Doctors in Nigeria have begun a five day strike from September 12 to September 16. The Nigerian Association of Residential Doctors (NARD), representing approximately 40% of all in-country doctors, has called this strike primarily in response to the government’s refusal to disperse owed funds. Similar strikes have had major impacts on Nigeria’s medical system.
Mass protests are expected in Brazil’s major cities on September 7. Protesters will voice their support for former president Jair Bolsonaro amid his trial for alleged involvement in a 2022 coup. The protests, coinciding with Brazil’s Independence Day, have a potential of turning violent and attracting counter protests.
This month, our team of analysts recapped major events from around the world, including:
-Messina bridge protests in Sicily blocked key transportation routes on August 9.
-Typhoon Podul caused thousands to evacuate in Southeastern Taiwan on August 12-13.
-Protests starting August 25 that turned violent across Indonesia have led to over 1,000 detainments.
Terrorist organizations are expected to continue targeting government facilities including police stations and military buildings in Cali. The latest bombing attack on August 21 killed six while injuring 60 outside of the Marco Fidel Suarez Air Base. Several police stations also experienced bombings on June 10. Expect Increased security measures to follow.
A 72-hour strike will be initiated on August 16 by Air Canada flight attendants causing major flight scheduling disruptions. Air Canada has already begun reducing its flight operation with cancellations for both August 14 and 15. Ongoing negotiations still can halt or delay the strike.
This Spotlight On features Dr. Greg Muger, Director of Student Experience at Pepperdine University’s International Programs Office. With a Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change and over two decades of experience in leadership and education, Dr. Muger brings a powerful combination of vision, empathy, and operational expertise to his work. Having worked in over 40 countries, he offers a truly global perspective on student engagement and risk management. Since 2014, he has been pivotal in shaping the direction of Pepperdine’s international programs, ensuring that students and faculty have safe, transformative experiences abroad. In this conversation, we explore Dr. Muger’s approach to safety, leadership during crisis, and how to foster meaningful cultural immersion while maintaining a strong foundation of care and preparedness.