By Sosamma Samuel-Burnett J.D.
Founder/President, G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice
Tuesday, November 4 was a momentous day for Republicans in the U.S. The mid-term elections resulted in a streak of red across the country signifying several Republican wins for key elected positions in many states and most notably a decisive majority in the U.S. Senate. These victories may be explained in many ways: low approval ratings for the President, lack of confidence in the Administration and government in general, dissatisfaction in political gridlock, and a growing sense that a “changing of the guard” could be helpful. Whatever the reasons why the Republicans were elected, now that they are elected, the more significant question is: what will they do now? What will be the impact of this political shift of power? And, in particular, what are the implications for geopolitics?
With this significant power shift, the Republicans have both an opportunity and responsibility to position themselves for getting work done. Part of that work needs to be focused on addressing the general dissatisfaction and distrust the public has about government on a range of domestic concerns, including the Affordable Care Act. However, the more salient issues before them are focused on the global arena, including: terrorism, immigration, global health, and geopolitical tensions with countries such as Russia. To a large extent, it is the current Administration’s approach to these global issues that have deepened the electorates concerns and dissatisfaction with results. A shift of power does not mean that these concerns dissipate, but it does mean that the electorate has an expectation of a better approach and better results to these difficult issues. Republicans thus have a challenging but important mandate to help address geopolitical issues.
Terrorism and wide spread violence is a major global problem. ISIS has been the current focus of anti-terrorism efforts, but a wave of other militant, violent groups also have been ravaging the globe – such as Boko Haram that abducted 200 girls in Nigeria. And, the recent disappearance of 42 students in Mexico and the mob killing of a Christian couple in Pakistan demonstrate the ongoing concerns for political and religious freedoms and other human rights around the world. Republicans can help shape strong positions against terrorism and human rights violations and couple them with effective diplomatic relationships with ally countries to counteract these concerns.
Immigration is a complex and divisive topic for the US and around the globe. While the challenges of illegal immigration are many, the opportunities in legal immigration are also significant. For example, the UK, which is hotly debating the issue of immigration, also benefited from £4 billion that immigrants brought into their economy, exceeding any benefits they may have received from the UK. Republicans have an opportunity to define an approach to immigration that addresses both the challenges and the opportunities. To do so will require a collaborative, bipartisan effort that effectively weighs security, economic opportunity, social and political issues, and other concerns related to immigration.
Ebola is presently the central global health concern, but many other diseases have had far greater deadly impact both in the US and abroad. Helping to contain Ebola and other public health concerns is important. But doing so in a manner that is well planned and effectively administered is essential for containment – considering both immediate and long terms impact. The Republicans can help guide a process that will address these global health concerns while protecting US citizens.
A number of countries today, most notably Russia, Iran, and North Korea, have presented themselves as beyond the reach of international law or global cooperation. Russia announced that it plans to boycott the international nuclear security summit that President Obama is scheduled to host in 2016. Not only is this a snub on the Administration, but indicates some very real and disconcerting signs of how these nuclear powers will interrelate in the global community. Again, the Republicans can help guide the process of ensuring a firm position with regard to these countries while also maintaining peace.
Granted, a power shift in the Senate by no means will ensure that these and a myriad of other geopolitical concerns will be addressed completely or even improved significantly in the short or medium terms. However, the shift of power opens the opportunity to negotiate, collaborate and approach the issues at hand from the perspective of getting things done rather than forcing agendas. And if the Republicans can help balance the power within government to create that kind of working environment, then this shift may be an important step in positioning the U.S. to better handle global concerns in the foreseeable future.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice. We are a faith-based, nonpartisan organization that seeks to extend the conversation about justice with a posture of dignity and respect.