Posts by Armand Arton
Unity in the face of division
Our world has never been more interconnected. Despite worrying nationalist trends, the global community continues to stand together against conflict, aggression, and oppression. The European Union was formed in the aftermath of World War II to promote economic interdependence and political stability. As a pillar of international order, one of the EU’s core principles is…
Read MoreThe importance of pathways to citizenship for Ukrainian refugees
Today the world marks one year since Vladimir Putin ordered the illegal invasion of Ukraine. Europe has been dragged back into conflict, the scale of which has not been seen since the 1940s when Hitler’s armies swept across the continent. Tens of thousands have died. Millions have been forced to flee. The once-great cities of…
Read MoreWhen Worlds Collide: Forging Connections through Policy
A shocking incident occurred off the coast of Cuba at the start of the year, throwing into sharp relief the disparity in people’s circumstances around the world. The luxury cruise liner Celebrity Beyond, with thousands of affluent passengers aboard celebrating the New Year, encountered a makeshift boat carrying nineteen people attempting to cross the Straits…
Read MoreCooperation in a Fragmented World
Representatives from governments, NGOs, financial institutions, and private companies from across the world met in Davos last week to discuss the most pressing issues of our time. The theme for this year was ‘cooperation in a fragmented world’; a fitting topic considering that just a cursory glance at the news is necessary to see the…
Read MoreRemembering 170 years of innovation at the World’s Fair
The World’s Fair has long been a stage for innovation and achievement, putting host countries on the map as global leaders. The World’s Fair (officially, the International Registered Exhibition) is where the present meets the future. Since its debut in London in 1851, these global gatherings have served as a glimpse into the world…
Read MoreWhen will we be able to travel again?
Dozens of tech companies, international travel agencies, and even governments are racing to bring us digital health passes in hopes to reopen the world. But will it be enough to get travelers in the air again? Throughout the past twelve months, the common thread between different countries across the globe has been the…
Read MoreThinking Global Is Driving Innovation
70,000 people, gathered from over 160 countries, in one city, with one mission. Is that not powerful? Gathering different minds and talents, values and cultures, genders and ages— all in a single room? I had the honor to make the opening remarks for Future Societies at the Web Summit 2019 in Lisbon. And as I stood across a crowd of 70,000 people…
Read MoreDiplomatic Immunity: To Waive or Not to Waive
Guest post by Professor Craig Barker, Dean of the School of Law and Social Sciences at London South Bank University. The death of Harry Dunn in Northamptonshire in August was allegedly caused by the wife of an American diplomat, Anne Sacoolas. Mrs. Sacoolas responded to initial police questioning in the case but later left the…
Read MoreThe Pioneers of Global Citizenship
The people of Hong Kong can be seen as the catalyst of the Global Citizen industry. During the handover of Hong Kong in the 1980s, the people of the British colony anxiously searched for alternative places to live. Thousands of them chose to move to immigrant friendly Canada; particularly to Vancouver and Toronto, and with…
Read MorePassport Wars: A Travel Document or Weapon
Never mind trade or soccer wars: politicians are now using passports as an offensive weapon. Days after the election of Ukraine’s new president Volodymr Zelenskiy, Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, announced that he would offer a Russian passport to all Ukrainians, not just those living in the east of the country. President Zelenskiy,…
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