What are some of the most notable controversies surrounding the Oscars, such as the #OscarsSoWhite movement?

• There are a bunch but some include #OscarsSoWhite which became a topic because of the nominated people’s races. Then there is Envelope Gate. The mix-up where "La La Land" was mistakenly announced as Best Picture instead of the actual winner, "Moonlight," was a live broadcast disaster that showed the weaknesses in the ceremony's procedures. Then there is, Marlon Brando's Refusal was a big thing since he protested against the portrayal of native Americans.

Talk about the significance of the Six-Day War in 1967 and its impact on the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

• The Six-Day War drastically changed the landscape of Palestine. Israel captured West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. This led to increased complexity in the conflict, the rise of Palestinian nationalism, and ongoing disputes over settlements.

What is the status of Jerusalem as a point of contention in the Israel-Palestine conflict?

• Jerusalem is a highly contested city, claimed as the capital by both Israelis and Palestinians. The presence of religious sites sacred to Muslims, Jews, and Christians adds complexity to the dispute. Efforts to reach a resolution have been challenging, with the international community calling for a two-state solution but no agreement reached. The future of Jerusalem remains a central issue in the conflict.

What are the humanitarian impacts of the conflict on Palestinian and Israeli civilians, particularly in terms of displacement, access to resources, and living conditions?

• For Palestinians, displacement is a major issue due to home demolitions, settlement expansions, and restrictions on movement. Access to resources such as water, healthcare, and food is limited, exacerbating living conditions. Israeli civilians face security concerns, including the need for evacuation during conflicts and psychological stress from constant threats. The blockade of Gaza and movement restrictions in the West Bank worsen the overall humanitarian situation. International aid is crucial but often hindered by access restrictions and political considerations.

What were the primary causes leading to the escalation of the Ukraine-Russia conflict in 2022? Consider both immediate triggers and long-term factors?

• The 2022 Ukraine-Russia conflict escalated due to immediate triggers such as Russian military build-up, diplomatic breakdown, recognition of separatist regions, and a full-scale invasion announcement. Long-term factors include post-Soviet geopolitics, NATO expansion, Crimea annexation, Donbas conflict, Ukrainian nationalism, Western integration, and economic interests.

How has media coverage of the Ukraine-Russia war varied between different countries? Discuss the role of propaganda and information warfare.

• Media coverage of the Ukraine-Russia war varies globally, with Western outlets emphasizing Ukrainian sovereignty and advocating for sanctions and aid. Russian media justify the invasion and spread anti-Western sentiment. Ukrainian media highlight resistance, call for international support, and counter Russian propaganda. Other regions like China, India, the Middle East, and Africa have diverse coverage, with some aligning with Western perspectives and others supporting Russian narratives. Social media platforms are battlegrounds for propaganda, misinformation, and cyber warfare between both sides.

What allegations of war crimes have emerged from the Ukraine-Russia conflict? How are these being addressed by the international community (UN Human Rights Council, International Criminal Court and/ or non-governmental organizations)?

• The Ukraine-Russia conflict has raised multiple war crime allegations, primarily against Russian forces. These include attacks on civilians, use of prohibited weapons, torture, sexual violence, and more. The international community, including the UNHRC, ICC, NGOs, and national governments, has responded by conducting investigations, prosecutions, sanctions, and advocacy efforts. Challenges include evidence collection, accountability, and support for victims.

Who was Joseph Pulitzer, and what motivated him to establish the Pulitzer Prizes?

• Joseph Pulitzer was a Hungarian-American newspaper publisher known for shaping modern American journalism. He founded the Pulitzer Prizes in 1917 to honor excellence in journalism, literature, and music. He developed mass-circulation newspapers with eye-catching headlines and investigative reporting. While associated with "yellow journalism," Pulitzer believed in journalistic integrity and public service. Pulitzer advocated for high journalistic standards, established prizes to elevate the profession, cement his legacy, promote education, and reward excellence in journalism, literature, and the arts.

What are the criteria for awarding a Pulitzer Prize in journalism to ensure the quality and integrity of the work?

• Pulitzer Prizes for journalism are awarded based on key criteria including accuracy, clarity, originality, impact, ethics, and more. Categories include Public Service, Investigative Reporting, and Feature Writing, among others. Entries are submitted and reviewed by jurors, with final winners selected by the Pulitzer Prize Board.

Discuss the role of politics in Eurovision. How have political tensions and alliances influenced voting patterns and participation?

• The Eurovision Song Contest is heavily influenced by politics. Historical alliances, political tensions, and regional biases affect voting patterns. This includes bloc voting and strategic voting. Countries may use Eurovision as a platform for protest, leading to boycotts or withdrawals. Efforts to reduce political influence include voting reforms and promoting unity and inclusion.

How would you define racism, and what are its key components?

Racism is a belief system assigning different values based on race. Key components include: prejudice, discrimination, structural racism, institutional racism, systemic racism, implicit bias, microaggressions, privilege, and intersectionality.

Explain and give examples for two types of racism.

• Individual Racism: Personal beliefs and actions discriminating against others based on race. Examples include racial slurs, racial profiling, acts of violence, and microaggressions.

1. Institutional Racism: Discriminatory policies, resource allocation, criminal justice disparities, and environmental racism within institutions that disadvantage certain racial or ethnic groups.

How were the Nobel Prizes established?

• Alfred Nobel, inventor of dynamite, established the Nobel Prizes in his will in 1895. He allocated his fortune to honor achievements in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace. Nobel's interest in science, literature, and peace led to the creation of the prizes. The awards have been granted since 1901.

What are the consequences of COVID-19 in terms of global healthcare systems?

• The COVID-19 pandemic has strained global healthcare systems in many ways, such as. Hospitals overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases, leading to shortages of beds, supplies, and personnel, particularly in ICUs. Healthcare workers facing burnout and staffing shortages, increasing risk of infection and compromising essential services. Economic strain and funding challenges, exacerbating disparities in access to care.

How do nations utilize the Eurovision platform to engage in cultural diplomacy and use soft power? Offer instances of countries employing their performances to communicate political or social messages.

• The Eurovision Song Contest serves as a platform for cultural diplomacy and soft power. Nations showcase their national identity, convey political or social messages, and promote peace and unity through performances. Examples include Ukraine's use of traditional music in 2004 and specific instances include Portugal's genuine artistry in 2017 and Russia's critique of gender roles in 2021. Countries like Sweden and Azerbaijan use Eurovision for national branding and economic benefits.

Can you give an example of an international movement addressing racism and explain how and why it started.

• The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, founded in 2013, aims to combat systemic racism and empower Black communities. It started in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman in Trayvon Martin's death, sparking protests and bringing attention to cases like Michael Brown's shooting in Ferguson. Utilizing social media, BLM has gained worldwide support and led to policy changes, increased awareness of racial inequality, and impacted various sectors.

How can individuals and communities engage in anti-racist work in their personal and professional lives?

• Personally, you can educate yourself on racism, Reflect on privilege, listen to marginalized communities, challenge bias and microaggressions, support anti-racist causes. Professionally you can advocate for diversity and inclusion, review hiring practices for diversity, address bias in decision-making, create safe spaces for dialogue, support anti-racist policies and practices.

In what ways do the Oscars reflect or shape cultural and societal trends? Give examples of films addressing social issues.

The Oscars reflect and shape cultural and societal trends by recognizing diversity, exploring social issues, impacting popular culture, and promoting artistic excellence. Films like "12 Years a Slave," "Moonlight," "Spotlight," "Parasite," and "Philadelphia" address racism, inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, and other pressing social issues, sparking conversations and raising awareness

What types of sanctions have been imposed on Russia by Western countries?

• Western countries have imposed a variety of sanctions on Russia in response to actions violating international norms, human rights, or stability. These include economic sanctions (financial, trade, sectoral), diplomatic sanctions (travel bans, expulsions), arms embargoes, individual sanctions, cyber sanctions, limits on economic assistance, and export controls. The effectiveness of these measures depends on severity, international coordination, compliance, and Russian response strategies.

What are the main factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy in different parts of the world?

• Vaccine hesitancy is influenced by various factors such as misinformation, safety concerns, religious beliefs, access barriers, political polarization, and psychological factors. Addressing hesitancy requires targeted communication, education, access improvements, and trust-building efforts.

How has the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia impacted regional geopolitics and international relations?

The Ukraine-Russia conflict impacts regional geopolitics and international relations through:

1. Violation of international norms with Russia's annexation of Crimea, straining relations with the West.
2. Security concerns from ongoing military clashes in eastern Ukraine leading to NATO supporting presence in Eastern Europe.
3. Europe's energy dependency on Russia raises security concerns, while Western sanctions impact economic stability.
4. Diplomatic efforts under the Minsk agreements face obstacles, with international involvement seeking to de-escalate conflict.
5. Conflict prompts shifts in alliances and competition in Europe, as neighboring countries balance relations between Russia and the West.