Letter from the Editor

Dear Readers,

It is my honor and delight to welcome you to the first edition of the John Jay Journal of International Affairs. The staffers working on this publication sought to revive the interest in the International Politics and Policy major on our campus through the establishment of this new journal, and we are proud to present the reality of our dreams. This journal idea was birthed in the fall of 2020, and after a long year of hard work here is the first edition.

The goal of our journal is to give you well researched papers that analyze international affair topics. These topics range from historical analysis to in-depth evaluation of a current situation. In this first publication, we have contributions from writers in the Strategic Intelligence, International Politics and Policy, History, and Economics and Business Analytics majors. Our goal in creating this journal is that it would rouse awareness in our readers on pressing global issues.

In the opening study, written by Josiah Ssempa, he analyzes the peacekeeping efforts and failures of the United Nations. His premise is that those in leadership have a duty to promote peace and security for vulnerable people groups around the world. Ssempa critically examines the United Nation’s failure to establish peace in Rwanda as well as thwart the destructive problem of sexual exploitation within United Nations peacekeepers.

Abigail Wilson is the author of our second study that looks at the diplomatic strategy Europe is taking towards China. In her analysis, she covers the factors contributing to the European Union’s China approach and its future implications. Wilson’s paper is timely as there is a growing focus by Europe on the Pacific region and particularly China.

Jessica Garlock writes our third study that dives into Germany’s dependence upon Russia for energy and gas exports. With Russia controlling the energy supply to the strongest member of the European Union, Garlock assesses the existential threat this dependence has on the EU member’s energy needs and Russia’s attempt to expand its soft power. Finally, Edmund Hurty concludes the journal with his historical analysis of the Athenian, British, and United States’ maritime empires. His study of powerful naval empires is vital to understanding why these nations prioritized having such strong navies for their country. The in-depth research and analysis Hurty provides is extensive and a wonderful contribution to our first edition of this journal.

I would like to thank Jacob Montoya for initiating and developing the plan for this nascent journal — thank you for the long hours and preparation you put into making this a reality. Thank you, Nicholas Storz, for designing the layout of this journal — you did a beautiful job setting the foundation for our publication. Valkyrie Armstrong, thank you for

spending the hours necessary to make sure the research behind these papers was accurate and reliable — your contribution is immensely appreciated. Thank you Jessica Garlock for editing these papers with me to make sure our audience receives the best quality work we could provide. And lastly, our deepest gratitude goes to Dr. Michael Haynes who supervised and authorized the publication of this journal — thank you for your encouragement and steadfast support!

Sincerely,

Ellen Fischer, Editor in Chief