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: Families in extreme poverty in São Paulo grow 10%, says City Hall
September 27, 2023
Data from São Paulo’s Unified Registry indicates a 10.3% increase in extreme poverty throughout families in the city between January and July of 2023. By July, at least 684,295 families were living on the monthly per capita income of Brazil–the equivalent of $20 USD.
Early Warning Systems Crucial For Climate Adaptation—Report
September 26, 2023
A recent report indicates Dominica’s collective efforts to ensure people know about tropical storms long before they touch down is vital to adapting to climate change in the Caribbean.
Venezuela takes control of gang-run jail, ‘dismantles’ Tren de Aragua
September 24, 2023
After seizing back control of a jail run by the notorious gang in the northern state of Aragua, Venezuela claims to have destroyed the Tren de Aragua gang. Days after the Venezuelan government sent 11,000 troops and police into the Tocoron prison—which included eateries, bars, and even outdoor swimming pools—and served as Tren de Aragua's operational hub, Interior Minister Remigio Ceballos made the assertion.
Costa Rica's homicide rate rises in deadliest year ever
September 22, 2023
Official homicide figures indicated that over 656 people have died so far in Costa Rica's deadliest year on record; however, the government anticipates that number to rise beyond 900 by the end of the year. The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) of the historically peaceful Central American nation of Costa Rica reports that the number of killings in 2022 reached a record 654.
In brief: Argentina maintains interest rate despite soaring inflation
September 15, 2023
Argentina’s central bank has maintained an interest rate of 118% despite the rise of inflation across the county. As of writing, annual inflation in Argentina is estimated to be 124.4%.
China’s Xi says ‘upgrading’ Venezuela relations after meeting Maduro
September 13, 2023
China’s president Xi Jinping announced that Chinese-Venezuelan relations will be increasingly elevated in areas of economy, tourism, and trade. This rapprochement comes after Venezuela expressed support for the Chinese economic initiatives like Belt and Road and BRICS.
Colombia sets new coca cultivation record, UN report finds
September 11, 2023
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime released reports of coca production in Colombia and tracked a 13 percent increase from 2021. While this is a disheartening statistic, Colombian president Gustavo Petro condemns the international war on drugs and aims to use public health methods to combat drug trafficking, offering inspiration for the poorest citizens in the nation.
Court decriminalizes abortion across Mexico
September 7, 2023
The Mexican Supreme Court decriminalized abortions in all 32 states within Mexico, operating as a win for human rights and appreciated by women’s rights groups in Mexico. This stands in stark contrast to the powerful standing of the Catholic church in Mexico, but the Mexican government has moved away from Catholic influence in a so-called “green wave.”
Amazon rainforest: Deforestation rate continues to fall
September 6, 2023
The rate of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has decreased 66.1% when compared to August of 2022, acting as a win for environmental activists and reinforcing the idea that the rainforest is crucial in the global fight against climate change. This site offers an interesting graphic to illustrate the natural importance of the rainforest.
Argentina could export US$7 billion of lithium by 2025
September 2, 2023
Argentina’s productive capacity in lithium has increased to a predicted US$7 billion, which could help stave off of further inflation. Lithium production brings lots of foreign direct investment and can assist in the trade balance.
Africa
France's former envoy to Niger returns to Paris after weeks of tension
September 27, 2023
Following weeks of tension between Niger’s new, post-coup military leaders and France, the European country’s envoy has left the country, with their military presence expected to withdraw in the coming months.
Farmed rhinos will soon ‘rewild’ the African savanna
September 22, 2023
While poaching continues to threaten the five species of rhino left in Africa, a conservation charity, African Parks, plans to release 2,000 Platinum Rhinos from their ranch into the wild, in hopes of increasing dwindling rhino populations.
News: Several killed, many injured in fresh clashes in Babile near Oromia, Somali regions border
September 21, 2023
Clashes within the Babile district in Ethiopia between militia groups have caused the deaths of several civilians, reflective of the ongoing conflict in the region.
Children dying in Sudan amid healthcare system collapse
September 20, 2023
80% of hospitals in conflict-heavy areas of Sudan are non-functional, leading to the deaths of more than 1,200 children under the age of five in the White Nile state alone.
Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso establish Sahel security alliance
September 16, 2023
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have established a charter, the Alliance of Sahel States, which establishes rules for all three nations to assist one another, including with military force, if one of them is attacked by another nation.
Addis Ababa faces growing climate change risks like heat, drought and floods, study warns
September 13, 2023
The capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, is likely to face multiple climate change risks in the coming decades as temperatures in the region rise and the population of the city itself grows faster over time.
Egypt converts helicopter carrier into field hospital as Libya floods death toll tops 6,000
September 13, 2023
Egypt’s Mistral helicopter carrier has become a field hospital for Libya following a series of floods that have killed at least 6,000 people–though 10,000 more remain missing.
Kenya: Solar powered cold storage helps farmers reduce costly waste
September 11, 2023
Kenyan company SokoFresh has begun to offer mobile cold storage facilities to rural farmers, hoping to reduce the amount of food product lost to inadequate or inaccessible cold storage for what they grow.
Niger says France amassing troops, equipment in ECOWAS states
September 10, 2023
Niger’s Colonel Amadou Abdramane has claimed France deployed forces in nations that are part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in preparation for a conflict with Niger following its military coup at the end of July.
Uganda's NDA found HIV drugs in meat but didn't issue warning
September 8, 2023
Uganda’s National Drug Authority discovered HIV drugs were being used to fatten pigs and chickens in 2014, but has only recently admitted to their discovery, having not told the public when they first learned of the practice 9 years ago.
Middle East
Iran’s defense ministry boasts of capabilities of ‘Israel-striker’ missiles
September 26, 2023
Iran’s defense ministry claims it has missiles capable of striking Israel, using the weaponry–and the threat–as a way to demonstrate their military capabilities in the region.
The Yemeni fighters looking for peace after war
September 23, 2023
This article highlights soldiers from both sides of Yemen’s war after returning home to their families, focusing on how their lives have changed and what they must do to rebuild them.
Iran parades lines of drones, calls for US Gulf pullout
September 22, 2023
Iran’s armed forces have showcased 16 new types of drones, just as President Ebrahim Raisi has called for an end to the American military’s presence throughout the Persian Gulf.
Qatar sends medical aid, rescue team to flood-stricken Libya
September 22, 2023
Qatar has sent 23 tonnes of medical aid alongside a rescue team to Libya, following floods that have killed an estimated 11,300 people at the time this article was published.
Kurdish forces kill 14 pro-Turkey fighters in north Syria attack
September 18, 2023
Violent fighting between pro-Turkish factions in northern Syria with Kurdish forces have led to an attack that killed 14 pro-Turkey fighters in the region. The Kurdish fighting regime Afrin were blamed for the attack.
Alleged Israeli strikes hit Syria for 2nd time, hours after attack on air defenses
September 13, 2023
Israel’s Air Force has carried out two missile strikes in Syria at the time of this article, killing two Syrian soldiers and wounding six others in Tartus.
Morocco earthquake: Survivors in remote villages seek aid as death toll passes 2,100
September 10, 2023
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Morocco has hit remote settlements the hardest, leaving many no choice but to sleep outside even after three nights. More than 300,000 have been affected by the quake, with more foreign aid received than government aid.
Iraqi Kurdish farmers expect weak tobacco harvest
September 9, 2023
Farmers in Iraq’s Kurdistan region are anticipating a weak tobacco harvest with minimal financial results because of a lack of government support for local farmers.
Shooting down drones isn’t enough to stop Jordan’s crystal meth problem
September 8, 2023
Cases of crystal meth abuse have risen at an alarming rate in Jordan, putting the country at risk of a widespread public health crisis. The drug has surpassed captagon in popularity and is sneaking its way across Jordanian borders from Syria via “narco-drones”.
Ain al-Helweh Palestinian camp: island of misery in south Lebanon
September 8, 2023
Lebanon’s largest Palestinian refugee camp, Ain al-Helweh, has been host to violent outbreaks within its walls–the latest of which has left approximately two dozen injured. These large-scale street conflicts are the result of tension between the camp’s inhabitants and the gradually-increased presence of Islamist militants in the area.
Developing Asia
Indonesia launches carbon exchange
September 26, 2023
Indonesia wishes to reduce its carbon emissions by 31.89% by 2030. On September 26, Indonesia launched a carbon exchange system as one step toward this goal.
China sees rapid development in rural e-commerce
September 24, 2023
China has a rapidly-emerging e-commerce industry that is helping to revitalize its rural regions.
Myanmar Turns to China for Census and Surveillance Assistance
September 21, 2023
The Myanmar junta’s immigration minister Myint Kyaing recently visited Beijing to ask for assistance in carrying out Myanmar’s upcoming census. He also visited a biometrics firm called Beijing Hisign Technology Co. These developments, combined with his visit to India in July to explore possibilities for collaboration on an e-identification, suggests that the junta wishes to create an e-identification system, equipped with biometrics, that would enable tighter control and surveillance of the civilian population.
Sri Lanka’s Online safety bill gazetted : Key concerns raised
September 20, 2023
The Sri Lankan Government has gazetted the Online Safety Bill, a law that opposition politicians fear could be used to suppress free speech and expression online.
Pakistan cracks down on Afghan refugees without legal status
September 19, 2023
Since the Taliban takeover of Kabul in August 2021, 600,000 Afghan refugees have entered Pakistan. But following a recent terrorist attack by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the Chitral region of Pakistan, the Pakistani government has been arresting Afghan refugees en masse-- including Afghans with Proof of Residency (PoR) cards that legally authorize them to reside in Pakistan. Pakistan is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, which means that refugees there have little protection.
Okinawa governor tells UN that US military base threatens peace
September 19, 2023
The governor of Okinawa, speaking before the UN Human Rights Council, voiced his opposition to relocate a US military base in Okinawa to another part of the island. The Japanese government has agreed to help the US relocate the base despite strong opposition from Okinawans.
Border-hopping Myanmar troops cause alarm in Thailand
September 12, 2023
In what a Thailand opposition MP has referred to as a violation of Thailand’s state sovereignty, 80 to 100 Myanmar armed soldiers crossed the border and entered two villages in Thailand on September 3. They stayed until September 5 and refused to leave until the Thai military negotiated their departure. Less than a week later, more Myanmar soldiers came and again they refused to leave until the Thai military negotiated with them.
685 Farmer Suicides In Maharashtra's Marathwada So Far In 2023
September 12, 2023
To date this year, 685 farmers in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra have committed suicide as a result of financial difficulties brought on by crop failure due to drought. This monsoon season in Marathwada, rainfall was 20.7 percent lower than normal.
Indonesia to allow other countries to bury their carbon in Indonesia
September 11, 2023
The Indonesian government, claiming that its depleted reservoirs and saline aquifiers are capable of storing 400 gigatons of carbon, plans to store its own carbon in these places as well as give other countries the opportunity to bury their carbon dioxide in Indonesia.
Myanmar faces worsening electricity shortages ever since the coup
September 8, 2023
Myanmar was facing electricity shortages even prior to the coup. But the coup has worsened the shortages for several reasons. First, the coup triggered a nationwide boycott of electricity bill payments. Second, many foreign investors have cancelled power projects in Myanmar in protest of the coup. Third, the power grid was attacked 229 times between February 2021 and April 2023 according to the junta’s own figures. Compounding the problem is the junta’s reliance on domestic gas deposits which are expected to be depleted by 2030.
Only 5% of stalking cases in South Korea receive a prison sentence
September 7, 2023
In South Korea, under the Act of Punishment of Crime of Stalking, which came into effect in 2021, stalkers can receive a prison sentence of up to three years. However, out of 385 stalkers who were indicted for harassment between January and May of this year, only 21 received prison sentences, with the longest one being 1 ½ years.
BRI’s emphasis on environmentally friendly practices has benefited Central Asia countries
September 7, 2023
Environmental initiatives have been a key component of the Belt and Road Initiative. These include the introduction of drip irrigation systems to replace the more water-intensive flood irrigation, the development of renewable energy resources, and the treatment of the Aral Sea.
IMF rejects Pakistan's power relief plan
September 4, 2023
Pakistan had a plan to provide relief to the impoverished struggling to pay their electricity bills, which have skyrocketed. Pakistan estimated the cost of this plan at Rs. 6.5 billion. But the plan has been rejected by the IMF, which cited concerns that the plan would lead to a budget deficit.
China Trade
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.
China’s double-edged Belt and Road debt trap
September 25, 2023
China, the world's largest bilateral lender, faces challenges in managing the debt distress of borrowers under the Belt and Road Initiative. The main issue is dealing with unsustainable debt owed to various creditors, with policymakers avoiding procrastination due to optimism bias.
Will the U.S. Plan to Counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative Work?
September 14, 2023
President Biden announced the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) at the G20 summit to counter China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has faced setbacks and increased debt burdens.
Exploring the Ways to Promote the Development of Bilateral Trade China and the Philippines
July, 2023
This article focuses on ways to enhance bilateral trade between China and the Philippines, focusing on factors like tariffs, non-tariff measures, trade policies, and currency considerations.
China’s Growing Influence in Latin America
June 15, 2023
China, South America's top trading partner, is pursuing new trade and investment opportunities to strengthen US leadership in the region and counter Beijing's influence, including in Latin America's space sector and military ties.
June 7, 2023
The Greater Bay Area is set to transform into a global innovation hub, balancing policy-driven and market-driven economies. This paper explores the unique logistics and trade facilitation aspects of GBA, highlighting issues like institutional coexistence and state planning-market economy interplay.
Work with China, Don’t Contain It-Chapter
April 27, 2023
The Economist warns that China and Japan are sliding toward war due to an escalating dispute over East China Sea islands. Chinese officials believe such a policy is already in place, and discussing maritime regulations and Pacific naval exercises is necessary to prevent future enemies.
April 14, 2023
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by China aims to strengthen international cooperation and share development. South Asia, a key area, has seen a gradual strengthening of trade. Economic growth, savings rate increase, and industrialization improvements positively affect trade, while a development gap negatively impacts it.
The Dreary and the Dramatic: What Happened to China’s Platform Economy?
April 12, 2023
Desmond Shum's Red Roulette reflects China's strict digital regulation, including GDPR and cryptocurrencies, despite the suppression of the Ant Financial IPO and the perceived non-productive nature of cryptocurrencies.
March 31, 2023
This article studies trade and economic relations between China and Russia, highlighting similarities in political systems, reforms, and policies. It suggests that both countries plan to increase trade volume in the next two years, with China focusing on trade and economic development and Russia promoting security and stability.
Key Issues
This section includes the latest and most pressing news regarding SiC's key security issues.
Nagorno-Karabakh government to dissolve itself by January 2024
September 28, 2023
Azerbaijan launched a recent offensive in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, a territory disputed by Armenia and Azerbaijan, and demanded that the Armenian troops stationed there surrender and that the government of Nagorno-Karabakh dissolve itself. In response to this crisis, 65000 people-- more than half the population of Nagorno-Karabakh-- has fled to Armenia.
Relations between Canada and India soured following Nijjar assassination
September 26, 2023
The revelations that the Indian government was involved in the killing of Canadian politician Hardeep Singh Nijjar has brought relations between Canada and India, which had been very good in the not-too-distant past, to a new low. It could also impact the flow of Indian migrants to Canada.
U.S. seeks military access in Philippine eastern seaboard
September 23, 2023
U.S. and Philippines have begun discussions to expand the U.S. military presence along the eastern coast of the island nation. The discussion around additional U.S. facilities is the latest reaction to China's aggressive foreign policy across the Indo-Pacific region.
Italy Wants to Exit the Belt and Road – But Without Curbing Ties With China
September 21, 2023
As indicated by many statements made by Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni over the past year, most notably at her meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the G-20 summit in India, Rome intends to withdraw from China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Singapore is now the freest economy in the world, displacing Hong Kong after 53 years
September 21, 2023
According to a survey published by the Canadian think tank Fraser Institute, Singapore has surpassed Hong Kong to become the economy with the most freedom worldwide. For the first time since the Economic Freedom of the World Index started in 1970, Hong Kong slid to second place from the number one slot, and its score is poised to sink much worse.
Former Belarus ‘hit squad’ member to stand trial in Switzerland
September 19, 2023
Yuri Garavsky, who in 2019 confessed to abducting and killing three political opponents of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, has been arrested in Switzerland and is being tried under a UN convention against forced disappearance, to which Switzerland is a signatory.
Belarus leader proposes three-way cooperation with Russia’s Putin and North Korea’s Kim
September 15, 2023
Following summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted a meeting on with his Belarusian ally, suggesting that Minsk may join Moscow's efforts to resurrect an old partnership with Pyongyang. The suggestion was made by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi.
Microplastics Found in Clouds For First Time by Researchers
September 5, 2023
Japanese researchers have detected microplastics in water samples taken from clouds. While the exact impact of these microplastics is unknown, it’s thought that they could impact Earth’s climate by facilitating the formation of raindrops, leading to more intense rainfall.
