Articles

Mexico Looks to Crowd Sourcingto Address Extortion

Lloyd Belton discusses the launch of a crowdsourcing app in 2015 used to combat extortion in Mexico in the face of inaction by authorities. In addition, he highlights some of the highest kidnap ransom demands across the region from the last year. Looking ahead at pertinent travel risks in 2016, upcoming favela security operations in anticipation of the August Olympics in Rio de Janeiro are likely to pose a threat to travellers in the area.… Read more

Ransom Policy Reformsin the US and UK

Lara Sierra-Rubia assesses the significance of ransom policy changes implemented by US and UK governments in 2015. In addition, following several high-profile public mass shootings in the US over the past year, debates around how to define these incidents are explored.

Uncomfortable Viewing: Central Asia Watches the Taliban at its Borders

The resurgence of Taliban militancy increases the risk of skirmishes along Central Asia's southern border. Although the prospect of major instability has been exaggerated, there are long-term security implications for Central Asia, writes Saif Islam.

#PrayforParis: European Security after the attacks in France

The latest terrorist attacks in France suggest that operations carried out in the name of Islamic State are evolving, which is likely to prompt a shift in European security policy, writes Lara Sierra-Rubia.

Brothers in Arms: Regional cooperation in the fight against Boko Haram

Increased regional cooperation in the fight against Boko Haram has yielded some positive results, but participating countries will need to significantly improve their counterterrorism capabilities to stand a chance at eradicating the group, writes Gabrielle Reid.

Islamic State in Central Asia: Between Myth and Reality

The Islamic State's threat to Central Asian countries has been exaggerated. However, it should not be dismissed, writes Saif Islam.

South African Energy Industry: Powered Down

Nigerian Politics: Slowly does it?

A slow start to the new presidency has caused investors to fret. The real work is yet to begin, writes Paul Adams.

Crisis? Don't Bank On It...

In the past 6 months, the Russian Central Bank (RCB) has stepped in to save two of the country's biggest banks, leading to speculation that a sector-wide crisis may be on the horizon. TOM BOUGHTON takes a closer look at the RCB's swashbuckling attempts to clean-up the sector since 2013.

The German Federal Elections 2017

Angela Merkel remains in charge, but faces four difficult years.

Israel's Corruption Problem

Ezra Cohen discusses why politicians in Israel continue to engage in acts of corruption despite the success of legal authorities in uncovering and punishing these crimes.

Anchored Interests: The IRGC and Iran's Ports

Even though certain international sanctions targeting Iran have been lifted since January 2016, the IRGC's involvement in strategic economic sectors continues to represent a compliance challenge for foreign investors, writes Hamish Kinnear.