This is a roundup of news articles, reports, and other materials focusing on (in)security issues and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of Security in Context. The goal is to shed light on knowledge production on security-related issues that are of public interest from different perspectives. Entries may include academic journal articles, think tank reports, non-governmental organizations releases, official documents or government-commissioned research, and regular news items. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each roundup to admin@securityincontext.com
This month's Media Roundup includes a section on Israel/ Palestine.
Climate Change and Security
Canadian inferno: northern heat exceeds worst-case climate models
July 2, 2021
Lytton, Canada is an example of the intense effects of climate change in the North West. In Lytton, temperatures reached a height that evaded the most accurate predictive weather models.
Why it's time to change the way we talk about climate change
July 2, 2021
While mainstream media outlets describe recent catastrophes induced by climate change as “unprecedented” and “record-breaking,” the scientific community has warned us of major changes in the climate for many years. By describing climate events in such a superfluous way, the media is perpetuating a false sense of recency with regard to climate change.
Climate change: US-Canada heatwave 'virtually impossible' without warming
July 6, 2021
A team of climate researchers found that the extreme heat wave that blasted north west Canada and the U.S. was 150 times worse due to human activity.
North American heatwave broke records – and the climate models
July 7, 2021
Heat waves that hit the north west of Canada and the U.S. broke temperature records and were very difficult to anticipate. Climate scientists believe that climate change is making heat waves more intense and difficult to predict.
US and Russia pledge to ‘move together’ against climate change
July 12, 2021
Russia and the U.S. have agreed to be in close cooperation to tackle climate change which is a step in the right direction after the tensions of last month’s summit.
EU unveils sweeping climate change plan
July 15, 2021
A slew of new climate change proposals were floated in the European Union parliament. These proposals included a jet fuel tax as well as a ban on petrol cars in the next 20 years. These constitute efforts to become carbon neutral by 2050.
European Floods Are Latest Sign of a Global Warming Crisis
July 16, 2021
Unprecedented flooding in Germany due to extreme storms has killed over 100 people. The incident raises questions with regard to Germany’s weather warning systems.
Security and International Relations
Egypt hails Turkey's move to normalize diplomatic relations
July 4, 2021
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry praised Turkey for softening their criticism for the Egyptians. This development suggests that Turkish Egyptian foreign relations are departing from their hostile history.
Democratic Socialists of America Embraces Maduro Dictatorship
July 5, 2021
The DSA has expressed its support of the Maduro administration despite reports of human rights abuses. In fact, they have not acknowledged the humanitarian crisis whatsoever.
Biden directs evacuation flights for Afghan interpreters to begin late July
July 14, 2021
President Biden has called for the evacuation of Afghan interpreters who have aided the U.S. military for the last 20 years. However, the Biden administration is unclear exactly who will host them.
U.S. aid chief seeks more effective help for Haiti amid 'chaos'
July 14, 2021
As Haiti’s government falls into disarray and the country struggles with a lack of basic goods, the U.S. considers taking a more direct approach to aid the country. Providing foreign aid has done little to alleviate the immense pressure the country has fallen under.
Biden urged to focus on long-neglected Latin America as chaos erupts
July 15, 2021
As Haiti and Cuba erupt, some foreign policy experts urge Biden to intervene more in the foreign affairs of the western hemisphere. It’s possible that if the U.S. does not secure the hemisphere, its adversaries, namely Russia and China, will get involved.
Wang Yi Meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
July 16, 2021
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussed further developing diplomatic relations between Russia and China. This meeting occurred after an important video conference between President Putin and President Xi Jinping and confirmed their plans to fight Covid-19 and maintain regional stability.
Migration and Displacement
EXPLAINER: Are we going to need COVID-19 booster shots?
July 14, 2021
While some speculate that a Covid-19 booster shot will be available to combat dangerous variants, many health experts urge the international community to get everyone their first vaccine before developing second shots.
‘I miss home’: The war spawned a wave of displacement.
The war in Tigray forced thousands to be displaced, “Most fleeing across the border were men, many of whom said they feared that government-allied militias and security forces would kill them on the spot, according to interviews with several refugees who had arrived in Sudan”
June 29, 2021
Displacement, Migration, and Urbanization in the 21st Century
How urban displacement became an urban phenomenon in the 21st century, and how climate change is including in the displacement and violence. 79 million people are currently forcibly evicted.
July 6th, 2021
Forced from their homes, displaced Congolese in dire need of shelter
Two million displaced internally Congolese fleeing their homes in North Kivu province. Individuals shred personal experiences.
July 16, 2021
Covid-19, Capitalism & Economy
Europe in vaccination race against COVID-19′s delta variant
July 3, 2021
European countries are desperately trying to accelerate vaccine distribution in order to outpace the spread of the more severe delta variant.
England May Be Lifting Nearly All Of Its Coronavirus Restrictions By July 19
July 5, 2021
Boris Johnson has opened up England despite the continued presence of Covid-19 cases amongst the population. While Johnson recognizes that the pandemic is far from over, due to massive vaccine distribution success, he has decided to reopen the country.
Surge in Tokyo's COVID-19 cases likely means new state of emergency through Olympics
July 8, 2021
New reports suggest that Tokyo is undergoing a major surge in coronavirus cases. This is likely to affect the postponed 2020 Olympics as hundreds of new cases are found in Tokyo. New protocols have been put in place banning spectators.
Australia's COVID-19 Delta outbreak worsens despite Sydney lockdown
July 12, 2021
It is likely that Sydney will extend its lockdown due to continued record daily covid cases. While Australia has handled the pandemic very well, outbreaks in Sydney continue to flare up.
COVID Risks at the Tokyo Olympics Aren’t Being Managed, Experts Say
July 13, 2021
While the Olympics are set to take place at the end of July, health experts are worried that the international sporting event will inevitably spread the virus. The safety precautions being put in place do not account for unequal vaccine distribution amongst countries worldwide and different risk levels between different sports.
Technologies of surveillance/Data Analytics/AI
Analysis-'Racist' facial recognition sparks ethical concerns in Russia
July 5, 2021
Russian facial recognition companies are confirmed to have produced technology to classify scanned faces by race and ethnicity. Digital rights activists argue that this sets a dangerous precedent.
SoftBank Backs Facial-Recognition Startup Despite Privacy Concerns
July 7, 2021
SoftBank Group Corp. has become a leading investor in one of the largest facial recognition companies. This is notable given the intense scrutiny facial recognition has received from activists and lawmakers. This scrutiny likely influenced Microsoft to sell its shares in the company.
‘Deeply alarmed’: China now ahead of U.S. on privacy law
July 8, 2021
While China is largely known to have a massive surveillance apparatus, a Chinese professor successfully filed and won a lawsuit against the use of facial recognition. Policy experts worry that this has set a precedent for privacy laws in China outpacing the U.S. which has virtually no privacy protections for its citizens.
Homeland Security funding package pours millions into migrant surveillance
July 13, 2021
A bill to allocate $475 million to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement(ICE) to develop Alternative to Detention(ATD) was advanced through the House Appropriations Committee. However, the ATD includes questionable surveillance measures including the use of ankle monitors and unmanned aircrafts.
Gender, Race, Ethnicity, and Sexuality
Transgender Americans can choose gender on passport, state department says
July 1, 2021
The U.S. State Department announced that transgender Americans can now change their gender on their passport. Additionally, a non-binary option will be added. These policy changes are a small reflection of Biden’s platform on social issues and his overall message of inclusivity.
Discrimination, stress linked to poorer heart health in transgender, gender-diverse adults
July 8, 2021
Experiencing discrimination induces serious psychology stressors which are linked to higher rates of heart disease. Experts have found a compelling correlation between heart disease and trans or mixed gendered individuals.
For U.S. Latinos, COVID-19 Has Taken a Personal and Financial Toll
July 15, 2021
Latinos have been disproportionately affected by Covid-19. According to several Pew Research surveys, Latinos are more likely to know someone with the coronavirus and Latino immigrants are much more likely to have lost their job.
Arms, Weapons, and Military Industrial Complex
Nuclear Weapon Skeptics Face Turbulent Path to Rein in the Pentagon
July 1, 2021
It is clear that the U.S. The Department of Defense as well as the pentagon is continuing to develop a major nuclear program. According to experts, continued nuclear development is embedded in the minds of many in the Pentagon as well as the defense contractors.
Myanmar military kills at least 25 people in raid on central town
July 5, 2021
Myanmar has plunged into chaos as massive protests and civil unrest has erupted after the February 1st coup against its elected leader. Protesters include doctors and nurses and were met with extreme violence from Myanmar armed forces who killed 25 people.
UN rights expert urges sanctions on Myanmar's oil, gas sectors
July 7, 2021
Humanitarian experts from the UN urge countries to sanction Myanmar for its treatment of protesters. So far, no state has exerted economic pressure in the oil and gas sector. However, this economic pressure must not affect the people in the country.
The Military, Industrial, Financial And Data (MIFD) Complex
July 10, 2021
The U.S.Military Industrial Financial and Data Complex may be an inhibiting force as other countries invest their money in education and innovation.
Why is South Korea developing an Israeli-style Iron Dome?
July 16, 2021
South Korea has pledged $2.5 Billion to an Israeli style short ranged missile defense system. This military investment is most likely due to North Korea’s arsenal but deters diplomatic relations and negotiation.
Israel/Palestine
Nizar Banat: Palestinians turn on leaders after activist's death
July 3, 2021
Protests have erupted in the west bank after Palestinian activist Nizar Banat died in the custody of the Palestinian Authority. Banat had posted several Facebook videos criticizing the PA for corruption.
Israel Bombs Gaza Strip as Palestinians Launch Incendiary Balloons
July 6, 2021
Israel bombed parts of Gaza as a retaliation strike after incendiary balloons were deployed from war torn Palestinian territory. This bombing was a violation of a ceasefire established on May 21st
Israel's new government fails to extend controversial citizenship law
July 6, 2021
The Israeli government failed to extend a discriminatory citizenship law that banned Palestinians who marry Israeli citizens from being granted citizenship. The citizenship law is set to expire on July 8th which would grant thousands of Palestinians an opportunity to become Israeli citizens.
Israel Continues Demolition of Palestinian Homes in Occupied West Bank
July 9, 2021
Israeli forces continue to demolish Palestinian homes in the West Bank. Despite condemnations from human rights groups and questions raised by the U.S. secretary of state, Israel continues to demolish Palestinian homes.
Palestinians Find New Unity After War With Israel
July 13, 2021
Palestinians who have been divided into separate groups and enclaves by the Israeli occupation have found a great sense of unity after the recent 4th war between Israel and Hamas. Due to social media exposure and the prevalence of hashtags such as #SaveSheikhJarrah and #GazaUnderAttack, Palestinians have united against the injustices of the Israeli occupation on a much larger stage.
Israel’s Surprising Consensus on the Palestinian Issue
July 14, 2021
There is a lot of contention surrounding the Israeli-Palestine conflict within Israeli public discourse. While many believe that Israel should aim to desolate the conflict, it is also paramount to most Israelis that their safety is secured. This has led to many arguing for the enfranchisement Palestinian political and social institutions without compromising the safety of the state of Israel.
Palestine runs dry: ‘Our water they steal and sell to us’
July 15, 2021
While Palestinians face major water shortages in the West Bank, Israeli occupiers in the region enjoy unlimited quantities. Israel controls 85% of the water sources in the area and refuses to grant Palestinian authorities licenses to drill wells and access the existing water sources.
