Global Solidarity Research Articles

The response to COVID-19 in Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico: challenges to national coordination of health policies.

The article analyzes the fight against COVID-19 in three Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. A multiple case study was carried out in a comparative perspective, based on a bibliographic review, documentary analysis, and secondary data, considering characteristics of the countries and the health system, evolution of COVID-19, national governance, containment and mitigation measures, health systems response, constraints, positive aspects and limits of responses. The three countries had distinct health systems but were marked by insufficient funding and inequalities when hit by the pandemic and recorded high-COVID-19 mortality. Structural, institutional, and political factors influenced national responses. In Argentina, national leadership and intergovernmental political agreements favored the initial adoption of centralized control measures, which were not sustained. In Brazil, there were limits in national coordination and leadership related to the President's denialism and federative, political, and expert conflicts, despite a universal health system with intergovernmental commissions and participatory councils, which were little used during the pandemic. In Mexico, structural difficulties were associated with the Federal Government's initial reluctance to adopt restrictive measures, limits on testing, and relative slowness in immunization. In conclusion, facing health emergencies requires strengthening public health systems associated with federative, intersectoral, and civil society coordination mechanisms and effective global solidarity mechanisms.

Lights, Camera, Activism: Unpacking the Role of Cinematic Narratives in Shaping Modern Protest Movements and Social Change

This research delves into the profound interplay between cinematic narratives and the emergence, evolution, and impact of social dissent and protest movements in contemporary society. Film, as a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural reflection, has consistently played a significant role in both reflecting and shaping societal perspectives. This study explores the multifaceted ways in which movies have influenced the dynamics of activism, dissent, and social change, thus providing critical insights into the realm of contemporary civil society and its efforts to address pressing social issues. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from film studies, sociology, and political science, to comprehensively analyse the connections between cinematic narratives and real-world protest movements [1]. It scrutinizes instances where films have served as catalysts for collective action, whether by galvanizing public awareness, articulating marginalized voices, or provoking discussions on critical societal issues. Furthermore, this study investigates the reciprocal relationship between cinema and social dissent, exploring how real-world events, ideologies, and grassroots movements have inspired filmmakers and shaped the content of movies. It also examines the transformative power of film festivals, online platforms, and documentary filmmaking in amplifying dissenting voices and fostering global solidarity.

Printing Solidarity: An Experiment in Pedagogical Curating

Abstract: This article is a co-written reflection on the process of curating and programming Printing Solidarity: Tricontinental Graphics from Cuba (2021–2022). Held at Stony Brook University's Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery, the exhibition featured over sixty posters and printed matter produced mostly in the 1960s–1970s by the Organization of Solidarity with the People of Asia, Africa, and Latin America (OSPAAAL) in Havana. As an experiment in pedagogical curating, the yearlong project spanned the isolation from, return to, and re-envisioning of inperson learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on our inspirations, intentions, and challenges, we argue for the role of art objects in activating material-based, in-person learning on campus and consider the value of academic collaboration, cross-regional research, and experimental pedagogies. The project offered an opportunity to revisit the Cold War-period politics of global solidarity in today's pandemic era while exploring what it would mean to study art today from the question of solidarity rather than division.

Epidemics In The 21st Century: A Multifaceted Challenge

In the intricate tapestry of human history, the 21st century stands as a chapter marked by the recurring emergence of epidemics, each weaving its unique thread into the fabric of global health. From the haunting reappearances of familiar adversaries like influenza to the unexpected onslaught of novel viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, this era has borne witness to a diverse array of health crises that have tested the resilience of societies worldwide. The canvas of epidemics in the 21st century encompasses a spectrum of formidable adversaries. Changes in host population ecology, genetic mutations in pathogen reservoirs, the lack of disease control, the growing population, overcrowded urban areas, climate change, and globalization have resulted in the development of several epidemics and pandemics. The intermittent waves of influenza, with their ability to swiftly mutate, present an enduring challenge to containment and mitigation efforts. The advent of novel viruses like SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and most notably, the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the unpredictability and rapid global spread inherent in emerging infectious diseases. Monkeypox, yet another disfiguring and deadly infection, is reported in 20 countries and carries the potential to become another pandemic. Dengue is yet another significant challenge for the healthcare system of many under-developed countries, especially Pakistan, affecting many people each year. Pakistan is experiencing major public health threats in the face of the current massive flood that facilitates the transmission of this deadly disease. Almost one-third of Pakistan’s population is suffering from life-threatening infections, including cholera, malaria, typhoid, etc., due to flood consequences. The silent yet pervasive threat posed by antimicrobial resistance looms large, rendering conventional treatments ineffective and elevating the urgency for novel therapeutic strategies. The surge in non-communicable diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular ailments, amplifies the burden on healthcare systems and demands multifaceted preventive measures. Amidst the convoluted landscape of epidemics, medical professionals confront an amalgamation of challenges. The imperative for robust preparedness, encompassing early detection, rapid response mechanisms, and efficient resource allocation, forms the cornerstone of epidemic management. Strengthening public health infrastructure remains pivotal, advocating for improved surveillance systems, enhanced laboratory capacities, and a resilient healthcare workforce. Addressing health disparities and ensuring equitable access to healthcare resources, especially in underserved communities, emerges as a fundamental tenet in epidemic management. The interconnectedness of our world mandates cohesive international collaborations, fostering information-sharing, research partnerships, and coordinated responses to combat epidemics transcending geographical boundaries. The crucible of epidemics in the 21st century compels us to acknowledge the imperativeness of collective resilience and concerted efforts. As we navigate the uncharted territories of emerging infectious threats and persisting health challenges, the amalgamation of scientific innovation, proactive policy interventions, and unwavering global solidarity becomes indispensable. In the pursuit of a healthier, more resilient future, the role of medical professionals stands as a beacon of hope, steering us through the turbulent seas of epidemics with unwavering dedication and expertise. Let us, as a global community, harness our collective strength and fortitude to confront these challenges, transcending boundaries, and fostering a world where health equity and preparedness prevail.

Peace and Value Education Policy Perspectives in The Context Of India

Education must be autonomous for development. Cultural and ethical aspects of education are often overlooked due to the focus on economics in capitalist development. A lack of awareness of these realities impacts society significantly. Bringing in the behavior scale is necessary. Inculcate the idea that education for development fosters a commitment to global solidarity, peace, justice, and environmental awareness in youth. It aims to enable children and youth to contribute to positive development locally and worldwide. Based on the foregoing realities, peace and value education are pioneering initiatives that require vision and determination. A brief attempt may diminish its effectiveness and increase cynicism. Humans can become sophisticated destroyers of themselves and life on earth through education. Education alone is essential for citizens to live peacefully and with dignity. In this research, we emphasize the significance of value and peace education in policy formulation and implementation. Libraries will be used in this two-part research. The first section of this study discussed the significance of peace and value education at the national level. The second portion contains recommendations and suggestions for implementing peace and value education in Indian policy and related publications.

Towards a Safe and Secure Global Information Technology Ecosystem

Cyberspace, an expanding and boundless platform created by a vast network of interconnected devices, has caused a fundamental change in communication, work, and information accessibility. The unprecedented potential of this platform, however, also poses major challenges in terms of privacy and security. Due to its multinational nature, cyberspace transcends the sovereignty of any one government and therefore evades exclusive ownership by a nation-state. Although the growth of digitalization has simplified many processes and increased productivity in daily life, this exponential growth has rendered the digital ecosystem more vulnerable to a wide range of cybersecurity threats. The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks and operations carried out by both state and non-state actors highlight the need for better international cooperation to help protect critical infrastructure from malicious actors. Collective action in response to global cyber threats requires consistency and adherence to ethical principles within the international community. Ethical approaches to leadership and international cooperation can play an important part in resolving global cybersecurity issues by paving the way for the development and adoption of better and more effective cybersecurity policies that can help mitigate the risk more optimally. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the possibilities of bolstering global solidarity via the use of ethical methods to combat the challenges posed by digital technology. The intricate and interconnected nature of cyber issues underscores the cruciality of ethical governance in the identification and implementation of practical solutions. The present study seeks to examine and assess the practicality, applicability, and efficiency of various ethical frameworks in addressing issues pertaining to digital platforms, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the interplay between ethics and cybersecurity. This study would contribute to the development of strategies for inspiring ethical and responsible behavior from public and private sectors regarding cybersecurity, and to the promotion of international solidarity and cooperation in addressing global cyber threats.

The rise of India's global health diplomacy amid COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of global health diplomacy (GHD), with India emerging as a key player. India's commitment to GHD is demonstrated by its active participation in regional and multilateral projects, pharmaceutical expertise, and large-scale manufacturing capabilities, which include the production and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and essential medicines. India has supported nations in need through bilateral and multilateral platforms, providing vaccines to countries experiencing shortages and offering technical assistance and capacity-building programs to improve healthcare infrastructure and response capabilities. India's unique approach to GHD, rooted in humanitarian diplomacy, emphasized collaboration and empathy and stressed the well-being of humanity by embracing the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which translates to "the world is one family." Against this background, this paper's main focus is to analyze the rise of India's GHD amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and its leadership in addressing various global challenges. India has demonstrated its commitment to global solidarity by offering medical supplies, equipment, and expertise to more than 100 countries. India's rising global leadership can be attributed to its proactive approach, humanitarian diplomacy, and significant contributions to global health initiatives.

The Covid-19 Pandemic Public Policies: The United Nations, The European Union and Türkiye

This study delves into the public policies implemented by the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and Türkiye in their endeavors to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, which was initially reported to have emerged from the city of Wuhan in the Hubei province of the People's Republic of China in late 2019. Specifically, the study aims to examine and analyze the effectiveness of these actors in managing the Covid-19 and its impact on public health, the economy, and social well-being. Through a comparative lens, the study seeks to shed light on the national and global efforts undertaken by these actors to protect public health and mitigate the socio-economic consequences of the pandemic. To achieve its objectives, the study begins with providing a comprehensive understanding of the concept of public policy and its relevance in the context of managing public health crises. Furthermore, by providing a historical analysis of past pandemics, it engages in discussions on drawing lessons from previous experiences for the current pandemic's management and policymaking. Subsequently, the strategies that pursued by UN, the EU and Türkiye in tackling the Covid-19 outbreak are critically examined and evaluated. In order to make a comparison between different political organizational levels (international organization, regional cooperation, and nation-state) in combating the pandemic, these actors have been selected. The study assesses the efficacy, effectiveness, adaptability, problem-solving capacity, and establishment of global solidarity through an evaluation framework, which encompasses various criteria by using qualitative analysis methods. Subsequently, the study seeks to offer nuanced insights into the strengths, limitations, and lessons learned from the public policies formulated and implemented by these actors during the Covid-19 pandemic. By undertaking this academic inquiry, the study would contribute to the scholarly surrounding pandemic management and public policy formulation. It also contributes to the understanding of the effectiveness and impact of public policies in the context of a global health crisis and provides a background for public health policy makers and stakeholders. The analyzed public policies show that the actors basically pursue similar policies, but there are differences in terms of timing.

The Struggle for Women's Rights: History, Present, and Future

This paper delves into the multifaceted journey of feminism, tracing its historical evolution and exploring its contemporary developments. The overarching goal of feminism has been to challenge and dismantle the traditional gender roles, advocating for equal rights between men and women. The feminist movement has evolved through four distinct waves, each addressing specific facets of gender inequality. The first wave focused on securing legal rights, while the second expanded its scope to include education, workplace equality, and reproductive rights. The third wave introduced the concept of intersectionality and the need to consider the experiences of women from diverse backgrounds. The fourth wave leverages technology and social media, aiming to address issues such as online harassment, body positivity, and consent. Contemporary feminism also faces challenges, including online debates between men and women, often rooted in misunderstandings of feminist goals. Despite these hurdles, the future of feminism remains bright. It encompasses key areas like achieving equal treatment of women in the workplace, safeguarding reproductive rights, improving education for women, and fostering global solidarity to combat gender inequality worldwide. The collective efforts of women from all corners of the globe signify a promising path toward a more equitable and inclusive future.

Women as “The Fittest” for a New Post-Pandemic World Order: Christina Sweeney-Baird’s The End of Men

As a major invisible global threat causing unprecedented disruptions and restrictions in daily life all over the world, COVID-19 pandemic has been among the most popular subject matters of contemporary fiction. At this point, the first work of fiction focusing on COVID-19 is Lawrence Wright’s The End of October (2020), in which coronavirus is fictionalised as the Kongoli breaking out in Indonesia and spreading all over the world. Elaborating on the effects of the virus on daily life, Wright puts emphasis on the need for global solidarity to combat the virus and save the global society. However, different from Wright’s work, Christina Sweeney-Baird discusses the issue of pandemic, reinterpreting COVID-19 from a futuristic perspective, envisaging a post-pandemic world order dominated by women, with men’s death due to a lethal virus showing its effects all over the world in her debut novel, The End of Men (2022). In the work, the deaths of Fraser McAlpine, Catherine’s husband, Anthony and the wealthy Mr Tai signify men’s failure in adaptation to circumstances of the pandemic, while women’s survival, the domination of once male-dominated jobs by women, Catherine’s solo impregnation by donor sperm and the use of apps for dating and love just between women embody females as the “fittest species” for survival to bring a new world order dominated by women. Thus, Sweeney-Baird’s work invites reading for the evolutionary transformation of the global society due to a lethal pandemic from male-dominated to female-dominated system with reference to Darwin s theory of evolution.

Anti-Colonial Defeat: The 1967 Naksa and Its Consequences

This entry asks what it means to mourn the loss of the state as a vehicle for revolutionary liberation. State power was indeed authoritarian, and global solidarity in the era of the Third World Movement of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s was superfluous, but it still meant something to people then and now. Losing it was felt. In this piece, I revisit the 1967 Arab defeat against Israel known as al-Naksa (the resounding setback) within the context of the Third World movement and its influence on global solidarity in the ensuing decades following 1967. I focus on the loss of Egypt’s position as an anti-colonial leader after the 1967 war and subsequent death of Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1970. Egypt, once a bastion of revolutionary anti-colonial fervor at the nexus of Pan-Arab and Pan-African imaginaries, and a hub of the historic Third World, became radically realigned with the Global North under Anwar Sadat. I argue that the fate of the Egyptians, Palestinians, Arabs, and of anti-colonial global struggle each became unlinked and siloed as individual struggles. It is not just Arabs or Egyptians or Palestinians who were defeated, it was a whole anti-colonial ethos. How do we mourn the loss of the state as a vehicle for liberation, for Palestinians, for Arabs, for Africans, and for the post-colony?

Building Global Health Solidarity in a Permacrisis: Legal Impacts of a Pandemic Treaty

Covid-19 has revealed the urgent need for global solidarity in an era of interconnected crises (permacrisis). The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to improve pandemic prevention, preparedness and response through a ‘convention, agreement or another international instrument under the constitution of WHO’ (‘pandemic treaty’). This study analyses shortcomings in global health solidarity during Covid-19, investigates legal impacts of the pandemic treaty and navigates the arguments for and against a pandemic treaty. The treaty’s potential legal implications for human rights, intellectual property law, tort law, global health law, competition law and public procurement are examined, as well as some challenges to its implementation. The treaty’s success depends on overcoming differences and learning from global failure in order to prepare better for the next pandemic. The pandemic treaty must ensure equity, transparency, accountability and human rights while facilitating access to vaccines and other pandemic-related products, especially for low- and middle-income countries.

Discord in the Diaspora: Agonism in the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement for Democracy

The death of the 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman Mahsa Jina Amini in September 2022 sparked a movement that immediately captivated the Iranian diaspora around the world. The morality police had detained Amini in Tehran for allegedly improper hijab. Protests began in Iranian Kurdistan, where Amini was from, and spread across the country to regions and sectors of society that have historically been less involved in political protests than major urban centers like Tehran. What began as a street protest became a full-throated rejection of the status quo. Merchants, teachers, and students organized coordinated labor strikes, while protesters and security services clashed in the streets. Additional economic sanctions were implemented against Iran's government by the United States and Europe; the United Nations Human Rights Commission initiated an independent investigation of the government's response to the protests; Iran was expelled from the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women; and the European Parliament cut diplomatic ties with Tehran. The United States has nearly abandoned the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) even as it was in the final stages of renegotiation, while calls by activists and the European Parliament to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist group are ongoing.1 We also saw significant global solidarity protests in numerous major cities in the United States, Europe, and Australia.

Global Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution: A Call for More Integrated Approaches to Address Inequities in Emerging Health Challenges

The advent of the COVID-19 vaccine signified a historic milestone in the field of vaccinology, showcasing remarkable scientific collaboration and global solidarity. However, the most prominent hurdle in maximizing the global public health impact of vaccines remains the absence of comprehensive and inclusive health systems in both high- and low-resource settings. Our discussion centers around the major contributing factors that played a key role in formulating the rapid and efficacious COVID-19 vaccines. Simultaneously, we illuminate the disparities that have marred the vaccine delivery process throughout the pandemic. In particular, we highlight the case scenarios of two minority and vulnerable communities from the Global South and North—the undocumented migrants in Thailand and the Roma community in Europe—who continue to experience inequitable vaccine access regardless of their location. We note that a crucial programmatic solution that is rooted in inclusive and equitable global public health policy, characterized by empathy and trust and bolstered by digital innovation, is lacking. These examples underscore the significance of establishing a comprehensive and integrated health system at multiple levels across countries and the entire world. Furthermore, we highlight the need for both local and global actors to collaboratively engage in vaccine distribution efforts. By gaining a concise grasp of these intricacies, the global community will be better poised to effectively combat future pandemics and emerging health challenges.

Addressing Historical Injustices: Advancing Indigenous Rights in Legal System of Pakistan and Beyond

This article delves into the critical issue of defining and defending indigenous peoples' and ethnic minorities' rights within the larger human rights framework. Because of a long and complex history of marginalization and centuries of discrimination and injustice, these communities are entitled to government protection based on ethical and moral considerations under international human rights law. The review study investigates the far-reaching implications of their enslavement, which have a significant impact on their social, economic, cultural, and general well-being, particularly in Pakistan. Although significant progress has been made through law amendments, reconciliation processes, and international initiatives, there is still much work to be done. This paper underlines the need for comprehensive measures, such as enacting legal reforms, raising public awareness, and creating global solidarity, in achieving true equality and justice for all people, regardless of ethnic or indigenous ancestry.

Scandinavian Diplomacy on Human Rights and Economic Inequality at the United Nations in the 1970s

Abstract In the 1970s, United Nations debates on human rights and economic inequality were deeply shaped by the New International Economic Order (nieo) advocated by the developing countries and the basic needs development strategy championed by the World Bank and the United States. This article uses archives from Sweden, Denmark, and Norway as well as UN records, to examine the contributions Scandinavian diplomats and policymakers made to these debates. It demonstrates that the Scandinavians took a favorable position on both the nieo and basic needs, viewing them as complementary strategies to realize economic and social human rights. This view matched their activist foreign policies centered on UN diplomacy, human rights, and Global South solidarity. Finally, the article argues that the Scandinavian position reflected and was underpinned by a broad conception of human rights that put economic and social rights on an even footing with civil and political rights.

Climate nags: Affect and the convergence of global risk in online networks

ABSTRACT Scholars have observed the need to better understand the role of emotion in the issue of climate change, as well as to better convey the relationship between climate and other global crises. This article takes up these two positions, investigating the way social media facilitates affective connections between climate and other global risks. Using Twitter data from three global events – Covid, the 2020 U.S. presidential race, and the Russia–Ukraine war – the study examines how users connect climate change to each event. Placing these discussions in the context of online issue publics and ecocriticism, the paper examines the way users employ affect to connect these events to climate change. The paper uses a quantitatively driven qualitative approach, combining computational methods with a thematic analysis of affective expressions. Interestingly, sentiment was not universally negative, and the qualitative findings further suggest that users combine emotions in contradictory ways, expressed through the themes Weary Zealotry, The Hope–Disgust Dialectic, Climate as Proto-Disaster, Idiots and Enemies, and Global Solidarity. It is argued that a modified version of Beck’s ‘imagined communities of global risk’ provides a framework for the role of affect in people’s relationship to climate change.

Religion and Global Solidarity: Review of Toward a Global Civilization? The Contribution of Religions

Religion and Global Solidarity: Review of Toward a Global Civilization? The Contribution of Religions

The Task of Envisioning Security for the Anthropocene

Our Anthropocene age is defined by a wide array of anthropogenic pressures on planet Earth, which have produced multiple human and environmental insecurities. From climate change to population displacements, from ecosystem degradation to global pandemics, we are faced with unprecedented human and environmental emergencies. Safeguarding the future hinges on generating a wider understanding of ‘security’ that sees the need for holistic strategy, global solidarity and multilateral cooperation. We need a security imaginary transformed by critical and responsible thinking on economic production and planetary precarity, and we require such a vision to manifest in new governmentalities that set us on the right path towards a shared future. This paper reflects on the challenge of establishing holistic understandings of security which can be drawn upon more effectively to respond to the intersecting crises unfolding on the planet. In seeking to reframe global security strategy, the paper underscores an interlinked sense of human-environmental security which extends the UN’s human security concept to address the overlapping precarities of our human and non-human worlds. It considers in particular the role of legal and regulatory mechanisms in curbing the ecological excesses of late modern capitalism; and in seeking to transcend narrow statist formulations of security, the paper illuminates our global interconnections, which require us to renew and support networks of international solidarity and multilateral cooperation.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF THE 2022 G20 SUMMIT IN STRENGTHENING PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS, AND RESPONSE (PPR) FINANCING AS A PART OF GLOBAL HEALTH ARCHITECTURE RESTRUCTURATION

Restructuring and strengthening the framework of Global Health Architecture (GHA) is one of the significant agendas raised at the 2022 G20 Summit held in Bali, Indonesia. One of the identified motivations behind this initiative concerns the gap in the prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) financing policy and its sustainability. This problem generates inequity in the global health system–especially experienced by the low- and mid-income countries (LMICs)–and hinders the effort to comprehensively mitigate the impacts the threats have caused, such as from the current COVID-19 outbreak. Consequently, these countries are struggling due to their inability to acquire healthcare resources such as health infrastructures, vaccine access, and human resources. To understand how the 2022 G20 forum could contribute to restructuring and strengthening the architecture, this paper investigates the upcoming summit's potential challenges and opportunities in restructuring the GHA framework to close the gap in financing PPR and creating an equal global health system. In doing so, this article will apply desk study by collecting information from secondary data sources. One of the potential opportunities is to strengthen global health multilateralism through the G20 members' active engagement in the financial intermediary fund (FIF) platform. However, there is also a significant challenge regarding the current global solidarity and political tension. Therefore, the forum must consider these notions to create a more robust and sustained financial policy to strengthen the architecture.