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What lies ahead for Panama amid ongoing unrest?
Tensions have escalated in the indigenous community of Arimae, Darién province, eastern Panama, after officers from the national Border Service (SENAFRONT) clashed with locals from the Emberá Wounaan during a protest on 05 June 2025. For nearly two months, demonstrators, including teachers, workers from (construction and banana industries), students, and healthcare workers, have barricaded and erected roadblocks along a major road that connects Panama to other Latin American
Jun 6, 20254 min read


China’s Answer to the Pentagon - "Beijing’s Military City"
China is developing a huge new military command centre that will dwarf the size of the Pentagon. The project underscores Beijing’s military ambitions at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and endemic economic challenges.
The project suggests Beijing is increasingly prioritising the development of China’s warfighting capability. The plans could provide further evidence signalling the growing threat posed by China, particularly to Taiwan and in the South China Sea.
Jun 4, 20254 min read


Mozambique - Rising violence in Cabo Delgado and its impact on security
On 28 May 2025, militants affiliated with Islamic State (IS) reportedly claimed responsibility for a violent attack on the Katupa military base near Quinto Congresso, in the Macomia district of Cabo Delgado province. The attack, which took place on 27 May, resulted in the deaths of at least 10 soldiers, according to the group’s claim. The militants said that they also destroyed the camp, sharing photographs as evidence. Authorities in Mozambique have yet to comment on this in
Jun 2, 20253 min read


Trump the Peacebuilder? Impacts of American Peace Efforts on Global Stability
Renewed peacebuilding efforts by the Trump administration are deemed as unlikely to increase regional stability in their targeted areas.
· President Trump remains highly motivated by the desire to be perceived as a “dealmaker” by his domestic supporter base, and to secure concessions for his family’s business operations.
May 31, 20257 min read


Poland: Trzaskowski and Nawrocki to meet in presidential election runoff
Opinion polls suggest the race between the two candidates will be very close. Nawrocki, 42, targets conservatives, rural areas and voters frustrated with European Union (EU) policy, while Trzaskowski, 53, appeals to urban, pro-European voters and the centre-left.
May 29, 20253 min read


Mexico - The killing of two aides in Mexico City poses a challenge to the political landscape
Authorities often downplay the influence of major drug cartels in the city. They point to the fact that there are over 80,000 security cameras and a strong police presence in the city. Yet, a recent report from the US Drug Enforcement Administration indicated that powerful cartels, such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the CJNG have a significant presence in the city but maintain a low profile.
Politically motivated violence targeting politicians and government officials is commo
May 26, 20253 min read


South African Diplomacy under pressure: Can Ramaphosa fix South Africa-U.S. relations amid the “White Genocide” controversy?
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oval Office in Washington on 21 May 2025 amid heightened diplomatic tensions between both countries. Ramaphosa, leading a high-profile delegation, aimed to reset ties, focusing on economic cooperation with the United States. Ahead of the meeting, there were concerns that the meeting could escalate into a heated media spectacle, as seen between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
May 23, 20254 min read


USA - Capital Jewish Museum Attack Sparks Security Concerns for Israelis Abroad
As the death toll continues to rise, impatience with Israel is growing among the international community to end the conflict in Gaza. However, Netanyahu’s political and legal motivations, coupled with the US’ continued support for Israel, stand in the way.
The recent killing of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington underscores the growing global threats facing Israelis, particularly those working in official roles. Risk mitigation strategies need to be taken to prote
May 21, 20254 min read


Lines in the Sand: Impacts and Challenges of Energy Co-operation Between Syria and Türkiye
An energy cooperation agreement between Syria and Türkiye presents new opportunities for energy supply chain diversification within the Middle East. The reopening of the Kirkuk–Baniyas oil pipeline and construction of a 400-kilovolt transmission line will likely foster closer energy and political cooperation between Türkiye and Syria. Türkiye is likely to perceive the dissolution of the PKK as an opportunity to expand energy and security activity within the Türkiye-Syria bord
May 13, 20254 min read


Targeted From Afar: The Rise of State-Sponsored Terrorism in the West
Though a successful counterterrorism operation, the recent arrests of five Iranian nationals underscore the persistent threat of state-sponsored terrorism across the UK.
Geopolitically motivated state-sponsored terrorism is a growing challenge across the West, demanding robust international cooperation to meet shared counter-terrorism objectives. As global tensions intensify, state-sponsored terrorism is likely to remain a persistent and complex challenge.
May 11, 20254 min read


Romania: Far-right candidate wins rescheduled presidential elections amid concerns of Russian interference
On 04 May 2025, Romania held its first round of the rescheduled presidential elections after the Constitutional Court annulled the results of the first round of the November 2024 presidential election due to evidence of a Russian interference campaign. The November elections saw far-right, pro-Russia candidate Călin Georgescu winning the election, but reports of “aggressive hybrid Russian attacks” during the election period raised concerns about election integrity, prompting
May 9, 20254 min read


Brazil: Police foil attempted bomb attack at Lady Gaga concert in “Operation Fake Monster”
The incident highlights an ongoing threat of violence against LGBTQ+ communities in Brazil, particularly during major events that celebrate inclusion. The suspects disguised themselves as “Little Monsters” on social media. This name is mostly used by fans of Gaga, and using it likely helped them avoid detection online. The suspect’s plan to target the LGBTQ+ community likely reflects reflects a rise the far-right extremism in the country.
May 7, 20253 min read


Afghanistan: The Taliban - From International Pariah to Russian Ally?
For many companies operating in the broader region, the prospect of greater Russian influence will be unwelcome. With terrorism continuing to pose a threat, companies operating in Central Asia face an ongoing threat to their infrastructure. Instability in Afghanistan and the Taliban’s limited ability to contain ISK could easily lead to cross-border attacks or unrest in other Central Asian states. Targeting oil and gas infrastructure could cause significant economic damage and
May 4, 20255 min read


Australia: Federal elections set to see Labour Party continue in power for second term
Australian elections are typically peaceful, and the transfer of power has been historically peaceful, but there remains a potential for minor civil unrest. The Labour Party is tipped to win the elections, and Anthony Albanese is likely to continue in his role as prime minister for a second term.
May 2, 20253 min read


South Africa: Scraping of Controversial VAT Hike After Major Pushback From Coalition Partners
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the reversal of the proposed Value-Added Tax (VAT) increase, confirming that the VAT rate will stay at 15% from 01 May 2025. The decision, announced on 24 April 2025, follows widespread discontent over its potential impacts on the average South African and how it would disproportionately affect low-income households already struggling with the rising cost of living.
Apr 28, 20253 min read


India-Pakistan - Regional Diplomatic Tensions Worsen Following Kashmir Attack
India has accused Pakistan of being involved in the attack, which Pakistan denies. India also threatened a “loud and clear” response to the incident. More than 1,500 people have been arrested by the police across Jammu and Kashmir, and several demonstrations were held in Srinagar over the attack. On 25 April 2025, media reported indicated that both sides exchanged gunfire along the Line of Control, which separates the two countries, but the report did not specify the exact lo
Apr 27, 20254 min read


Vatican City - Security Concerns Mount Ahead of Pope’s Funeral
On 24 April 90,000 people filed past the Pontiff's body following an 8 hour wait for access to pay respects to him.
Factors including strong media attention, the religious element, and large crowds increase the appeal of the event as a target for Islamist terror groups.
Travel disruptions are highly likely and visitors should expect closures, restrictions, and huge crowds.
The Pope will continue to lie in state until the evening of 25 April 2025 and at around 1900hr
Apr 25, 20255 min read


UK - Scottish Gang Crisis Continues
Clashes between rival gangs have been reported from Edinburgh and Glasgow over drug territories with violence levels that are rapidly escalating. Methods used between the rivals have been firebombs, firearms, weapons. The past six weeks have seen over a dozen brutal attacks take place with private properties and children caught in the crossfire of the organised crime that the Police Federation admitted there are not enough officers to deal with.
Apr 23, 20253 min read


Russian Espionage and Maritime Security Threats Across Europe
UK's weaknesses in maritime security, indicating that similar threats could arise throughout Europe. The risk of cyberattacks from Russian espionage threatens critical infrastructure in Germany and other European countries.
The attempt to access a webcam suggests that Russian users may have been aware of the attack and wanted to observe it live. While investigations did not find evidence that the Mannheim attack was orchestrated by Russia, German officials still consider i
Apr 18, 20253 min read


South Korea: The Necessity of Strategic Awareness Amid Seoul's Prevalent Challenges
With an election on the near horizon, the country’s domestic political upheaval is entering a new phase. Yoon’s conspiracy theories have taken root and far-right extremism is on the rise at a time of intense division, excessive partisanship, mass protests, and populism. With the country’s history of protests and demonstrations, such incidents are likely to continue. The volatility brought by Donald Trump’s re-election has added further volatility to already virulent global th
Apr 17, 20258 min read

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