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
Brazil’s President Lula unveils plan to end deforestation by 2030
June 6, 2023
Brazilian president Lula da Silva announced a new national focus within the political forefront of Brazil, a commitment to end deforestation by 2030. This sets a new precedent in Brazil, as even da Silva made reference to the blatant profit-focused destructive policies of the Bolsonaro regime. Brazil has long been a global hub for economic abuse of natural resources, and this new attitude could mark a significant shift in the battle against climate change.
Brazil breaks chicken meat production record
June 7, 2023
The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics reported that Brazil 3.4 million tons of chicken within the first quarter of 2023. While this only places Brazil in second for chicken production, the country consistently remains the world’s top exporter of chicken. This is important because it matches recent Brazilian trends in prioritizing supply-side economics and purposeful national currency deflation to further export capacity.
Honduras establishes embassy in China following break-off with Taiwan
June 13, 2023
Chinese state media reports that Honduras has opened their embassy in China. By formally cutting ties with Taiwan, Honduras’s recent rapprochement signifies a growing acceptance for China as a rising challenger to American global hegemony, likely originating from the Global South’s recent shift in preference from Western neoliberal institutions towards the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative.
Russia to provide Cuba with an annual supply of 1.64 million tons of crude oil
June 14, 2023
Russia and Cuba made a deal which sees Rosneft, a state-owned Russian oil enterprise, to provide Cuba with oil in hopes of providing Cuba with a stable oil supply. Again, this signifies another facet to the international shift away from American economic dominance.
Peru archaeology: Ancient mummy found under rubbish dump
June 15, 2023
Archaeologists and students from San Marcos University in Peru discovered a mummy believed to be upwards of 3,000 years old, which dates to the Manchay culture of Peru. The Manchary were known for their u-shaped houses and unique religious practices.
Africa
June 15, 2023
A committee in Tigray, Ethiopia led by General Fiseha Kidane investigated the diversion of food from humanitarian sources in the region. The investigation concluded that federal entities in Ethiopia, as well as Eritrean forces, disrupted food aid in Tigray.
Cameroon threatens to suspend TV channels broadcasting homosexual content
June 14, 2023
Cameroon’s National Communication Council has threatened to suspend foreign content, particularly children’s programs, that contain LGBT content, calling on broadcasters to remove the content from the airwaves.
Egypt introduces entry visa for all Sudanese as truce ends
June 13, 2023
Following the end of the ceasefire within the conflict in Sudan, Egypt has offered visas to all women, children, and people over 50 trying to escape the conflict, which killed over 1,800 people at the time this article was written.
June 9, 2023
The South African government’s Blue Drop Watch Report, analyzing water infrastructure in the country, indicates major issues with wastewater treatment works and bad drinking water quality in 41% of tested systems.
The sexual assault case behind Senegal’s unrest
June 7, 2023
On June 1, Senegal opposition figure Ousmane Sonko was arrested due to accusations of sexual assault toward people younger than 21. Since then, protests have erupted, resulting in at least 15 deaths at the time this report was written. The podcast attached to the article examines the context of the accusations against Sonko and the unrest they’ve caused in Senegal.
Middle East
Syria needs 'way more' than pledged relief funds, ICRC says
June 15, 2023
The International Committee of the Red Cross's regional chief called for more international aid for Syria, a country suffering from natural disaster and intense internal conflict.
Qatar in talks with Egypt Wealth Fund over hotels investment
June 14, 2023
The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is in talks with The Sovereign Wealth Fund of Egypt (TSFE) to invest many billions into a number of hotels in Egypt. This deal would be very important to Egypt as it suffers from an economic crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.
Shadowy, Israel-Linked Group Attempts To Censor Pro-Palestine Spotify Artists
June 12, 2023
An Israeli lobbying group has been linked to several efforts to censor Palestinian music artists on Spotify and has succeeded in some cases. This lobbying group has been linked to the Israeli government.
Post-election Turkey: Beyond wishful thinking
June 11, 2023
Although President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan won his third presidential bid, making him the longest serving leader in Turkey, and his party won most seats in parliament, public opinion remains divided.
June 8, 2023
Eastern Libyan authorities have launched an aggressive deportation campaign deporting an estimated 4000 migrants. Eastern Libya is a migration hub for Syrians, Bangladeshis, and Pakistanis.
Developing Asia
Nationwide probe launched into secret Chinese "police stations" in South Korea
June 16, 2023
According to the National Intelligence Service, the Chinese government has been secretly operating “police stations” in South Korea to spread Chinese propaganda, stage counter-demonstrations to Hong Kong democracy movements at South Korean universities, and pressure Chinese nationals living in South Korea to return home.
Afghan refugees in Pakistan face significant barriers in access to higher education
June 14, 2023
Due to documentation requirements, language barriers, and Afghan refugee parents not making education a priority for their children, most Afghan refugees in Pakistan can’t attain a higher education.
China-India relations reach a new low point
June 14, 2023
Following the expulsion of the last Indian journalist from China, the former Indian ambassador to China has tweeted that this is the worst time in her living memory in terms of China-India relations. At the same time, India has not approved visa applications for Chinese journalists since 2020.
South Korea elected to the UN Security Council
June 7, 2023
With the support of the overwhelming majority of UN member nations, South Korea was elected to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the third time in its history. The country plans to promote UN peacekeeping operations, women’s rights, cybersecurity and climate action while also addressing its perceived threat of North Korea.
70% of Okinawans say US base concentration is "unfair" as youths lose hope
June 7, 2023
A recent poll conducted by the Japanese government revealed that 70% of Okinawans think the concentration of US bases in Okinawa is unfair but many youths are abandoning anti-base movements, having given up hope that they will lead to a change in government policy.
Withdrawn Anti-Terrorism Bill resurrected in the form of the Electronic Broadcasting Authority Bill
June 5, 2023
Sri Lanka’s Anti-Terrorism Bill had to be withdrawn amid fierce resistance from the political opposition and civil liberties groups. But the government has introduced a new bill called the Electronic Broadcasting Authority Bill that, according to critics, contains many of the same provisions as the Anti-Terrorism Bill that could jeopardize human rights.
Key Issues
This section includes the latest and most pressing news regarding SiC's key security issues.
Sudan’s war after two months: What you need to know
June 16, 2023
The fighting in Sudan has reached the 2-month mark, which has resulted in 2.2 million people being displaced from their homes, 528,000 of which are seeking refuge in other countries.
Thailand sends over $757,000 to earthquake victims in S. Türkiye
June 15, 2023
Thailand has sent TL 17.92 million to the Turkish Red Crescent to assist victims of the earthquakes that destroyed many homes and killed many people this past February.
How is Ukraine’s counter-offensive going so far?
June 14, 2023
This article analyzes the first few days of Ukraine’s counter-offensive against occupying Russian forces, who are congregated in the southern region of Ukraine.
Uganda: US updates travel advice due to Anti-LGBT law
June 13, 2023
Due to Uganda passing a major anti-LGBT law in May, with offenses carrying years in prison and in some cases death, the United States has issued a warning, prompting citizens not to travel to Uganda because of these new laws.
UN Chief supports creation of artificial intelligence agency
June 13, 2023
The UN chief Antonio Guterres has expressed support for a global artificial intelligence agency in response to calls from the leading developers of generative AI to regulate the technology. Guterres has also proposed a global digital compact for the management of AI.
Russia is buying back military equipment from Myanmar and India to use in Ukraine
June 6, 2023
As sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have made it difficult for Russia to purchase military equipment from the US, Europe, or Japan, Russia has resorted to buying back military supplies it had previously exported to Myanmar and India.
