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.
Monthly Roundup Highlights
Latin America and the Caribbean
Submissions made by Rowan Moxley
Progress in the Guyana-Venezuela Esequibo Dispute
January 24, 2024
Guyana and Venezuela’s foreign ministers will meet in Brazil to facilitate discussions about the Essequibo region, mediated by Brazil’s foreign minister. This highlights Brazil’s increasing role as a neutral force in the Latin American region.
Argentinians take to the streets to protest against new austerity measures
January 24, 2024
Argentinian unions have begun their most significant display of resistance towards the newest economic reforms by President Javier Milei, involving huge budget cuts and new efforts at privatization. The demonstration has reached a point where local airlines are reporting a large wave of flight cancellations.
Hundreds flee cartel battles in southern Mexico
January 23, 2024
Battles between the Jalisco New Generation cartel and the Sinaloa cartel have forced more than 700 residents to flee their homes near the Guatemala border. Residents report over 20 deaths since the beginning of the conflict, and accuse the state of not offering sufficient protection to locals.
Narco-sub with $27m of 'scorpion' cocaine seized in Colombia
January 22, 2024
A 50-foot semi-submersible has been found in Colombian waters, carrying a haul of over 800 kilograms of cocaine. The submarine was deemed likely on its way to the US or Europe, and all of the packages were marked with a scorpion graphic. All members on board were arrested and the cocaine was transported to a nearby Colombian town.
Three migrants drown at US border as Texas blocked their rescue
January 14, 2024
A woman and her two children died while crossing the Rio Grande, serving as a live testimony to the growing tensions between President Joe Biden and Texas governor Greg Abbott over the topic of immigration.
Amazon rainforest: Deforestation rate halved in 2023
January 12, 2024
The Amazon Rainforest’s rates of deforestation decreased over 50% in 2023 compared to the previous year, marking a record low in the past five years. This comes in response to the recently elected de Silva’s presidential goals of ending deforestation.
Chile’s Pioneering Submarine Cable to Transform Global Data Traffic
January 11, 2024
As a bilateral partnership between Chile and Google emerges, their first unified project has begun with the Humboldt Cable System, the first fiber-optic cable connecting South America to Asia and Oceania. This could make Chile a key connectivity hub, as they will no longer need to route data through the United States.
Bolivia Reinstates Mask Mandate in Schools Amid COVID-19 Spike
January 9, 2024
The Bolivian government has begun requiring masks in schools, as well as other serious public health measures, to counter a recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases. There is currently an 80% surge in infections, a drastic increase from the numbers reported over 2023.
Facing high rates of sexual violence, Colombia turns to salsa as therapy
January 5, 2024
Mi Cuepo Es Mi Historia, translating to “My body is my story,” is a non-profit in Colombia which combines psychotherapy and salsa dancing for victims of sexual assault. Through this combination, victims can express their emotions and process their trauma over the course of months. This is especially revolutionary in a nation like Colombia which sees very high rates of sexual assault.
Migrants fear threat of extortion in Guatemala
January 4, 2024
Many migrants to Guatemala report instances of extortion, claiming that Guatemalan police constitute one of the biggest hotspots for extortion in Latin America. Police at several checkpoints throughout Guatemala have been threatening deportation South to Honduras to many of the hundreds of thousands of migrants.
Africa
Submissions made by Nick Bythrow
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger withdraw from ECOWAS, accusing Bloc of 'Inhumane' Sanctions
January 28, 2024
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger made a joint announcement of withdrawing from ECOWAS, citing sanctions levied against each country. All three had been suspended from the organization in earlier years. The leaving nations have formed their own security allegiance as of 2024, vying for Russian support.
News: Armed groups kill 12 members of local gov’t militia from Guji zone, Oromia region
January 26, 2024
Ethiopia’s Oromia region faced an attack from armed forces that killed 12 members of a local militia, stealing their weapons in the process. The attack reflects a region torn by local armed forces and government-backed ones.
Cameroon starts world's first malaria vaccine program for children
January 22, 2024
Cameroon is the first country in the world to start giving regular malaria vaccines to children. They hope to vaccinate 250,000 children in 2024 and are working with 20 other nations across Africa to immunize at least 6 million children by the end of 2025.
‘I don’t want him to die this way’: Uganda’s hidden children
January 20, 2024
This report highlights the lack of care Ugandan children with learning disabilities have, including the lack of government care and the stigma associated with their illnesses.
January 18, 2024
Budget cuts to South African conservationist groups have made it difficult for them to collect data on biodiversity that helps them monitor Africa’s environmental robustness. This article proposes ways to circumvent these funding issues, including putting data into the hands of citizens who are interested in assisting.
January 14, 2024
Africa is heavily reliant on wheat, rice, and maize to feed its population, despite having 7,000 plant species that have been used as food in the past. This article argues how African countries can take advantage of the continent’s biodiversity to offer more food to people–especially in nations struggling with hunger crises.
Burundi closes border with Rwanda in latest East Africa row
January 12, 2024
Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye believes Rwanda is backing the Red Tabara rebel group, shutting its border between the nations as a precaution due to mistrust.
News: HRW World Report 2024 exposes Ethiopia’s humanitarian despair, global inaction
January 11, 2024
Human Rights Watch has reported on the humanitarian mistreatment and crises faced by Ethiopia in 2023. This includes the ongoing conflict that has displaced 1.2 million people, as well as a lack of aid from international groups and countries.
Sudan’s army chief rejects negotiations with rival RSF
January 6, 2024
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Sudanese Armed Forces has rejected negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces, calling a deal with the group “unacceptable.” This comes after 9 months of war in the nation, which has killed at least 12,000 people.
French embassy in Niger officially closed until further notice
January 2, 2024
French Foreign Affairs announced the indefinite closure of Niamey’s embassy building, following French troops exiting the country in mid-December. This happened after a successful coup in the nation, which has left a new, anti-French group in charge of governance.
Middle East
Submissions made by Tom Nicholson
War on Gaza: Israeli protesters block emergency aid from reaching Gaza for days
January 26, 2024
Families of Israeli hostages being held in Gaza have been taking part in the protest groups that are blocking the delivery of emergency aid into Gaza. The protestors want all aid to be cut off until the captives in Gaza are released.
Egypt’s President blames Israel for hampering Gaza aid deliveries
January 24, 2024
In a speech, the President of Egypt accused Israel of putting a bottleneck on the flow of aid deliveries into the Gaza Strip at Rafah crossing. He stated that deliberately “cumbersome procedures” at the crossing are being used as a pressure tactic for the release of hostages in Gaza, and the President also denied any accusations of Egypt itself restricting the flow of aid.
With Iran's cyberattacks on rise since Gaza war, Israel looks to private industry
January 21, 2024
Since the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict, hostile cyber activity against Israel has increased and intensified. Scaling up from small attacks (such as website vandalism) into larger and more complex attacks designed to damage Israel’s infrastructure, many of these attacks are coming from Iran-based groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
January 16, 2024
Iran launched missile strikes on locations in Syria that were identified as sites of terrorist activity for the Daesh group. Soon after, Iran launched another volley at an espionage center belonging to Israel’s spy agency, the Mossad, located in the Iraqi Kurdistan region.
Four days of blackout: News of developments in Israeli aggression sparse amid network outage
January 15, 2024
The Gaza Strip has been experiencing a network communications outage for over 72 hours and outgoing reports from the conflict have diminished as a result. While this is not the first outage to be experienced since the start of the Israel-Gaza aggression, it is definitely the longest.
Turkey bombs 'terrorist targets' in Iraq and Syria
January 13, 2024
In retaliation to nine of its soldiers dying in Iraq, Turkey carried out air strikes on 54 locations within Iraq and Syria that were flagged as terrorist hotspots. Each of the bombed locations belonged to one of two organizations that Turkey has blacklisted as terrorist groups: the PKK and the YPG.
Gaza daily deaths exceed all other major conflicts in 21st century: Oxfam
January 11, 2024
Recent reports on the Gaza conflict reveal that the daily number of civilian casualties in Gaza is now surpassing that of any other major conflict in the world in the 21st century. The current average death rate of Palestinians is 250 people a day.
War on Gaza: Israel kills top Hezbollah commander Wissam al-Tawil in Lebanon air strike
January 8, 2024
Hezbollah commander Tawil was killed after his car was targeted by an Israeli air strike in the village of Majdal Selm, Lebanon. The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel will likely intensify in response as Tawil had played a key leading role in Hezbollah’s southern operations.
January 4, 2024
As the economic crisis in Egypt continues, the turn of the new year has come with price hikes to many goods and services within the Egyptian economy. These price swings are the result of factors such as ongoing inflation and the continued withdrawing of subsidies for goods and services by the Egyptian government.
Israel launches strikes in Syria, Lebanon, targets 'Hezbollah infrastructure'
January 2, 2024
Military infrastructure belonging to the Syrian army was struck by Israeli forces, supposedly with the goal of targeting military assets of the Hezbollah group. It is suspected that Israel is continuing to strike Syrian and Iranian targets as part of the ongoing proxy war separate from their activities in Gaza.
Developing Asia
Submissions made by Prisca Afantchao
Minister for Border Affairs discusses border development with Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar
January 27, 2024
Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt. Gen. Tun Tun Naung and Chinese Ambassador Chen Hai met at the Ministry of Border Affairs to discuss border stability, development of youth in the border region, and cooperation agreements. They also discussed bilateral economic cooperation and Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone project cooperation.
Representatives of Afghan Women, Civil Society Invited to Doha Meeting
January 27, 2024
The UN Secretary General will convene a meeting on Afghanistan in Doha, featuring special envoys, including Afghan women and civil society representatives. The meeting aims to discuss increasing international engagement in a more coherent, coordinated, and structured manner, with the Islamic Emirate also invited.
Mahrang Baloch bemoans enforcement of section 144 in Balochistan
January 27, 2024
A month-long sit-in in Islamabad occurred to speak against the extrajudicial killing of Balaach Mola Bakhsh by the Counter-Terrorism Department. As the protesters planned to move their protest to Quetta, section 144, a law banning public gatherings was enforced. Activist, Dr. Mahrang Baloch called this an attempt to limit freedom of speech and hinder the movement.
Philippines, Vietnam eye ‘strategic partnership’ agreement between coast guards
January 23, 2024
During a meeting on January 23, 2024, the Philippines Coast Guard met with Vietnamese ambassadors to discuss the Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries’ coast guards. Both countries have claims over part of the South China Sea which counter China’s claims over most of the sea.
Nepal suffers another winter drought
January 17, 2024
Nepal is experiencing its driest winter in years. Rather than the usual rain, the region has been hit with warmer and dryer weather in the winter. Due to the drought, Nepal’s hydropower capacity has dropped and there have been major disruptions in production of crops such as wheat and barley.
People suffering in face of ‘corruption, plunder and foul play’ of ruling clique: Rizvi
January 14, 2024
The Senior Joint Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, accuses the Awami League of remaining in office through election fraud and relying on foreign powers. He calls the current administration, led by President Sheikh Hasina, an authoritarian regime and asserts that the skyrocketing prices of food are being manipulated by the government in favor of businesses and not the people.
UK envoy to Pakistan visits PoK, India says ‘unacceptable’
January 13, 2024
On Saturday January 13, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed disapproval of the British envoy to Pakistan visiting Kashmir. The MEA sees this visit as an ‘infringement of India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,’ as the Indian government continues its claim over the area of Kashmir.
Building of temporary housing begins for Japan quake victims
January 12, 2024
After an earthquake occurred on January 1, the Ishikawa prefectural government is constructing 115 temporary housing units in Wajima and Suzu, Japan. As of Friday, January 12, the death toll is 215. The prefecture plans to build 60 more temporary houses.
Sinovac reportedly halts COVID-19 vaccine productions
January 11, 2024
Sinovac Biotech, a major inactivated vaccine manufacturer in China, has halted COVID-19 vaccine production due to falling market demand. A document from Sinovac Life Sciences Co., Ltd states that the company will stop issuing performance bonuses for employees involved in the COVID-19 project starting January 2024. The vaccine products are no longer available for purchase. If needed, individuals should inquire with local disease control centers.
Indonesia Faces Dilemma on Rohingya Refugees
January 6, 2024
Indonesia has been a major migration destination for Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in majority Buddhist Myanmar, however, they have been increasingly faced with resentment from Indonesian citizens. Protests against the refugees have caused concern among nongovernmental organizations like the Commission for Disappeared and Victims of Violence (Kontras). The coordinator of Kontras says there is a need for UNHCR and ASEAN to help the Indonesian government.
China Trade
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.
Iran-China trade reaches $14.6b in 2023
January 27, 2024
Iran and China exchanged $14.650 billion worth of products in 2023, with a 30% growth in exports and an 8.6% growth in exports. Iran's Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Ehsan Khandouzi announced the 25-year strategic partnership plan has entered a new phase, with new agreements between various ministries. Iran and China signed 16 memorandums of understanding in December 2022, and in mid-July 2023, these agreements were turned into specified projects. China is Iran's largest trading partner and a significant destination for Iranian goods.
Raising tariffs on Chinese EVs will contradict President Biden’s climate strategy
January 18, 2024
The Biden administration is considering raising tariffs on Chinese EVs and clean energy products to protect US industries. The Trump administration's tariffs, covering over $300 billion in Chinese imports, impede the US's clean energy transition and undermine climate change goals. The Biden administration should remove tariffs to accelerate decarbonization and reduce global economic growth.
January 2, 2024
This article uses the stochastic frontier gravity model to analyze the trade potential between China and Nepal and the prospects of the Lanzhou-Kathmandu South Asian rail-road freight trains (LKSARFT). The analysis shows a decrease in bilateral non-efficiency factor and an increase in exports non-efficiency factor. The BTE and EE ranking among eight South Asian countries rank fifth and fourth over 18 years. The study also reveals that export trade resistance from China to Nepal is larger than bilateral trade resistance, and the focus of bilateral trade may change. Policy directions are provided to boost bilateral trade efficiency and tap into the potential of bilateral trade between China and Nepal.
Trade wars and industrial policy competitions: Understanding the US-China economic conflicts
January 2024
The study evaluates the impacts of US-China trade wars and industrial policy competitions, incorporating sectoral external economies of scale. Results show that "Made-in-China 2025" subsidies improve welfare for both countries, while the US gains from Trumpian tariffs if China implements the project. In a non-cooperative tariff game, both countries impose high tariffs and suffer welfare losses. Proper implementation of industrial subsidies may generate less distortion than import tariffs.
Comparing the EU and Chinese carbon trading market operations and their spillover effects
January 2024
This study examines the liquidity and volatility of carbon trading markets (CTMs) in the European Union (EU) and China, the world's largest carbon-emitting country. The study shows that China's CTM has better liquidity than the EU's, is more unstable, and has lower volatility. Price changes in the EU and Hubei CTMs have mutual influence, and market fluctuations interact between them. The findings have implications for CTM construction and development in the EU and China.
Sustain China's copper resources with domestic mining, trading, and recycling
December 30, 2023
China, the world's largest refined copper producer and consumer, faces a persistent copper supply deficit due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. Insufficient copper ore reserves necessitate significant imports and scrap copper recycling. The study highlights the need for sustainable copper resource management and suggests recycling scrap to bridge the supply-demand gap.
Diversifying natural resources for green recovery in China: Strategies and solutions
November 25, 2023
The study explores China's efforts to diversify its natural resources from 1990 to 2021, focusing on environmental sustainability and economic resilience. The rapid growth of China's economy has led to increased environmental damage, including carbon emissions, water use, and land deterioration. However, the adoption of eco-friendly technologies and regulations has helped reduce these issues. China must balance environmental conservation with economic growth, ensuring clear standards for resource extraction, emissions reduction, and land usage. Ethical resource management is crucial for a greener recovery.
October 13, 2023
This article explores the impact of US anti-dumping sanctions on Chinese exports on innovations developed by affected firms. These sanctions increased the number of patented innovations produced by firms exporting from China, particularly during the pro-innovation national policy period launched by China in 2006. The article suggests that protectionist policies could lead to targeted exporting firms enhancing their innovations to increase value-added products, potentially intensifying competition for higher-end domestic manufacturers and contributing to future technological competition.
Israel and Palestine
Submissions made by Nick Bythrow and Tom Nicholson
What is the significance of ICJ ruling on Israel’s war in Gaza?
January 27, 2024
This article analyzes the ICJ’s ruling on the war in Gaza, which demanded Israel to prevent genocidal acts–while also not calling for a ceasefire. The article says that while the ruling is not final nor authoritative for immediate action, Israel’s behavior could change given they have one month to submit to the court how they’ve taken steps to prevent genocide.
Why Israel’s push to control Gaza’s southern border could endanger peace with Egypt
January 26, 2024
Analyzing the frayed relationship between Israel and Egypt in the midst of the war, this article claims peace between the nations could fracture if Israel continues trying to villainize Egypt, who themselves are worried about Palestinian refugees crossing into the country.
Iran calls Israel 'helpless' in war, attacking Syria, Lebanon to offset 'disgraceful' loss to Gaza
January 23, 2024
During a meeting, the Foreign Minister of Iran gave his opinion on Israel’s recent series of strikes on Syria and Lebanon. He pointed out that these strikes are most likely an attempt to deflect attention away from the Israeli defeat in Gaza.
Egypt urges G7 to support Gaza ceasefire: Shoukry
January 21, 2024
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry urged G7 countries to assist in supporting a ceasefire in Gaza, saying it’s the only way to prevent the amount of violence happening in the region.
Gaza war: Arab regimes ignore popular support for Palestine at their peril
January 17, 2024
Recent surveys show that Israel’s war on Gaza has made pro-Palestine support amongst Arabs higher than any point since 2011. Despite this popular sentiment, Arab regimes are continuing to push for Israel normalization.
Israel defends itself at ICJ over case of genocide on Palestinians brought forward by S'Africa
January 12, 2024
South Africa has taken Israel to the International Court of Justice, alleging their attack in Gaza are tantamount to genocide of Palestinians in the region. Taking the stand for opening arguments, Israel has denied such allegations, saying the term is being “weaponized” against their actions in the region.
War on Gaza: Anger and defiance in Yemen following US-UK air strikes on Houthis
January 12, 2024
In this article, citizens of Yemen respond to US and UK attacks on Houthis in the Red Sea, where the group is currently stalling naval traffic aside from humanitarian aid to Gaza. These actions are in response to Israel’s attacks, which they want to see stopped before they leave the area.
Daesh mimicking Israel in massacre of women and children: Raisi
January 8, 2024
In a meeting of the National Assembly of Tajikistan, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi commented on the recent terrorist attack on Iran’s city of Kerman by the Daesh terror group. He compared the act of terror to Israel’s campaign in the Gaza Strip while simultaneously condemning Israel’s activities in that region.
After meetings in Doha, families of hostages say Qataris ‘attentive, sympathetic’
January 7, 2024
Due to Hamas freezing hostage negotiations over the recent assassination of their deputy chief, the families of Hamas-held hostages flew to Qatar to meet with the Qatari Prime Minster as well as other Qatari officials (Qatar also hosts Hamas leaders). The Prime Minister and company expressed their commitment to the release the hostages and the sentiment that a ceasefire will greatly speed up the negotiating process.
January 2, 2024
In response to the ever-rising number of displaced Palestinians from Gaza due to bombing from Israeli forces, Egyptian leadership issued orders for a new camp be built in the southwestern region of Gaza (through the construction efforts of the Egyptian Red Crescent). The sentiment behind the decision was to prevent the displacement of Palestinians into Egyptian territory.
Key Issues
Submissions made by Oshin Pandey
This section includes the latest and most pressing news regarding SiC's key security issues.
French farmers vow to continue protests despite government concessions
January 27,2024
The country has recently seen a surge in the farmers' movement, which demands more pay for their crops, less red tape, and defense against low-cost imports. A day after the government unveiled a set of measures that it said did not go far enough in addressing their requests, French farmers pledged to keep up their protests and keep up traffic barriers.
China vows to work with North Korea to protect regional stability as tensions with Seoul escalate
January 19, 2024
Amid growing tensions between Seoul and Pyongyang, China said that it would collaborate with North Korea on regional stability.
China widens South America trade highway with Silk Road mega port
January 18, 2024
Chancay, a fishing hamlet in Peru, welcomed a delegation of Brazilian farmers and politicians in September. The allure was a brand-new megaport being built by China on the Pacific coast, which was expected to greatly boost commerce between China and South America.
Pakistan hits separatist ‘hideouts’ in retaliatory strikes against Iran
January 18, 2024
In reaction to airstrikes by Tehran that targeted locations within Pakistan's borders, Pakistan has undertaken retaliatory strikes against militants in Iran, raising concerns about more instability in the Middle East and surrounding area.
Key milestone reached in Malaysia - Singapore rapid transit project
January 17, 2024
A major construction milestone was completed at the end of December 2023, according to a joint announcement from the transport ministries of both nations. This was the completion of a 17.1-meter-long concrete span that would connect the Malaysian and Singaporean ends of a rail viaduct that will over the Strait of Johor.
Taiwan elections 2024: Polls close as voters pick president, MPs
January 13, 2024
In Taiwan's much awaited presidential and legislative elections, voters have cast their votes, and preliminary returns indicate that the ruling party's nominee is leading handily.
US imposes sanctions over transfer of North Korean missiles to Russia
January 12, 2024
Sanctions have been placed by the US on three Russian organizations and one person who is said to have been engaged in the transfer and testing of North Korea's ballistic missiles, which Moscow is purportedly using in its conflict with Ukraine.
January 11, 2024
In 2024, the UK will deploy its Littoral Response Group to the Indian Ocean Region, and in 2025, it will send its Spearhead Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to the same region for joint maritime exercises with India. This move indicates the two countries' growing defense cooperation and the UK's increasing naval focus on the Indo-Pacific region.
U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier Sails With Philippine Navy In South China Sea
January 4, 2024
Amid growing tensions between China and the United States over the disputed seas, the fleets of the two longstanding defense partners, the Philippines and the United States, conducted combined naval maneuvers in the South China Sea for two days.
Navy steps up Arabian Sea security, surveillance, deploys warships after attacks on merchant vessels
January 4, 2024
As a result of recent attacks on commercial ships, the Indian Navy has enhanced maritime security and surveillance in the central and northern Arabian Sea by deploying frontline destroyers, frigates, and long-range maritime patrol aircraft.
