originally published in The Chattanooga Times Free Press
A recent Chattanooga’s Civitan meeting underscored the need for a global perspective in today’s messy world. Listening to these geopolitical strategists and crisis management experts: Vlada (Vlladislava) Galan and her husband/business partner, George Birnbaum, was inspiring. They reminded me of a book I once wrote for high school students called, “Inspire Your Inner Global Leader”. I was honored to sit at Civitan’s guest table with them along with Vlada’s mother Anjelika Riano, a good friend and former President of the Chattanooga Chamber’s International Business Council.
Vlada was born in Odessa, Ukraine, and brought to Chattanooga as a kid by her mom. Now having circled the globe, Vlada’s upcoming book, Success Mentality, shares lessons gained from advising political candidates and presidents across five continents. She underscores how we must understand global power shifts and negative views of America, especially from BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China). Did you know that BRIC’s challenge to Western dominance includes ‘de-dollarization’? That means reducing dependency on the dollar and promoting alternative currencies, thereby diminishing American influence.
Our global perspective should also include acknowledging America’s role regarding violent conflicts. Vlada is Board President/Chair of the International Ukrainian Crisis Fund. Her frequent work with Ukraine along with her personal stories of escaping Russian bombs explains her view of America’s key role in Ukraine’s future. We must take the lead in negotiations with both Ukraine and Russia. I wouldn’t be surprised if Vlada was recruited to help.
George is also adept at navigating Ukraine’s politics. In the 2020 Kyiv election, he helped incumbent Mayor Vitali Klitschko win an unprecedented first round re-election. George, whose family were Holocaust survivors, is also an expert on the complexity of Israeli politics. It was quite an experience finding myself sitting next to a former Chief of Staff for Israel’s President Benjamin Netanyahu.
George’s understanding of the complex conflict between Hamas and Israel led to his accurate prediction that only an external group could make peace. Trump’s external group has resulted in a ceasefire with Hamas returning hostages in exchange for Israel releasing prisoners and removing its military to Gaza boundaries. But history teaches us that since Hamas took over Gaza in 2007, the ceasefires brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the U.S. were temporary. These ceasefires didn’t change Hamas’ repressive rule and desire to destroy Israel, or Israel’s fierce response to Hamas’ threats and inhumane blockades. Can the current external group break this cycle by disarming Hamas and governing Gaza? Doubtful, given the rising tensions post-hostage release. And Trump implying that Hamas is approved as Gaza’s temporary police force doesn’t help , especially since Hamas recently executed ‘conspirators’.
Whatever happens in the short term, a global perspective must address the issues that determine long-term peace. That’s where George’s experience and knowledge is vital. He underscored that the Palestinian population needs to be taught that Israel should have the right to exist. If we do not counteract decades of teaching hate against Israel, ‘peace’ will be temporary, if at all. That re-education is vital, especially for the younger generations already shaped by Hamas.
What about America’s youth? If we’re essential for offsetting global conflicts, our upcoming leaders should be prepared. That means studying economics and politics as well as the underlying history. It means exposure to international students, foreign languages, and intercultural communication. But Trump’s administration is diminishing such education.
Ignorance only encourages international efforts to make us irrelevant. Unacceptable! We must maximize global education at all levels. Our future depends on leadership having experience and knowledge with in-depth global perspectives. Time to inspire your inner global leader! Lobby and advocate…make that education happen!
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