Meditations, Mercies, and the Global Stage

Dear readers,

Psalm 5 calls us to lift our voices to God in the morning, seeking His guidance and rejoicing in His righteousness. The psalmist paints a vivid picture of divine justice—a God who shields the faithful and abhors wickedness. This timeless message of trust and mercy resonates deeply, offering solace in both personal and collective struggles.  

In the global arena, acts of compassion, such as Israel’s humanitarian aid to Myanmar and Thailand, mirror the spirit of Leviticus: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” These gestures of solidarity remind us of our shared humanity, transcending borders and crises. Yet, the complexities of international relations often challenge this ideal.  

Considering the recent global tariffs introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump. These sweeping measures, including a 17% import duty on Israeli goods, aim to address trade imbalances but risk straining economic ties. For Israel, a nation heavily reliant on exports to the U.S., these tariffs could impact industries such as technology and medical supplies, potentially leading to job losses and reduced market activities.  

Similarly, ASEAN nations face significant challenges. Countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, which are deeply integrated into global supply chains, are now subject to tariffs as high as 46%. These measures could disrupt regional unity, as nations with higher tariffs may seek separate negotiations, potentially fracturing the ASEAN bloc. Moreover, the inflationary pressures resulting from these tariffs could ripple across the globe, affecting both producers and consumers.  

The study of political behavior, as emphasized by the movement of behavioralism, offers a lens through which we can understand these dynamics. Behavioralism, which emerged in the 1940s, insists on analyzing the observable actions of political actors rather than their stated intentions or ideologies. This approach, rooted in psychological behaviorism, shifted political science from normative studies of constitutions to empirical observations of how states are actually governed.  

Behavioralism’s focus on mass political behavior, often at the expense of elite studies, provides insights into how policies like tariffs influence public opinion and voter behavior. The reconciliation of behavioralism with rational choice theory further enriches our understanding of the motivations behind political decisions and their broader implications.  

Yet, amidst these challenges and analyses, we are reminded of the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom. The call to “love your neighbor” and to act with mercy becomes even more poignant in a world grappling with economic and political upheavals. Just as the psalmist finds solace in divine favor, we too are reminded to trust in righteousness, to act with compassion, and to seek unity in diversity.  

May God bless you,  

Your faithful friend.