Security
New US cyber policy suggests more active response to state threats
US cyber policy is shedding the overly-careful approach favored during the Obama era. While this carries an increased risk of escalation, it’s nonetheless necessary in a cyber arena of bad actors and poorly-defined norms.
Saudi influence in Africa: A destabilising power?
Through its commercial, political and military ties with a number of African states, Saudi Arabia aims to increase the visibility of its foreign policy.
The Security Briefing: Libya, Lebanon, and Italy’s new defense minister
The latest Security Briefing from GRI Senior Analyst Nicolò Donà dalle Rose focuses on the appointment of Italy’s new Minister of Defense and its impact on Italian involvement in Libya and Lebanon, as well as Italy’s broader foreign policy stance.
The Energy Briefing: The never-ending battle for Libya’s Oil Crescent
The competition for the control of state revenues remains tense as Haftar’s Libyan National Army intensified its attempts to seize key institutions ahead of December 2018 elections. Although oil production increased in 2017, continuing insecurity due to armed groups still largely constrain Libya’s oil potential.
The U.S. is lagging behind global data regulation
Europe has been quick and efficient in pioneering regulation in this area – but America lacks a law that unifies the methods for handling data about American users.
Intercommunal violence poses threat to Nigeria’s economy
Intercommunal violence and conflict in the Middle Belt, an area known for crop production, poses a threat to Nigeria’s economy and ultimately the livelihood of its people.
Under the Radar: Chronic food insecurity could hurt Liberia’s economic growth and stability
Since the end of the civil war in 2003, Liberia has become an example of progress and peaceful democratic transition for other countries emerging from conflict. However, there is a possibility that economic and political instability, and unrest, could evolve in the coming years due to the risk of food insecurity.
The challenge of female ISIS returnees in the Balkans
As hundreds of foreign fighters from the Western Balkans return home, it’s unclear whether governments are prepared to deal with the issues of prosecution and rehabilitation. Leonie Vrugtman explores the challenges posed, especially by female returnees.
The Houthis: Sunni-Shiite conflict as a self-fulfilling prophecy
After failing to confront Iran’s growing power in Iraq and the Levant, Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s attempt to prevent Iranian meddling seems to have reinforced the sectarian split in Yemen – handing Iran the chance to integrate the Houthi movement into its network of proxies.
Under the Radar: 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.
