Latest Insights
Hong Kong’s Erosion of Independence
On June 30th, the Chinese Government enacted the National Security Law for Hong Kong. This has criminalized any acts of “secession”, “subversion”, “terrorism” and “collusion with a foreign country”. It
HS2: Steadfast Progress or Slam the Brakes?
February 1, 2020: Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces that a high-speed rail link through the centre of England will be built, admitting it was a ‘controversial and difficult decision’. Behind schedule and over budget, the return on investment from this planned rail network is increasingly in doubt under the UK’s current economic conditions.
She Said: Interview with Frederike Probert from Mission Female
For our new column She Said, we had the honour to speak with Frederike Probert. We asked her for insights into female empowerment in the workforce and business context. Her insights are powerful as they shed light on work environments characterized by male overrepresentation.
A new party in the USA?
“The Republican Party is done. It’s breaking up before our very eyes,” Former Tea Party and Republican Congressman Joe Walsh. This article examines the scope of a new party in the United States.
Mozambique’s Insurgency & Prospects for Regional Insecurity
The discovery of large mineral and liquid natural gas deposits in Mozambique in 2010 boded well for Mozambique’s future, but conflict between Islamist militants and the central government over these resources has resulted in many fatalities and mass displacement. The President of Mozambique downplays the seriousness of the situation, but neighboring African states and African regional bodies fear that the conflict will spread beyond Mozambique’s borders.
Russia’s Strategy in Africa
Rumors of Russian involvement in Mali have gained momentum since 2018. Russia has been accused of backing the coup that took place in August 2020, orchestrated by high ranking members of the Malian army. These officers had in fact returned a week before the coup from two months’ training in Russia. The coincidence was enough for analysts to link Assimi Goita, leader of the new Junta, to the Russian government. Even if this link has yet to be proven, the growing connection between Russia and sub-Saharan countries is threatening the balance of power in the region.
Surge of Piracy amid Coronavirus Outbreak
The last quarterly report from the International Maritime Bureau shows the negative effects of the Covid-19 on maritime security. There tend to be significant upswings of piracy during times of economic downturn, and the economic devastation wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic is largely to blame for the resurgence of this global menace.
Germany: Right-wing Extremism Within Law Enforcement
German law enforcement recently revealed that agents within its ranks exchanged neo-Nazi and racist content on chat groups. The discovery affirms on-going concerns that the police are downplaying the dangers stemming from right-wing extremism, considered to be the greatest threat to Germany’s security.
What Israel-UAE peace agreement means for Palestine?
Citing it as a “huge breakthrough”, on the 12th of August Donald Trump announced the US-brokered “historic peace agreement” between Israel and the UAE, intended to normalise ties between the two countries. Framed as an alternative to Israeli PM Netanyahu’s annexation plan, it came as a surprise to many and set in motion a flurry of discussion.
Europe’s Isolation against Russia
Vladimir Putin’s political assault on Europe comes from a meticulously crafted plan which was catalysed by Trump’s commandeering of the White House. Since assuming office in 1999, Putin has led the country with a clear vision of restoring Russia’s Soviet stature. If Russia’s recent actions are any indication of their progress, then it’s safe to say Putin has come a long way.
