Editor's Note: Global Developments

Global development lacks a clear definition but is often linked with development in all forms to reach a better tomorrow. Therefore it can be seen as an umbrella term that covers all global efforts to make our world a better, more developed place. Whilst humanitarian aid and disaster relief help provide short-term fixes to our emergencies, international development is meant to be long-term and sustainable. Global development has increased significantly, but since the Industrial Revolution which catalysed global development, it has had significant consequences.

The early twentieth century was when the pinnacle of ‘empire’ was reached and colonialism was at its peak, a plethora of countries in Africa, the Americas, and Asia were under the rule of Western European countries such as France, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Possibly, the most famed empire in history, ‘The British Empire’ spread across the expanse of the world, with colonies in Jamaica, Australia, Hong Kong, and its crown jewel ‘India’. However, the chaotic downfall of colonialism led to the eruption of mayhem and havoc in many of the newly independent states. Although democracy had prevailed, it was difficult to establish, and quality of life was often extremely low as governments lacked funding and efficiency, hence the rise of LEDCs. Rapid development had already begun in the nineteenth century with widespread western industrialisation, but truly global development began once an increasing number of countries gained independence and a place on the world stage.

The tragic and untellable story of slavery is one that spans both centuries and continents. Although it is difficult to pinpoint exactly where Slavery was concieved, historians can trace the roots of this inhumane practice back roughly 11,000 years. The practice of human slavery grew as the world became more civilized and organized metropolises were formed. Despite the common misconception that Slavery in the Americas is the first chapter of slavery in history, we can pinpoint slavery all the way back to the Middle Ages. Slavery at first was not a booming business but done at a personal and local level to support supply and demand. However by 1619 the trade eventually did become a booming business especially in America, as records show. With the demand for slaves increasing, supply increased simultaneously and soon more and more men, women and children were being hauled over to America in boats. The journey to slavery from Africa to America was one that was tightly packed, low on food, lacking in sanitation and infected with the rapid spread of fatal diseases, bringing more death than slaves to shore. However with such widespread slavery comes a much awaited abolition period with the abolitionist movement. By adding strict laws and trying slavers in court some sort of middle ground was achieved in time for the Civil War. in 1860, with Lincolns rise to presidency the Southern states seceded from the Union and shortly after formed the Confederacy, centered around the preservation of Slavery. Finally bringing an end to the slavery we read about in our History books.

While colonisation and slavery ceases to exist, the values of power, discrimination and racism that they were built on continue to persist. Global development has not only spread trends, ideas and products, but also people. Globalisation allows people to seek out better opportunities in different countries. Yet a significant consequence of global development and easier migration is xenophobia, and one that taints the development of Western countries. The beautiful buildings, and glimmering economic growth of powerful European countries are not without the shadows of racism looming over them. Just recently, France became a frontrunner in European islamophobia when their senate voted to ban hijabs for all girls under the age of 18 in public, and prohibiting Muslim mothers to go on school field trips. Switzerland is not far behind as they recently passed a vote that bans Muslims from wearing burqas and niqabs in public. In numerous countries, a hysteria against Muslim people has been spreading like wildfire that upholds prejudice and discrimination. Rather than working on integration, education and awareness the decision-makers in society have instead chosen the path of ostracization and disrespect. Around the world, racism drives a dark wedge through positive global development, and is not just specific to Muslims. In America, the pandemic of Asian-American hate has spread faster than the virus that people are currently wrongfully blaming and attacking Asian people for. The world may have grown and adapted with extreme modernity, yet certain archaic values remain enshrined within institutions, and overriding these values start from conversations and introspection.

Vilayanur S. Ramachandran writes: “Remember that politics, colonialism, imperialism and war also originate in the human brain.” While the world is still riddled with these extensive and deep rooted issues that stem from previous historical orders, they originate from one common place: us. Humans are not only responsible for these issues, but consistently uphold and perpetuate them in modern society. In order to dismantle a culture, one must dismantle its members. The most effective solution is education and awareness to those who are ignorant, and introspecting within ourselves to unlearn the internalized beliefs of xenophobia we may hold. In this issue, our team has insightful discourse on various topics concerning the aftermath of global development such as cultural appropriation, sexual assault and racism. We hope you enjoy this issue, and use it as a method of learning in tumultuous times.