The John Quincy Adams Society at William and Mary hosted Heather Brandon-Smith to discuss human rights advocacy, focusing on strategies promoting a human-rights-centered foreign policy. Key topics included the necessity of open-minded communication with lawmakers, challenges in a politically charged environment, the complexities of U.S. military involvement, and the importance of non-military responses to global issues.
On October 16, the John Quincy Adams Society at the College of William and Mary welcomed Heather Brandon-Smith, a prominent human rights advocate from the Friends Committee on National Legislation. Vice President Marina Karapanos, who coordinated the event, highlighted the club’s mission focusing on restraint in foreign policy and opposition to military interventions, which drew attention to Brandon-Smith’s work. Karapanos noted the lack of specific educational offerings at the college regarding human rights and military conflicts. She expressed that such discussions could ignite student interest and provide essential exposure to topics often overlooked in their coursework. Nolan Jansorn, the media chair for JQAS, emphasized the importance of integrating human rights discussions into mainstream international relations discourse. He shared concerns that a superficial approach among lawmakers hampers progress toward actionable solutions for global issues. Brandon-Smith discussed her organization’s aim to cultivate relationships with congressional leaders to advocate for a human-rights-centered foreign policy. She stressed the need to approach legislators with an open mind, acknowledging their foundational values while working towards common objectives of global stability and security. In her remarks, Brandon-Smith acknowledged the challenges faced due to political polarization in an election year, noting that leaders fear being perceived as weak on national security, leading to a reliance on military responses. The JQAS event featured a moderated discussion where Karapanos posed questions covering various human rights challenges, from the War on Terror to crises in Ukraine and Gaza. Brandon-Smith noted that U.S. support for human rights in Ukraine is strong, while the situation in Gaza remains more nuanced due to U.S. military aid to Israel. She pointed out a glimmer of hope as more Congressional leaders and the Biden Administration urged for a ceasefire in Gaza, bringing attention to human rights issues. Brandon-Smith encouraged non-military strategies for counter-terrorism, advocating for a focus on law enforcement and justice over military force. Highlighting a successful case, she mentioned the sentencing of Osama bin Laden’s son-in-law as an example of effective non-military action. Brandon-Smith also brought to light the obscurity surrounding U.S. military engagements, revealing that Somalia is currently the country most affected by U.S. military operations. Charlotte Harvey, a student majoring in international relations, expressed surprise at the revelation about Somalia and acknowledged that many in the audience shared her ignorance about this information. She recognized Brandon-Smith’s insight into the tendency for military solutions while noting the existence of diplomatic efforts to address conflicts without violence.
The John Quincy Adams Society is a student-led organization focused on foreign policy, particularly advocating for restraint and an emphasis on human rights. By hosting Heather Brandon-Smith, they aimed to fill a notable gap in educational discussions around human rights issues related to military interventions. The event was designed to enlighten students about the complex intersections of military action and human rights advocacy, encouraging a broader understanding of these crucial topics.
The event with Heather Brandon-Smith illuminated the critical discussions surrounding human rights advocacy in U.S. foreign policy. It emphasized the need for dialogue and action that prioritize non-military approaches to conflict resolution, broadening students’ understanding of international relations. By addressing themes such as military involvement and legislative relationships, the JQAS has taken a significant step towards fostering informed advocacy among future leaders.
Original Source: flathatnews.com
