Social science teacher, Timothy Row, attended the Swedish Institute of International Affairs’ information seminar on Sept 4 to learn more …
How can we achieve global peace and security?
(Click on the photo to watch part of the debate)
50 million people in the world have been forced to leave their home as a result of the wars that are currently raging in countries such as Syria, Iraq, South Sudan and the Central African Republic. A military conflict is currently ongoing in Ukraine which has at the time of writing claimed the lives of over 2000 people including many innocent civilians.
Foreign policy is not always top of voters priorities when it comes to elections, but this year might just be an exception. What should Sweden and the world do to help provide a resolution to these conflicts? What should we in Sweden do to help those escaping from war? These were among the many questions discussed at an event hosted by the Swedish Institute for Foreign Affairs on 4th September.
As can be expected, opinions differed between the party blocks, but even within the blocks there were important nuances of perspective on the different areas. The debate on foreign policy was followed by an extremely intensive discussion on Sweden’s own domestic defence policy. This included the important question of how Sweden should expand its own military defence in the light of increased international security threats.
Want to discuss these issues, or the debate further? Feel free to contact me: timothy.row@vrg.se
Timothy Row
Social Science and English teacher, VRG
Learning @ VR Schools 