Facing Challenges and Crises in Today's World

What factors contribute to the prevailing sense of increased uncertainty, challenges, and crises in today’s world?

“While the challenges and crises we confront may seem overwhelming, history has shown that resilience and human ingenuity can prevail.”

In our rapidly changing world, it seems that we are facing an unprecedented influx of challenges and crises. From political unrest to global pandemics, environmental disasters to economic instability, and artificial intelligence and other advancements in technology, it is difficult to escape the feeling that our era is marked by a constant state of upheaval. These are critical issues that need our attention, but to comprehend the reasons behind this tumultuous landscape, we must explore several underlying factors.

First and foremost, our interconnectedness has magnified the impact of events. The advent of technology and the rise of social media have connected people across borders like never before, allowing information to spread rapidly. While this connectivity has enhanced communication and fostered positive change, it has also amplified the propagation of conflicts and crises. News travels swiftly and reaches a wide audience, causing events to reverberate across the globe, intensifying their significance and impact.

Moreover, the complexity and interdependence of our global systems have created a delicate balance that can easily be disrupted. Economic interconnectivity, for instance, means that a crisis in one part of the world can have ripple effects on a global scale. Environmental challenges, such as climate change, transcend borders and affect populations regardless of their geographic location. These intricate interdependencies make it challenging to address issues in isolation, often requiring collective and collaborative efforts that transcend national boundaries.

“ By recognizing our shared humanity, embracing empathy, and respecting the principles of equity and justice, we can forge a path towards resolution and resilience.”

Additionally, societal transformations have contributed to the rising challenges we face today. Rapid urbanization, population growth, and shifting demographics have strained resources and infrastructures, leading to social, economic, and political tensions. Technological advancements have brought about tremendous progress, but they have also created new ethical dilemmas, privacy concerns, and disruptive changes in the job market. These societal shifts generate uncertainties and demands for adaptation, which can manifest as crises if not effectively managed.

Furthermore, the pace of change itself plays a significant role. The acceleration of technological progress has outpaced our ability to fully comprehend and adapt to its consequences. This disparity creates a sense of unease and exacerbates the challenges we face. It becomes crucial to strike a balance between embracing innovation and ensuring that its benefits are distributed equitably, minimizing its potential negative impacts.

In the face of these multifaceted challenges and crises, it is essential to approach them with a proactive and inclusive mindset. It requires fostering international cooperation, strengthening institutions, and promoting dialogue among diverse stakeholders. By recognizing our shared humanity, embracing empathy, and respecting the principles of equity and justice, we can forge a path towards resolution and resilience.

Education and critical thinking are vital tools in navigating the complexities of our world. They enable us to understand the underlying causes of crises, challenge misinformation, and develop the skills needed to address the challenges we face. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning, encouraging critical analysis, and nurturing empathy, we can empower individuals and communities to contribute positively to our collective future.

While the challenges and crises we confront may seem overwhelming, history has shown that resilience and human ingenuity can prevail. By harnessing our collective strengths, leveraging innovation, and adopting a long-term perspective, we can foster a world that is better prepared to face the uncertainties of the future.

The Next Chapter

“Wow.” The words came out as a whisper while I read the offer letter on my computer screen, “I have been accepted to attend the University of Oxford.”

Picture from @compscioxford.

From a young age, I have been curious about the people and the world around me. Intrigued on why people act and react the way that they do. Of course, at a younger age, my world was smaller. First, in Guadalajara, México, where I was born. Later, it grew to an international level when I moved to the state of Georgia in the United States at the age of 9.

In the US, my first best friend was Japanese. Sadly, I had to say good-bye after two years of knowing her because she moved back to Japan with her family. It would not be until 14 years later that Mai and I would finally reunite in Tokyo and Yokohama.

Mai and I, 2003. Peachtree City, Georgia, USA.

Mai (left), her parents (middle) and I, 2018. Yokohama, Japan.

As I have grown older, my curiosity to understand the world and the people in it grows too. I have come to realize that the world sometimes works, and it sometimes, in a catastrophic level, does not. It can be a very complicated and messy place. Particularly, when there are people with different world views that might not see the world for what it is. Therefore, the challenges in today’s society only seem to keep growing.

Misinformation and different realities put our lives at risk, but I believe that most people are more alike than we think. My experience has been that we all ultimately want the same thing. We all want to feel safe, have the best quality of life, give our kids the best education with the hope that they grow into remarkable individuals, and provide our elders and families with care. These realities tend to be universal.

At Oxford, I will be studying diplomacy. A field that I believe is essential for our global survival. The hope and passion I have for the world led me to achieve what did not seem possible.

Now, I understand the world better. I understand that the only way to save us from ourselves is to work together because not one individual (or nation) can do it alone. More than intelligence, we need wisdom. People who are smart, but more importantly, people that want to do the right thing. I see a lot of challenges ahead, but I also see a lot of opportunities. It will be up to us to decide what kind of future we want for ourselves and for the generations that follow.

Mai has allowed me to use the pictures and her name for this blog post.

A Turning Point: The Future is Written by Us

I had originally written the following the day Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in as President and Vice President of the United States of America. This was written on January 20, 2021:

Relief is what I currently feel. Relief and a cautious hope. These past few years have been exhausting for many of us. Sometimes to the point where we became numb, and tired, and hopeless. Every day was a story more outrageous and horrendous than the last. Every day I was desperately trying to make sense of things that made absolutely no sense.

Today, many people are hurting, many people are facing racial, health, economic, and environmental emergencies. Realities that needed to be addressed years ago, and that today, can no longer be ignored.

This past year has made me reflect on myself like never before. Reflect on what is important, and how I would like the world to look like. I am not perfect by any means, and have made my fair share of mistakes, but I am willing to learn, to listen, and to hold myself accountable. I have come to realize that change is inevitable, and that change is done collectively - as a community. That not one single person can do it by themselves - although, the willingness to change does have to come from the individual first.

At the end of the day, what is right is right. Always. We get to decide wether or not we choose that path. To choose the way that will move us forward - together - in a country, and in a world, that is becoming more and more interconnected.

Today, and every day, we have a choice. We have the power to decide what direction our lives, and the lives of the people around us, will take. Now, the question is, do we have the courage to continue?

The Importance of Diplomacy in the Modern World

My passion for diplomacy is a response to today's geopolitical uncertainty and conflict. Solutions to global challenges require collective action dependent on a nuanced understanding of the interests of our partners and adversaries. In fact, I see diplomacy as the only sustainable path to peace.

In a world where complexity, contrasting perspectives, and misunderstandings come in abundance, it is pivotal to come into any room with a strong moral character, knowledge of the history and of our counterparts, and a firm comprehension of the line between realism and idealism.

The objective of good diplomatic policy is having aspirations, ideals, and a vision of what the end goal should be, but also recognizing the world for how and what it is, and analyzing ways to move towards progress. The end goal for any successful nation should be a more peaceful, more inclusive, and a more tolerant society. That will become a triumph in all sectors: economically, politically, and socially. The trajectory of this planet has been of progress, but we must recognize that progress never moves in a straight line.

As I grow older and aspire to understand the world better - both nationally and internationally - I have come to the realization that curiosity, dialogue, and understanding are critical to reconciling contrasting worldviews. Diplomacy has had consequential outcomes throughout history, both beneficial and detrimental for generations that followed, and for that essential reason I believe it is crucial to have leaders that work hard in getting it right. Let’s not be afraid to ask questions, to surround ourselves with people smarter than us, to listen and understand the other side, and to stay true to oneself and who we represent. I never said it would be easy, but the alternative is far worse.

We share the world with almost 8 billion people. All of us with different histories, perspectives, needs, and understanding of the world. Our aim should be a planet where we push towards solutions for the global challenges we all face together.

The Venezuelan Crisis: What You Need to Know

With so much happening around the world today, things can get a little confusing. In the next couple of weeks I will try to summarize different events at the best of my ability. My goal is to make complex events easier for an individual to comprehend. Not everything will be included, but I believe the overall key events will be. This is only intended for this purpose.

How did it start?

Venezuela, once the richest country in Latin America and owner of the largest oil reserves, continues to be in economic and social collapse. Some factors behind this reason are: mismanagement, corruption, and the deep dependence on oil. But how did the downfall begin, and what is the state of the country today?

In order to understand the present turmoil, we need to look into its former charismatic leader: Hugo Chávez, who became president in 1999. Prior to his presidency, the Venezuelan people were deeply dissatisfied with the state of the country, its government, and the widening gap between the rich and the poor. Chávez won on a promise to end corruption, eliminate poverty, and change the political system.

Under his rule, Chávez introduced a set of socialist policies, where at the start, along with strong global oil prices, Venezuela witnessed an economic boom. He nationalized companies and funneled oil revenues into welfare programs and food imports. The unemployment rate halved, education improved, income per capita more than doubled, and the poverty rate fell dramatically.

The daily life for Venezuelans improved under this new system, and the government continued to aggressively spend money to fund the country’s social programs. In 2008, oil prices took a hit due to the financial crisis, but Chávez continued the spending as if things were the same.

After the death of Chávez in 2013, Nicolás Maduro, the Vice President and hand-picked successor, took over. It was under his presidency that things became a lot worse. Maduro doubled down on his predecessors policies, refusing to cut spending even as oil revenues continued to fall. The crisis intensified by his denial of the events happening, violently repressing opposition, shortages of food and medicine, unemployment, human rights violations, US sanctions, and hyperinflation. Many store owners began weighing money instead of counting it because of how worthless the Venezuelan bolívar had become.

According to the UN, more than 4 million people have left the country thus far.

Where are we today?

Today, the debate of ‘who is the legitimate Venezuelan president’ continues. But why?

Two men: Nicolás Maduro and a man by the name of Juan Guaidó, who serves as the leader of the Venezuelan National Assembly, are at a standoff to take on the highest office.

This dispute began when Maduro ran and won a highly controversial second term in 2018. Numerous cases of fraud, coercion, and rigged elections have been reported.   

In January 2019, Guaidó, invoking the country’s constitution, has declared himself the interim president of Venezuela, claiming Maduro is not the legitimate president.

On November 16, Guaidó called for the return of national protests. He held rallies calling for Maduro’s removal and has pressed his supporters to continue the fight until he is removed from office. The recent protests have not had the same power that earlier ones did. There has been a lower turnout. Many Venezuelans claim to be exhausted by the problems they still face on their daily lives, such as: lack of food and medicine, public transportation, and hyperinflation. Many are disappointed Maduro continues to be in power.

How is Maduro still in power while being highly unpopular?

Maduro remains in control of the country due to his predecessor’s debilitation of Venezuela’s main institutions.

During his 14 year rule, Hugo Chávez took systematic steps to assure that his party would remain in control, and that any opposition would find it incredibly difficult or impossible to change that. Institutions such as: the Venezuela’s supreme court, the judiciary, and the military, have all been placed under the control of the ruling party.

There is one institution that remains independent: the National Assembly, and Juan Guaidó is the leader. But due to Maduro’s influence over other institutions, there is little the Natonal Assembly can do.

So for many, the fight continues…

Work Cited, further readings:

https://www.cfr.org/timeline/venezuelas-chavez-era

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/08/venezuela-economic-woes-2017-explained/

https://www.osti.gov/biblio/7355575

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mark_Weisbrot2/publication/23528748_An_Empty_Research_Agenda_The_Creation_of_Myths_About_Contemporary_Venezuela/links/5446de120cf22b3c14e0b6cf.pdf

https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2017/05/10/why-is-venezuelas-nicolas-maduro-still-in-power

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-36319877

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/30/world/americas/venezuela-crisis.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/10/world/americas/venezuela-maduro-inauguration.html 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics/after-venezuelan-opposition-call-for-mass-rallies-street-protests-underwhelm-idUSKBN1XW209?il=0

The Importance of Understanding Intersectionality

What is intersectionality? That is a question I have been asked quite often and it is probably one of the most important concepts to know.

Intersectionality is the intersections between forms or systems of oppression or privilege. In other words, intersectionality is the different identities a person holds and how those identities are interconnected and cannot be considered independently. Like I have mentioned, those identities can either be privileged or oppressed, and it is important we acknowledge the different identities we hold. But what exactly does that mean?

For example, some of the identities that belong to me are: I am a woman, I am a Latina, I am educated, I am able-bodied, I am cis-gendered (meaning that my gender identity matches the sex I was assigned at birth), etc. Although I hold oppressed identities as a woman and a Latina, I hold privileged identities such as being educated, being able-bodied, and being cis-gendered. All my identities cannot be looked at separately, and neither can the identities of anyone else.

A white woman might have the disadvantage of gender, but has the advantage of race. A black woman is disadvantaged by her gender AND her race, and a Hispanic, bisexual woman is disadvantaged by her gender, her ethnicity, AND her sexual orientation.

A black man has the advantage of gender, but has the disadvantage of race. A white man has the advantage of both gender and race, and so on.

Like I mentioned above, there might be other identities that give you privilege in society (ableism, being cis-gendered, heterosexual, educated, etc.) and identities that give you even more disadvantage (depending on your religion, social class (being low-incomed), having a disability, etc.)

I want to be clear: having privilege in certain identities is not a bad thing at all, but recognizing that privilege, and what you do with it, is what matters.

Other different identities are sex, religion, social class, age, (dis)ability, nation(s) of origin and/or citizenship, tribal or indigenous affiliation, and many others. Any identity that makes you, you.

In order to be a true ally for marginalized communities, one must acknowledge where they hold privilege and how to use it to listen, speak up, take accountability, and continue to push for true equity.

The Single Most Pressing Issue -- and Solution -- Facing our World Today

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When you think of the single most pressing issue that we face as a society, what comes to mind? Perhaps inequality? Perhaps poverty? Terrorism? Or maybe even Climate Change?

For many years, the one and biggest global issue that truly concerned me, for myself, for the people I love, and for future generations was Climate Change. How on Earth (no pun intended) are we supposed to move forward when we are literally destroying the only home we have? Climate Change threatens our very existence. Although the warming of the planet is a very real and frightening threat for our present and our future, I now know this is not the most pressing issue that we face as a society.

Education is not only the single most pressing issue that we face, but it is also the solution to every single one of our problems. Quality education for all is the answer to everything.

I truly believe education can solve absolutely any problem that we face. When people are well educated and informed about any issue, they are more likely to take action and to find ways to solve the problem. They are also more likely to hold their governments or people in power accountable. At no other point in history have we been more environmentally aware, have done more for gender equality, or for diversity, than today, and I believe that education has achieved that progress. The internet, and social media in particular, has given an unprecedented opportunity for many professionals, experts, teachers, journalists, activists, every-day people, and in particular, young people, to use it as a platform to inform, educate, and engage people from all corners of the globe. Social media has inspired the global community, and especially, has inspired young people to know that they are never too young -- or too old -- to take action and to become leaders in their communities.

Without education, we have nothing. Without education, we would not be able to solve the biggest issues facing the world today. Education is not just learning a set of skills, it is about problem-solving, it is learning about your neighbors, exposing you to new ideas, to new challenges, to new ways of looking at the same thing. It opens up your mind, it consumes your soul. Education truly can change communities, regions, and the world.

Never stop learning new things, because tomorrow, it could be you changing the world.