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
Submissions made by Rowan Moxley
Peru President Dina Boluarte’s home raided in luxury watch investigation
March 30, 2024
Peruvian police raided President Boluarte’s home on live television in pursuit of uncounted Rolex watches. Their actions were criticized by the Peruvian prime minister for endangering investments and international approval.
Canada launches programme to get citizens out of violence-hit Haiti
March 25, 2024
Canadian diplomats in Haiti have arranged for helicopters to fly ‘the most vulnerable’ citizens out of Haiti, including those with children or illness. This may serve as a sign of hope for Haitians in witnessing a wave of international assistance.
In Colombia, hunting poachers, not drug traffickers
March 21, 2024
The Colombian wildlife trafficking unit has been increasing in strength and influence, as they continue to rescue stolen fauna that serve to endanger Colombia’s natural biodiversity. The division was started four years ago as a way to begin combatting ecological crimes, aside from just drug-related offenses.
Cubans stage rare protests amid blackouts, persisting economic crisis
March 18, 2024
Amidst a wave of blackouts and power cuts, some lasting 18 hours, economic activity has become severely stifled in Cuba. The resulting retaliatory energy led to a series of protests, with the Cuban president calling out the US for instigating unrest within their sovereign borders.
Surviving the white gold rush - life in the ‘lithium triangle'
March 16, 2024
As the world rushes to switch from fossil fuels to electric cars, demand for lithium has pushed countless companies to mine for lithium. This poses great risk to producers of other Western normal goods in consumption, such as quinoa and acai, who thrive in the very same environments that are getting destroyed in the pursuit of lithium.
Haiti’s PM Ariel Henry tenders resignation as country descends into chaos
March 12, 2024
Following a bloody week in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, Ariel Henry promised to resign as soon as a transitional council is set up to prevent a complete power vacuum. He is now stranded in Puerto Rico.
Oceans break high-temperature record in warmest February marked globally
March 7, 2024
According to EU scientists, ocean and air temperatures have hit a record high, with air temperatures hitting a record high for the ninth straight consecutive month. Samantha Burgess of CS3 claims ‘rapid reductions’ in greenhouse gasses can be the only way to quell the surge in global temperatures.
Venezuela sets presidential election for July amid opposition candidate ban
March 6, 2024
The Venezuelan National Electoral Council issued a fifteen-year ban on current President Maduro’s opposition, Maria Machado, on account of ‘political corruption.’ This spurred the US to reinstate a ban on Venezuelan trading and oil, citing Maduro for dishonoring an agreement to hold a fair and open election in 2024.
Argentina’s Milei vows to push economic reforms with or without parliament
March 2, 2024
Argentina’s radical libertarian president laid the gauntlet on lawmakers throughout Argentina in a speech akin to the US’s State of the Union. His radical reforms, albeit not without controversy and criticism, managed to pull the nation’s first budget surplus in years.
Kenya, Haiti sign ‘reciprocal’ agreement on police deployment
March 1, 2024
Kenyan President William Ruto signed with the Haitian government to permit a UN-backed law and order mission to combat the presence of gangs in the small Caribbean nation. The Haitian government has long called for international assistance as the conflict continued to escalate, with a current death count rising above 5000.
Africa
Submissions made by Nick Bythrow
Senegal opposition candidate Faye won 54 percent in presidential vote
March 27, 2024
Senegal’s opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye won over 54 percent of votes during the turbulent Presidential election in Senegal. This comes 10 days after he was freed from prison, and following attempts at election interference in recent months.
March 27, 2024
This article discusses how political parties in South Africa have been responding to power shortages across the country, which has become a core topic for their upcoming May 29th election. It includes a breakdown of which politicians believe in privatization or nationalization of the electrical supply, and how the current situation can be curbed.
March 25, 2024
As Ghana makes its transition to create a wider aluminium industry, it must wrestle with the new issue of utilizing this resources to ensure what it is building doesn’t become an environmental hazard.
Sudan war: After escaping the war at home, refugees face hunger and diseases
March 22, 2024
Following 11 months of war, Sudanese refugees are still struggling after losing their homes to the ongoing conflict. Refugees in Chad, for instance, are at the highest number they’ve been in 20 years, while aid workers are having difficulty helping alleviate harsh conditions.
March 19, 2024
Provided here is an analysis of the ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia within Tigray, demonstrating how, despite peace talks at the time the article was being written, belief that there would be a positive outcome was dwindling due to historical considerations.
In-depth Analysis – Amhara region crisis: The weight of a crumbling core
March 14, 2024
This article provides a brief overview of the crisis being faced by Ethiopia’s Amhara region, which has endured a State of Emergency since August 2023 due to conflicts within the Tigray war.
Is my water safe to drink? Expert advice for residents of South African cities
March 12, 2024
Johannesburg, South Africa has been impacted by major water supply cuts, a reflection of the water insecurity residents of the region are facing. This article highlights how safe water in the region is depending on its source, and what to do if it could be considered unsafe to drink.
Senegal: Presidential election campaigns begin ahead March 24 vote
March 10, 2024
Election campaigns for Senegal’s latest Presidential vote have begun in earnest after it was announced the election would be taking place on March 24. This comes after a law was passed trying to push the election back to December, something later deemed unconstitutional.
Nigeria abduction: Hundreds of pupils missing after gunmen storm school
March 8, 2024
A search and rescue team has been formed in northwestern Nigeria following the mass abduction of 300 children between the ages of 8 and 15 from a school. 275 remain missing in the second mass abduction within the week in the nation.
Kenya’s had unusually hot weather - an expert unpacks what could be causing it
March 1, 2024
Early 2024 held unusual weather for Kenya, which has hit temperatures as high as 31 Celsius. Experts believe this is due to a general rise in global temperatures, as evidenced by studies showing Africa has slowly been getting hotter over the last 100 years.
Middle East
Submissions made by Tom Nicholson
Struggling for a can of food: starving Gazans scramble for aid drops
March 25, 2024
Aid suppliers have had to resort to air drops for delivering aid to a Gaza that is on the brink of famine. The amount delivered by these air drops is insufficient in meeting the demands of the situation, and a recent beachside drop (covered in this article) went awry when parachute malfunctions and other accidents resulted in a reported 10 injured and 5 dead.
Warnings against normalising conflict as Yemen marks decade of war
March 25, 2024
Recently released NGO reports reveal dire statistics on the humanitarian situation in Yemen: a nation that is struggling after 10 years of war. Alongside a severe lack of medical aid, the most noted concern is the large number of Yemeni children that are not currently receiving any form of education.
Egypt: Nile Delta police station allows ‘torture sessions’ with impunity, says rights group
March 21, 2024
The Egyptian Network for Human Rights (ENHR) group has documented abuse, torture, and even death of detainees at a police station in the Egyptian Nile Delta. A leaked letter has revealed malpractices such as overcrowding, denial of urgent medical care, and abuse/torture with the consent of senior officers.
Hamas police official who secured aid distribution among 50 executed in Shifa Hospital raid
March 19, 2024
One of the victims of the ongoing raid on Gaza’s largest medical facility was a Hamas security official who played a major role in securing the distribution of aid for Gaza. At the time of this article at least 50 have been killed in the Shifa raid, either within the facility itself or in the surrounding area.
Iran ranks among nations with High Development Index
March 16, 2024
Iran’s HDI report reveals that over the course of last year its score has risen from 0.774 to 0.780 (0.006 points). Among the many other statistics listed in this article, it is of note that Iran is now placed higher on the HDI scale than countries such as Ukraine, Iraq, Egypt, and India.
First aid vessel leaves Cyprus for war-torn Gaza
March 12, 2024
A charity ship carrying large quantities of food and other supplies has set sail for Gaza, departing from Cyprus. This will be the first vessel to pioneer what will hopefully become a new sea-bound route for delivering aid to starving Palestinians.
Iran’s naval prowess paves the way for global dominance: MP
March 10, 2024
Iran is on its way to becoming a greater naval power, increasing its number of military vessels and increasing its naval presence out on the open sea. Some remarks from Vahid Jalalzadeh underlined how becoming a dominant maritime power is a significant goal for Iran.
Protesters, police clash following rallies focused on plight of female hostages
March 10, 2024
Two separate Women’s Day rallies were held at the same time in Tel Aviv, Israel, one of which was focused on the female hostages still being held in Gaza. One block away, an anti-government rally redispersed into a protest which ended in a clash with police.
Long-waited devaluation arrives, value of Egyptian pound falls to LE45 in hour
March 6, 2024
As part of an ongoing reform program for Egypt’s economy, the Egyptian pound was allowed to float and thus have its value dropped from LE31 to LE45 against the US dollar. The drop happened on the same day that the Central Bank of Egypt’s monetary policy committee made the decision to raise the interest rate by 6 percent.
Egypt plans to expand Suez Canal again after $8.2 billion project fails to achieve goals
March 4, 2024
Egypt has initiated a feasibility study on expanding the Suez Canal so that there can be double lanes along most of its length, if not all of it. The aim of this project would be to allow for more traffic while also preventing blockages.
Developing Asia
Submissions made by Prisca Afantchao
IHC judges’ letter: Over 300 lawyers call on SC to take notice under Article 184(3)
March 31, 2024
Over 300 lawyers have called on the Supreme Court to investigate allegations of intelligence apparatus interference in the judiciary.
Mujahid: US Drones Violating Afghan Airspace
March 30, 2024
The Islamic Emirate has criticized the US for violating its airspace in Afghanistan, urging neighboring countries to understand their responsibilities and stop the aggression. Security experts warn that Afghanistan lacks air defense forces and radar.
Marcos mobilizes Nat'l Maritime Council; integrates response to WPS threats
March 30, 2024
Marcos' Executive Order No. 57 aims to enhance maritime security in the Philippines amid China's aggressive tactics in the West Philippine Sea.
Hanoi allocates $1.15 billion for public infrastructure projects this year
March 28, 2024
Hanoi city authorities will spend upwards of $484.2 million USD on public infrastructure, agreeing to work on about 170 separate projects in 2024.
Himalayan people appeal for Sonam Wangchuk
March 26, 2024
Ten Himalayan individuals have appealed for the life of Sonam Wangchuk, a Ladakh environmental activist and winner of the Alternative Nobel Prize, who is on the 22nd day of his hunger strike in Leh. Through a petition, they call on the Indian government to heed Wangchuk's calls.
Dhaka rejects any idea of Rohingya integration into Bangladesh
March 14, 2024
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen rejects Rohingya integration into Bangladesh and urges humanitarian actors to facilitate their return to Myanmar. Momen warns of potential radicalization risks and threats to regional security. He calls for increased international contributions.
Clashes displace 140,000 people from Rakhine State and Chin’s Paletwa Township
March 14, 2024
UNOCHA reports over 140,000 displaced people in Rakhine State and Paletwa Township of Chin State due to ongoing armed conflicts, including airstrikes and heavy weapons fire, causing increased anxiety and stress among affected residents.
Opposing camps protest over citizenship proposal
March 13, 2024
Protests in Taipei against a bill allowing Chinese spouses to obtain Taiwanese citizenship in four years, demanding renouncing Chinese citizenship, passing a citizenship test, and pledging Taiwanese allegiance.
Laos Grapples with Extreme Weather Events, Fires in 2023, Causing USD 53.5 Million Damage
March 12, 2024
Laos is enhancing disaster response mechanisms and resilience in response to climate change and last year’s emergencies, with central and local committees working to deliver aid and restore agricultural lands, and implementing comprehensive measures.
Japan eyes up to 80,000 more skilled foreign workers over next 5 years
March 5, 2024
Japan plans to increase its skilled worker visa acceptance to 800,000 foreigners in five years to address labor shortages in road transportation, railway, forestry, and timber industries, more than double the initial estimate.
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.
Why China’s Ambitious Agenda Could Fail in 2024
March 11, 2024
China's government report, presented at the National People's Congress outlines an ambitious 2024 agenda, celebrating 5.2% GDP growth in 2023, targeting 5% GDP growth, 12 million new urban jobs, and addressing corruption, bureaucracy, and political issues.
March 6, 2024
This study uses text mining and content analysis to examine the digital economy policy text from Heilongjiang Province from 2015 to 2022. It found that the policy is good, but there's room for improvement. The study suggests a combination of macro and micro policies, multi-agent participation, incentive measures, policy guidance and supervision, policy timeliness, and stronger communication between issuing departments. It also proposes policy suggestions for specific government departments in digital industrialization, industrial digitization, digital governance, and data value.
March 6, 2024
This paper explores the impact of the digital economy on creative industry development in China, focusing on innovation efficiency. Using data from 29 provinces, the study finds that the digital economy significantly promotes these industries, with innovation efficiency playing a partial mediating role. Recommendations include expanding application paths and creating an innovative environment.
March 6, 2024
The study uses Zhejiang Information Economy Development Demonstration Base (IEDD) and Zhejiang Software and Information Service Industry Base (SISI) policies to test their impacts on digital economy development. Results show significant spatial differences in the digital economy in Zhejiang, but both policies improve digital economy development through enhanced digital infrastructure and financial development. Quantile regression and group regression results show that IEDD and SISI policies promote digital economy development in Zhejiang's counties and cities.
March 4, 2024
China's economy and society have transformed the floating population, leading to a shift from individual migration to co-migration with family members. In 2020, 330 million out of 376 million floating population moved to cities, accounting for 88.1%. This shift involves adjusting living environments, social interactions, and public service needs.
Is the United States Overestimating China?
March 2, 2024
A Pew Research Center survey shows half of Americans believe China is the greatest threat to the US, with Russia second. However, China's economic challenges, weak soft power, and COVID-19 policies have led to the reevaluation of its power.
February 23, 2024
China's digital expansion in low- and middle-income countries of the Global South, worth billions of US$ annually in trade and investment, has been studied and analyzed. The article aims to identify existing knowledge and outline a future research agenda. It explores China’s digital authoritarianism and implications for digital governance. It proposes a six-part research agenda for future investigation, including more Southern voices, updating research scope, moving beyond the Team China monolith, steering between Chinese exceptionalism and identical, evaluating development impact, and local agency in a “digital Cold War.”
February 15, 2024
China's combination of nationalism and international engagement with its maritime neighbors is seen as self-defeating. This paper examines the intersection of left Confucian ethics, Chinese nationalism, and international engagement in East China Sea geopolitics. It suggests that China's national defense is often conducted alongside the defense of the existing order, challenging the US and its allies' collective interpretations. If the US's alliance can withstand solipsistic interpretations, China's national rejuvenation dream can be realized.
January 29, 2024
Digital financial inclusion has significantly impacted urban and rural economic development. This study examines 31 provinces from 2011 to 2019 and found that digital financial inclusion positively localized rural economic development, with a more profound spatial spillover effect than traditional finance. In this research, you will find new insights into the role of digital financial inclusion in urban and rural areas.
January 2, 2024
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the contested politics of global health governance, but there is limited understanding of domestic pandemic responses and their relationship with global health governance. This article examines China's pandemic responses in the context of globalization, highlighting the complex combination of domestic politics, international relations, and engagements with global health governance.
Israel and Palestine
Submissions made by Rama Hayek and Diego Winger
Israel’s war on Gaza live: Israel told to ‘stop starving children’
March 29, 2024
Caroline Gennez, Belgium’s minister of development cooperation and urban policy, says international pressure must be maintained on Israel and it “must stop starving civilians and children.”
Palestinian Authority Announces New Cabinet as It Faces Calls for Reform
March 28, 2024
President Mahmoud Abbas, announced a new government in a presidential decree on Thursday. At least five of the incoming 23 ministers are from Gaza, but it was not immediately clear if they are still in the territory. Hamas has warned Palestinians in Gaza against cooperating with Israel to administer the territory, saying anyone who does will be treated as a collaborator, which is understood as a death threat.
Netanyahu asks Washington to reschedule canceled meeting on Rafah
March 28, 2024
The Biden administration has announced that it will reschedule a planned visit by Israeli officials to Washington, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled.The White House spokesperson, Karine Jean-Pierre, said, “The Prime Minister's Office has agreed to reschedule the meeting dedicated to Rafah so we're now working with them to set to find a convenient date.”
UN Rapporteur Albanese threatened over report on Gaza genocide
March 27, 2024
Francesca Albanese, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the West Bank and Gaza, said on Wednesday that she received threats after publishing a report titled “Anatomy of a Genocide" to the UN Human Rights Council on "Israel's" genocidal actions in Gaza. One of her key findings was that "Israel's" executive, military leadership, and soldiers deliberately "subverted their protection functions in an attempt to legitimize genocidal violence against the Palestinian people."
IDF probe: Palestinian gunmen killed Gazans waiting for aid, army did not fire
March 15, 2024
An IDF-run investigation claims that there was no gunfire or explosive shelling directed towards crowds surrounding over two dozen aid convoys in northern Gaza. Instead they claim that “Palestinian gunmen” had opened fire prior to and during the arrival of the trucks, resulting in 21 casualties and over a hundred injuries.
Resistance shatters Netanyahu’s “total victory” dream
March 15, 2024
Hamas has introduced a new ceasefire proposal, involving hostage exchanges over three phases each lasting over a month, starting with an IDF retreat from a couple major streets running through the strip to allow for freer movement of civilians and aid, followed by declaration of permanent ceasefire and hostage exchanges, and ending with a reconstruction process in Gaza. This is in the midst of a general consensus among many, including prominent politicians like Chuck Schumer, that the Israeli military operation has been both a logistical and public relations failure.
Lazzarini: In 4 Months, Israel Killed More Children Than Children Killed In Conflicts Globally
March 13, 2024
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini remarked that the death toll of Gazan youth since October 7th has outpaced that of the rest of the world in the past four years.
NGOs sue the Danish state to stop arms exports to Israel
March 12, 2024
Oxfam Denmark, Amnesty International Denmark, Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke (ActionAid Denmark) and the Palestinian human rights organization Al-Haq are suing the Danish National Police and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to stop Danish arms exports to Israel.
‘Not a bargaining chip’: Biden confronts Israel on Gaza aid
March 7, 2024
At the State of the Union address, President Joe Biden stated that while the government would continue to supply military aid to Israel, Israel should freely allow assistance into Gaza and that it is in the best interests of everyone to push for a multi-week ceasefire with the promise of hostage exchanges. He also announced his plan for the creation of a temporary port for delivering aid to Gazan civilians.
US vice president calls for 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza
March 3, 2024
In a uniquely strong declaration for a major figurehead of the U.S. administration, VP Kamala Harris stated “there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks” in a speech in Alabama on the 3rd. She stated that it should include the return of the more than 100 Israeli hostages that remain in Gaza, and added that there cannot be any excuses made to prevent a significant increase in aid to the area.
Key Issues
Submissions made by Oshin Pandey
This section includes the latest and most pressing news regarding SiC's key security issues.
Chinese modernization to inject strong impetus into world economy, top legislator says at Boao Forum
March 28, 2024
Zhao Leji, China's top lawmaker, reaffirmed Beijing's pledge to keep opening its market to the outside world. In a keynote address at the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2024 opening ceremony, he stated that China's modernization via high-quality development will provide the world economy a substantial boost.
Hostilities resume between Myanmar military and MNDAA
March 28, 2024
Three months after China mediated a brief truce between them, regime forces and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) engaged in gunfire on in Lashio, northern Shan State.
Japan reaching out to North Korea for Kim-Kishida summit
March 25, 2024
Just hours after the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had expressed his goals of seeing her brother "as soon as possible," Tokyo announced that it is contacting Pyongyang through "various channels" to schedule a summit.
Chinese Defense Ministry vows to take resolute measures against Philippine provocations
March 24, 2024
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) said that a military practice was recently held in the South China Sea, and the Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MOD) warned to take decisive action against the Philippines should it persist in undermining China's interests.
India’s Bengaluru fast running out of water – and it’s not summer yet
March 22, 2024
Bengaluru, the opulent southern Indian metropolis that serves as the headquarters for several multinational software businesses, is drying up. It has been an exceptionally hot February and March, and locals claim they are dealing with the biggest water shortage in decades.
Going to School; Dream of Girls That Did Not Come True in 1402
March 20, 2024
Across the nation, female students from schools and colleges demonstrated until the final days of the 1402 solar year, demanding access to a better future for the nation. Nevertheless, nothing constructive came of their efforts.
China, Iran, Russia Host Naval Drills
March 11, 2024
China, Russia, and Iran will participate in cooperative naval drills close to the Gulf of Oman, the Chinese Defense Ministry has announced. The exercises, known as “Security Bond-2024,” are scheduled to run with the goal of “jointly safeguarding regional maritime security” and “strengthening maritime cooperation,” according to a ministry statement.
Advocates explain how progress in women’s rights has reversed in Myanmar
March 8, 2024
Women with expertise in environmental justice, human rights, and law told Myanmar Now that the country's military government had made women's struggles worse and demanded international assistance.
North Korea’s Agricultural Policies: Embracing a Chinese Model for Increased Productivity?
March 6, 2024
The North Korean regime has demonstrated a growing sense of urgency over the enhancement of the nation's agricultural output. But the nation's agricultural sector has long suffered from a history of misguided and sometimes inconsistent policies, few incentives for officials and farmers alike, and a general lack of faith in the system as a result of corruption.
UN official warns of possible war crimes, rape as a weapon in Sudan
March 1, 2024
According to the head of UN human rights, it may constitute a war crime for humanitarian organizations to be purposefully prevented from entering the war-torn country of Sudan.
