The ‘illegal orders’ minefield, a food-price win for Americans and other commentary – New York Post

Analysis of Governance and Institutional Integrity (SDG 16)

Legal Frameworks for Military Conduct

• The legal principle concerning the disobedience of unlawful orders by service members is characterized by significant ambiguity, impacting the rule of law within military institutions, a key aspect of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
• Current legal structures create a strong incentive for obedience, as disobeying a lawful order carries severe penalties, including dishonorable discharge, imprisonment, or death.
• The determination of an order’s legality often occurs post-disobedience at a court-martial, placing the burden of risk entirely on the individual service member.
• Legal precedent, including a narrowing of the Nuremberg principle, indicates no general affirmative duty to disobey an unlawful order, reinforcing a system where obedience is the protected course of action.

Economic Progress and Food Security (SDG 1, 2, 8)

Long-Term Trends in Food Affordability

• Significant progress has been made towards SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 1 (No Poverty) in the United States over the past century, evidenced by a steep decline in the share of income Americans allocate to food.
• This positive trend is attributed to two primary factors aligned with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): sustained increases in average incomes and a long-term reduction in the real prices of food staples.
• A comparison of expenditures shows:
  1. In 1929, food purchases constituted 23.4% of after-tax personal disposable income.
  2. Currently, this figure has fallen to a combined 10.4% (4.9% for food at home and 5.5% for food away from home).
• Despite recent inflationary pressures between 2020 and 2024, the century-long trajectory demonstrates enhanced food security and economic resilience for the average citizen.

Immigration Policy, Inclusion, and Institutional Accountability (SDG 10, 16)

Evaluating Cultural Factors in Policy-Making

• The debate surrounding immigration policy highlights challenges related to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
• A case study involving the Somali community in Minnesota raises questions about the role of factual evidence in policy decisions, particularly concerning widespread fraud that undermines institutional integrity.
• The argument is presented that effective and just governance requires policies to be amended based on observed outcomes and behaviors, including cultural characteristics that may affect assimilation and contribution.
• This approach suggests that for policies to be rational and contribute to inclusive societies, they must consider group-specific outcomes to ensure accountability and fairness.

Public Policy on Economic Affordability and Sustainable Growth (SDG 1, 8, 10)

The Political Challenge of the Affordability Crisis

• Voter sentiment regarding economic affordability remains a critical political issue, directly linked to progress on SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
• Despite political cycles of blame and promises, there is a perceived lack of effective policy solutions that provide timely relief to citizens facing high costs.
• Voters are expected to continue seeking candidates who prioritize affordability, potentially leading to shifts in government control in response to the unresolved crisis.
• A significant challenge remains, as expert analysis suggests that governmental interventions aimed at “solving” the affordability crisis may risk exacerbating the problem, complicating the path to sustainable economic well-being.

Innovation in Industry and Global Partnerships (SDG 9, 17)

The Commercialization of Space Exploration

• The successful launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket marks a new phase in commercial space development, advancing SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
• This event intensifies competition with SpaceX, driving innovation in key areas such as rocket reusability and increased flight frequency, which are crucial for building a sustainable space industry.
• The long-term objectives of these commercial entities include lunar missions and human landing systems, reflecting ambitious goals for scientific and technological advancement.
• These efforts align with broader national and international goals, including a return to the moon by 2028, which could foster global cooperation and partnerships as outlined in SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• The article directly addresses food affordability in the section “Libertarian: A Food-Price Win for Americans.” It discusses the falling share of income that Americans spend on food, which is central to ensuring access to food for all.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• This goal is connected to the discussions on the economy. The “Libertarian” section highlights “rising incomes” as a key trend contributing to food affordability. The “Liberal” section focuses on the “affordability crisis,” “inflation,” and the “overall state of the economy,” which are core components of sustainable economic growth and well-being.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• The “Space beat: The Commercial Race Is On” section is entirely focused on this SDG. It details the technological advancements, competition, and innovation within the commercial space sector, specifically mentioning companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX developing new rocket technology.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• The “Conservative: In Immigration Policy, Facts Matter” section touches upon this goal by discussing immigration policy, the treatment of migrants from a specific country (Somalia), and the outcomes of different groups within a society. It raises questions about policies related to migration and assimilation.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• This goal is relevant in two sections. The “Mutiny watch: The ‘Illegal Orders’ Minefield” section directly discusses the rule of law, the justice system (court-martial), and the legal framework governing military conduct. The “Conservative” section also relates to this goal by discussing government policy-making (“A rational government would amend its policies”), fraud (“stole billions in funds”), and the application of rules to different groups.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Target 2.1: “By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people… to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.” The article’s focus on the falling prices of food staples and the decreasing share of income spent on food directly relates to improving access to food.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Target 8.1: “Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances…” The article mentions the long-term trend of “rising incomes” and “after tax-personal disposable income” as a key factor in Americans’ economic well-being.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• Target 9.5: “Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries… and encouraging innovation.” The description of the commercial space race, including Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket launch and the goal to reuse first stages, is a direct example of upgrading technological capabilities and fostering innovation.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Target 10.7: “Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.” The article discusses the consequences of immigration policy, such as the White House revoking “protected status for Somali migrants,” which is a direct reflection on the management of migration policies.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.3: “Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.” The section on military orders explores the complexities of the rule of law within the armed forces, noting that the legality of an order “can only be determined at court-martial.”
• Target 16.5: “Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms.” The article explicitly mentions a case of corruption in the “Conservative” section, stating that a community “stole billions in funds” through “widespread fraud.”
• Target 16.6: “Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.” The call for a “rational government” to “amend its policies accordingly” based on facts and outcomes speaks to the development of effective and accountable institutions.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators for SDG 2 & SDG 8

• Share of income spent on food: The article provides precise data for this indicator. It states, “In 1929, Americans spent 23.4 percent of their after tax-personal disposable income buying food,” which has now fallen to a combined 10.4 percent (4.9% at home and 5.5% away). This directly measures food affordability and economic progress.
• Inflation and cost of living: The “Liberal” section implies these are key indicators of economic distress, noting that “voters are still mad about inflation” and there is an unresolved “affordability crisis.”

Indicators for SDG 9

• Rate of successful technological deployment: The article points to the successful launch of the “Blue Origin New Glenn” as a key event.
• Technological capability for reuse: An implied indicator of progress is the ability to “reuse its first stages multiple times with the same rocket.”
• Flight rate: The article suggests that to be competitive, Blue Origin must “greatly increase its flight rate,” making this a measure of industrial capacity and innovation.

Indicators for SDG 10

• Changes in migrant legal status: The article mentions the White House action to “revoke protected status for Somali migrants” as a direct policy outcome and indicator of how migration policies are being managed.

Indicators for SDG 16

• Incidence of large-scale fraud: The article provides a specific, though anecdotal, indicator of corruption by mentioning that a group “stole billions in funds.” The monetary value and scale of the fraud serve as a measure.
• Use of legal mechanisms for justice: The article implies that the number of cases brought to “court-martial” to determine the legality of an order is an indicator of the justice system in action.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: nypost.com