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.
Latin America and the Caribbean
Brazilian descendants of Africans who escaped slavery gain census recognition
July 27, 2023
Over 1.3 million descendants of African slaves in Brazil have finally won a small step in their struggle towards agency: inclusion in the Brazilian census. This victory will promote diversity and national inclusion to the marginalized quilombola population, as well as possibly begin a process of shifting the experiences of Brazilian quilombola into the sphere of public empathy.
Chile and Bazil rank highest in Latin America in renewable energy development
July 25, 2023
The latest Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index positioned Chile as the top country in the Latin American region for renewable energy development. Globally, Chile placed 14th, behind the United States in first, Germany in second, and China in third. This recent placement recognizes the current Chilean administration’s national efforts at establishing robust renewable energy infrastructure.
Venezuelan government delivers 4.6 million homes under housing program
July 21, 2023
Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro announced that the nation’s subsidized housing initiative, Gran Misión Vivienda Venezuela, has built its 4.6 millionth home, acting as a symbol of this South American country’s commitment to recognizing housing as a civil right.
UK Introduction Of Visa Requirement For Dominican Nationals Visiting UK
July 20, 2023
In a national press release last Wednesday, the United Kingdom announced its introduction of a visa regime on Dominican nationals. This announcement outlines a policy which requires all Dominican citizens who wish to visit the UK to acquire a British visa. UK representative to the Caribbean region claimed the policy is over concerns about Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment precedent.
Paraguay records export growth of 20.8% in the first half of 2023
July 14, 2023
Paraguay’s exports have reached over $8 billion USD in the first half of 2023, an increase of 20.8% from the same time period last year. Subsequently, Paraguay now enjoys a $1.152 trillion USD surplus. This occurs in line with the Paraguayan currency exchange rate trends, where a sudden devaluation at the beginning of 2023 helped usher in high international demand for cheap Paraguayan exports.
Africa
Niger army pledges allegiance to coup makers
July 27, 2023
Niger’s army has pledged their allegiance to security forces in the nation that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, who had been detained in his palace in Niamey by the Presidential Guard.
Kenya: timid hope for dialogue after months of protests
July 26, 2023
There is hope for a dialogue between Head of State William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga after months of deadly protests and conflict, largely having to do with government distrust and a rising cost of living in the nation.
War in Sudan: residents appeal for donations to survive
July 24, 2023
As locations like Khartoum, Sudan become key locations in the ongoing conflict across the country, residents of the nation are appealing for donations of food in order to survive.
July 22, 2023
Kenya’s logging ban, introduced in 2018, has been lifted, which may have an impact on conservation in the country due to political motivations, which are outlined in the article.
July 15, 2023
Despite a peace agreement between the Gumuz People’s Democratic Movement (GPDM) and the local government of Benishangul Gumuz, Ethiopia, an attack by the group has left eight killed and 16 injured.
Middle East
Canada Funneled Arms to Saudis During Yemen War via Opaque US Program
July 31, 2023
Uncovered documents reveal that Canada has sold billions of dollars worth of arms to Saudi Arabia to be used in the war in Yemen. There has been little to no media coverage of this massive arms deal.
Biden Presses Ahead With Effort to Broker Israeli-Saudi Rapprochement
July 29, 2023
President Biden looks to broker diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia in an effort to establish a friendly regional order in the Middle East. This is likely a move to combat China’s efforts to align Iran and Saudi Arabia, a move that would damage U.S. influence in the region.
Pakistan for sale as the UAE and Qatar make their moves
July 29, 2023
Pakistan decides to engage in a major deal with the United Arab Emirates. This agreement would confirm the construction of a new multi-purpose cargo terminal landing the UAE 85% control over the port.
Can Egypt and Iran turn the page on decades of tension?
July 28
After years of unrest, Egypt and Iran have begun to show signs that they might improve their relations. This could be part of a larger wave of improving relations over the entire region between Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel, Egypt, and other countries.
Reaching a dead end? Where Egypt and the IMF stand on the stalled loan program
July 17, 2023
While Egypt and the IMF have been working towards remedying Egypts struggling economy, their relationship may be coming to an end. Egypt has failed to meet certain loan conditions set by the IMF. This does not bode well for Egypt and its plans to generate economic prosperity.
Developing Asia
Pakistan Parliament passes amended version of the Army Act
July 28, 2023
The Pakistan Senate passed an amended version of the Army Act under which anyone found guilty of disclosing sensitive information considered “prejudicial to the security and interest of Pakistan or the armed forces of Pakistan” will receive a five-year prison sentence. The bill also forbids anyone from engaging in political activity for two years after leaving or being discharged from the army. The house then bypassed routine procedures in order to pass the act.
Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia since 1985, to resign
July 26, 2023
Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge fighter, has been the Prime Minister of Cambodia since 1985, during which time he has jailed dozens of critics and tightly controlled the media. Hun Sen has chosen his son, Gen. Hun Manet, as his successor.
The harms of the 79-day internet shutdown in Manipur
July 21, 2023
The Indian government shut down the internet in Manipur for 79 days ostensibly to control violence, but there is no evidence that the shutdown helped curb violence. On the other hand, the shutdown made it impossible for individuals in Manipur to electronically transfer money to their relatives outside of Manipur and vice versa in addition to making it possible for the rest of the world to find out about the atrocities occurring inside Manipur.
Cassava Profits Conceal Alarming Environmental Threat in Laos
July 17, 2023
In Laos, a significant number of farmers have switched from rice and rubber farming to commercial cassava farming due to the profitability of cassava. But the increased cultivation of cassava has led to the deforestation of large areas of land. Often, land is cleared through burning, which creates toxic haze impacting the health of nearby residents. The increased cultivation of cassava has also raised concerns about foreign corporations exploiting Lao farmers and concerns that an oversupply of cassava could cause the price of the crop to plummet.
Monsoon floods wreak havoc on India, but they can also be a valuable resource
July 17, 2023
India’s monsoon rains arrived abnormally early this year and caused immense destruction to farmlands, houses, and public infrastructure. Such abnormalities are becoming more common due to climate change. But the flood waters can also be a valuable resource, as reservoirs can be employed to capture excess flood water for use for irrigation in times of drought.
Key Issues
This section includes the latest and most pressing news regarding SiC's key security issues.
Russian and Chinese delegates join North Korean leader Kim at a parade showing his newest missiles
July 27, 2023
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was joined by senior Russian and Chinese delegates as he displayed his most powerful nuclear-capable missiles in a military parade marking a major war anniversary, defying the United States and deepening ties with Moscow at a time when tensions on the peninsula are at an all-time high.
What’s Next for Israel’s Judicial Overhaul?
July 26, 2023
Israeli parliamentarians backed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial plan to limit the Supreme Court's power, rejecting a wide range of opposition movements that threatened to shut down huge areas of the nation.
G20 countries fail to reach agreement on cutting fossil fuels
July 22, 2023
After concerns from certain producing nations, the G20 bloc of developed economies convening in India was unable to come to an agreement on the phase-out of fossil fuels.
US sending more Navy ships, Marines to Gulf to counter Iran
July 20, 2023
In response to Iranian threats to capture commercial ships there, the United States is deploying hundreds of Marines and more warships to the Middle East to bolster security.
Outrage in India over video of Manipur women paraded naked, raped
July 20, 2023
After a video emerged showing scores of men in the Indian state of Manipur parading and abusing two women who had been stripped naked, the country erupted in fury.
Putin to Skip BRICS Summit Due to ICC Arrest Warrant
July 19, 2023
Putin, at the urging of the South African government, has agreed to not attend a BRICS summit in South Africa next month in order to avoid running the risk of being arrested while there. South Africa, being a signatory to the Rome Statute, would be obliged to arrest Putin were he to enter the country.
