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A hurricane has devastated the island nation of Myca.

Homes and crops were wiped out, and there is a shortage of clean drinking water. Elections were about to take place, but the longtime president just announced she is canceling them because of the hurricane crisis.

Students are protesting the cancellation of the elections, and graphite miners are threatening to strike in solidarity with the students. The United States depends on Myca for graphite, a rare mineral used in a new solar battery the United States is developing.

The United States has multiple strategic goals here: provide humanitarian aid, promote democracy, and keep the graphite trade going.

What will you prioritize first?

U.S. Embassy to Myca
Office of the Ambassador

With a large-scale humanitarian crisis like this, it’s important to determine exactly what assistance is needed and the best way to deliver it.

Working with other nations to give this aid strengthens our alliances. But providing aid in an unstable environment is potentially dangerous for everyone involved. Addressing the root cause of the student unrest—canceled elections—is just as important as providing the aid itself. 

Protecting U.S. interests in the graphite trade is also vital for America’s clean energy goals and its growing job market.

What will you do?

Story of Diplomacy

Diplomacy through Many Storms: Ambassador Lino Gutiérrez

Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, are constantly impacting diplomacy and international relations. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew resulted in 3 casualties and $250 million in damage in the Bahamas alone. Supporting the safety, security, and stability of allied nations is a central goal of American diplomacy. As a result, after these storms, American diplomatic involvement increases in multiple ways. At the very least, diplomats are involved in helping American citizens evacuate these natural disasters, as Lino Gutiérrez did in the Bahamas in 1992.