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 of public interest from critical perspectives and from global south readings by highlighting media from four particular regions: Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, and developing Asia. Entries may include academic journal articles, think tank reports, non-governmental organizations releases, official documents or government-commissioned research, and regular news items. The material included covers SiC’s key security issues: Climate Change, Security and International Relations, Migration and Displacement, Covid-19 and Capitalism, Technologies of Surveillance, Gender, Race, Ethnicity and Sexuality, Arms and the Military-industrial Complex, and Censorship.
You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each roundup to submissions@securityincontext.org.
Monthly Roundup Highlight
Created by Tom Nicholson
Latin America and the Caribbean
Contributor(s): Nick Bythrow and Oshin Pandey
In Costa Rica, an ‘education blackout’ fuels gang violence and dims children’s hopes of a future
August 28, 2024
The country's social fabric is eroding, the pandemic is having negative impacts, and politicians decided to cease funding education, all of which have combined to create what is known as a “educational blackout,” with the 38% of Costa Rican adolescents living in poverty being the most affected.
A coffee plantation in Brazil enslaved Africans. Centuries later, their descendants have taken over
August 19, 2024
Approximately five hundred laborers, a large workforce even by Brazilian standards, were held as slaves by José de Souza Breves, one of the richest men in Brazil, who also controlled eight other estates in the area.
Dominica’s Housing Developments Progress In Woodford Hill, Eggleston, And Vieille Case
August 19, 2024
Ongoing housing developments in Dominica are expanding the region’s housing sector, adding to the multi-thousand acre plots of land in Woodford Hill, Eggleston, and Vielle Case. This will allow for more strongly-developed units as the government continues developing safe homes for citizens.
Argentine Senate passes pension spending increase in a blow to President Milei's radical austerity
August 18, 2024
President Javier Milei's strict austerity agenda took a hit when the Argentine Senate overruled him and forced through an increase in pension expenditures that would have cost at least 0.4% of the nation's GDP.
Nearly a dozen inmates killed in Haiti prison break
August 17, 2024
Eleven inmates were killed by police in shootouts and one was arrested following a prison break in Haiti. While State Prosecutor Venson Francois asks citizens to be safe but vigilant, this is the third incident involving prison breaks tied to gang violence in the nation over the last year.
UN slams Venezuela repression and lack of transparency
August 14, 2024
An expert panel at the UN has criticized Venezuela's election for a lack of transparency, citing the absence of publications from the National Electoral Council for declaring Maduro the winner without publicizing exact results. Over 2,400 people have been detailed in protests since then, indicative of the turmoil currently enveloping the nation.
Judge rejects bulk of Mexico's $10bn US guns lawsuit
August 8, 2024
A lawsuit from Mexico against the United States has been thrown out of court, aimed at US gun manufacturers allegedly dealing in illegal weapons trafficking across the border. Mexico has sued eight companies at the time of this article, with their foreign ministry intent on continuing to pursue legal action until
Venezuela opposition leader joins protests against election results
August 3, 2024
Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has joined her supporters in Caracas to protest the results of the latest elections, as allegations of fraud against Nicolas Maduro grow. At least 20 have been killed in protests at the time of this article, with many angered by what are seemingly rigged results in the latest election.
Africa
Contributor(s): Nick Bythrow
August 22, 2024
Members of an as-yet-identified extremist group have attacked government properties in Ethiopia’s Sengen district, resulting in 14 deaths and counting. A multitude of facilities were destroyed, with attackers targeting a police station and potentially abducing unidentified individuals.
More than a dozen aid trucks cross into Darfur from Chad
August 22, 2024
OCHA has sent over a dozen aid trucks, many from the WFP and International Organization for Migration, to Darfur, Sudan through Chad as the ongoing conflict continues to displace civilians. While the efforts will help at least 12,000 people in need, it unfortunately won’t be enough for the hundreds of thousands that have been displaced.
Mozambique forest stores huge amounts of carbon: laser technique puts new value on miombo woodlands
August 21, 2024
This article analyzes the level of carbon stored in different trees across Mozambique’s forests, discovering their forests have 10% more carbon than initially believed. This study underscores how forests can be used to secure carbon in the atmosphere despite the threat of deforestation, and what it means for the environment as a whole.
Kenya to revive scrapped tax plans, risking unrest
August 19, 2024
Despite the vast number of protests over the nation’s latest tax plan, Kenya is set to introduce a revised version of their eco-levy tax. This new version will not include sanitary towels, and is instead aimed at large companies like Coca-Cola operating in the nation.
Nearly 68 million people reeling from drought in Southern Africa: Official
August 17, 2024
A new report from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) reveals 68 million people in Southern Africa, an estimated 17% of the region, is suffering from an ongoing drought an are in need of help. This includes low water supplies as well as crop and livestock shortages, caused by the late onset of rains within the El Nino time frame.
Sudanese peace talks get underway despite boycott by the army
August 14, 2024
The United States has initiated peace talks with Sudan in Geneva, in hopes of keeping the war from impacting any more of the region, such as the 10 million people who have been displaced. Unfortunately, the military refuses to attend said talks, leaving little room for potential the conflict will be resolved.
Africa CDC declares mpox a public health emergency
August 13, 2024
Jean Kaseya, Africa’s CDC head, has called for major efforts to curb the latest mpox outbreak, after it was declared a public health emergency by the organization. Almost every east and central African country has cases as of the article’s publication, with the most being centered within the DRC.
August 12, 2024
This article focuses on how renewable energy projects from South Africa’s government can be beneficial to small towns, such as those in the Northern Cape province. However, contractors need to be communicative with towns they are building in or near, and should use the construction as a way to create jobs that meet the needs of the communities.
Police fire tear gas at protesters as new Kenya cabinet is sworn in
August 8, 2024
Protestors in Nairobi upset by the actions of President William Ruto have been the victims of tear gas as a new cabinet under the president is sworn in. This continues to underscore the level of mistrust the people of the nation have for their government. The article also contains multiple photos of the protest in action, including clashes with police.
Tigray opposition parties call for unity, inclusive regional gov't amidst TPLF internal rift
August 1, 2024
Three opposition parties within Tigray are calling for civilian unity to remain neutral as the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) experiences infighting that has led to government statements about leadership in the group.
Middle East
Contributor(s): Tom Nicholson
Exclusive: Palestinian cancer patients stranded in Egypt struggle to find care
August 29, 2024
Many Gazans in need of medical care who were evacuated to Egypt are now stranded there. Medical evacuations out of Egypt have diminished since spring, and many of these stranded Palestinian patients are receiving little to no medical attention.
Israel attacks southern Lebanon, Hezbollah launches rockets at Israel
August 25, 2024
Israel, detecting an incoming retaliatory attack from Hezbollah, launched a preemptive airstrike attack on southern Lebanon shortly before Hezbollah struck. This exchange marks a significant and serious escalation of the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
Bracing for war: Lebanese hospitals ready emergency plans
August 23, 2024
With the threat of all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah on the rise, hospitals in Lebanon are preparing for the worst. Emergency training is being given to young nurses and other staff in these hospitals in order to prepare for a mass-casualty event.
UN: Over 80% of Gaza’s buildings destroyed
August 20, 2024
An estimate has been released regarding the total destruction caused in the Gaza war so far— not just including civilian-built structures but also structures that had been built by the UN. The cost estimate is currently $50-$60 billion for reconstruction.
Sources: Israel emerges optimistic from ceasefire talks in Doha, Hamas sees ‘major obstacles’
August 18, 2024
Israel and Hamas have opposing views on the ceasefire talks that took place in Doha. Israeli PM Netanyhu allegedly introduced new demands during these talks, demands which Hamas claims will present new obstacles to reach a ceasefire deal thus prolonging the war.
Netanyahu added new conditions to ceasefire proposal: Report
August 13, 2024
Israel’s Prime Minister seems to have added conditions to Israel’s terms for the Gaza ceasefire proposal, which would further complicate the deal. It is implied that Israel now wants to keep control over the southern border with Egypt and will now show less flexibility in letting Palestinians return to their homes in northern Gaza, neither of which are conditions that had previously appeared in the “comprehensive” version of the proposal.
Addictions on the rise in wartime Israel
August 10, 2024
The usage of addictive sedative substances in Israel has risen by a shocking amount since the start of the Gaza War. Studies show that there is a connection between this trend and indirect exposure to the events that have been happening since October 7th.
Israeli minister calls Gaza ceasefire deal a 'dangerous trap'
August 9, 2024
Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. are making a diplomatic push to end the Gaza War and urging Israel and Hamas to resume talks. However, Israel’s far-right Finance Minister has warned Israel’s Prime Minister that the latest ceasefire deal could be a trap allowing Hamas to regroup.
Travelers rush to leave Lebanon amid spiking tensions, canceled flights
August 5, 2024
The nearly back-to-back assassination of Hamas’ leader and a military chief in Hezbollah has driven foreign tensions in the Middle East dangerously high. In countries such as Lebanon, airports have become chaotic as many travelers and foreign citizens have been urged to leave immediately.
Train, metro fares hiked, increasing percentage of vulnerable households, analyst says
August 1, 2024
A week after fuel prices in Egypt underwent their latest hike, transportation rates in Egypt have also gone up for the sixth time in six years. Since the average Egyptian household was already paying 6.7 percent of its total income on transportation, this economic change is projected to have a serious effect on those with low-income.
Developing Asia
Contributor(s): Prisca Afantchao
NMC: Time to review PH-US mutual defense treaty
August 28, 2024
The National Maritime Council (NMC) suggests reviewing the Philippines' mutual defense treaty (MDT) with the US amidst rising tensions in the South China Sea. NMC spokesman Alexander Lopez suggests the time to review the pact, stating that significant changes have occurred since its signing 73 years ago.
Xi to address forum on China-Africa cooperation
August 23, 2024
In early September, leaders from China and Africa will meet at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. The leaders will join each other in Beijing, discussing the past and future of China-Africa cooperation including economic diversification and tech development. Some experts point to this forum as an opportunity to strengthen development in the Global South.
Vietnam strongly supports Orange Agent victims in putting lawsuits against producers
August 22, 2024
Following a Paris court's rejection of a case raised by a Vietnamese victim of Agent Orange, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed her deep regret over the ruling. Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang expressed support for Vietnamese people seeking justice for the wrongdoing of chemical companies who supplied the US with the destructive bioweapon, Agent Orange.
China will not stop with Taiwan: Lai
August 22, 2024
Taiwanese President William Lai addressed the Ketagalan Form on Indo-Pacific security in Taipei, saying Taiwan will act as an anti-authoritarian and democratic force against the military expansionism of China. He affirmed that Taiwan “will not be intimidated” and the administration’s primary goal is to strengthen Taiwan’s defensive capabilities.
India and Japan hold talks on Indo-Pacific security
August 21, 2024
Foreign and defense ministers of Japan and India met in New Delhi to discuss bilateral defense cooperation which is intended to bolster their security, specifically countering China’s increased military activity. The duo is one half of a “two and two” approach which also includes the United States and Australia, nations with high political stakes in the Indo-Pacific region.
Lives on the line in the Himalaya
August 21, 2024
An earthquake that took place on August 16, 2024 led to a glacial lake burst in Nepal, flooding through the Himalayan village of Thame. This flood brought reminders of past fatal flaws and increased vigilance of civilians and experts alike in the face of increasing natural disasters caused by climate change. The thousands of glacial lakes across the Himalaya represent a risk that can impact not only Nepal but also China.
Taliban celebrates three years of return to power in Afghanistan
August 14, 2024
Afghanistan’s Taliban hosted a military parade which took place in the airbase which was once controlled by the US. On August 15, 2021, the Taliban seized power of Kabul, following the dissolution of the US-backed government. Grave concerns of the humanitarian crisis looms over the people of Afghanistan, especially women and girls who the UN has said are subject to a “gender apartheid.”
War crimes escalating in Myanmar: UN Investigators
August 13, 2024
UN Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar has reported alarming escalation of crimes such as torture, gang rape, abuse of children, burnings, and sexual humiliation in Myanmar. These war crimes are being committed against perceived enemies or opponents of the military junta. According to the annual report released in June 2024, the atrocities have been occuring at a higher rate all over the country.
Interim government to be formed; Sheikh Hasina has resigned: Army Chief
August 5, 2024
The Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has announced that there will be an interim government formed as Sheikh Hasina has resigned from her position as Prime Minister. He has asked the public, and specifically students, who have been leading protests against the job quota system, to “remain calm.”
North Africa and the Middle East
Contributor(s): Racha Bouofousse
Spain's Migrant Policy in North Africa
August 28, 2024
Spain announced it will create jobs for 250,000 people in Mauritania to reduce the number of boat migrants heading toward the Canary Islands. This is a reaction to the political and social instability in the Sahel that has led to increased migration attempts
August 25, 2024
Iraqi PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani was seen with three influential governors at the Arbaeen pilgrimage, hinting at a potential new political alliance ahead of the 2025 elections, which could shake up the current Shiite power dynamics.
August 23, 2024
Kirkuk's new government faces a boycott from Arab, Kurdish, and Turkmen parties, rejecting the legitimacy of the newly elected governor and calling for negotiations.
August 22, 2024
The king of Morocco granted a royal pardon to 4,781 cannabis farmers. This move was seen as an attempt to improve the country's position in the global legal cannabis market.
Libya Lost $95 Billion Due to Security Issues
August 13, 2024
Libya lost $95 billion in economic growth over the last ten years, according to this study. This is because of terrorists and security problems. Foreign investors stopped all together when ISIS grew, which had a big effect on Libya's economy.
August 6, 2024
Hamas has appointed Yahya Sinwar as its new leader, replacing Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed by Israel. The move is seen as a challenge to Israel.
Finland Backs Moroccan Sovereignty Over Sahara
August 6, 2024
Finland is the first Northern European country to officially support Morocco's autonomy plan for western Sahara, calling it the only viable solution, increasing international backing for Morocco and isolating the Polisario Front.
How an Israel-Iran War Might Unfold
August 4, 2024
The Times stated that a war could start if Iran responds to Israel's killing of Hamas head Ismail Haniyeh. Hezbollah's large weapons and the possibility of fighting on multiple fronts may lead to a prolonged, challenging war for Israel.
Countries Urge Citizens to Leave Lebanon
August 4, 2024
Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, France, US and UK, have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon due to escalating tensions and attacks.
Tunisian Opposition Claims Intimidation Before Election
August 2, 2024
Rights and opposition groups in Tunisia say that President Kais Saied is spreading fear to make sure he wins re-election. They say that candidates' rights are being limited and that they are being harassed by the law, which makes them worry about how fair the election is.
Israel and Palestine
Contributor(s): Diego Winger
Risk of regional war hangs over Gaza ceasefire talks
August 15, 2024
After recent IDF assassinations of major anti-Israel leaders and subsequent threats by Iran and Hezbollah, the US has just strengthened its military presence in the region while also supporting the development of a truce to prevent escalation. Israeli relatives of the 111 hostages currently held by Hamas have been pushing for an urgent hostage deal with concerns that an escalation would likely be the end of any hopes to see their stolen loved ones alive again. There are even potentially accurate leaks that major IDF leaders have been pushing Netanyahu to finalize a ceasefire deal. The main obstacle is reluctance on the part of Hamas and Israeli leaders, particularly with Netanyahu’s concerns about maintaining the backing of his right-wing supporters who have pushed back on hostage exchanges. Hamas has accused Netanyahu’s government of moving the goalpost whenever agreements are made, while Israeli leaders argue that any alleged changes made to ceasefire deals were simply clarifications.
Report: IDF using Gazans to check areas that may be booby-trapped before troops enter
August 13, 2024
According to testimonies from returning IDF soldiers, the Israeli military has been scouting out male Gazan civilians to utilize when navigating dense and often booby-trapped areas, drawing criticism that they are used as human shields. One soldier mentioned that his commander supported the practice due to soldier deaths being more unfortunate than the deaths of Gazan civilians, and claims were made that senior IDF leadership have been aware of this widespread tactic. Often regular troops would be misled into believing the men had ties to the IDF, especially as in at least one case a Gazan civilian was haphazardly dressed in a uniform and a bodycam to be used to scout out a tunnel in a combat zone. One soldier regretfully recalled, “at the end of the day, you have a 16-year-old boy sitting inside the house handcuffed, with his eyes covered.”
August 10, 2024
The low access to food supplies has resulted in many in Gaza turning towards fishing as a health and financial necessity. The problem with this is that basic fishing equipment is also much less accessible due to bombings and evacuations as well as low supplies, as well as IDF attacks on ships straying too far from the shoreline. One such fisherman mentioned that the price of the average fish net has increased by roughly four times, resulting in a necessary downwind inflation in fish prices. Thus the impact of the war on Gaza’s infrastructure has through basic market dynamics set the stage for potential wide-scale famine induced in large part by poverty.
Alarms ringing about severe ill-treatment of Palestinians in Israeli jails
August 9, 2024
There have been reports that many Palestinian prisoners at the military black site Sde Teiman were detained, without legal representation or contact with their families, while escaping IDF bombing campaigns in areas they had been seeking shelter. Some of these detainees would go on to experience torture and in at least one case even rape at the hands of military reservists, who would subsequently be themselves detained and interrogated for their legal excesses in prisoner treatment. These recent revelations come as part of a wider trend of testimonies, often by Israeli doctors, of abuse of prisoners at the hands of Sde Teiman personnel since December. The interrogation of IDF reservists stationed at Sde Teiman accused of raping a Palestinian detainee instigated a wave of protests even at the black site itself by right-wing Israelis who, as well as many Israeli politicians, have called for legal immunity for the rapists.
Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination aimed to prolong Israel’s war on Gaza: Abbas
August 6, 2024
The President of the Fatah-run Palestinian State (and chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization), Mahmoud Abbas, has claimed that the IDF assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran was a “cowardly” and “dangerous” attempt to drag out the war on Gaza. He made this statement in an interview published by the Russian news agency RIA. Haniyeh was the face of the party’s international diplomatic relations including ceasefire efforts. Abbas also made plans to visit Moscow this month in order to discuss the conflict with President Putin.
Key Issues
This section includes the latest and most pressing news regarding SiC’s key security issues.
Contributor(s): Oshin Pandey
Chinese, US trade officials to hold meeting in Tianjin amid growing talks to stabilize ties
August 29, 2024
Next month, Chinese and US business and trade officials will meet in Tianjin Municipality, North China, to discuss a variety of topics, including trade and economic policies, which will further strengthen the already-growing relationship between the two nations’ authorities.
Nearly 200 people dead: What’s behind armed attacks in Burkina Faso?
August 26, 2024
The Burkinabe village of Barsalogho has seen about 200 fatalities and 140 injuries as a result of the most recent in a string of devastating attacks carried out by the armed organization Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which has ties to al-Qaeda.
North Korea’s International Network for Artificial Intelligence Research
August 21, 2024
North Korea falls behind major nations like China and the US in the global AI progress race. But North Korea continues to collaborate with China in university settings for possible AI development, even in the face of sanctions.
Indonesia and Australia finalise ‘significant’ defence pact
August 20, 2024
Finalizing a new defense agreement, Australia and Indonesia are strengthening their relationship just before Prabowo Subianto becomes the next president of Indonesia in October.
Battle to replace Kishida as Japan PM kicks off
August 15, 2024
A day after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida abruptly announced he would not be seeking reelection, a number of current and former Cabinet members indicated they planned to participate in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership contest next month. This marked the beginning of the contest for Japan's next leader.
Taliban ‘deliberately deprived’ 1.4 million girls of schooling: UN
August 15, 2024
The United Nations claims that during its three years in office, the Taliban regime in Afghanistan "deliberately deprived" at least 1.4 million girls of their right to an education.
‘I can’t afford it’: Poverty drives Myanmar students out of school
August 9, 2024
Although the junta claims to provide free education, many impoverished students are dropping out due to discriminatory practices, hidden expenses at schools, and government corruption.
August 7, 2024
In the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, Japan and the Philippines conducted their first-ever combined military drills in the South China Sea on August 2, as reported by Reuters. Less than a month had passed since the two nations inked a historic military agreement permitting the stationing of troops on one another's territory when the drills began.
Philippines, Germany commit to reaching defence pact this year
August 4, 2024
This year, the Philippines and Germany pledged to uphold the international rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific area by signing a defense cooperation agreement.
