Because we live in such a globalized world, I think global leadership is extremely important. Most of us will probably have to use it at some point in our careers, especially if we are thinking about getting a job or an internship in the DC area.
I recently read an article titled “With famine in Somalia, a case of leadership (not compassion) fatigue” in the Washington Post published about a year ago. About 30 to 50 percent of the children in Somalia suffer from acute malnutrition. Growing crops is impossible as they are suffering from extreme drought, and bombing and artillery from warfare has destroyed their topsoil, thus their ability to sustain farming. Reporting on the famine started as early as 2007, but help only came in early 2011.
The article argues that the U.N.’s disorganized bureaucratic system is the blame for this as aid for the country was processed in a very slow manner. This indicates that a lack of compassion or interest from the people is not the problem, but rather a lack of effective leadership.
A few of us will face dire international problems like this in our lifetime. In order to know how to handle these situations, we must inform ourselves on what kind of leadership we need to successfully deal with these problems. A book that I feel goes well with this topic that I will be reading is “What is Global Leadership? 10 Key Behaviors That Define Great Global Leaders.” So if you feel interested in this topic, take a look at this book!
November 17th, 2012 at 3:47 pm
I think this is a great point! So many of the causes people are advocating for and supporting now are international whether its relief for a natural disaster or humanitarian efforts in general. I have seen countless advocacy campaigns, fundraisers, and specific projects the reach beyond United States borders even right here on campus. With all of this effort I began to wonder why change is so slow to take place. Certainly all of these people have an incredible drive to make change. I think this is an excellent answer for this question. I agree that there should certainly be a stern, far reaching assessment of how the leadership in these situations could be improved. There is no reason for poor leadership to be hindering all of these fantastic, compassionate efforts put towards making change!
November 27th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
I might be a devil’s advocate her, but why should people be interested in Global issues. Things suck in other countries, but what can they do about it? They are just one person. How can they make a difference in the lives of starving kids in Somalia when they live in let’s say California?
I just feel that people need to local leaders. Those are the issues that affect you and the ones you can help and the ones you care about.