International Relations Online @ AU

The official tumblr for International Relations Online offered by American University's School of International Service. An exclusive online degree program committed to enriching global service professionals.   For questions on American University's online M.A. in International Affairs, please visit our website here: http://bit.ly/1kYD1ws

[peacecorps]

This is the second consecutive year that Vermont has held the No. 1 spot in the top states per capita list with 7.8 out of every 100,000 residents serving as Volunteers. Montana also made a big leap this year in the top states per capita list, moving from the No. 10 spot in 2013 to No. 7 this year.

Are you from a Top State? Share your state pride with us!

[au-ironline]

Wednesday November 19th marks World Toilet Day. A day designed to raise awareness and create action around the fact that 2.5 million people worldwide do not have access to toilets or latrines. 

Here are some options for getting involved: 

Draw a cartoon to capture the theme of World Toilet Day and share it with others or create an individualized campaign/initiative. The United Nations World Toilet Day website provides a variety of options for participation.

Organize a fundraising event in your local community or participate in the big squat challenge in which doing squats can help raise awareness and funds for the cause. The World Toilet Organization (WTO) also offers a number of ways for both individuals and corporations to get involved.

Follow and contribute to the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #WorldToiletDay.

Brought to you by American University's online global security masters programs. Read more here: http://bit.ly/1xfOEsN

[au-ironline]

Brought to you by American University's online international development masters program.

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The current security situation in Latin America is vastly different than it was during the Cold War. Latin America’s remaining guerrilla movements, like the Colombian FARC External link or the Peruvian Shining Path, are too weak to achieve regime change. However, these groups and other criminal syndicates are earning a profit from the very lucrative drug trade in Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia, which are the three major producers of cocaine in the world. The drug lands in U.S. territory and Europe because it is often transported through the main corridors of Central America and the Caribbean, as well as West Africa. This drug trafficking has led to consequences that range from U.S. efforts to end the trade to illegal sales and violence.

Read more in the latest blog post by American University's online foreign policy graduate program: http://bit.ly/1xT5An0

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What are the major challenges the protesters and activists in Hong Kong face?

The stress of a possible military intervention (which seemed likely to some in the early days of the protest)

The threats and attacks of pro-Beijing protesters and criminal elements

Read the entire Q&A between citizen journalist Andrew Antuna and American University's online foreign policy graduate program here: http://bit.ly/1yc5d7A 

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What do the Atlantic Council's NATOsource, the New York Times At War blog, Women in International Security blog, and the Long War Journal's Threat Matrix blog have in common? They are all featured as our Must Read International Security Blogs? View the entire list here: http://bit.ly/1oNi0YH

[au-ironline]

Freedom of marriage and family equality, right to personal property, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, right to peaceful assembly, and the right to participate in democratic institutions are articles 16-21 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Help us spread awareness of our universal human rights by sharing this image on your site: http://bit.ly/1lDqfKN

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"To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity."

-Nelson Mandela

In order to fight for human rights it is essential to know what your rights are. This infographic, created by American University's global security masters program, illustrates each of the 30 articles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. View it here: http://bit.ly/1lDqfKN

[au-ironline]

We have 30 basic human rights and freedoms as declared by the UN Declaration of Human Rights. These rights are inherent and universal for all human beings. Freedom & equality, human rights for all, and life liberty and security are articles 1-3. View the infographic created by American University's online global security studies program here: http://bit.ly/1lDqfKN

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"We must work towards a future where we can achieve equality between boys and girls and men and women." 

Dr. Babatude Osotimehin of the United Nations Population Fund at the opening session of the 65th Annual UN DPI/NGO conference. 

[au-ironline]

What development issues do you believe should be included within the post 2015 development agenda? 

For coverage of the 65th annual UN/DPI NGO conference visit our resource guide brought to you by American University's Online foreign policy graduate program: http://bit.ly/1piQuWF

[au-ironline]

Wash U's online Master of Legal Studies program recently published an infographic that highlights the issues faced by women lawyers. Some of these issues include income inequality, disproportionate upward mobility, and retention. View the infographic here: http://bit.ly/Vd5pFJ

[au-ironline]

Kenya does not necessarily leap to mind when someone says “financial innovation,” but it may well be the most advanced of the 196 countries on planet Earth when it comes to the development and deployment of mobile payments.

Read our interview with Alec Ross, Former Senior Advisor for Innovation to Hillary Clinton here: http://bit.ly/1n3E4xI

[mercycorps]

Since the ground invasion into northern and southeastern Gaza began on July 17, more than 100,000 people have fled increasing attacks, and civilian casualties are mounting. Our team is now on the ground and distributing emergency supplies to thousands of displaced families in Gaza. 

Photo: MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images

[au-ironline]

In mid-June, ISIS, a group of militant Islamic extremists, launched a coordinated assault across northern Iraq, seizing large territories including major towns and cities. Read our analysis on how ISIS affects regional and international security: http://bit.ly/1qaA5FK

[au-ironline]

What is the impact of India's national elections on global democracy?

The world’s second most populous country carried out a successful, democratic election.

India is a diverse country that has elected a party favoring Hindus to rule.

What do these elections mean for US Foreign Policy? 

U.S. foreign direct investment in India may increase.

The U.S. will encourage cooperation between India and Pakistan.

Read our full brief here: http://bit.ly/1lMP4kU

[au-ironline]

We need to empower women. Give women a voice in the decision-making process. Give women a political voice where they can champion, for their own welfare. And, of course, for us. United Nations - organizations, agencies - we need to do our part.

Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), one of our 20 Women Changing the World. Read here: http://bit.ly/UPI3WU