It's been a month since the beginning of 2024. These days, there is more concern than excitement about the new beginning. This is because the news, both domestic and international, overwhelmingly brings bad news rather than good news.
After South Africa charged Israel with genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the ICJ ordered Israel to take all measures to prevent genocide in Gaza. However, Israel has still not accepted the ruling, claiming it is still engaged in a "just war." Furthermore, Israel has recently resumed attacks on Gaza City, the largest city in the Gaza Strip.
Let’s turn our eyes to the Korean Peninsula. At the end of 2023, North Korea defined inter-Korean relations as "relations between hostile countries at war." Currently, all exchanges between the two Koreas, both at the government and private levels, have been severed. In such a situation, the Yoon Suk-yeol government continues to emphasize only the ROK-U.S. alliance and insists on a peace-through-strength approach.
What about nature, which is the foundation of our lives? There are predictions that extreme weather events will increase by more than four times, leading to serious food and health issues.
These various issues remain unresolved and are worsening. While popular struggles continue to address them, the establishment lacks the will to solve these problems. This year, elections will be held in 76 countries, including Korea, the United States, Russia, India, and the European Parliament. It seems difficult for the will of the people, who are hoping for change, to be reflected in these elections. Instead of pursuing solutions and better directions, the establishment use their power to maintain their power.
Therefore, the International Strategy Center aims to convey the struggles of the people who are making changes throughout this year, gather domestic and international activists and intellectuals to find alternatives, and further invigorate solidarity activities. We hope for your continuous interest, strong support, and participation in our activities in 2024.
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Korean movements demand: South Korea, stop arming Israel! |
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written by Greg Chung (ISC)
On January 19, 150 people protested in front of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) office in the city of Daejeon, demanding the South Korean government stop arming Israel. While Palestine may seem like a distant conflict to South Koreans, the South Korean military-industrial complex is a key pillar in the Israeli war machine. According to Peace Momo, Hanwha, South Korea’s leading defense company, signed a major technology cooperation and export deal with Israeli weapons company, Elbit Systems, at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) in 2021. |
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Communes Against Capitalism |
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written by Greg Chung (ISC)
In a future where the world seems more hopeless than today, unemployment, fascism, and forever wars have metastasized beyond what states can manage. In a desperate bid to stay in power, the United States invades Iran, triggering a global famine. However, in M.E. O’Brien’s novel, “Everything for Everyone,” desperate and hungry New Yorkers launch an insurrection at Hunts Point Market, the world’s largest food distribution center. The rebels turn Hunts Point into the New York Commune, which sparks a worldwide revolution that finally takes down capitalism. |
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A Whirlwind of Solidarity for Palestine
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January saw a wave of actions for the Palestinian struggle. On January 8th, the International Strategy Center joined the 6th Emergency Action by South Korean Society in Solidarity with Palestine. The 6th action happened around the same time as Martyr’s Day, when Palestinians commemorate the many people who have fallen in the struggle against Israeli apartheid, including independence fighters and children murdered by the occupation forces. January 18th, the ISC spoke at a Palestinian solidarity rally organized by the Sejong Hotel workers, who are in an over two year long fight for their jobs back against union-busting management. In front of Sejong Hotel, workers and peace activists chanted “Free! Free! Palestine!” The very next day, ISC members rode a peace bus with other Palestinian solidarity activists to Daejeon for a protest organized by Urgent Action by South Korean Society in Solidarity with Palestine and ADEX (Aerospace & Defense Exhibition) Resistance. In front of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) office, we demanded the South Korean government and corporations stop exporting weapons to the Israeli government. The 7th Emergency Action by South Korean Society in Solidarity with Palestine will be held on February 4th, 2 pm at 32 Mugyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul. We hope to meet you there.
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Let's join the 8th rally for solidarity with Palestine! |
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2F, 2 Dosin-ro 47-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul International Strategy Center
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