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.
Roundup Highlight
Video made by Tom Nicholson
Latin America and the Caribbean
Submissions made by Nick Bythrow
Climate crisis threatens 41 million across Caribbean and Latin America: UN
May 28, 2024
According to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), 41 million people with the Latin American and Caribbean region will be exposed to flooding and storms. This includes 1,450 hospitals, with UNFPA’s Dr. Natalia Kanem saying women will be impacted the most by these issues.
COLOMBIA: Milestone reached in ELN negotiations
May 28, 2024
The Colombian government is in the middle of peace negotiations with the guerilla group Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN). The first six issues in the process have been agreed upon, in hopes of renewing peacebuilding in the nation.
UNICEF: Haiti’s Health System “On The Verge Of Collapse”
May 23, 2024
UNICEF reports that Haiti’s health system is not faring well following gang violence in Port-au-Prince, where only six of 10 hospitals in the city remain active as of writing. In terms of what UNICEF has given for aid, much of it has been stolen, increasing the ongoing crisis within the country.
As Brazil copes with floods, officials face another scourge: Disinformation
May 22, 2024
With 161 people dead and 2.3 million people impacted as of the publication of this article, floods in Brazil have been devastating major portions of the nation. However, disinformation relating to the government pulling aid and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva blocking aid shipments has been circulating, causing more confusion surrounding the government’s attempts to respond to the flooding.
OECS Delivers A Boat To Seamoss Farmers In Dominica
May 22, 2024
The European Union has joined forces with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to deliver a fiberglass boat to sea moss farmers in the Commonwealth of Dominica. This will help farmers in the region with their practices, which have become a major source of income–especially for women–in recent years.
HAITI: Transitional presidential council seeks to ease internal tensions
May 13, 2024
Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) is seeking a prime minister, putting out an application for potential candidates between May 13-17. The nine members of the TPC are attempting to quell tensions in the nation, which have resulted in unrest for some time.
Mexico City is sinking, running out of water: How can it be saved?
May 11, 2024
Mexico City’s water crisis is causing the city to sink by 15 inches every year, something that has happened for so long historically that it’s unclear what can be done about it. However, this article indicates both how dire the situation currently is, and how long-term solutions surrounding the water crisis need to be considered in order to save the city.
Argentina Steps Up with Humanitarian Aid to Flood-Affected Areas in Brazil
May 10, 2024
Argentina is set to offer humanitarian aid to places in Brazil that have been heavily impacted by flooding throughout the region.
Climate Change Stirs Integrated Housing Revolution In Dominica
May 8, 2024
Integrated housing is becoming a central part of Dominica’s GDP, built up following major levels of housing displacement from years of flooding and storms. Since 2021, 12 housing developments have cropped up, promoting the idea of more large-scale housing developments being made throughout the nation.
BRAZIL: Federal gov’t pledges support to flood response
May 3, 2024
President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has traveled across Brazil to pledge support after floods that have continued to impact major parts of the country. This is due to heavy storms which, in turn, have resulted in a multitude of floods across the nation.
Africa
Submissions made by Nick Bythrow
May 29, 2024
South Africa’s labor market has been negatively impacted by mass power cuts across the nation. The study shows that economic growth has been negatively impacted by these cuts, which have been getting worse as the years have gone by.
Nigeria fights cervical cancer with HPV vaccine, extends campaign across country
May 28, 2024
The majority of Nigerian states now have access to an HPV vaccine to fight cervical cancer. A nationwide vaccine drive is also planned to lower the number of cervical cancer diagnoses across the country.
News: Ethiopia grants free visa renewals to over 15,000 Sudanese refugees residing in urban centers
May 25, 2024
Ethiopia has granted free visa renewals for over 15,000 Sudanese refugees in urban centers, following their escape from Sudan when the nation’s civil war began last year. Over 50,000 Sudanese refugees live in different areas across the country.
May 23, 2024
Gold mines in Johannesburg, South Africa are polluting water and soil in Soweto, impacting people who were forcibly relocated there in 1994. This article studies how food grown in the area–in particular vegetable gardens–are negatively impacted by the contamination.
Who was behind the DRC’s attempted coup, and were Americans involved?
May 20, 2024
The Democratic Republic of Congo thwarted a coup on Sunday, May 19, which was led by former US military officer Christian Malanga. This is Malanga’s second attempted coup after one he abandoned in 2017. In this latest coup, Malanga and two other Americans were involved, which was stopped by President Felix Tshisekedi’s army.
May 16, 2024
Kenya’s government is trying to restrict access to TikTok, fearing internal security threats the platform could involve. However, Kenyatta University’s Stephen Mutie believes the website can be used to empower female voices in the country, alongside using it to dissuade African stereotypes online.
Sudan: Fires used as weapon destroyed more towns than ever in April, study says
May 13, 2024
The Center for Information Resilience is conducting an open source project, Sudan Witness, that has determined 72 villages were impacted by fires in April 2024. Fire is being used as a weapon in the ongoing Sudanese conflict, resulting in damaged homes and deaths in 210 areas since the conflict began last year.
Kenya: In Nairobi, residents face forced evictions
May 10, 2024
Heavy rainfall in Nairobi, Kenya has forced the government to call for evacuations, which have included people being forcefully evicted from their homes. Bulldozers are being used to salvage wreckage, but have resulted in deaths, such as a 17-year-old accidentally killed during this process.
May 7, 2024
The Tigray Interim Administration has refuted claims they have been assisting the Sudanese Armed Forces in their civil war. The accusation comes from Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, which Tigray accuses of trying to internationalize the war in hopes of garnering support from nearby countries.
‘Blood minerals’: What are the hidden costs of the EU-Rwanda supply deal?
May 2, 2024
This article analyzes a new supply deal between the EU and Rwanda, examining how new dealings involving the trade of precious metals will be impacted and what it might mean for workers in Rwanda moving forward.
Middle East
Submissions made by Tom Nicholson
Headless child, charred bodies: Survivors recount Israel’s Rafah camp massacre
May 27, 2024
Israeli forces struck what had once been designated a “safe zone” for Paltestinian refugees that had recently been displaced from Rafah. The site was bombed from above, destroying many structures and killing at least 45 residents.
Israel arrests 180 displaced Palestinians
May 25, 2024
An Israeli military campaign is targeting refugee shelters and camps in northern Gaza. A large number of displaced Palestinians have been arrested, homes have been destroyed and residents have been forced to flee.
Israel raid in West Bank enters second day after 8 killed
May 22, 2024
Israeli forces started a raid on the West Bank city of Jenin—a raid which has now entered its second day as of the article’s publication. Palestinian militants and civilians alike have been killed in the fighting.
Rafah crossing closure: Over 11k injured await vital treatment amidst humanitarian crisis in Gaza
May 19, 2024
Since Israel’s invasion of Rafah, the crossing has been closed off for 13 days and counting. This effectively eliminates yet another route for humanitarian aid for Gaza during the war.
Turkey’s sudden ban on trade with Israel is already affecting Jews in both countries
May 16, 2024
The effects of Turkey’s trade ban with Israel are already being felt weeks later. Real pressure is being put on Israel as all normal business has been disrupted and prices on imported goods threaten to rise significantly.
Gazans flee fresh fighting in north
May 13, 2024
The displacement of Gazans continues as Israeli forces renew shelling activities in the northern part of the region. Months ago, the region was reported as cleared of conflict and safe for refugees.
Jordanian authorities shut down Muslim Brotherhood-linked TV station
May 11, 2024
The building of a TV channel in Jordan was stormed by security forces, who seized any and all equipment and closed off the building from further employee entry. The TV station is affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and is the latest victim of a crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism and journalism in the nation.
May 10, 2024
Iranian officials have suggested the possibility that Iran may change its policies on nuclear weapons in response to international pressure and Israel’s continued threats to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran’s current standing is for the pursuit of nuclear energy while remaining against the manufacture of nuclear weapons.
Residents of east Rafah ordered to evacuate as Israeli military prepares for invasion
May 6, 2024
Occupation military forces have ordered residents of the eastern part of Rafah to move to a “humanitarian area” in Mawasi. The order arrives as Israel prepares to invade the region, which is supposed to be of limited scope per international pressure.
Turkey halts all trade with Israel; Jerusalem denounces ‘dictator’ Erdogan
May 2, 2024
Turkey has stopped the export and import of all products between itself and Israel. After the publication of this article, it was later confirmed that Turkey created the trade halt to push for a truce in Gaza.
Developing Asia
Submissions made by Prisca Afantchao
Iran Secures Water Rights from Afghanistan Following Negotiations: Qomi
May 26, 2024
Iran’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Hassan Kazemi Qomi, announced that over 300 million cubic meters of Tehran’s water rights have been secured from Afghanistan this year through negotiations with the Afghan interim government. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has repaired the Kamal Khan Dam gates and drew the water transfer route towards Sistan. Qomi expects Iran’s water rights from the Helmand River to be fully met by the end of the current year.
Govt workers protest, disrupt traffic
May 26, 2024
A protest rally outside the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly was held by employees from various government departments, demanding better salaries and benefits. The protesters demanded a 100% salary increase for government employees, doubling the medical allowance, to match inflation.
Hanoi pilots intelligent transport system
May 25, 2024
Hanoi will pilot an intelligent transportation system (ITS) between June and December 2024, with the Military Industry and Telecommunications Group (Viettel Group) setting up an operation center and installing cameras at intersections.
President Lai vows to safeguard Taiwan
May 24, 2024
President William Lai pledged to defend Taiwan’s freedom while preserving peace in the region. China launched two days of drills around Taiwan as punishment for separatist acts. The exercises involved 15 combat ships, 16 coast guard ships, and 42 fighter jets and early warning aircraft. Four coast guard ships were detected off Taiwan’s east coast.
Surveillance upgrade: Junta rolls out e-IDs
May 24, 2024
A new e-ID system will require all travelers to have their faces, irises, and fingerprints scanned upon entering Myanmar and saved to a digital registry. The goal is to have biometric data for all Myanmar nationals above the age of 10. Some are concerned that the e-ID system will go against privacy rights and strengthen the military junta’s ability to track its opponents.
Japan weighs incentivizing childbirth by fully covering expenses
May 22, 2024
The Japanese government is considering fully covering child delivery expenses under the public medical insurance system from fiscal 2026 to combat declining births. The plan would create a new framework to cover childbirth expenses without out-of-pocket payments. The government will set up an expert panel to determine the scope of normal delivery coverage.
May 17, 2024
The Central Military Commission (CMC) and Ministry of National Defense have criticized the US for its actions regarding China’s Taiwan region. The CMC claimed that military collusion between the US and China’s Taiwan region and separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces are the main sources of disruption to the current stability in the Taiwan Straits.
Indonesia Secures $903 Million Japanese Loan to Extend MRT Project
May 13, 2024
Indonesia has secured a Japanese loan of up to $903 million to extend the Jakarta railway system known as Mass Transit Railway (MRT). The funding is primarily for the construction of a 24.5-kilometer line, using Japanese technologies.
Deadly US missile system used in Balikatan exercises
May 10, 2024
The Philippines and the US used a powerful midrange US missile system during a joint military exercise. The Typhon system, capable of firing Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles and SM-6 missiles, was not used for a missile but for a simulated drill. House members defended the administration’s actions in dealing with China’s aggression. The procurement of submarines is part of the ongoing AFP Modernization Program.
Activist Panupong gets 3 years for lese majeste
May 8, 2024
The political activist, Panupong, also known as Mike Rayong, had been sentenced to three years in prison. The court ruled that a message the activist posted on Facebook qualified as offensive to the Thai monarchy. He was charged for violating the lese majeste law and the Computer Crimes Act.
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.
Developing a competency model for Chinese general practitioners: a mixed-methods study
May 27, 2024
China’s primary health care plan aims to establish 300,000 general practitioners by 2020. However, less than 40% of grassroots GPs have bachelor’s degrees or higher. To address this, medical education has evolved to competency-based education. The National Health Commission of China released the "National Physician Qualification Examination Development Plan 2018–2020" in 2018 to develop core competencies for Chinese GPs.
Global Warming and the Threat of Cheap Chinese EVs
May 25, 2024
G-7 finance ministers are discussing a plan to spend billions annually on subsidized green energy products for developing countries, but are retaliating against China over its green technology export subsidies. They fear a flood of heavily subsidized Chinese products could cripple clean energy sectors in the US and Europe, leading to job losses.
Weighing Biden’s China Tariffs
May 24, 2024
President Biden has imposed tariffs on $18 billion worth of Chinese imports, aiming to protect American workers and companies from unfair trade practices. However, these tariffs cover only 4% of imports, highlighting diplomatic concerns and potential international economic impact.
How trade friction is slowing down the world’s shift to clean energy
May 23, 2024
China’s rapid decarbonization and domestic decarbonization are affecting the global energy transition, with renewable energy installations expected to grow fourfold by 2050. The country is a major player in green technology, accounting for over one-third of global wind and solar capacity. Coal consumption has increased, but most oil and gas use will still be imported by 2050. China’s dominance in global clean energy technology manufacturing and exports is crucial for decision-makers, requiring uninterrupted global trade and trust for fair competition.
China Business Summit 2024: Exploring Trade, Security, and AUKUS Implications
May 21, 2024
The 10th China Business Summit in Auckland highlighted the importance of economic and security in the global landscape. New Zealand’s Prime Minister set a target of doubling export value by 2034. China remains New Zealand’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching NZ$38 billion last year.
Can’t blame all Chinese cyberattacks on the government
May 15, 2024
MI5 warns that British universities involved in military research are being targeted by cyberattacks by foreign states, with China being the main suspect. Chinese nationalist groups, some funded by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), are conducting cyberattacks and digital interference against British universities. These attacks suggest that China’s nationalist movement is escaping government societal controls and is now taking action through "online wars" against foreign powers. The increasing number of cyberattacks also reflects the CCP’s domestic problems and the limits of its societal controls.
Closing knowledge gaps on China’s investments in Latin America
May 14, 2024
Dialogue Earth held discussions and workshops in Santiago, Chile, on China’s trade and investment relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean, green transitions, and environmental rights. The events discussed China’s role in the region, its approach to environmental issues, local conditions and agency, and knowledge gaps. Participants noted the complex Chinese investment system and the power dynamics behind major initiatives. The discussions also touched on China’s technocentric approach to environmental protection and its increasing reliance on solar panels and electric vehicles.
Discursive Construction of Hong Kong’s Future Beyond 2047: A Press Media-Based Study
May 9, 2024
This study examines public discourse on Hong Kong’s future beyond 2047 using 187 articles from 16 Chinese news outlets. It uses qualitative and quantitative content analysis to identify three major discourses, focusing on identity construction, anticipation, and the connection between future-oriented suggestions and real-world actions. The research contributes to understanding social mentality during the first half of the "unchanged 50 years.
May 2024
The study investigates the link between natural resources, green growth, fintech, and sustainable economic growth in China. It uses data from 2000 to 2022 from the World Development Indicator and employs the Quantile Autoregressive Distributed Lag (QARDL) model. The findings show that green growth positively impacts sustainable economic growth, while fintech positively influences it. However, short-run impacts of these predictors are not supported. The study contributes to existing literature by using methodological advancements in examining dynamic associations among economic factors, providing policymakers with meaningful implications.
Israel and Palestine
Submissions made by Rama Hayek and Diego Winger
Danish parliament rejects proposal to recognize Palestinian state
May 28, 2024
The Danish bill was first proposed in late February by four left-wing parties.
“We cannot recognize an independent Palestinian state, for the sole reason that the preconditions are not really there,” Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said when the bill was first debated in parliament in April. “We cannot support this resolution, but we wish that there will come a day where we can,” Rasmussen, who was not present at the vote on Tuesday, added.
Irish PM says recognition of Palestine about ‘keeping hope alive’
May 28, 2024
“We had wanted to recognise Palestine at the end of a peace process however we have made this move alongside Spain and Norway to keep the miracle of peace alive. “ I again call on Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel to listen to the world and stop the humanitarian catastrophe we are seeing in Gaza.”
Canada announces five-fold increase in visas for Palestinians in Gaza
May 28, 2024
Minister of Immigration Marc Miller said on Monday that Ottawa would raise to 5,000 the number of visas offered to residents in Gaza under a special programme announced in December.
Israeli attack on Rafah tent camp kills 45, prompts international outcry
May 27, 2024
An Israeli airstrike triggered a fire that killed 45 people in a tent camp in the Gazan city of Rafah, officials said on Monday, prompting an outcry from global leaders who urged the implementation of a World Court order to halt Israel’s assault. Palestinian families rushed to hospitals to prepare their dead for burial after a strike late on Sunday night set tents and rickety metal shelters ablaze.
Ireland, Spain and Norway say they will recognize a Palestinian state
May 23, 2024
The three European nations say their landmark decision is the best way to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East, but it sparked swift condemnation from Israel, as its foreign minister ordered the immediate recall of its ambassadors from those countries.
Egypt stands firm, rejects Israeli proposal for Palestinian relocation
May 15, 2024
Egypt has continued to deny Israeli requests to open their borders to Gazan civilians and has limited aid deliveries in protest of Israeli policies in regards to the strip, a result of factors including fraying of diplomacy between Egypt and Israel. On top of this there have been murmurings that Egypt plans to potentially withdraw from its mediation role in Hamas-Israel negotiations.
Israel attacked aid workers despite knowing their locations, report says
May 14, 2024
Despite agency workers reporting their GPS coordinates to military authorities, the IDF has attacked convoys and locations providing aid to Palestinian civilians eight times since October, 2023, violating an International Court of Justice provisional ruling in January to allow urgent aid. These assaults murdered relief workers (many foreigners) and children. The April IDF raid on World Central Kitchen charity workers that killed seven was a mistake, according to Israeli officials. Furthermore, almost 200 UN humanitarian workers have died in Gaza since October. relief delivery is difficult, and even Israelis have attacked convoys to impede relief.
UN General Assembly votes in favor of Palestine’s bid for statehood
May 10, 2024
An overwhelming majority of UN nations voted for Palestine’s full membership in the general assembly, but the UN Security Council, notably its five permanent members, which the US has vetoed most in previous decades, must approve. Following the voting, Israel’s UN ambassador ripped the Palestinian statehood charter, calling it a “terrorist state.” The U.S. UN Security Council envoy said they could only accept Palestinian independence through discussions with Israel to protect Israel as a “democratic Jewish state.”
Gaza War: Where has Israel told Rafah displaced to go?
May 7, 2024
The IDF issued prompt instructions for Palestinians living in eastern Rafah to evacuate northward to a "humanitarian area" stocked with food and medical supplies, as they anticipated local military actions. In addition to the ongoing bombing in the north, many Palestinians expressed their fatigue with the congestion, lack of supplies, and inadequate shelter. IDF authorities have a larger strategy that includes relocating nearly all of the civilian population to central Gaza and declaring victory in a full-scale ground offensive in the southern area.
Israeli army inflicts $50bn worth of damage to Gaza
May 4, 2024
UNDP and UN-ESCWA found that the IDF’s devastation to Gaza is unprecedented since World War II. Data reveals that the Gaza Strip’s Human Development Index has plummeted below 1980s levels, costing $50b in development efforts. The index adjusts almost equally for life expectancy, education levels, and GNP per capita, which unlike GDP excludes foreign companies and includes citizens working abroad. Nearly 75% of Gazan homes has been damaged, and the UNDP estimates that over 35 million tons of rubble must be removed before society can recover.
Key Issues
Submissions made by Oshin Pandey
This section includes the latest and most pressing news regarding SiC’s key security issues.
WHA rejects Taiwan-related proposal again; ‘one-China principle must not be challenged’
May 27, 2024
For the eighth year in a row, the World Health Assembly (WHA) has rejected a motion about Taiwan’s observer status at the annual assembly. The WHA declined to place the item on its agenda.
China sharpens response, as US sets date for tariff hikes, pushes EU to follow suit
May 23, 2024
Chinese authorities have frequently pledged to take all necessary precautions to protect their country’s interests. Experts have stated that China would undoubtedly take countermeasures, though it is unclear exactly what such measures will entail and to what extent, if the US begins to implement tariffs and the EU follows suit.
S Korea, China and Japan to hold trilateral talks for first time since 2019
May 23, 2024
For their first trilateral meeting in almost four years, the leaders of South Korea, China, and Japan will get together in Seoul to explore reviving their collaboration.
May 22, 2024
Following his death in a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan province, Amnesty International stated that President Ebrahim Raisi’s passing should not deprive the Iranian people of their right to justice, the truth, and compensation for the numerous crimes against international law and human rights violations he committed during his tenure in high office beginning in the 1980s.
‘Unbearable’: Will 45C heatwaves affect who India chooses in election?
May 14, 2024
The intense summer heat is causing campaigns to change course as India’s massive seven-phase national election nears its conclusion for the nation’s 970 million voters, 15 million election workers, and hundreds of candidates.
Assessing Kim Jong Un’s Rural Development Initiative
May 10, 2024
This article examines North Korea’s rural construction’s status, ramifications, and obstacles. It evaluates the December 2021 rural development initiative’s benefits and drawbacks. The new rural development effort aims to boost agricultural productivity and farmers’ livelihoods, but its focus on central control may stifle its success.
Rules of engagement: Armed groups and the media
May 10, 2024
Armed groups in Myanmar employ a wide range of media strategies, leading to inconsistent coverage. Journalists face the challenge of maintaining access to combatants while remaining committed to reporting the truth.
Laos, other debt-laden Asia-Pacific nations under pressure from strong dollar
May 7, 2024
The recent depreciation of currencies against the dollar has sparked worries about the possibility of a debt crisis in Laos and other susceptible countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Kishida and Attal vow to expand Japan-France ties
May 2, 2024
Both French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida decided to deepen their bilateral relations in a number of areas, including as the economy, security, and culture.
April 11, 2024
Destruction has been caused by all-out combat between opposing military branches in Sudan. Diplomats should exert far more pressure on the two main belligerents to negotiate a ceasefire before efforts to halt the bloodshed are doomed due to the fact that millions of people are suffering hunger.
