For my final article, I wanted to pay a tribute to the division at The KAIST Herald that holds a special place in my heart. I have written for the International division for the past six semesters, covering topics from the 2020 US Presidential Debate to the Türkiye-Syria Earthquake. In the International division, we write about any and all topics of global relevance and cover topics concerning the international community at KAIST. Choosing a topic in our division should be a breeze as the scope of our articles is the broadest, but this is actually the most significant challenge every month. Out of so many events that happen in a month, how do we choose the three most relevant topics? We often debate whether we should cover recurring incidents like missile testing in North Korea. Of course, they happen under different contexts with different implications, but as non-experts it is hard for us to give a seasoned analysis. 

Once we have chosen the topics, there still remains the big task of actually writing the articles. Since we often cover controversial affairs, I struggled with writing objectively while also delivering analytical insight. As reporters, we are thrilled to receive feedback from our readers. However, I also admit that the few times I received criticism on my more opinionated article has led me to be cautious of being too provocative, sometimes at the cost of my article becoming bland. Tight deadlines sometimes compromised the quality of my drafts, some of which were close to listing facts and concluding with politically correct but vague implications rather than providing original analysis. 

The goal of our division is to report on global issues relevant to the KAIST community and also connect KAIST issues to such global events. The two goals seemed impossible to achieve at times. Why does something that is happening in a region far away matter to us? Yes, we live in a world more interconnected than ever. We all benefit from international trade: the laptop I am using to write this article embodies the collaborative efforts of the global supply chain. At the same time, we are vulnerable to crises abroad, just as how the ongoing war in Ukraine has impacted food and energy security globally. But beyond economic reasons (whose causes may not require our understanding as price signals reflect most necessary information), why should us students devote our attention to global issues amidst our busy lives? 

Finding a convincing answer is hard. Even as I write for The KAIST Herald, I still struggle to keep up with global news. My best attempt at answering why global awareness is important may be rooted in selfish motives rather than more honorable causes such as compassion. A wider perspective helps us grasp the complex dynamics and interdependencies that shape our world. Exposure to diverse cultures and ideas can stimulate personal growth and development by challenging our pre-existing beliefs and inducing critical thinking. It is not a necessity, but it does make our lives fuller. As STEM students, many of us can recall the moments we felt child-like awe when learning about intricate patterns and processes science unveils. Just as natural systems do, socio-economic systems also have such complexities, and attempting to understand them can be a rewarding venture. 

Also, embracing global interconnectedness reminds us to live our own lives better. Knowing there is a whole different world out there beyond my small bubble can be liberating. I am not saying that knowing there are people who have it a lot worse makes me feel better on a bad day. A global outlook does help us see beyond our immediate surroundings and personal problems, however. This can help put our issues into context, potentially making them feel less overwhelming. Understanding and appreciating the challenges that people face globally can also enhance our own resilience.

Although the common rhetoric in international relations these days is that the era of globalization is over and that countries are moving towards nationalism, evidence points otherwise. Despite talks of tensions, the trade between the US and China set a record high this year. Like it or not, globalization is here to stay due to interdependence between countries. While there is still a long way to go to achieve sustainable development goals, there has been remarkable progress thanks to international cooperation, as seen by the fall in the proportion of people living in extreme poverty worldwide from 36% in 1990 to 10% in 2015 according to a World Bank study. 

Interconnectedness fosters collaboration and cooperation among individuals, communities, and even nations. When we realize that our actions have ripple effects on others and our environment, we become more inclined to work together for the greater good. So it is with shameless self-promotion that I finish my article, with my hopes that future articles written by The KAIST Herald’s International division will find more readership.