Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University (CMU) in the Philippines, in partnership with Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) in Indonesia, co-hosted an international online seminar on April 21 via Zoom, examining the global implications of the ongoing United States, Israel, and Iran tensions.
Titled “USA-Israel War on Iran: Perspectives in Political, Governmental, Media, & International Studies,” the seminar gathered scholars, faculty members, and students from Southeast Asia and other regions to discuss the issue through multidisciplinary and Global South lenses.
The activity aimed to provide a platform for academic dialogue on how geopolitical conflicts influence not only the Middle East but also other regions, including Southeast Asia, particularly in terms of economic stability, energy markets, and international relations.
In his opening message, UMY Faculty of Social and Political Sciences Dean Prof. Al-Hamdi emphasized the importance of inclusive academic discussions across borders, describing the seminar as a space for learning among diverse academic communities. Meanwhile, CMU College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Eva N. Mendoza encouraged participants to actively engage, highlighting the role of Southeast Asian scholars in contributing to global discourse.
A series of presentations followed, each tackling the issue from different academic perspectives.
Prof. Anna Girlee V. Visayan discussed the institutional impacts of geopolitical instability, particularly on higher education. She noted that global conflicts can affect universities through funding uncertainties, disrupted international partnerships, and reduced student mobility, and emphasized the need for proactive risk management strategies.
Dr. Ahmad Sahide provided a geopolitical analysis of the conflict, focusing on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Israel’s security concerns, and the role of US sanctions. He explained that the situation reflects a security dilemma in international relations, where actions taken by one state to increase security may heighten tensions with others.
Dr. Senja Yustitia examined media coverage of the conflict, pointing out challenges in practicing peace journalism amid the rise of digital media and misinformation. She underscored the importance of improving media literacy to address biased and sensationalized reporting.
Meanwhile, Ms. Jornie D. Lumintao presented findings on Filipino students’ awareness of the conflict, revealing that while students are generally informed, their understanding is often shaped by media exposure rather than in-depth analysis. She emphasized the need to strengthen political education and critical thinking in higher education curricula.
The seminar also highlighted the importance of Global South perspectives in understanding international conflicts, noting that these viewpoints provide insights into how developing countries experience and interpret global events.
Organizers said the seminar demonstrated the value of cross-border academic collaboration in addressing complex global issues and promoting informed discussions among students and scholars. [Information from Jan Peter Luiz L. Sembrano, Student, BA Political Science, Department of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences]
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