A two-year downturn in the People's Republic of China's (PRC) trade with, and investment in, Sub-Saharan Africa, has seen Turkey emerge as a new player in the continent through its pursuit of a non-coercive ‘soft power' approach, writes Thomas Parker
Although Kenya has experienced an increase in Al Shabaab attacks in its northern counties in recent months, fears regarding a potential resurgence in high-profile kidnap and ransom initiatives may be premature, writes Reinet Loubser
Since the Islamic State (IS) group declared its caliphate in Raqqa and Mosul in 2014, Iran has remained insulated from the regional threat posed by the jihadist group. However, the recent attack in Tehran on 7 June raises concerns over the potential for IS to establish a presence in Iran, and carry out further attacks, writes Erin Drake.
The second quarter of 2017 has seen a resurgence in Somalia-based pirate attacks against commercial vessels. This comes as key partners prematurely scale back counterpiracy operations despite onshore drivers of this maritime threat, writes Gabrielle Reid
The ongoing conflict in Marawi City highlights growing concerns regarding the cooperation between various Islamic State-aligned groups and an increasing number of foreign fighters in the region, writes Rob Attwell
The kidnapping, and killing, of two Chinese nationals by Islamic State (IS) militants was a rare incident, but it renews fears about Chinese workers' safety in the volatile Balochistan province, writes Saif Islam.
Lloyd Belton examines why spikes in crime and escalating gang wars in Brazil have not necessarily driven concurrent increases in kidnapping and extortion incidents, and how violence is shifting to the north of the country.
The ruling administration faces significant challenges ahead of the general elections in 2018, including calls for a united opposition, unprecedented civil unrest and deepening fractions within the party. The volatile situation is likely to make for a violent election season, writes Reinet Loubser
China has moved to align overseas investment more closely with government policy.
Two of the world's most financially secret jurisdictions are bowing to international pressure to increase transparency. But can they achieve this? And at what cost?