Global

On 31 July 2025, China raised concerns over potential security risks in Nvidia’s H20 artificial intelligence (AI) chip, casting uncertainty over the US company's sales prospects in China. In particular, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) took issue with the proposal for the chips to include tracking and positioning functions.

Barros’s dismissal underscores ongoing power struggles as President Sissoco clings to power ahead of the upcoming November 2025 elections. The upcoming elections may face credibility issues due to the fact that CNE has lost its authority to function legitimately. Continued tensions between the government and opposition may lead to unrest in the near future, particularly if further actions taken by Sissoco’s government undermine the opposition's role in Guinea-Bissau’s p

The recurring anti-movement demonstrations have continually highlighted Angola’s questionable political leadership and deep rooted economic challenges. The situation places President João Lourenço, and his administration under scrutiny for clamping down on protesters and for police brutality against civilians. Although calm has been restored to most areas where violence occurred, the risk of renewed protests remains, as the government has yet to complete the subsidy removal p

Ghana’s northern porous borders and Bawku's proximity to Togo and Burkina Faso make it a critical national security concern, mainly due to the spread of jihadist activities in the Sahel and extremists’ expansionist ambitions in the coastal region. The prolonged conflict has led to the indefinite closure of key businesses, crippling economic activity and local governance, risking long-term economic marginalisation.

Arguably, the key to understanding Türkiye’s rise can be found in its internal politics, where two major developments have reshaped the nation’s power structures in recent weeks. Firstly, the disbanding of the PKK, announced by leader Abdullah Ocalan in mid-May 2025, will significantly reduce security tensions in Türkiye’s southern and eastern regions, allowing for an expansion of the central government’s presence in these previously unstable areas.

On 24 July 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) convicted two ex-militia commanders, Alfred Yekatom and Patrice Edouard Ngaïssona, of multiple war crimes and crimes against humanity. Their crimes included the killings of predominantly Muslim civilians and a deliberate attack on a religious building during the conflict that erupted between 2013 and 2014.

he arrests suggest that Hasm retains operational capability and the group’s intentions to resurface, contrary to previous reports that the movement has been suppressed. Hasm’s propaganda video also strongly suggests efforts to ramp up recruitment by appealing to disillusioned youth. Egyptian authorities are likely to intensify counterterrorism operations in areas such as Cairo, Faiyum, Damietta, and Beheira.

Far-right mobilisation may intensify in the coming weeks, particularly around asylum hotels and key symbolic dates, with a heightened risk of escalation and social unrest at some confirmed anti-immigration protests that could attract participants with disruptive or extremist affiliations. The spread of misinformation appears to be an increasingly influential driver of protest activity, with unverified claims alone capable of triggering rapid mobilisation and significant po

Despite war appearing to be an unlikely outcome, the prospect has become more realistic than a few months ago. Considering Thailand’s overwhelming military strength relative to Cambodia, it is unsurprising that Phnom Penh would seek to avoid escalating the matter too far at the current time. Additionally, while there have been clashes over Preah Vihear before, a full-scale war has not broken out yet.

Türkiye remains particularly alert to the threat of both intercommunal violence and Israeli military expansion. Ankara’s backing of President al-Sharaa is assessed to have played a significant role in the leader’s ascent to power, and continues to remain a critical factor in ensuring the regime’s present survival.

France’s latest withdrawal adds to the growing wave of anti-colonial sentiments and perceived threats to sovereignty, particularly towards France across Africa. Anti-French protests were organised in Mali, Senegal, Niger and Burkina Faso as protesters demanded the departure of French troops and a reassertion of national sovereignty. In 2021, several French-owned businesses were torched and looted during mass demonstrations in Senegal.

Cenit has suspended oil pumping operations following an incident where unknown individuals attacked a section of the 773-kilometrtes Cano Limon-Covenas oil pipeline with explosives on 13 July 2025 in the eastern part of the country. The attack caused spillage near the rural Agua Santa village in Arauca department which prompted the company to activate emergency and contingency plan to mitigate any environmental risks.

U.S. President Donald Trump hosted leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal at the White House for a three-day summit that began with a working lunch in the State Dining Room on 09 July 2025. A high-stakes summit designed to reassess American influence across a continent. Each of these countries is currently facing a 10% tariff on exports to the U.S. 

If Xi Jinping’s political standing weakens or China’s internal challenges deepen, the appeal of escalating tensions over Taiwan as a means of distraction could grow. Alternatively, if Beijing concludes that its military advantage over Taiwan is at its peak and that waiting would risk a shift in the strategic balance, it may be judged that it is now or never. There are multiple scenarios under which an invasion could be triggered. But just how long China is willing to wait rem

The UK retail sector is facing an unprecedented wave of sophisticated cyberattacks in 2025, with major brands like Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods suffering crippling blows to their operations, finances, and reputations. Over just a few weeks this spring, attackers managed to halt online orders, disrupt payment systems, and expose sensitive customer data, underscoring the sector’s acute vulnerability in an era of digital transformation.

CONFEMIN miners have been staging fresh protests across various regions of the country, particularly in the regions of Arequipa, Cusco, and Apurímac. These demonstrations are part months long demonstrations demanding that the government extend the deadline for regularising informal mining activities and to suspend transportation for large formal mining companies. Miners have been gathering in front of Congress in Lima to voice their concerns.

The primary factor straining Russia’s international security partnerships is ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This war has both inspired crackdowns against central Asian and Caucasian communities within Russia, and caused Moscow to neglect its duties as a security provider for other nations within its alleged sphere of influence.

The threat of terrorism remains relevant across the UK, with the UK Government outlining a terrorism threat level of “substantial”, meaning that “an attack is likely”. The threat in London is particularly significant. There are considerations and precautions that individuals can take to protect themselves. The public is advised to remain aware of unattended bags, especially if they display signs of potential danger such as exposed wires, batteries, adhesive tape, liquids, or

Despite public outcry, the Togolese government is unlikely to reverse the constitutional reforms which extend Gnassingbé’s power indefinitely. Hence, further anti-government unrest is likely in the near term. This will likely manifest in the form of roadblocks and curfews, which will directly disrupt supply chains, causing operational delays for businesses.

Ongoing clashes between government forces and armed militias, as well as tensions between the ruling government and opposition, pose significant threats to the political climate in the country. MINUSCA plans to support the CAR government by conducting border patrols across various prefectures ahead of the elections, just as they assisted with logistics and technical issues during the voter registration process in November 2024 and March 2025.