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
Peru's president blamed for protesters' deaths
November 28, 2023
Peru’s top Attorney General Patricia Benavides filed a constitutional complaint against the Peruvian president on account of civilian protester deaths organized on her account. Ironically, this complaint was made just hours after allegations of leading a corruption ring were laid onto Benavides herself.
Bird flu kills hundreds of flamingos in Argentina
November 27, 2023
Argentinian officials have reported multiple dead flamingos and sea lions due to a new strain of the bird flu, posing a threat to a flamingo population which is already labeled ‘near threatened.’ Civilians have been warned to avoid touching any dead animals in the region.
Amid Gaza war, activists in Argentina aim to expel Israeli water company
November 24, 2023
While Israel’s military campaign in Gaza continues, Argentinian activists gathered in Recoleta to leverage public attention towards Israeli-owned state water enterprise Mekorot. They cite Mekorot’s poor human rights record and role in the current Gaza conflict.
Public Fear Escalates in Chile Despite Lower Crime Rates
November 24, 2023
Although Chile remains one of South America’s safest countries, an increase in crimes like carjacking and narco-trafficking has led to an increase in perceived insecurity. This comes at a time where major social connotation crimes continue to decrease.
Javier Milei: Argentina's far-right outsider wins presidential election
November 20, 2023
After months of reporting the details of Argentina’s presidential election on this Roundup, the results are finally in: Javier Milei, the far-right minarchist economist has won, and will now enter the world stage to see if his fringe political theories can transform the failing Argentine economy.
Dominica to create world's first sperm whale reserve
November 14, 2023
Dominica announced their plans to dedicate 300 square miles of ocean to the preservation of sperm whales. The Dominican prime minister says commercial fishing will be banned and large ships will have to take designated routes to avoid disturbing the whales.
Venezuela Aims to Claim 74% of Guyana’s Territory
November 13, 2023
Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro stated Venezuela’s national agenda is to annex the Esequibo region in Guyana, containing about 74% of their territory. Guyana argues that this violates international treaties and undermines their sovereignty, while at the same time calling for international support.
U.S. Opens Beef Market to Paraguay
November 10, 2023
The USDA has approved Paraguayan beef exports. This has significant implications for Paraguay, as their economy could be greatly boosted by the newly found trade surplus. On the other side, however, there could be dangerous effects on the natural environment of Paraguay with even further specialization in cattle production.
Pablo Escobar's feral hippos face cull in Colombia Published
November 3, 2023
Columbia is to cull the hippo population left in the wake of Pablo Escobar’s private menagerie. The perfect ecological conditions of Columbia’s main river, the Magdalena, means the invasive African animal can thrive with basically no predators. The government intends to sterilize, export, and euthanize the animals.
Bolivia cuts ties with Israel; other Latin American countries recall envoys
November 1, 2023
Following the escalation of recent Israeli attacks on Gaza, Bolivia announced it will end diplomatic relations with Israel. This is the first Latin American country to officially end relations with Israel, although many other nations have recalled their ambassadors and called for a ceasefire.
Africa
Shots fired over the Nile in Khartoum, atrocities reported in Darfur
November 28, 2023
The two sides of Sudan’s war fired shots at one another in Khartoum this week, with additional war atrocities reported in Darfur. So far, the war has claimed the lives of 10,000 people, while displacing an additional six million.
Sierra Leone attacks were a failed coup attempt, officials say
November 28, 2023
Sierra Leone suffered attacks at military locations around the country, which officials are now confirming were a failed coup attempt. 13 military officers and a civilian have been arrested for the attacks, with 32 men and two women still being searched for in connection to what happened.
November 24, 2023
The Global Oromo Interfaith Council (GOIC) is urging the Ethiopian government and the Oromo Liberation Army to continue peace talks. Previous negotiations to stop the five-year conflict crumbled after two weeks due to major disagreements over what would be done.
November 21, 2023
Two malaria vaccines are in development, reducing malaria deaths by 30% and infections by 75%. However, rollout won’t be available until mid-2024. When it happens, though, it’s expected to help decrease the 600,000 deaths annually the disease causes.
Nigeria: clashes between jihadists, more than 60 deaths feared
November 21, 2023
Boko Haram fighters battled other jihadists in Nigeria, with an estimated 60 people being killed in the Lake Chad region. Nine boats also sank during the attack.
Activists call for reduction in plastic production ahead of Nairobi talks
November 12, 2023
A large group of environmental activists marched on the capital of Kenya ahead of a planned negotiation between 170 countries in Nairobi about reducing worldwide plastic production, raising awareness about its connection to climate issues.
‘A real hell’: The climate refugees of Libya’s floods and regional strife
November 12, 2023
An intense storm that hit Libya has caused severe flooding in places such as the city of Derna. In this city alone, flooding has destroyed many homes and created thousands of new refugees who are forced to live in schools-turned-shelters.
November 9, 2023
In Ethiopia, the Assimba Democratic Party (ADP) has showcased its opposal toward the government’s plan for a referendum in Tigray, which has been under ADP rule since 2020. Issues brought up included Eritrean forces still in the region and the current displacement of millions of citizens.
Dozens dead and thousands trapped in Somalia’s ‘worst floods in decades’
November 8, 2023
Heavy torrential rains in Somalia have resulted in some of the worst flood in the region in recent history, killing at least 29 people and leading 300,000 to flee their homes, according to Somalia’s National Disaster Management Agency.
South Africa’s wage gap is huge: why companies should report what CEOs and workers earn
November 5, 2023
A new study suggests CEOs in South Africa are earning 150 to 949 times more than the average worker in the nation. The article argues this discrepancy suggests a need for better reporting on company earnings, and changes to the law clarifying remuneration gaps.
Middle East
Israel and Hamas agree to extend Gaza truce by two days, say US, Qatar
November 27, 2023
The Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza has been extended further, allowing time for more hostages to be released. The truce is still under the same conditions as both sides continue to release prisoners/captives.
Gaza truce holds into second day, more captives to be released
November 25, 2023
An Israel-Hamas Gaza truce which began a few days ago (before the publication of this article) is still ongoing and, as part of the agreement, Israel has been letting Palestinian captives go. Of note, there was an observed period of intensification for Israeli strikes on Gaza in the 24-hour period prior to the ceasefire.
How significant is Iran's unveiling of latest hypersonic cruising missile?
November 20, 2023
Iran recently unveiled its latest in military advancement, the hypersonic cruise missile “Fattah 2”, while continuing to voice its support for Hamas in the Israel-Hamas conflict. This new weaponry also illustrates a boost in Iran’s own military strength.
November 18, 2023
A United Nations-run school in northern Gaza was hit by an Israeli air strike. The school was being used as a shelter for hundreds of Palestinians and a health official reported that “at least 50 people” were killed in the strike.
November 16, 2023
The largest hospital in the Gaza Strip was raided by Israeli forces under the allegation of an underground Hamas headquarters with connecting tunnels. Gaza health officials and Hamas denied these claims made by Israeli as Israeli forces began to occupy multiple hospital buildings.
Israel deports thousands of Palestinian workers to Gaza after weeks of detention, torture
November 12, 2023
Thousands of Palestinian workers who were detained in Israeli prisons following Hamas’ October 7th attack have been deported to a site between the Gaza-Egypt and Israel-Gaza borders.
Turkey’s ‘Saturday mothers’ allowed to hold vigil for first time since 2018
November 11, 2023
A group of relatives of the victims of 1980s and 1990s enforced disappearances in Turkey (known as the “Saturday Mothers”) was able to hold a vigil without police intervention for the first time in 5 years. The relief was thanks to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, who chose to start looking for a peaceful solution to the issue rather than resort to violence.
November 7, 2023
Israel launched an air strike on the town of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, killing “dozens” according to reports. The town is heavily populated and in an area that Israel told residents to move to if they wanted to survive. Israel’s air strikes have also recently changed targets, now bombarding bakeries, supermarkets, water tanks, and solar panels.
13 killed after Israel bombs Shifa hospital entrance
November 3, 2023
Israeli forces targeted an ambulance convoy in Gaza that left from Shifa hospital. The convoy was part of efforts to evacuate wounded and recover bodies in the city. The entrance gate of the hospital was hit in the bombardment, killing 13 and wounding 26. Other attacks on hospitals and ambulances in Gaza have also been reported within the past week.
Israel-Hamas war sees highest death toll for journalists in 31 years
November 3, 2023
An estimated 36 journalists have been killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict (as of this article’s publication date), making this the deadliest event and period for journalists since the period of Middle East conflict in 1992. International protection for journalists covering the war has been called for by the head of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate as the number of journalist casualties continues to rise.
Developing Asia
South Korea warns tit-for-tat action over North Korea’s border buildup
November 28, 2023
North Korean soldiers guarding a truce village appeared armed, as Seoul expressed its willingness to reciprocate Pyongyang's redeployment of surveillance posts and heavy weapons along the shared border. The latest move by Pyongyang is to resume military activities paused by the 2018 inter-Korean agreement. South Korea's Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyu warned of "measures of reciprocity" and said it would be keeping an eye on North Korea's moves along the front lines and taking corresponding steps.
Vietnam and Belgium enhance trade and investment cooperation
November 27, 2023
Vietnam and Belgium have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance trade and investment cooperation. The signing ceremony took place in Hanoi on November 27, alongside a trade delegation from the Wallonia Region (Belgium) visiting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The MoU aims to strengthen trade, imports, and investments between the two countries.
South Korea court overturns Japan’s immunity from “comfort women” suit
November 23, 2023
A South Korean appeals court has ruled in favor of former "comfort women" seeking compensation from Japan for their treatment in Japanese military brothels during World War II. The court ruled that Japanese military acts violated international treaties and criminal law. The Japanese government will be ordered to pay 200 million won in compensation.
Heavy weapon explosion kills two and injures one in Kawkareik
November 23, 2023
Two civilians were killed and one injured when a combined group of the separatist group, Klohtoobaw Karen Organization-KKO, and the People’s Defense Army, the armed wing of the National Unity Government, attacked a military base in Kawkareik, Kayin State, resulting in an explosion.
Dengue: 7 more die; 1,094 hospitalized in 24 hours in Bangladesh
November 23, 2023
Seven more dengue deaths were reported in Bangladesh, raising the total fatalities to 1,577 this year. 1,094 more patients were hospitalized, and 4,124 patients are now receiving treatment. September has been the deadliest month for the dengue outbreak with 396 fatalities and 79,598 cases, according to DGHS data.
From submarines to aircraft, Spain looks at deepening ties with India
November 23, 2023
Spain's ambassador to India, José María Ridao, is focusing on strengthening ties between Madrid and New Delhi through defence cooperation, a new consulate, and working on the EU-India Free Trade Agreement. Ridao believes that Spain's best contribution to India's strategic autonomy in foreign affairs is through defence cooperation.The Indian Air Force received its first C-295 transport aircraft from Airbus in Spain's Seville, and the IAF has placed an order for 56 C-295 aircraft.
Pakistan’s first ever IT Export Strategy announced
November 23, 2023
Pakistan's Caretaker Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications, Dr. Umar Saif, has unveiled Pakistan's first-ever IT Export Strategy, aiming to increase the country's IT exports to $10 billion in the next three years. The strategy, developed by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and international partners focuses on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as the key to stabilizing and strengthening the country's economy and prioritizing human resource development.
China warns US, Philippines not to harm its sovereignty, rights
November 22, 2023
Chinese military experts argue that the US wants to strengthen its military presence around the Taiwan Straits to provoke China over the Taiwan question. Chinese naval expert Zhang Junshe warns that the Philippines' attempt to seek external force's support to serve its claim over the South China Sea will worsen the situation and harm regional peace and stability.
Release of Journalist Mortaza Behboudi Sparks Reactions
November 21, 2023
The release of French-Afghan journalist Mortaza Behboudi after about ten months of detainment by the Afghan government has sparked reactions from media organizations and the Islamic Emirate. UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett and Amnesty International welcomed Behboudi's release and called for the release of human rights defenders Rasoul Parsi, Matiullah Wesa, Neda Parwani and Zholia Parsi. The Islamic Emirate claims that journalists are arrested due to intelligence events.
House Confirms General Agus Subiyanto as New Indonesian Military Chief
November 21, 2023
The Indonesian House of Representatives has endorsed General Agus Subiyanto to lead the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), succeeding retiring Admiral Yudo Margono. The unanimous approval was received during a plenary session, with over half of the 575-member lower chamber of the parliament attending.
China Trade
This section presents a selection of open access articles licensed under creative commonsrevolving around China trade. Security in Context is resharing them to offer readers fresh content and deeper perspectives on global news.
What Do People In The Pacific Really Think Of China?
November 27, 2023
This article presents the findings from several surveys conducted to understand public perceptions of China in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The surveys found mixed views, with some students having more positive views after receiving Chinese scholarships but others expressing concerns about debt risks and environmental issues. While governments welcome Chinese engagement, civil society groups and local populations have more nuanced views and concerns.
China’s new capacity payment risks locking in coal
November 23, 2023
The article discusses China’s new capacity payment mechanism for coal power plants. The policy aims to help coal plants transition to providing backup power for renewable energy, but it has some drawbacks. It could incentivize over investment in coal and slow the transition to renewable energy. capacity payments should be designed to reduce costs and promote low-carbon technologies. They work best when limited in scope and include performance incentives.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative turns 10. Here’s what to know
November 20, 2023
The context discusses China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013. The article mentions that total BRI investments have already surpassed $1 trillion and provides examples of BRI projects in Pakistan, Indonesia, and elsewhere. It also notes that the BRI turns 10 years old in 2023.
China Streamlines Reforms for Foreign Investment in Securities and Derivative
November 11, 2023
China has implemented significant regulatory changes to attract foreign investors to its financial markets. The reforms focus on managing funds for trading in domestic securities and futures, including streamlining fund registration and currency conversion processes. The introduction of the Futures and Derivatives Law (FDL) aims to reduce costs for investors and increase foreign investment. The reforms also address concerns about credit risks and declining foreign investor interest in Chinese financial instruments.
The ‘new three’: How China came to lead solar cell, lithium battery, and EV manufacturing
November 7, 2023
China's "new three" - solar cells, lithium-ion batteries, and electric vehicles - have been gaining momentum in the country's exports this year. China accounts for over 80% of global solar cell exports, 50% of lithium-ion batteries, and 20% of electric vehicles. The main drivers behind this surge are consistent government support, an early start, strong domestic supply chains, and a massive home market driving economies of scale. Chinese companies' ability to continuously innovate is also cited as a key factor. However, geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions from major trading partners, particularly the US and Europe, could affect China's global manufacturing future. In the short term, China will likely maintain its advantage in these sectors, but this could change only if other countries achieve major technological breakthroughs.
The Geoeconomics of Trade Infrastructure and the Innovation Competition between China and the US
November 6, 2023
China’s high foreign trade investment and innovative firms are linked to an asymmetric strategic trade model, where infrastructure investment makes exporting to China more profitable. China’s larger export sector and competition policy focus on national champions, making it the more active investor and innovative competitor.
The implications of Chinese investments on Mediterranean trade and maritime hubs
November 2023
This article examines the impact of Chinese investments on port activity in the Mediterranean, focusing on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It finds that the BRI had no discernible impact on port polarization during its inception phase, and trade imbalances decreased. However, Chinese investments, particularly in Piraeus, Greece, have significantly increased connectivity between Mediterranean ports and China, particularly in Egypt, Spain, and Morocco.
China’s Promotion of Common Prosperity Means New Opportunities for Multinationals
November 2023
In 2021, when I did the interview again, their biggest concerns were no longer pollution and corruption—these two areas have improved a lot, and people are now more focused on housing, education, and healthcare. Similarly, in the 1970s, when China was a relatively poor country, it needed a lot of capital to create jobs, much of which came from the U.S. There is no doubt that both countries benefited from trade and cooperation. Today, with the rise of China, some fear that China’s power will undermine America, which scares them.
Explore China-Africa Relations Through China-Africa Trade Exchanges
November 2023
Recently, the deepening economic ties between China and African countries, dating back to the 1950s became significantly closer. It has a positive impact on trade economic growth and friendly relations, as well as the challenges and disputes that have arisen.
China is engaging with local actors to secure its trade and investments in the Middle East
October 10, 2023
China has been enhancing its diplomatic relations in the Middle East, particularly in the oil industry, with trade volume exceeding $200 billion in 2021. This has led to increased reliance on regional security, as China faces issues like Interstate crises, civil wars, and terrorism in the region. The security of China's energy imports from the Middle East is crucial to its national security, as Beijing is the world's largest oil importer.
Israel and Palestine
Saving truce via surprise trip to Tel Aviv, nimble Qatar flexes diplomatic muscle
November 27, 2023
Doha, Qatar has become a central location for negotiations between Israel and Hamas, as officials in the country seek to reduce conflict in the Gaza region by providing an outlet for peace talks.
Iran’s top diplomat discusses Israel’s war in Gaza with Hezbollah leader
November 23, 2023
Iran’s Hossein Amirabdollahian met with Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, to discuss ending the Israel conflict in Gaza. Amirabdollahian’s thoughts are that if the current truce doesn’t hold then the war will only expand.
Egypt will not accept any proposals to displace Palestinians: Madbouly
November 22, 2023
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has said that he will not back any proposal that involve displacing Palestinians from Gaza, emphasizing a belief that Egypt has a non-personal interest in keeping them from being displaced.
Israel's killing of journalists and denial can't hide the horrific toll in Gaza
November 22, 2023
An opinion piece from Mohannad Sabry of Middle East Eye indicates the true death toll in the Gaza strip is likely higher than what it truly being reported. 53 deaths have been those involved in the media industry, many of them journalists reporting from the front lines.
28 premature babies arrive in Egypt for healthcare after Israeli invasion of Shifa Hospital
November 20, 2023
There were 36 premature babies in total in Shifa Hospital when the Israeli raid occurred, five of which died after the generator power ran out. Of the surviving 31 infants, 28 were in need of urgent care and taken to Egypt’s Tal al-Sultan Hospital in Rafah. Egyptian Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar appeared at the Rafah border to receive them.
IDF says Hamas blocked fuel delivery to Shifa Hospital as troops advance in Gaza
November 13, 2023
Israel Defense Forces claim Hamas prevented them from delivering 300 liters of fuels to Shifa Hospital as fighting continues around the location. It was also reported a barrage of missiles were launched in the area at the same time, though no one was injured.
Arab-Islamic Summit supports Egypt’s efforts to deliver aid to Gaza
November 12, 2023
During the Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a statement from the event was released praising Egypt for their humanitarian efforts in the Gaza region. The statement also urged the entry of stalled resources like food and medicine supplies into Gaza and sought condemnation for Israel’s bombing of hospitals.
Israel-Palestine war: Riled by Israel's Gaza plans, Egypt pushes back
November 6, 2023
Egypt takes an assertive stance in its response to Israel’s movement on Gaza, stating that the movement to expel Palestinians (Hamas) from the city is an unnecessary and direct threat to Egypt’s national security. The president of the country even threatened to unleash the nation’s citizens in protest if needed. Many other Arab countries besides Egypt are also currently rethinking their policies towards Israel as a result of the Israel-Palestine war.
Israel-Palestine war: Activists block Boeing facility supplying bombs to Israel
November 6, 2023
Several activist organizations, including the anti-war youth organization Dissenters, are blocking every entry point to a bomb manufacturing plant in Boeing, Missouri. The facility has already supplied over 1,000 munitions to Israel for use in strikes on Gaza. The activist groups are making demands for two immediate actions: that Congress and Biden immediately halt hostilities and that arms sales to Israel are also halted.
Pentagon flying unarmed drones over Gaza for hostage recovery intel
November 3, 2023
The US has been flying drones over Gaza for the purpose of gathering intelligence on hostages being held by Palestinian militants, with over 200 hostages in the strip reported thus far. The Pentagon only recently confirmed this formerly unknown information to the public, revealing that US military assets are much closer to the Gaza zone of conflict than previously made known. It was also revealed that all gathered intel on the hostages is being shared with Israel.
Key Issues
This section includes the latest and most pressing news regarding SiC's key security issues.
Bangladesh: Why are Rohingya refugees fleeing to Indonesia?
November 29, 2023
A growing number of Rohingya refugees are boarding flimsy boats to travel the 1,800 kilometers (1,120 miles) south to Indonesia from the overcrowded camps of Cox's Bazar on Bangladesh's southeast coast.
EU extends EUR 15mn grant to promote circular economy in Sri Lanka’s food sector
November 25, 2023
A finance agreement was signed by Sri Lanka and the EU to support circular economy and sustainable food production and consumption.
Marines from new rotational force kick off coastal defense drills in Indonesia
November 24, 2023
As part of the latest effort to fortify relations between the US and Indonesia, which share a border with the South China Sea, a relatively new Marine Corps rotational group is training in coastal defense in Indonesia.
Afghan embassy in India shuts down citing lack of support, Taliban pressure
November 23, 2023
The Afghan government's envoy to New Delhi was dismissed two years ago, and the leaving ambassador stated that the reason for the closure was the diplomats' inability to obtain visa renewals from Indian hosts.
US lawmakers push for Taiwan aid
November 21, 2023
Lawmakers in the US are pushing the US Congress to approve a budget proposal from the White House that would fund Taiwan and other allies’ security assistance.
ASEAN defence chiefs call for halt to Gaza fighting
November 17, 2023
Defense leaders from Southeast Asia demanded that the fighting in Gaza end quickly and that nations work together to establish corridors for humanitarian relief there, but they were at a loss for ideas on how to deal with Myanmar's protracted civil unrest.
Cheap yuan catapults China to second-biggest trade funding currency
November 17, 2023
Capitalizing on the historically low yuan interest rates while funding costs rise elsewhere, multinational corporations are swarming into China's debt markets, issuing record numbers of bonds denominated in yuan and taking out large loans from mainland banks.
European nations join Myanmar genocide case
November 17, 2023
Together, five European nations and Canada have joined the International Court of Justice (ICJ) genocide complaint against Myanmar, which charges it of perpetrating genocide against the Rohingya, who are primarily Muslims.
Taliban regime ‘enabler’ of terror: Kakar
November 9, 2023
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq accuses the Taliban regime in Afghanistan of being behind the recent spike in terrorist attacks, but he also labels it a response to the deportation effort, as the mass removal of Afghan citizens who are allegedly residing without valid identification gathers momentum.
North Korea sends Russia artillery rounds for satellite advice: S Korea
November 1, 2023
South Korea claims North Korea is trading satellite technology for ammunition for Russia's conflict against Ukraine. The South Korean spy agency alleges Pyongyang and Moscow have a ‘arms-for-liftoff deal’.
