By Josef Spence – Contributor

The last few weeks have seen some of the most interesting and surprising issues and actions arise in the international sphere. Many of these issues and actions have been attributed to or directly arise from the United States. However, it is not necessarily clear how students around campus feel and how they perceive the happenings in the international arena. 

Seeking out the opinions of Bishop’s students, it became clear that, though issues concerning the U.S. were top of mind for many people, students all had a different way of viewing the events that have unfolded internationally recently. Some see these events as an opportunity, with various faces and facets, while others see them as a challenge to the world order. 

One history student, Sarah, noted that she found the state of international affairs quite “discouraging”. This opinion seems to be quite common amongst Bishop’s students. She summarized this opinion quite eloquently saying “I find it sad and discouraging because you look at the news and everything is going wrong, everyone is at everybody’s throat, and so it’s just nothing positive so it’s very discouraging”. She highlighted the threats that Trump has made against Canada and other countries as a point of discomfort and uneasiness. However, she pointed out that we ought to be looking more at the different challenges that people around the world are facing so that we are better educated about global affairs. Interestingly, she observed that leaders and governments continuously fail at learning from history and are often ignorant of what they should be doing. Overall she noted that this is a challenging and very concerning time in international affairs. 

Another student characterized the state of international politics as completely “crazy”. He highlighted that we need to be educated about what is going on around the world to understand the actions that are taken by those in the U.S., specifically Trump. Notably, he argued that compared with all the other conflicts in the world the threat of tariffs to Canada is relatively insignificant. He also submitted that the tariffs, though certainly a matter of concern for him, have the potential and in some cases are raising pride in the Canadian nation and forging a strong sense of Canadian identity. Specifically, he talked enthusiastically about the greater independence of identity and culture from the U.S. that the tariffs have fostered in Canada. 

Another student, who wishes to remain anonymous, highlighted many ways that international politics is increasingly showing that it is rigged. Yet, he also noted that he appreciated recent events in international affairs because he could make some money off of it. Nonetheless, he admits that if they did provide an opportunity to make money these recent events would “terrify” him. 

Nick Homet, a first-year student, emphasized that he feels Canada has become quite self-focused. A great illustration of that focus is the fact that the “Breaking News” banner of CBC since the beginning of January had been about Trump leveling tariffs. He pointed out there has been much that has occurred around the world that does not have to do with the U.S. that has gone generally overlooked by Canadians due to an excessive focus on the tariffs. 

Thus, Bishop’s students have varied opinions on the state and events of the international sphere. Some view it as full of a diversity of opportunities while others are greatly concerned by it.