that Brexit has completely disappeared, vanished from the headlines. That’s because, she notes, “Brexit has been a bust.” The British economy has not boomed. Nor has immigration subsided. In fact, in 2022, the UK added 606,000 people to its population, an all-time high. By all accounts, the Tory party that advocated for Brexit is now headed for a monumental shellacking.
Lewis writes:
The Conservatives are now so far behind in the polls — and so fearful of a wipeout on the scale of that suffered by the mainstream right-wing party in Canada’s 1993 election — that they have switched from trying to win the election to trying to lose less badly.
That’s not really important to my point here. I just found that hilarious.
In the US, immigration has been indispensable for its economic growth and innovative edge. Yet, it has gotten caught up in the push to cut costs and curb public services. Eager for smaller tax bills, the GOP has forced governments at every level to do the same work with less. In NYC, where I have lived most of my life, NYPD officers deal with individuals with mental health issues because the city has no resources to pay experts to do so. Libraries that offer not only books but wifi, computers, and cool shelter on a scorching hot day have been forced to close on Sundays due to a lack of funds. School teachers solicit donations for art supplies. Hospitals are shuddering, forcing a crisis at ones that stay open. The public transportation system is so bad that people opt to get in a car, adding to pollution and congestion. (That’s one reason why we need congestion pricing Kathy Hochul.)
People are angry; angry at the quality of dwindling public services amid rising prices, particularly in housing, an essential need. Our economy pushes to build and profit, which benefits a select few and erodes social mobility, which is the real yet overlooked problem. We need to replace that with build and grow. Growth, rather than profit, is at the root of America’s success. If we want to continue to do just that, we need more people — more immigrants.
Derek Thompson writes:
“Across economics, national security, fiscal sustainability, and geopolitical power, immigration is the opposite of America’s worst problem. It holds clear solutions to America’s most pressing issues.”
America’s very success, built on the backs of immigrants, should be evidence enough that immigration works. It is a lesson that Japan is heeding, as it works to encourage entrepreneurs and foreigners to chose the island nation to work. Yet, somehow rather than leading from strength and solving society’s wider issues, political leaders are jumping on the “tougher on migration” bandwagon. It’s time to get tougher on the public interest. — Elmira
I’m opening up my column to others. Please pitch me your op-ed idea/perspective. Let’s get more female perspectives. Email me on endeavoringe@gmail.com or respond to this post.
Elsewhere in the World.....
On our radar...
Russia and North Korea
Vladimir Putin headed to Pyongyang this week. And that’s a big deal. He was last in North Korea in 2000. On this trip, he signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that includes the transfer of military technology and supplies, writes Shannon Tiezzi. That will come in handy in Putin’s war with Ukraine. (The Diplomat)
Meanwhile, this pact will help Kim’s weapons of mass destruction program, says Sue Mi Terry. (Yeah, that’s nukes.) That won’t make the White House happy. Terry notes that Beijing is also not crazy about it. (CFR)
Interestingly, as Putin met with Kim in North Korea, China and South Korea’s respective foreign and defense ministers held talks in Seoul. 👀
Putin headed to Vietnam after North Korea.
Ukraine Peace Summit
92 countries participated in the Ukraine “peace” summit held in Switzerland over the weekend. It was a good show of solidarity, writes Mercedes Sapuppo, but there were minimal breakthroughs. Only 78 countries signed the final communique, noting that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be the basis of any peace agreement. (Atlantic Council)
The countries that abstained included India and Saudi Arabia, noting that Russia’s participation is necessary for a peace agreement. South Africa was another country that refused to sign on because of Israel’s presence. The legitimacy of the communique relies on countries that respect the rule of law, South African representatives noted. Ouch.
And give it up for the Danish men’s soccer team. The team refused a pay increase and took a 15 percent cut in insurance so that the women’s team can receive equal pay. Jessie Tu has the details. (Women’s Agenda)
US
Listen: Earlier this month, Joe Biden announced new restrictions on seeking asylum to the US, along with more severe consequences for those who enter illegally. This week, he used his executive power to protect undocumented spouses of US citizens, which Trump immediately labeled “amnesty.” Aren’t these two things at odds? Leila Fadel talked to the Homeland Security chief who said they can co-exist. (NPR)
Monday, June 24 will mark two years since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Julie Maslowsky, a developmental psychologist, says that the Dobbs decision that suspended reproductive rights is impacting young people across the country — where they live, how they vote, and how they see themselves. (The Conversation)
Africa
Listen: The civil war in Sudan has displaced nine million people, the largest displacement in the world. More than 150,000 have died in violence. The world needs to pay attention to this catastrophe. Michelle Gavin puts this crisis into perspective. (The President’s Inbox)
As we celebrate Pride this month, it’s important to note that Africa has some of the harshest and discriminatory LGBTQ+ policies. Why? Mariel Ferragamo and Kali Robinson dive in. (CFR)
Asia
Let’s be frenemies, cause we have to…. Australia is firmly committed to the Western alliance. Yet, its position in Asia makes it difficult for it to be bitter enemies. This week China’s premier, Li Qiang visited the land down under where he and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed optimism about improving relations. The two countries will re-engage on trade, education, climate change, and visas, write Sophie Mak and Shaun Turton. (Nikkei Asia)
Kashmir is a contested territory between India and Pakistan. It is majority Muslim but is currently administered by India, which means it oversees affairs in the territory as its status is in dispute. Unfortunately, as Hafsa Kanjwal writes, India is trying to implement an “Israel-like” solution to Kashmir. Yikes. (Middle East Eye)
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is both severe and complex. Annie Pforzheimer, Caroline Smutny, Daniel Runde, and Thomas Bryja discuss what the future of assistance looks like for Afghanistan. (CSIS)
Chinese journalist Huang Xueqin was sentenced to five years in prison for promoting the #MeToo movement. No author for this one, but it’s too important not to include. (AP)
Thailand is set to be the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. Helen Regan and Kocha Olarn have the details. (CNN)
With Modi in charge, Indian women are slipping further behind when it comes to gender equality, writes Aishwarya Bhuta. (WPR) Sigh.
Vietnam has a new leader. To Lam took office at the end of May. Who is he? Elaine Pearson warns that he’s not a friend of democracy or human rights. (Al Jazeera)
The Americas
There is a bill before Brazil’s legislature that would allow authorities to charge a woman seeking an abortion with homicide. You bet people took to the streets. Marina Franco has more on the law and the ensuing protests. (Axios)
Ecuador’s president has plans to commence oil drilling on Indigenous lands, specifically one of the most biodiverse places on earth, the Yasuní national park. This comes despite a court case and referendum making this illegal. Nemonte Nenquimo calls out Ecuador’s politicians. (The Guardian)
How will the EU parliament elections impact Latin America? Solange Márquez Espinoza explains how the election results could affect trade with the region. (Americas Quarterly)
Europe
The EU elections signaled a significant shift in the continent’s political landscape — to the right. Given the anti-immigrant rhetoric far-right parties embraced, that does not bode well for migrants, writes Manahil Jaffer. (International Policy Digest)
Mon dieu. If Macron was hoping that people would come out to vote on June 30 to counter the growth of the far right, he may want to actually listen to working class voters. Louise Couvelaire did and she notes that they’re resigned to the right’s rise and plan to sit out the election. (Le Monde)
During their 20 years as member states, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have gradually turned into an exemplary NATO region. Justina Budginaite-Froehly explains how the Baltic states serve as a role model for Europe’s new strategic posture. (FPRI)
Middle East
Citing the lack of a plan for Gaza after the war, Benny Gantz quit Netanyahu’s war cabinet earlier this month. Israel’s prime minister has since disbanded it. According to polls, if elections were held today, Gantz would become Israel’s prime minister, not because he is a visionary, but because he’s “good enough,” writes Ruth Margalit. In fact, he’s been called politically naive. (New Yorker)
Next Friday, June 28, Iran will hold elections for president, to replace the late Ebrahim Raisi. Holly Dagres has the lo-down on who’s running and where they stand. (The Iranist)
Turkey may be a NATO member, but it is eager to have good relations with both Russia and China. Earlier this month, Turkey’s foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, traveled to China, where he was allowed to visit Xinjiang, home to the Uyghur Muslims. Çağdaş Üngör says that China and Turkey need each other, economically and strategically. (Middle East Institute)
Science & Climate Change
Over 500 people have died due to the extreme heat during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. While the temperatures have always been high during this yearly pilgrimage, Gloria Dickie and Pesha Magid say the situation will only continue to get worse in the coming years. (Reuters)
Interruptrr Fellow Wardah Khalid undertook the Hajj. She shared her experience in 114F/45C heat. 🥵(The World)
Under the Radar
Listen: Where are the women, really? Laicie Heeley and Cynthia Enloe discuss the role women play in foreign policy and the ways that even states with feminist foreign policy miss the mark. (Inkstick Media)
Opportunities
The International Women’s Media Foundation is taking applications for the Kari Howard Fund for Narrative Journalism.
Young women in Africa! Apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.
Editorial Team
Elmira Bayrasli - Editor-in-Chief
Editors:
Pin-Shan Lai
Catherine Lovizio
Emily Smith