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Cold War Diplomacy
After World War II, Germany and its capital Berlin were divided in two. When the Soviet Union attempted to seize control of West Berlin, the United States acted swiftly to bring much-needed supplies to West Berliners.
Unfortunately, Myca’s president chose to violate international standards.
Now you have to back up your words with actions.
You could impose trade sanctions until the president agrees to release the striking miners from prison. Sanctions would have an immediate negative impact on the economy, putting pressure on the government. But sanctions would also hurt the population at large. Economic sanctions mean that prices go up while the availability of consumer goods goes down.
You still want to provide humanitarian aid because you want to help the people who are suffering. But now, the aid will be more limited due to the continued civil unrest over elections. The miners will need support as they advocate for their rights. But it could take a long time for them to build up the organizational structure and influence to be effective. This is where an NGO partner could be helpful.
U.S. Embassy to Myca
Office of the Ambassador
The outcome of either option is uncertain.
The State Department supports local labor rights NGOs all over the world. You have a lot of experienced personnel and proven programs to draw on. But it would take time to help the miners’ union and other NGOs gain enough skills and influence to be effective.
Trade sanctions would have an immediate impact on Myca’s economy, but that may not be enough. Several authoritarian regimes survive despite trade sanctions. At least the United States has other graphite-exporting countries it can work with as it develops the solar battery.
