A proliferation in narcotics trafficking over the past few years, alongside the diversification of trafficking routes, has prompted an increase in drug-related violence. While some countries try to replicate El Salvador’s iron fist measures to reduce violent crime, others are turning to alternative, softer methods. Yet, it is not clear that either of…
In June 2024, an attempted coup in Bolivia highlighted the country’s growing political and economic crises. With just a year remaining before the country’s general election in August 2025, President Luis Arce faces factionalism within the ruling party, impeding his ability to address shortages of foreign currency and fuel, and continuing to provoke…
Ahead of her inauguration in October 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum has echoed outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s security policies. But widespread organised crime, entrenched corruption, and an ineffective reliance on the military to combat cartels pose challenges to realising sustainable security improvements, writes Shannon Lorimer.
Despite high hopes for Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s Total Peace plan, it has so far failed to reduce fighting between armed groups or limit their territorial expansion. With around a year left in office, Petro seems unlikely to secure a lasting military or financial victory over the country’s insurgent groups, writes Shannon Lorimer.
On 18 April, a police crackdown on student protests at Columbia University in New York kickstarted a wave of demonstrations on campuses across the world calling on universities to sever their ties with Israel amid the Israel-Palestine conflict. The demonstrations have drawn comparisons to protest campaigns in the previous century, which may offer some…
Organised criminal groups seeking political influence have long driven an increase in political violence during Mexico’s elections. With violent incidents already surpassing those recorded in the 2018 general election and with a month still remaining before the polls, 2024 is likely to be the most violent election year yet, writes Shannon Lorimer.
Ahead of elections in July 2024, Venezuela has recorded the continued use of politically motivated arrests and detentions targeting those challenging Nicolás Maduro’s leadership. Shannon Lorimer explores wrongful detention trends over the course of Maduro’s presidency and considers its ongoing use as a tool to silence government critics after the vote.…
While Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has committed to avoid the use of force to resolve his country’s claim to Guyana’s oil-rich Essequibo region, the expanded military presence along the border has raised concerns that there may be more than meets the eye when it comes to Venezuela’s approach to negotiations. Shannon Lorimer discusses how likely…
In 2023, hundreds of thousands of US workers from various sectors went on strike to demand higher pay. With some strikes extending months, many workers were eventually successful in securing more favourable contracts. The question now is whether these wins will encourage continued industrial action in 2024, writes Shannon Lorimer.
The recent release of generative artificial intelligence tools, together with increased user engagement with a proliferation of digital dating and payment platforms, have enhanced criminal opportunities and capabilities to carry out virtual scams, including extortion and fake kidnappings, writes Shannon Lorimer.
While increased global engagement with combating climate change and other environmental issues has driven governments and organisations to adopt more responsible commercial practices, activists continue to target those falling short. Yet, the emerging conflict between competing environmental, community and industry goals is set to spur tensions and…
Following Hamas’s incursion into Israel, demonstrations in support of Israel and Palestine have taken place in Europe and North America, alongside attacks against Jewish and Muslim communities and businesses. As the conflict continues, escalating tensions could also encourage acts of violent extremism against Western targets, writes Shannon Lorimer.…