An Era Of Cooperation

Bini Dahal

In today's interconnected world, the bonds between states and non-state actors have become increasingly vital. Complex interactions define our global landscape. While these engagements may be multifaceted, urgent need for cooperation and mutual assistance has never been clearer.

Recent events have brought this need into sharp focus. Libya, a nation grappling with major flooding, stands as a stark example. As I pen this article, the death toll in Libya has reached a staggering 6,000. As per reports, around 30,000 people have been displaced. Torrential rains in the country's northern region breached dams, pushing homes into the sea. Shockingly, approximately 10,000 individuals are still missing, either swept away by the sea or buried beneath the rubble.

Similarly, Morocco faces its own tragedy: a powerful earthquake 6.8 on Richter scale struck the capital city of Marrakesh and several towns across the country. In response to this crisis, the United Nations, our international beacon of hope, has stepped forward to offer essential assistance. Media reports have it that even Algeria, with which Morocco in recent times shares a strained relations, has opened its airspace to allow humanitarian aid to flow freely.

Numerous countries and humanitarian organisations have extended their helping hands to Libya as the nation is now in urgent need of support. Turkey has taken a proactive role, dispatching search and rescue teams and humanitarian aid to assist Libya and its people. Italy is sending its civil defense team to assist in rescue operations. Also, humanitarian organisations are working towards providing required assistance for the same. 

Without any kind of help pouring in from around the globe, are we able to survive these dire situations? The answer to this question is, obviously we cannot. 

Natural disasters and conflicts inflict emergency situations and distress upon nations and their citizens. We experienced this firsthand in the past, with the catastrophic earthquake of 2015 and its aftershocks. The death toll was disturbing, and the destruction to property was beyond imagination.

Not every country, especially those in the developing world, possesses the means and resources to withstand such calamities. They lack the mechanisms to shield themselves and avert further harm. This is where cooperation between states and non-state actors becomes vital. It alleviates suffering, saves lives, and provides  financial and other forms of assistance necessary for rehabilitation and recovery.

Mutual assistance and cooperation possess the remarkable ability to fortify relations between states and non-state actors. Therefore, it is imperative that we prioritise nurturing ties between these entities.

As natural disasters become increasingly prevalent, we are compelled to become more resilient in the face of adversity. Utilising support from both states and international humanitarian organisations is pivotal in our battle against these disasters.

Diplomacy, as a tool for building and maintaining relationships, cannot be emphasised enough. Each actor seeks friendship to serve its own self-interest. When interests align, fostering positive relations becomes mutually beneficial. Given the norm of interdependence, countries, international organisations, and domestic entities must collaborate to create an environment conducive to sustained mutual cooperation.

This is the world's united effort against disasters and the myriad challenges they bring. Cooperation remains our strongest weapon in this battle. It can solve anything and everything. Most importantly, it provides us the strength to improve our situations and head towards a better future and an improved world.