case studies Flashcards
(10 cards)
Russia Ukraine Conflict
Since 2022, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to halt NATO expansion and reassert dominance has violated Ukraine’s sovereignty, causing mass destruction, war crimes, and global tensions.
began in 2022 to present after 2014 Crimea expansion
NATO and Western allies support Ukraine militarily and economically
UN and ICC are investigating war crimes
Over 8 million refugees displaced by UNHCR
Russia threatens nuclear use which is a global security dilemma
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Description
Since 2013, China created a global infrastructure project to expand trade routes and increase influence. Some countries benefit, others fall into debt or lose sovereignty
over 140 countries involved
debt concerns in Sri Lanka (borrowed 1 million from China to build the port. failed. went back to China so questions the motive for geopolitical power
EU and US push back with alternative plans
Critics call it “debt-trap diplomacy”
Ability to facilitate globalization in importation and exportation (economic benefits)
Uyghurs in China Description
(2010 to present) China Represesses Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang using mass surveillance, “re-education camps”, and forced labor, claiming anti-terrorism
1million Uyghurs detained by the UN estimation
Evidence of forced sterilization and culture erasure
International accusations of genocide
Sanctions by US, EU, most Muslim-majority countries silent
China claims it’s an “internal manner to stop terrorism”
Percutions of Christians in Syria and Iraq description
Since 2003, after the U.S. invaded Iraq and later Syria, Christian minorities were targeted by ISIS and extremists who saw them as allies of the West or threats to an Islamic state.
thousands killed, displaced, churches destroyed
ISIS aimed to eliminate the Christian presence
Limited protection by Iraqi/ Syrian governments
International humanitarian aid and resettlement program
ISIS painted ن on christian homes to be able to identify them easily
Israel Palestine Conflict Description
(1948 - present) Long-standing conflict over land, borders, and identity between Israelis and Palestinians. Ongoing violence and stalled peace talks.
1948: Israel founded, Arab-Israeli war follows
West Bank & Gaza are central conflict zones
Hamas (Gaza) vs. Palestinian Authority (West Bank)
2023 conflict killed 30,000+ said by the Gaza Health Ministry
UN resolutions, Oslo Accords, and U.S. mediation efforts mostly failed
UN and Climate Change Description
(1990 to present) UN efforts to combat global warming through treaties like the Paris Agreement. Challenges arise between global cooperation and national interests.
Paris Agreement (2015): Aim to limit warming to 1.5°C
U.S. pulled out under Trump (doesn’t believe global warming is real), rejoined under Biden
Developing nations demand climate finance
COP summits occur annually
Climate change linked to conflict and displacement
Afghanistan & the Taliban description
(1996- 2001, 2021- present) Taliban regained control in 2021 after U.S. withdrawal, reversing progress on women’s rights and leading to humanitarian crisis.
Taliban bans girls’ education past age 12
U.S. froze ~$9B in Afghan assets
UN warns of starvation affecting 23 million
No country formally recognizes the Taliban government
Armed resistance from groups like the National Resistance Front
Venezuela Crisis Description
(2010 - present) Economic collapse under President Maduro caused hyperinflation, hunger, and mass emigration. Political legitimacy also in crisis.
Over 7 million Venezuelans fled the country (UN)
GDP shrank ~75% since 2013
U.S. and EU recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó in 2019
Government accused of torture, censorship, and election fraud
Oil-rich economy collapsed under corruption and mismanagement
Iran Protests Description
(2022 - present) Nationwide protests after Mahsa Amini died in police custody because she refused to follow the veiling laws, demanding women’s rights and political reform.
Amini arrested for “improper” hijab
Protests met with internet shutdowns, arrests, executions
Women burn hijabs, cut hair in protest
Iran blames West; tightens ties with Russia and China
Limited international response beyond sanctions
North Korea and Nuclear threats description
(2000s - present) North Korea developed nuclear weapons for regime survival, leading to global isolation and repeated missile tests.
6 nuclear tests since 2006
Ongoing missile launches over Japan/South Korea
Talks with Trump collapsed in 2019
Economy crippled by sanctions and self-isolation
Citizens face famine-like conditions and severe repression
