A year full of decisive events for the international scenario. With major conflicts between powerful countries and the loss of outstanding personalities. A time when important discussions about the future of humanity were raised and the people lifted their voices for changes, both in the street and at the polls. That’s how 2022 will be remembered in history.
As the year ends, we decided to look back at everything that happened. Here are some remarkable political moments that the world faced throughout 2022, that were milestones to decide the course of politics around the globe and were impactful in the way that we understand life nowadays. Check it out:
- War in Ukraine
-
In history, Russia and Ukraine have had a tense atmosphere built around their international policy with each other. In February 24, Russia started the attacks and bombings in Ukraine.
The conflict started after threats and the Russian government’s recognition of the independence of the separatists provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk – which are part of Ukrainian territory. Ukraine’s increased proximity with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) – a military alliance formed by 30 countries –, the contestation of Ukrainian autonomy and sovereignty and the Russian attempt to regain influence in the territories that were part of the Soviet Union are pointed out as triggers for the attacks.
Vladimir Putin – president of Russia – announced that this was a military attempt to “demilitarize” and “denazify” the neighboring country. After the initial bombings, Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, declared the application of martial law across the country – a military legislation implemented in periods of crisis, which replaces civil norms and authorities – and started to build a territorial defense.
The war has been going on for almost nine months. The American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley, said, at a press conference, that “there may be a political solution where the Russians politically withdraw”. Milley revealed that about 240.000 civilians have already died in the conflict, up to 30 million Ukrainians had to leave their homes and more than 100.000 Russian soldiers were injured or died in the war.
- Queen Elizabeth’s Death
-
On September 8, Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth II passed away, at the age 96. After a reign of 70 years, she consolidated her figure as the longest-serving monarch in British history. As she guided the United Kingdom through several historical moments, the construction of her political importance was settled, besides her role as a member of the living monarchy – even after their loss of practical power on British policy.
The ceremonies and rituals around this event lasted about 10 days. Political leaders, personalities from all over the world, the Royal Family and thousands of people paid condolences and attended the Queen’s funeral.
After her death, Prince Charles III – the firstborn child of Elizabeth II – assumed the throne, at the age 73. One of the challenges faced by the new King is to keep up the appeal of the monarchy and its importance towards British society, as much of it was centralized on the figure of the Queen.
- Protests in Iran
-
In September, Iran became a stage for strong protests. The starting point for them was Mahsa Amini’s death. She was caught in custody by the morality police at the Iranian capital – Tehran – on September 13, due to alleged misuse of the hijab, which is defended by rigid Iranian laws aimed at women. The authorities claimed that the cause of her death was health problems.
The main message behind the protests was to defend greater demands for freedom in the country, counteracting these restricted rules. The manifestations were attended by many people around different Iranian cities. Women are occupying a spot of relevance in these events. Some are taking out their hijabs and cutting their hair off as a protest, claiming for their rights.
However, the authorities have been suppressing the wave of public demonstration of opposition and, since that, the protests took on a violent character.
- Brazilian Presidential Election
-
In Brazil, 2022 was a significant year for politics, due to the occurrence of presidential elections in the country. The voting was based on a polarized debate around Jair Messias Bolsonaro – the far-right current Brazilian president – and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva – a left-leaning candidate, who ruled the country from 2003 to 2011.
The election had two rounds and – with 50,83% of the votes – on October 30, Lula was elected as Brazil’s new president.
This year, there were also voting for the Congress. For these positions, candidates lined up with Bolsonaro’s policy won the majority of votes.
The electoral climate was tense and had a sharp division of the population. Many heated debates, fake news and public protests were raised in this context, both between the candidates themselves and the people.
When the result was disclosed, supporters of the leftist candidate went to the streets to celebrate his victory. On the other hand, some opponents were against the results and are protesting and doing stoppages, alleging fraud.
However, on November 9, the Brazilian Defense Ministry sent a document to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) ensuring that no irregularities were found in the electoral process.
- COP 27
-
The 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC), also known as COP 27 – the 27th Conference of the Parties to the Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – happened in Sharm el-Sheikh, an Egyptian coastal city, from 6 to 18 of November. The COP is an event that happens annually since 1995 and is focused on climate action. It will be attended by 198 signatory countries of the UNFCCC.
During this event, leaders of State, activists, businessmen, ministers, journalists and civil representatives are gathered to debate the effects of climate change and how humanity must act to minimize them. Topics about the increase of weather events, the reduction of greenhouse gas emission and deforestation, the energy crises and the implementation of sustainable measures were debated. The objective is to discuss together – as a society – how we can face one of the biggest challenges of this day and age.
Also, countries defined the main points for the implementation of the Paris Agreement – an international commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emission. The emission of these gasses contributes to the increase in the temperatures of the planet and to climate change.
So, 2022 was a year full of critical and decisive moments in politics. With them, we can reflect about the changes that the world is dealing with as a whole and their significance for the political scenario. We may be saying goodbye to this year, but we will still have to face the consequences of 2022’s events as a society in the next few years. Now… Come at us, 2023!
—————————————————————–
The article above was written by Isabela Munhoz and edited by Amanda Moraes.
Liked this type of content? Check out Her Campus Cásper Líbero home page for more!