Security
MENA Power Brokers: Esmail Qaani
Under Qaani the Qods Force will continue Iran’s strategy, but their activities are likely to be more careful, restrained and in line with mainstream policy. How will this affect the Middle East?
Potential end of a Philippines-US Security Treaty
The US-Philippine alliance is on the rocks, which has major implications for the Asia-Pacific: it marks a notable decrease in US influence in the region, creating a power void that will be filled by China, and further fragmenting a region that is already facing a growing arms race.
Russia and Ukraine: Nothing good lies ahead?
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to sign the Steinmeier formula has allowed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine to resume. However, a few months after the Normandy Four summit, the chances of reaching a solution for the protracted conflict in eastern Ukraine remains unlikely.
Prospects for EU-ASEAN Security Ties
Ambiguity persists over how ASEAN-EU security relations in Indo-Pacific may evolve given the announcement of ‘strategic partnership’ between the two blocs.
Will Drones Push the Middle East Past the Point of No Return?
Unmanned aerial systems (UASs) or drones, both armed and unarmed, have altered how states and insurgents conduct warfare in the Middle East.
Mexico: Onset of Migration Crisis
US ‘outsourcing’ immigration enforcement to Mexico has led to massive numbers of migrants waiting at Mexico’s northern and southern borders.
Water Shortage and Unrest in Iraq
Iraq is experiencing high youth unemployment rates and an ongoing protest movement motivated by socio-political grievances. The lack of water is contributing to unrest in the country.
Chinese ambitions in the East China Sea
A few weeks ago, the Twitter account of the Chinese state-run newspaper ‘People’s Daily’ published a video showing Chinese students creating the shape of China in a choreography. The inclusion of the so-called nine-dash line and a few islands to the northeast of Taiwan raises questions about Beijing’s maritime ambitions again.
US withdrawal from Syria: What next?
Changes in the US’ foreign policy in the Middle East took another turn when President Donald Trump announced that US troops were to withdraw from Syria.
Houthi threat to Saudi Arabia’s oil industry
The increasing missile, drone, and naval capabilities of the Houthis make the Saudi oil industry vulnerable to attack.
