14 DECEMBER 2024 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Record-Breaking Voter Turnout 100 Years Ago The electorate cast the largest vote in American history—between 30,000,000 and 32,000,000 as compared with 26,675,000 votes in 1920. This record-breaking ballot may be attributed to a number of causes. The organized appeal, made by both Coolidge and Davis as well as by the American Legion to go to the polls as a patriotic duty regardless of partisanship, must have considerably increased the vote. A large number of women who did not avail themselves of the franchise in 1920 doubtless discharged their duty on November 4 after four more years of political education. The radio for the first time in history had a tremendous effect on the size of the votes by broadcasting political speeches to millions of homes and thus creating a more personal interest in the speakers and the issues of the campaign than was formerly possible through the newspapers alone. On the evening before the election by means of linked radio stations, Mr. Davis’ voice from New York was heard in Boston, Chicago, Louisville, Denver, Seattle, and San Francisco, and two hours later the President made his final statement which was also carried throughout the United States by the same medium. —The “Presidential Election” by Gerhard Gade in the December 1924 edition of The American Foreign Service Journal. the internet, anchoring digital policies in human rights, and safeguarding the online space for children. The pact also tackles pressing global issues like climate change by committing to keeping global temperature rise below 1.5°C and accelerating the transition to renewable energy. The Declaration on Future Generations establishes new mechanisms to ensure future generations are considered in today’s decision-making, including the possible creation of a UN envoy for future generations. A document summarizing the summit’s achievements is available at https:// www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future. Putin Hosts BRICS Summit Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed leaders from BRICS nations and Global South countries to Kazan on Oct. 22, 2024, for a summit aimed at challenging Western influence. Russia sought to demonstrate that efforts to isolate it over the Ukraine war have failed. The BRICS bloc, originally comprising Russia, Brazil, India, China, and South Africa, now also includes Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, expanding its geopolitical and economic footprint. As BRICS expands, it seeks to coordinate policies on economic development and global governance, with a focus on reducing reliance on Western-dominated institutions like the U.S. banking system. Notably, the bloc has proposed creating an alternative payment system and financial institutions such as the New Development Bank to rival the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. However, BRICS members face internal divisions, particularly over Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Further, China-India tensions are ongoing, and countries like Brazil and India maintain close ties to the West. Despite challenges, the bloc’s collective GDP now accounts for more than a quarter of the global economy, and its population represents almost half the world. With more than 40 countries expressing interest in joining BRICS, the group’s influence continues to grow, albeit with questions about its cohesion and long-term goals. Crocker Urges Caution in Israel’s Strategy In an interview with Politico, former U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker expressed serious concerns about Israel’s ongoing military strategy following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on Oct. 16, 2024, warning of potential overconfidence in its pursuit of a prolonged occupation of Gaza. Amb. Crocker, a retired Senior FSO with extensive Middle East experience who has served as U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, Kuwait, Syria, Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan, cautioned that Israel’s victory claims may be premature. Reflecting on historical parallels, he stated: “I was in Lebanon in 1982 when the Israelis invaded. ... That invasion and subsequent occupation created Hezbollah. This invasion is not going to end it.” Crocker suggested that despite Sinwar’s death, guerrilla warfare by Hamas and Hezbollah will persist unless Israel shifts its approach. “If that adversary feels defeated, he is defeated. If he doesn’t, he’s not,” he explained, suggesting that Israeli decapitation strikes are not likely to result in a lasting peace. Crocker also expressed concern about the possibility that Iran will ramp
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