Security
Minorities pose threat to Iranian stability
At a time when serious talk of regime change resurfaces in Washington, an understanding of Iran’s domestic stability is more important than ever. Alongside economic and political pressure, the rifts between ethnic and sectarian groups within Iran will be one of the key risks to the regime which Tehran’s foes could target.
The U.S has neglected an imperative consequence of withdrawing from the Iran Nuclear Deal: Cyberattacks
Following the U.S. decision to withdraw from the Iran Nuclear Deal, retaliation in the form of cyberattacks could have potentially devastating results.
China playing the long game with aircraft carrier plans
This week, China’s second aircraft carrier set out to begin testing, although it is not expected to enter service until 2020. The unnamed carrier is the first to be built in China—China’s other carrier was purchased from Ukraine.
No safe haven for Rohingya migrants during monsoon season
Over 700,0000 Rohingya migrants crossed the border after fleeing persecution in Myanmar to Bangladesh where they are threatened by the impending monsoon season.
Albania’s CVE battle for ‘hearts and minds’ is not over
Albania’s massive crackdown on violent extremism is yielding positive results, but will the country prove resilient to Caliphate returnees?
Trump vs Kim: The art of the nuclear deal
The US and North Korea are likely to attempt diplomacy for a few months, but impossible expectations and intentionally vague promises could frustrate both sides. If this causes the deal to fall through, bilateral tensions could boil over once again.
Hire Powers: Cybercrime-as-a-Service and Terrorism
Cybercrime-as-a-Service opens up a realm of worrying new possibilities for opportunistic individuals and ideologically motivated groups, as well as a new front for law enforcement and security services to secure.
Special report: The impact of Iraq’s 2018 parliamentary elections
On 12 May, Iraqis chose their representatives for Parliament. In an environment influenced by the four-year conflict with the Islamic State and the fragmentation of politics, these elections are a critical test.
US antitank missiles risk escalating the Ukrainian conflict
The recent delivery of US antitank missiles to Ukraine risks escalating the ongoing conflict with Russian-backed forces in the east of the country. If not accompanied by a concrete strategy, US support also risks driving a wedge between Ukraine and the EU, generating weaknesses which Moscow can then exploit.
Australia wary of China’s growing stake in the South Pacific
China’s growing interest in the South Pacific will have alerted key Australian political and defence officials. Should Beijing eventually opt to establish a military base in this region, Canberra will have a firm action plan in place designed to counter China’s influence and reinforce Australia’s regional preeminence.
