Event Reflection #2

I attended the Current Events Conversation with Sam S. on Monday, March 4, in Smith-Steeb’s Glass Classroom. The event was an Academic event. Sam created a PowerPoint, and showed us several videos, to enlighten the group on numerous subjects currently in the news. The discussion covered a wide array of topics, including providing updates on the escalating situation in Venezuela, the again growing tension between India and Pakistan, the political progress and financial implications of Brexit, and the new world record for the smallest baby, among others. When explaining what was going on, Sam also discussed the backgrounds of the subjects to give the group a more well-rounded perspective. This was exemplified when she expressed the religious significance and role played in the long-lasting problem with India and Pakistan. The event directly relates to the topic of International Affairs by focusing its attention on issues pertaining to the whole world, not just America. Several of the stories I had not yet heard about, such as the Brexit progress and updates on Venezuela, since I am so drawn to American news and it is unfortunately so easy to ignore what is occurring elsewhere. I am therefore gaining personal knowledge, which can help me professionally in my field (of intelligence on the federal level) where staying up to date on global news is pertinent in order to address the country’s stance on particular issues, such as what the proper course of action is to pick a side to each conflict. I also plan to be a World Politics minor, so understanding current world news is beneficial academically, as well. Speaking of academics, my Terror & Terrorism class relates to Monday’s discussion. We had recently studied the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and relations between the British and the Irish before, during, and after the conflict. Brexit caused us to briefly wonder how their relationship and their peace agreement could change since the borders will be forced to alter dramatically. This question will also be explored in my conflict resolution study abroad program this summer in the countries of Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Jordan. I would love to follow up on each of the subjects we talked about in the discussion in the future, with more updates!