The events and issues that were able to gain global focus during a particular period define history. Historians use social, economic and political events to describe history and how these events shaped the world. History can also be used to describe the relationship between the present day events and events that took place in the previous years. Historians can use history to define and link which is important in understanding issues that affect the society. Issues such as the world war and the cold war have continued defining the modern world years after they took place, technological innovations and inventions, which took place many years back, have affected the modern day world, these are just few examples that show how history influences the present day events and even the future.
The year 2014 will provide historians with lot of issues to talk about, halfway in the year there are already social, political and economic issues that have captured global attention.One key event it the kidnapping of more than 20 Nigerian girls by the Book Haram terror group. The terror group, which is linked to Islam religion, is responsible for most terror attacks in Nigeria and their move of kidnapping the young girls has proved to the world how far terrorism can go in their acts of terrorism. Terrorists groups have been in most cases spares women and children in their attacks but in this case kidnapping was one of the least expected moves. The terrorists have threatened to sell the girl to slavery; this has attracted the attention of the international community with the US and UK sending its soldier to Nigeria to help in the search and rescue efforts. Many of the young girls are Christians, this reminds people of the Jihad war where Christianity and Islam are at war. The kidnapping has gained media focus with the social media awash with messages concerning the kidnapping. Security analysts have also expressed their opinion on the change in attack tactics by the terror groups; most terrorist attacks are characterized by bombings, grenade attacks and hostage situations and in cases where there is kidnapping the number is usually small. Key global figures including Michelle Obama, Angelina Jolie and other key influential figures have joined the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, which has gained momentum in the social media. Terrorism is an issue that will be addressed for years to come and the kidnapping of the girls by Boko Haram will be a reference point when addressing the strategies used by terrorists.
The passing of the anti-gay bill into law in Uganda has also captured global attention in a world where same-sex marriages have started gaining recognition. Those who will be found guilty of same sex marriage are likely to face the death sentence in Uganda; this is an issue that has seen mixed reaction within the international community. The US has already issued sanctions in Uganda, and more nations that have been involved in development programs are moving out. Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni has expressed his support for the bill and declaring that gay people and lesbians have no place in Uganda. The reaction of the international community is likely to show the relationship between developing nations and the developed nations. This is an issue that historian will be addressing when discussing and politics in developed and developing nations. In addition, the law is likely to influence the approach of other nations in addressing same sex marriages.
Response
Legalization of marijuana in the US is not likely having huge impacts on historians since it is an issues that has been discussed for many years. It also does not affect major issues that historians focus on since its impact is not yet global, however it will be a minor issues in a world where people are contemplating on whether some drugs should be legalized. The invasion of Russia to Ukraine is likely to be an issue that will reminds historians about the cold war. This will have enormous impact in future and historians are likely to use it m explaining whether the world is likely to face a third world war.
Tension between North and South Korea is also an issue, which will be addressed when historians to question the development of technology and whether technology can be relied on to solve the modern world challenges will use addressing the possibility of a World War III.The disappearance of the Malaysian plane. In a world where crime seems to be a challenge in many nations, the gun control issue will be used to address the relationship between criminal law and politics. The Russian situation is likely to be a reference to the cold war. This is also a topic that historians are likely to use when addressing the Russian situation and conflict between Russia and the US.2014 is a year that historians will focus on when addressing major issues that shape the world and show a link between future and past events.
Work Cited
AP Online (.), "Uganda president signs harsh anti-gay law," February 24, 2014.
States News Service"Chairman Royce to Convene Hearing on Boko Haram Following Kidnappings of Girls and Killings in Nigeria," May 7, 2014.
