Following an unprecedented military coup, hopes are high that Zimbabwe's new government will implement significant policy reforms and deliver on expectations for peace and economic reform. However, on closer inspection, the political and economic changes available to the new incumbent are likely to be limited, argues Reinet Loubser
The latest attack in Manhattan demonstrates that online Islamic State propaganda and communications can motivate do-it-yourself attacks by lone actors. LARA SIERRA-RUBIA explores the challenges for authorities in monitoring online radicalisation.
Multiple violent incidents involving separatist militants, including an ongoing hostage situation in several villages near Tembagapura, have been reported between October and November in Papua, Indonesia's easternmost province. These incidents have highlighted the continuing threat posed to business operations in the region, particularly to Indonesia's…
On 14 November, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces seized control of key state institutions in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, and placed President Robert Mugabe under house arrest. Within just 10 days, a peaceful militarily-managed transition had replaced Mugabe with Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe’s former Vice President. Earlier in November Mnangagwa had been…
The contest for the leadership at the African National Congress's elective conference between 16 and 20 December exposes deep division in Africa's oldest political party. The ANC is split between supporters and opponents of Jacob Zuma, who is due to stand down as the party's president but to remain South Africa's president until 2019. The two factions…
The frequency and geographic reach of virtual kidnappings continued to increase in 2017. A noticeable new trend has entailed the targeting of Chinese nationals in both Southeast Asia and the US, whereas Spanish speaking nationals in Latin America, the US and Europe have historically remained the primary targets. We explore the ins and outs of this scam…
S-RM asked Julian Davies, Head of Consulting, to give his insights into the threat Islamic State poses to the West in 2018 following its losses in the Middle East last year.
Despite sanctions and diplomatic isolation, North Korea has maintained the upper-hand going into 2018. Using the promise of talks and good behaviour, it will attempt to drive a wedge between South Korea and the US. Furthermore, Washington's efforts to contain the country's nuclear ambitions by improving the missile-defence capabilities of its allies…
Just over a year ago, most commentators believed that Donald Trump's presidency would mark an easing of strained relations between the US and Russia. Trump's rhetoric throughout his campaign bolstered this assumption: “I would love to be able to get along with Russia. Now, you've had a lot of presidents that haven't taken that tack. Look where we are…
In addition to the direct threat posed by cyber-criminals and state-actors engaged in illicit online activities, firms should also be aware of how cyber-extortion can have reputational and regulatory implications as well.
Reform and regime consolidation in Uzbekistan share much of the same path, what comes next is key, writes Tim Geschwindt.