International affairs: an overview

GAGANDEEP KAUR
GRAPHIC DESIGNER

NAYONIKAA SINGHAAL
STAFF WRITER

9/22/2025

The world as we know it is changing every day, from countries being bombed to high level meetings at the Oval Office. Seven months into President Donald Trump’s administration, politics at home and abroad have shifted quickly. 

The last two weeks have been marked by conflict, resignations and protests, with ripple effects that reach even the small campus of Alma College. Students are able to follow international and domestic developments closely in classrooms, discussions, and campus events.

In the Middle East, the Israel-Hamas war has now stretched beyond Gaza when Israeli forces bombed Doha, Qatar, on Sept. 9 during a meeting between Qatari and Hamas leaders about a potential ceasefire. President Trump expressed anger over the escalation but has not altered his stance. 

The violence also reached Tunisia, where a ship sailing to support Palestinians was bombed. While some reports suggest it was a drone strike, others point to accidental causes.

Even though Alma College is far from these global conflicts, it is home to international students from different countries many of whom are from Tunisia. 

“Being miles away from home, I feel bad for my fellow Tunisian brothers and sisters that sailed to Gaza, not to fight, but to help the Palestinians who are mere victims in this conflict,” said Wassim Guerfali (’27), an international student from Tunisia.

In Asia, Nepal experienced large-scale protests after the government shut down social media and cut off internet access nationwide. Gen Z demonstrators filled the streets, making TikToks and even carrying witty posters, including one that read, ‘This is so messed up that even the introverts came out.’

Yet, these protests soon turned violent, killing 72 young people and leading to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. This new Gen Z-style protest doesn’t end here, the country elected their new Prime Minister using Discord, something that has never been witnessed in the history of the world. The 160,000 discord participants debated and chose Supreme Court Justice Sushila Karki to lead Nepal, who became Interim Prime Minister on Sept. 12.

This event took place miles away from Alma, but this form of chaotic empowerment of youth with its unprecedented success has changed the way people Gen Z population too. This form of revolution raised many questions from Gen Z, especially the ones at Alma. 

“Nepal is interesting because it shows a colour revolution… it makes you wonder if there was any foreign interference in it,” said Gabe Roof (’26).  

Nepal is not the only country in upheaval. French Prime Minister François Bayrou resigned after parliament decided to oust him. His proposals to cut spending, cancel public holidays, and freeze social benefits not only brought together both right- and left-wing people, but made them agree on his removal. His departure marked the third prime ministerial resignation in less than a year.

Though far from Washington or global capitals, Alma College students remain aware of and impacted by political developments. The past two weeks have offered real-world lessons that complement what they learn in classes like political science and international relations. 

International students, in particular, reflect on events from their home countries, while all students see how decisions made by world leaders can ripple across the world, even reaching a small campus like Alma.