Loading
Description: Germany’s Minister of Interior Nancy Faeser has warned about significantly raised level of Russian hybrid threats which mostly targeted Germany’s defense industry. She attributed the raised level of threats to Germany’s support to the Ukrainian cause and also stated that sabotage, espionage and disinformation campaign activities were the most notable security risks. Impact: Germany as one of the largest Ukraine supporters both militarily and politically should implement strategic and operational measures in the future to protect critical infrastructure both within government and private military companies. Russia’s capacity of waging covert acti
Description: French sailors aboard submarines which were scheduled to patrol for Russian maritime activities leaked their positions, operational patrol time frame through the Strava fitness app. The submarines in question had reportedly 16 nuclear missiles and were docked at Brest Harbor on a military base called Ille Longue. The sailors didn’t even bother to use pseudonyms or nicknames and posted their fitness schedules which led to leaking the location of French military assets of high importance. Impact: In a period of time where the Russia – Ukraine war enters its third year, compromising information such as schedules, positioning on crucial military ass
Description: Ten EU member countries have urged on further sanctions and immediate imposition on Russian liquified natural gas (LNG). Countries from the Baltic bloc raised concerns since the main source of Russia’s war chest came from gas exports to Europe and other regions, both legally and illegally. Several measures have been considered, such as elevated levels of port inspections, seizure of crypto assets and sanctioning financial institutions. Impact: Russia’s constant adaptation towards Western sanctions has been proven to be difficult to counter. EU’s dependance on Russian natural resources is expected to continue if and whether alternative and equall
Description: Japanese Nippon Steel interest for US Steel has only intensified since the US Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States failed to reach a consensus. Previously, President Biden had deemed the transaction “a threat to national security” since US Steel was integral part of the US economy and blocked the sale. President – elect Donald Trump had also stated that he is absolutely against the sale and the company should stay under US ownership. Impact: The US and Japan have had a strong strategic alliance although a transaction of this caliber had started to interfere in both countries’ national interests. Joe Biden and Donald Trump could r
Description: Russian and Iranian Presidents Putin and Pezeshkian have been set to meet on 17 Jan 2025 in order to discuss strategic alliance cooperation agreement. Russia and Iran have strengthened cooperation since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and traded militarily. Iran would expect Russia’s supply of high – tech weapons such as fighter jets and missile defense systems, while Russia would expect the continuance in supply of the Iranian Shahed drones. Impact: Both Iran and Russia are involved in regional conflicts of global repercussions with joint global interests against the US and Israel. The enhancement of cooperation and communication could
Description: Indonesia has announced the acquisition of the BrahMos Missiles from India with the goal of bolstering its defense, security and deterrence capabilities in the midst of raised Chinese influence in the Indo – Pacific. The transaction marks the second most recent counter Chinese move by regional states since the Philippines acquired the same missiles in 2022 and Vietnam being the next likely candidate. The acquisition came at the precipice of Indonesia’s inclusion in the BRICS bloc while India aimed to become the regional arms trade leader. Impact: With heightened tensions in the Indo – Pacific region and China assuming the leading geopolitical po
Description: NATO’s Secretary General, Mark Rutte had demanded from member countries an elevated spending rate on defense and security amid raised global threats to the bloc. He elaborated on the elevated threats to the Alliance and mentioned China, Russia and the raised level of international conflicts. He also emphasized the need to facilitate a closer cooperation between NATO and EU in the development of critical infrastructure as well as military and defense capabilities. Impact: In his first appearance as NATO Chief, Rutte’s statements envisage the era in which both the EU and NATO are entrenched in hybrid war with adversaries like Russia and China. The
Description: Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s Finance Minister has labeled the potential Gaza peace talks as a National Security Catastrophe. He stated that Prime Minister Netanyahu should continue the war until Hamas’ complete and unconditional surrender and the return of the Israeli hostages in their captivity. Smotrich’s statements have been received with a dose of precaution especially since the Israeli public and families concerned with the kidnapped individuals are calling for peace talks. Impact: Under the careful eye of the international community Israel is at an impasse when it comes to its priorities in the context of the current Gaza situation. Both Ham
Description: The Chinese Communist Party has used a so – called unified front tactics to leverage Taiwan’s social media platforms and influencers in China’s favor. The tactics comprised of using prominent Taiwanese influencers as well as hefty job and accommodation arrangements for individuals that never visited China. A documentary has been published which depicted the intricate usage of social media platforms and influencers which was received with mixed perceptions in Taiwan. Impact: Chinese social media influence and disinformation campaigns have significantly influenced the country’s foreign policy and geopolitical strategy. The usage of influencers and
Description: The Republican Party’s administration has supported President – elect Donald Trump in his intention to acquire Danish – owned Greenland. The administration was looking to pass a bill which would authorize the US to acquire the island which in turn, according to Trump’s administration has integral strategic value to US future strategic interests. Trump hasn’t excluded acquiring the island by force as he continued to controversially comment on the entire situation. He also included the acquisition of the Panama canal in his statements. Impact: Donald Trump had mentioned his intentions towards Greenland in his first term as well, this time gaining