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 Highlights
Latin America and the Caribbean
Submissions made by Rowan Moxley
Oil spill spreads across Caribbean from Tobago to Bonaire
February 26, 2024
`A capsized barge off the coast of Tobago has spilled oil as far as the Caribbean island nation Bonaire. Officials are unsure whose barge it is, but have admitted the spill poses a huge threat for plant and animal life on the island.
Beef trade risks key Brazil ecosystem
February 20, 2024
Brazil’s Cerrado forests have reported illegal deforestation, and much of the activity has been linked to three key beef producers: JBS, Marfrig, and Minerva. Although they all claim to have acted in accordance with local law, the Cerrado is not offered the same protections as the Amazon and it makes it difficult to conduct investigations.
Bolivia floods: Alert as torrential rains kill dozens
February 19, 2024
Hundreds of villages in Bolivia have been put on alert as torrential downpours continue to destroy the South American nation. More than 33 deaths are currently reported as mudslides and flooding break out in response to the rain.
British Museum facing social media campaign to return Easter Island statue
February 18, 2024
The British Museum has deactivated Instagram comments after thousands of Chileans spammed “return the moai” on their posts. The trend was started by an anonymous poster in Chile who wants to see the stolen moai returned from the UK to Easter Island in Chile.
Argentina’s Monthly Inflation Rate Slows to 20.6% in January
February 14, 2024
Argentina has witnessed a much-needed slowdown in the growth of the inflation rate, stopping just five points below the December figures. This could signal economic forces rebounding in Argentina, or even highlight positive reactions to Milei’s new economic policies.
Concern grows for detained Venezuelan activist
February 13, 2024
Rocio San Miguel, a Venezuelan activist who is very vocal about her disdain for the Maduro administration, has been detained in an undisclosed location following accusations from the attorney general of a plot to murder Maduro himself.
Brazil police seize Jair Bolsonaro’s passport amid ‘coup’ probe
February 8, 2024
Jair Bolsonaro’s passport has been confiscated by Brazilian police after the accusations of his coup attempt, following the electoral loss to Luiz Lula de Silva, hit the public. Bolsonaro is accused of drafting a decree to jail a Supreme Court justice and overturn the results of the election.
Colombia agrees with ELN rebel group to extend truce
February 6, 2023
The ELN and Colombian government have agreed to suspend altercation for another six months, offering another brief period of safety after decades of violence between the two sides. The ELN, started as a leftist Student group in the 1960s after the success of Cuba’s socialist revolution, mostly runs drug trafficking now.
Fentanyl crisis grips Mexico's border cities
February 6, 2024
The Fentanyl crisis has reached a new highest point in Mexico, where Tijuana police just discovered two new overdoses. The drug has spread across Mexico due to cartel activity and cutting recreational drugs, and cities like Tijuana report almost one-in-three bodies containing fentanyl.
El Salvador’s Bukele claims landslide election win
February 4, 2023
President Nayib Bukele has secured another term after an electoral race with soaring approval ratings and virtually no competition. Known for his gang-busting priorities, Bukele carries a fantastic reputation for beginning to heal a nation torn from its Civil War lasting until 1992.
Africa
Submissions made by Nick Bythrow
February 29, 2024
The Defense Forces of both Ethiopia and Kenya met in Nairobi to discuss their military relations. Both nations agreed on working together to combat “common threats” across their shared region, indicating a closer relationship between both nations, especially when it comes to military activities.
Senegal: Will delayed presidential polls be held in June?
February 28, 2024
Following a ruling that pushing Senegal’s election back to December 15 was unconstitutional, it was announced the election could now take place on June 2. However, there is still tension, as opposition candidates want the election to happen as soon as possible now that the pushback law has been deemed unconstitutional.
February 26, 2024
86% of small businesses in Mozambique that rely on the national grid for electricity are experiencing “an unreliable supply.” This article examines how the country, with the 14th biggest natural gas reserves in the world, can utilize regional energy policies that can specifically help small businesses in need.
ECOWAS leaders meet in bid to keep Mali, Niger and Burkina in bloc
February 24, 2024
At their most recent summit, leaders of ECOWAS met in hopes of keeping Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from forming their own economic group. This comes after all three countries were suspended from ECOWAS following successful military coups.
Cholera: An overlooked outcome of climate change
February 23, 2024
This article connects the rise in cholera cases in locations like Zambia to climate change, indicating that combating the global issue can help stop the rise of disease and death in Southern African nations.
February 12, 2024
The Amhara region of Ethiopia is experiencing a humanitarian crisis due to a food shortage caused by a lack of aid. It has been two months since civilians has received flour and oil, essential items given to them through aid.
Senegal: Tension mounts in Dakar as clashes erupt amid political unrest
February 9, 2024
Violence has escalated in the streets of Dakar, Senegal, opposing a new law that was passed extending President Macky Sall’s term while pushing elections back to December 15. This was one of many protests that have broken out, sparked by the new law.
DRC: Thousands flee homes as fighting intensifies in Goma
February 8, 2024
Battles between the Congolese army and M23 militants in DRC have caused thousands of people to flee their homes for safety. This lack of safety is exacerbated by soldiers who are allegedly leaving their posts as M23 advances in the region.
February 6, 2024
This article highlights how women fishing in the fishing community of Lagos, Nigeria are struggling to provide for their families. The author showcases how different social issues make it more difficult for them, and how social networks focused on reducing poverty can assist in bolstering their community contributions.
Is the Kenyan government doing enough to act against femicide?
February 2, 2024
In this video report, Al Jazeera investigates the high rates of women killed in Kenya due to gender-based violence. The report reveals how little the Kenyan government is doing to halt these deaths, as well as how Human Rights Watch considers the issue a “national crisis.”
Middle East
Submissions made by Tom Nicholson
The Syrian regime is stepping up its use of suicide drones
February 27, 2024
The Syrian government has upped its usage of FPV (first-person view) suicide drones for the purpose of military attacks. The drones are not only being used to target enemy forces but also civilian areas on the front lines of conflict.
Israel continues attacks on civilians in Gaza despite international calls for ceasefire
February 25, 2024
The Gaza Strip continues to suffer despite any calls for a ceasefire. Civilians are still starving and dying, and Israel refuses to let any supplies enter the northern part of the region.
Gaza economy shrank by more than 80% in 4th quarter due to conflict: World Bank
February 22, 2024
The widespread damage and mortality from the Gaza war has caused Gaza’s economy to suffer greatly. All economic activity in the region has come to a complete stop and Gaza’s GDP has taken a nosedive.
Turkey revokes citizenship of Muslim Brotherhood leader Mahmoud Hussein, among others
February 20, 2024
Mahmoud Hussein is one of the five Egyptian nationals and members of the Muslim Brotherhood to have their Turkish citizenship revoked this week. These individuals were targets of a recent security campaign in Turkey that was initiated as Turkey and Egypt work together to restore their political and diplomatic relations.
Egypt building new walled buffer zone more than 2 miles wide on Gaza border
February 16, 2024
Recent satellite imagery has revealed that Egypt is constructing a barrier on the Gaza border that’s a few miles long. The wall’s main purpose is probably as a response to the anticipation of Israel’s ground assault on Rafah.
Parliament websites hit with cyber attack
February 13, 2024
Less than a month away from Iran’s parliamentary elections, the Iranian parliament was recently infiltrated by another cyber attack—allegedly orchestrated by the anti-Iran Mojehadin-e Khlaq Organization (MKO) as evident by the images of MKO leaders that were left on the parliament’s website. Some of the damage done by the attack includes the release of numerous pages of compromised material.
Israelis grapple with 'broken' security promise since Hamas attack
February 12, 2024
A combination of Hamas attacks/kidnappings and the ongoing Gaza war has left Israeli citizens feeling unprotected in their own country. Many have the sentiment that what was fundamentally a contract of security between the people and their government has now been broken.
West Bank Palestinians 'exhausted' by omnipresent Israeli surveillance
February 6, 2024
Surveillance of Israel’s West Bank city has intensified with the Gaza war and Palestinian citizens feel invaded and psychologically exhausted by the increased surveillance. The Israeli government plans to upgrade to a more automated system that uses facial recognition technology.
House passes law empowering military courts to prosecute market manipulation
February 2, 2024
Egypt’s House of Representatives has recently passed a law that allows military justice systems to tackle food market manipulation, a product of Egypt’s latest period of inflation. This recent addition to the Egyptian legislation is designed to assist in regulating the public goods market.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards 'pull out of Syria after Israeli strikes'
February 1, 2024
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has recently made the decision to pull out any and all of its senior officers that had been deployed in Syria. This decision follows several recent Israeli attacks that have made Iran reconsider its approach to its involvement in the Gaza war.
Developing Asia
Submissions made by Prisca Afantchao
Health care crisis hits highest level amid doctor walkout
February 23, 2024
South Korea has raised the health care crisis level to the highest due to junior doctors' collective walkout. The government plans to extend operating hours and expand weekend operations to minimize disruptions.
Nadim Criticizes Meetings Held Abroad on Afghanistan
February 20, 2024
Afghanistan’s Acting Minister of Education, Neda Mohammed Nadim, spoke against meetings that have been held abroad on the topic of women’s rights, such as access to education. Nadim made this statement at a seminar and countered the hosting of such meetings with claims that women’s rights are being protected in Afghanistan now more than ever.
India keen to share with Bangladesh wide-spectrum capabilities in defence manufacturing
February 20, 2024
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, has expressed interest in partnering with Bangladesh in defence manufacturing, citing India's recent advancements and the potential to utilize the Defence Line of Credit of USD 500 million extended by the government of India to the government of Bangladesh.
Modi Wants to Strengthen India-Indonesia Strategic Partnership with Prabowo
February 19, 2024
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Prabowo Subianto for his projected win of the presidential election, hoping for a stronger bilateral strategic partnership. Modi hopes to work with Subianto's administration.
Hanoi works to reduce pollution in craft villages
February 18, 2024
Wood factories in Lien Trung Commune, Hanoi, have caused environmental pollution and dangerous fires, causing fear and disruption to daily life. The Dan Phuong District People's Committee has decided to relocate polluting factories by 2022, following complaints and addressing 30 illegal violations since mid-November 2023.
Climate crisis ruins Himalayan pastoralists
February 17, 2024
A prolonged drought has resulted in a drastic increase of pastoral families being unable to graze their sheep and mountain goats in the pastures of Ma Kharka. Now, due to such dire climate, this ancestral occupation is seriously under threat.
Japan OKs new foreign trainee program to strengthen rights protection
February 10, 2024
Japanese government approves policy replacing controversial trainee program with improved rights protection, increased job flexibility, and stricter oversight, allowing for bills to be submitted to parliament.
China’s carrier-based fighter jets trains with early warning aircraft
February 7, 2024
The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy's aircraft carrier-based fighter jets conducted a training exercise with early warning aircraft, indicating the official debut of the carrier-based early warning aircraft.
Roadmap for Myanmar: Resistance’s demands
February 3, 2024
Myanmar's resistance group and allied ethnic armed groups have released a political roadmap for ending military rule and enabling a peaceful transition of power, stating they are open to peace talks with the army. One major part of the plan was to place all armed forces under the command of an elected civilian government.
Submarines in next phase of PH military upgrade
February 2, 2024
The Philippines’ Military Modernization Plan has reached its third phase, including purchasing its first submarine. The submarine purchase is meant to strengthen the nation’s ability to protect the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea which is highly disputed.
Geopolitics and Economic News of China
Submissions made by Lea Bou Doumit
This section presents a selection of open access articles licensed under creative commons revolving around China trade. Security in Context is resharing them to offer readers fresh content and deeper perspectives on global news.
Behind WTO lines, China seeks to shape global trade rules
February 28, 2024
China is shifting from a rule-taker to a rule-maker in WTO trade discussions, extending data transfer duties and participating in digital trade negotiations. Its top priority is removing investment barriers for developing countries and promoting environmental issues.
Tipped Power Balance: China’s Peak and the U.S. Resilience
February 22, 2024
The balance of power has shifted significantly in recent years, with China's resilience and strength contrasting with the United States. In 2020, China experienced the fastest expansion in a decade and promoted "China solutions" to the pandemic. However, the U.S. economy fully recovered, attracting more foreign investment than China. China's recovery faltered, and the GDP gap between the two widened. The abandonment of China's zero-COVID policy led to more fatalities and a drop in global vaccine delivery. This decline has sparked debates about China's ascent to the world's largest economy.
China’s chip industry is gaining indisputable momentum
February 14, 2024
China's HiSilicon and SMIC are gaining US attention due to their rapid technological advancements, raising concerns about their next-generation prowess and the US's push for "made in the USA" semiconductors.
Does Evergrande’s Collapse Threaten China’s Economy?
February 13, 2024
Evergrande Group, a Chinese real estate developer, faced bankruptcy in August 2023 due to aggressive borrowing and fundraising, fueled by China's property boom and housing reforms, and the government's financial repression policies.
China's doom loop: Smaller, older population could spur global slowdown
February 13, 2024
China's population is expected to decline significantly due to an aging population and a drop in birth rates. Over one-quarter of the population will be over 60 by 2040, putting pressure on pension and elderly care systems. Labor force reductions are expected, potentially affecting productivity gains. This could lead to a "doom loop" and increased imports, affecting innovation and entrepreneurship. As China's population shrinks, prices may rise outside the country, affecting export demand and employment levels.
February 13, 2024
China's population is expected to decline significantly, with forecasts suggesting it will reach 800 million by 2100. This demographic shift is characterized by an aging population and a drop in birth rates, with over one-quarter of the population over 60 by 2040. This could lead to political instability, and decreased household consumption, savings, and investment. Labor force reductions and a "doom loop" could negatively impact China's economic growth, impacting the retail trade sector and property sector crisis.
January 6, 2024
This study focuses on China's impact on its ecotourism index from 1985 to 2019. Results show that a 1% increase in foreign direct investment boosts sustainable tourism by 0.01%. Political openness and financial openness also significantly boost ecotourism. Key policies include political stability, green financial markets, and poverty alleviation measures.
Internet Censorship in China: Looking Through the Lens of Categorisation
January 5, 2024
This study introduces the concept of categorisation to analyze internet censorship in China, addressing the lack of a systematic overview. It proposes two levels of analysis: macro-meso-micro and data and metadata. Three contributions include emerging computational methods for micro-level censorship deletion, understanding organizational factors, and method triangulation for stronger censorship validity and reliability.
3 Reasons to take the long view on China
January 3, 2024
China's economy, despite facing challenges like aging population, rising debt, and property sector issues, experienced faster growth in Q3 2023, with the IMF expecting 5.4% growth. China leads in innovation, green technology, and long-term prospects.
November 30, 2023
A study analyzing 30 provinces from 2012 to 2020 found that the digital economy significantly promoted China's export technology upgrading, particularly in the eastern region, but negatively impacted the western region. The study suggests a combination of digital economy and foreign power strategies.
Israel and Palestine
Submissions made by Nick Bythrow, Tom Nicholson, and Diego Winger
US blocks UN Security Council statement blaming Israel for deadly Gaza aid stampede
February 29, 2024
The US, one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council with veto power, blocked a statement put forward by Algeria which was agreed upon by 14 out of 15 UN members in an emergency council. This statement was a criticism of the allegedly proactive and unwarranted IDF killing of dozens of Palestinians taking supplies from aid trucks in northern Gaza, with US deputy ambassador Robert Wood arguing that the veto was due to unclear information about the event due to contradicting reports.
War on Gaza: Israeli ‘massacre’ kills over 100 Palestinians seeking food in Gaza City
February 29, 2024
At a time when reports that even animal feed Palestinians have resorted to eating is running out in northern Gaza, IDF soldiers opened fire on Palestinians rushing to grab supplies out of aid trucks, resulting in roughly 100 casualties according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. One man who was interviewed stated that the shooting was indiscriminate, and he himself suffered bullet wounds on his limbs. The IDF controversially blamed at least a large proportion of the deaths on crowd crush.
Gaza in numbers: 30,000 dead, 80% displaced, half million on brink of famine
February 29, 2024
After six months of conflict, despite mass displacement and poor health, aid trucks are now entering Gaza at over five times a lower rate than prior to October due to complications. Nearly 100 trucks a day are providing aid to a population of almost 2 million displaced people, including the roughly 1 in 6 infants who are acutely malnourished. On top of this, crossing the Rafah border into relative safety in Egypt costs Palestinians the equivalent of around $5,000.
Islamic Jihad reiterates demand for Islamic independence amid Israeli aggression
February 21, 2024
Member of political organization Islamic Jihad Ali Abu Shahin mentioned the pressures on neighboring countries to navigate ties with Israel, and mentions how the Iranian Islamic Revolution may represent a model of independence from the Western influence for MENA nations.
Lebanon: Israeli air strikes pummel area around port city of Sidon
February 19, 2024
The Israeli military sent airstrikes toward Sidon, Lebanon, hitting near a reported hanger, attacking near a populated highway. This is the farthest Israel has launched a strike in Lebanon as of this report.
Jordan in ‘balancing act’ between Palestinian majority and key allies US, Israel
February 12, 2024
This article highlights Jordan’s dedication to delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, while also highlighting the delicate balance the country faces with allies in both the United States and Israel.
Egypt fortifies borders as Israel plans invasion, evacuation of Rafah
February 11, 2024
Egypt has strengthened the Rafah Crossing between them and Gaza with military strength, bringing 40 tanks and armored carriers to the border. This is in response to Israel’s threat to invade and attack Rafah, a city in the Gaza Strip bordering Egypt.
Iran marks Islamic revolution with demand to expel Israel from UN
February 11, 2024
Iranians recently celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Iranian Islamic revolution in Tehran. During the ceremony the President of Iran denounced his country’s primary political enemy, Israel, and called for a demand for Israel to be removed from the United Nations.
War on Gaza: Netanyahu rejects UN pleas and says Israeli forces will enter Rafah
February 9, 2024
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has rejected UN warnings not to invade Rafah due to its high population density and the destruction such an action would result in. The decision to do so has result in an international condemnation of the idea.
Oman calls for end to war in Gaza
February 4, 2024
The Foreign Minister of Oman expressed his country’s stance on the war in Gaza: the aggression is unjust and the conflict must be put to an end as quickly and humanely as possible. He expressed further thoughts on the conflict and how a solution might be found.
Key Issues
Submissions made by Oshin Pandey
This section includes the latest and most pressing news regarding SiC's key security issues.
Myanmar junta airstrikes demolish Rakhine State’s Ramree town
February 28, 2024
Before fighting broke out again in mid-December of last year between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar military, the town of Ramree in southern Rakhine State was largely calm. Since then, the junta has used heavy artillery fire and airstrikes without warning, displacing almost 10,000 inhabitants of the Kyaukphyu District. The majority of the civilians have fled to other locations.
Decoding North Korea’s Changing Policies: A South Korean Perspective
February 28, 2024
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea announced a number of changes to its inter-Korean strategy, which represents a dramatic break from previous methods by emphasizing antagonism above reconciliation.
Japan, China hold talks over Fukushima treated water release
February 25, 2024
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Japan has persisted in releasing treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi power plant into the ocean, stating that this release complies with global safety regulations.
PLA monitors Philippines-rallied joint patrol in South China Sea
February 20, 2024
A combined aviation patrol in the South China Sea, coordinated by the Philippines, was seen by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). Analysts concluded that the operation was mostly a political stunt directed against China, with few military implications.
Pakistan election: coalition against Imran Khan says deal reached to form government
February 20, 2024
Amid ongoing doubts about the validity of the most recent elections, Imran Khan's political enemies have revealed the specifics of a coalition deal, designating Shehbaz Sharif as their joint prime ministerial candidate.
US urged to stop harassing, interrogating Chinese students entering country
February 19, 2024
US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and China’s State Councilor and Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong, talked about their countries’ mutual collaboration in drug control and law enforcement. Additionally, the Chinese side requested Washington to guarantee that Chinese individuals get fair entrance treatment and to cease harassing and questioning Chinese students without cause.
China Coast Guard expels Philippine vessel for intruding into S.China Sea waters
February 11, 2024
The China Coast Guard (CCG) said that it had driven out a Philippine Coast Guard vessel that had repeatedly and illegally entered waters close to Huangyan Island in the South China Sea between February 2 and February 9. The CCG emphasized that China's responses were prompt and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting its national sovereignty.
Taiwan ally Guatemala mulls commercial ties with China
February 6, 2024
The foreign minister of Guatemala shared that the nation intends to keep its current relations with Taiwan and is thinking about pursuing official commercial links with China.
Japan trying to send message to Trump: Don't cut a deal with China
February 2, 2024
Japan, the United States' closest Asian ally, has been attempting to convey to Donald Trump, the front-runner for the presidency, that he should avoid making any agreements with China that would undermine years of coordinated efforts to contain Beijing and jeopardize the tenuous peace in the area.
NGOs urge UN to address human rights violations in Balochistan
February 2, 2024
NGOs have appealed to the UN requesting that human rights abuses in Balochistan and China's increasing meddling in the area be taken seriously.
