Many government agencies around the world are now better prepared to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic than they were early in 2020, but the virus is far from contained, and the strain on resources and supply chains is easily exacerbated when natural disaster strikes. Cvete Koneska explains how the confluence of the pandemic and the onset of natural disasters…
While, initially, lockdowns in countries around the world had a notable dampening effect on the frequency of civil unrest, as the Covid-19 pandemic has persisted this effect has subsided. Markus Korhonen writes that the negative economic and social impacts of the pandemic have garnered increasing antipathy among citizens, prompting renewed anti-government…
Kidnapped foreign nationals are perceived as a lucrative resource for the Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin militant group. Darren Davids writes that the Malian government’s recent decision to release imprisoned militants in exchange for hostages will likely embolden the group.
Cape Town-based organised crime groups have extended the reach of their extortion activities from nightclubs to coffee shops, restaurants, hotels and property owners. Darren Davids writes that due to high levels of corruption and collusion between police and criminal groups, authorities will be unable to curb the high levels of extortion in the Cape…
In 2020, there has been a considerable increase in piracy and armed robbery incidents against ships in Asia. Rising cases have been reported in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, South China Sea, and the Singapore Strait. While the majority of events have not resulted in violence towards crew or significant losses or damages to vessels,…
Islamic State and other armed groups’ intent to stage kidnappings in Turkey never diminished and should be taken seriously, but their capabilities remain limited, writes Saif Islam.
In some Latin American countries, the Covid-19 pandemic has expanded and strengthened the role of security forces, providing increased opportunities for corrupt officials to engage in extortive practices, wrongful detentions and other crimes with greater impunity, writes Erin Drake.
A growing dispute over gas reserves between NATO members Turkey and Greece threatens peace in the eastern Mediterranean, writes Darren Davids. These tensions are compounded by historical grievances and a Turkish state which is growing increasingly isolated in the region.
While anti-government protesters are unlikely to overthrow the current government, endemic corruption in Bulgarian politics will continue to render successive governments susceptible to protests and premature elections, writes Erin Drake.
While recent anti-lockdown protests, particularly in Europe, have not been substantially disruptive to public order or commercial operations, their potential adverse impact on public health, commercial and security environments should not be underestimated, writes Saif Islam.
The 4 August explosions in Beirut opened a new chapter in the ongoing political and socio-economic crisis in Lebanon, rejuvenating the anti-government protest movement and heightening political instability, writes Saif Islam.
After winning allegedly fraudulent elections, incumbent president Alexander Lukashenko accused Belarusian opposition of attempting a coup amid mass protests. Although opposition leaders seek legal and democratic channels for power transfer, sporadic anti-government demonstrations will likely continue, writes Erin Drake.