Global Politics: Presidential Power, Ocean Justice, and International Conflicts
The cover of this week’s ‘FrontPage’ is adorned with a headline that speaks volumes about the current political landscape: ‘Cabinet Upholds the Authority of an Almighty Powerful President’. The specifics of the article or the context in which the cabinet is supporting the president are not provided, but one thing is clear – the administration is projecting an image of unity and strength.
The U.S. Unveils Ocean Justice Strategy
Among the week’s significant events, the White House unveiled the first-ever U.S. Ocean Justice Strategy during the United Nations Conference of Parties COP28. This strategy aims to advance environmental justice for communities dependent on the ocean and the Great Lakes. It pledges to infuse principles of equity and environmental justice in federal ocean activities, including conservation, management of marine resources, and infrastructure projects. The strategy has been lauded by leaders, ocean advocates, Native communities, and faith-based organizations for its commitment to environmental justice and equity.
Political Turmoil in Guinea-Bissau
Over in Guinea-Bissau, political upheavals continue. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo appointed a new cabinet, days after dismissing his prime minister twice in the wake of a foiled coup. Among the 23 cabinet members appointed, Ilídio Vieira Té was reappointed as finance minister. Embalo’s power struggle with the opposition PAIGC party, which holds majority in the parliament and controls the cabinet and the prime minister’s post, has been a source of political instability.
Support for Ukraine and Presidential Power Dynamics
On the international stage, former South Carolina governor and 2024 Republican presidential candidate, Nikki Haley, broke party lines to express support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. Back home, U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order enabling Washington to impose sanctions on financial institutions aiding Russia in evading sanctions over the war in Ukraine. The strong endorsement of the President’s potent authority and dominance by the Cabinet signifies a consolidation of power around the President.
Bongbong Marcos’ Presidency
In the Philippines, President Bongbong Marcos, the 17th president who assumed office on June 30, 2022, has been steering the nation towards post-pandemic normalcy. Despite facing criticism over his father’s regime and challenges such as domestic sugar supply shortage, rising inflation, and the economic fallout of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Marcos’ administration has been described as more systematic and efficient than its predecessor.
