Absolutely, there is no care for "the consequences of their actions in the country they invade or elsewhere on the planet." Oligarchs are insulated and overfed. On top of war, Putin's ban on grain exports to Russia's Caucasus "allies," for example, adds to global food insecurity.
RE. Somalia, @MichaelSctMoore has written quite a lot on food insecurity there, including domestic market disruptions furthered by "humanitarian relief."
What do you think about promoting local farmers' markets in the places that have them? Traditionally, their products are grown in unsubsidized farms, and so the produce is more expensive. But to my limited knowledge, it seems reasonable to produce locally as much as possible.
Yes, I think that is the first preference for most experts as well. There is so much to say for producing locally. However the problem starts when climate change, weather extremes, conflict, bad governance or other external factors create a situation where that is no longer possible. Giving aid risks disrupting the market, but in the case of emergency aid there is is no alternative. In case of structural aid, development experts as well as local governments have learned a lot over the years of these risks. It doesn't lead to a call not to give aid, but it is a serious warning to carefully manage the process, taking into account all those involved.
I'm glad you articulated these nuances, especially because theorists often write of all-or-nothing approaches. Sometimes critical analysis spotlights the problem, and then offers no solution; or the solution is to simply stop with previous programs or aid. I think what I am reading here is more of a middle way approach, which makes sense to me.
I’ve been trying to post a comment, but am having trouble finding something to say that isn’t terribly depressing. It’s so sad to me to see all the death & destruction when we should be making the world a better place. Thank you for bringing attention to this additional issue that is not emphasized enough when discussing the war.
I recognise what you feel, Jean. Anything I write, or say, or do is impacted by what we all witness on our screens. Having visited Kiev several times, and having met many Ukrainians in my life, these unthinkable events feel close. I will try to start writing on other issues as well, since this newsletter is not about war, nor about Russia or Ukraine, but I'm having trouble writing about anything else. I hope to give it a try soon, I chose years ago to leave diplomacy and focus on nature, environment, and on positive things in life. I never thought that this could be a challenge.
Thank you. Those unthinkable events are close to you, physically as well as mentally, while I live half the world away (more or less). I can’t begin to imagine how much it has affected you, having friends there & having visited the country. I want to cry every time I read about their plight, & many times I do. I’ve been disappointed/depressed ever since DJT rode down that escalator, was relieved when Joe Biden was elected, pleased with his efforts to improve lives of all people, unhappy with the greedy politicians that are willing to destroy our world in order to gain more money & power, & I’m unable to comprehend those who wish to destroy our Republic. Like it or not, this is the 21st Century; no country can successfully isolate itself from the rest of the world. We need to lift everyone up in order to succeed. I was born the year WW2 ended. I’ve seen a lot of change, much for the better. Now not so much. I never thought we could regress like this. If I is a struggle for me, it is even harder for you. Take care of yourself.
The callous disregard for all human life by the perpetrator of this shockingly malicious war crime affects vastly more than the Ukrainian victims who are profoundly impacted by these vicious acts. It goes beyond any measure of rationality.
While we are attuned to the humanitarian crisis playing before our eyes on our media screens, you’ve looked deeper into the global impact and how it will further complicate the crises of those already suffering food shortages, housing, economic inequality and much more.
Thank you for calling upon your experience in planetary security and other diplomatic skills to bring these critical issues to the forefront. Many of these extenuating matters fall by the wayside when we are blinded by what we see before us in the moment.
Absolutely, there is no care for "the consequences of their actions in the country they invade or elsewhere on the planet." Oligarchs are insulated and overfed. On top of war, Putin's ban on grain exports to Russia's Caucasus "allies," for example, adds to global food insecurity.
RE. Somalia, @MichaelSctMoore has written quite a lot on food insecurity there, including domestic market disruptions furthered by "humanitarian relief."
What do you think about promoting local farmers' markets in the places that have them? Traditionally, their products are grown in unsubsidized farms, and so the produce is more expensive. But to my limited knowledge, it seems reasonable to produce locally as much as possible.
Yes, I think that is the first preference for most experts as well. There is so much to say for producing locally. However the problem starts when climate change, weather extremes, conflict, bad governance or other external factors create a situation where that is no longer possible. Giving aid risks disrupting the market, but in the case of emergency aid there is is no alternative. In case of structural aid, development experts as well as local governments have learned a lot over the years of these risks. It doesn't lead to a call not to give aid, but it is a serious warning to carefully manage the process, taking into account all those involved.
I'm glad you articulated these nuances, especially because theorists often write of all-or-nothing approaches. Sometimes critical analysis spotlights the problem, and then offers no solution; or the solution is to simply stop with previous programs or aid. I think what I am reading here is more of a middle way approach, which makes sense to me.
I’ve been trying to post a comment, but am having trouble finding something to say that isn’t terribly depressing. It’s so sad to me to see all the death & destruction when we should be making the world a better place. Thank you for bringing attention to this additional issue that is not emphasized enough when discussing the war.
I recognise what you feel, Jean. Anything I write, or say, or do is impacted by what we all witness on our screens. Having visited Kiev several times, and having met many Ukrainians in my life, these unthinkable events feel close. I will try to start writing on other issues as well, since this newsletter is not about war, nor about Russia or Ukraine, but I'm having trouble writing about anything else. I hope to give it a try soon, I chose years ago to leave diplomacy and focus on nature, environment, and on positive things in life. I never thought that this could be a challenge.
Thank you. Those unthinkable events are close to you, physically as well as mentally, while I live half the world away (more or less). I can’t begin to imagine how much it has affected you, having friends there & having visited the country. I want to cry every time I read about their plight, & many times I do. I’ve been disappointed/depressed ever since DJT rode down that escalator, was relieved when Joe Biden was elected, pleased with his efforts to improve lives of all people, unhappy with the greedy politicians that are willing to destroy our world in order to gain more money & power, & I’m unable to comprehend those who wish to destroy our Republic. Like it or not, this is the 21st Century; no country can successfully isolate itself from the rest of the world. We need to lift everyone up in order to succeed. I was born the year WW2 ended. I’ve seen a lot of change, much for the better. Now not so much. I never thought we could regress like this. If I is a struggle for me, it is even harder for you. Take care of yourself.
The callous disregard for all human life by the perpetrator of this shockingly malicious war crime affects vastly more than the Ukrainian victims who are profoundly impacted by these vicious acts. It goes beyond any measure of rationality.
While we are attuned to the humanitarian crisis playing before our eyes on our media screens, you’ve looked deeper into the global impact and how it will further complicate the crises of those already suffering food shortages, housing, economic inequality and much more.
Thank you for calling upon your experience in planetary security and other diplomatic skills to bring these critical issues to the forefront. Many of these extenuating matters fall by the wayside when we are blinded by what we see before us in the moment.
A well crafted essay, well done.
Thank you, Lizzie