ISSG - International Studies of Strategic and Geopolitics

Introducing Bob Rutherford: A Pillar of Experience Joins ISSG

7Jul

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Introducing Bob Rutherford: A Pillar of Experience Joins ISSG

By José Carlos Palma* We are thrilled to welcome Bob Rutherford to the International Studies of Strategic and Geopolitics (ISSG). Bob brings with him an extraordinary wealth of knowledge and experience from his impressive 50-year career in the trucking industry. Over the past three decades, Bob has been an integral member of the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), where his dedication and expertise have been recognized with prestigious accolades such as the Silver Spark Plug and the Recognized Associate awards. These honors reflect his substantial contributions to the industry and his unwavering commitment to excellence. In addition to his work with TMC, Bob serves as an Ambassador for the EnergyandMobility.org Conference, where he continues to influence and drive forward discus...

Navigating the Geopolitical Landscape: The Indo-Pacific’s Democratic Dilemma

9May

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Asia, Regions

Navigating the Geopolitical Landscape: The Indo-Pacific’s Democratic Dilemma

By José Carlos Palma* In the realm of global geopolitics, the Indo-Pacific region emerges as a pivotal battleground where competing visions of governance—democracy versus autocracy—shape the trajectory of international relations. The rise of initiatives like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue underscores a collective aspiration for a "free and open" Indo-Pacific, predicated on the deepening of democratic governance. However, the feasibility of this vision amid shifting political landscapes demands careful examination. The Democratic-Authocracy Divide The Indo-Pacific region presents a complex mosaic of political systems, ranging from robust democracies to entrenched autocracies and emerging semi-democratic regimes. Current assessments and future projections reveal a nuanced landscape...

Radicalization: Understanding the Pathways and Prevention Efforts

22Apr

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Counterradicalization

Radicalization: Understanding the Pathways and Prevention Efforts

By José Carlos Palma* In recent years, the world has witnessed a wave of terrorist attacks across Europe, many of which were carried out by individuals who were born and raised in European countries. These tragic events have shed light on the complex phenomenon of radicalization, a process by which individuals embrace extremist ideologies that may lead to acts of violence and terrorism. But what exactly is radicalization, and how does it occur? At its core, radicalization is the process through which individuals adopt extreme beliefs and ideas that challenge mainstream norms and values. According to the European Commission, radicalization involves people embracing opinions and views that could potentially lead to acts of terrorism. While ideology, particularly religious fundamentalism, o...

Global Resolve: Biden’s Push for International Collaboration in Combatting the Fentanyl Crisis

22Apr

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Counternarcotics Warfare

Global Resolve: Biden’s Push for International Collaboration in Combatting the Fentanyl Crisis

By José Carlos Palma* In the ongoing battle against the deadly opioid crisis, U.S. President Joe Biden has emphasized the critical importance of international cooperation to stem the flow of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals. Following recent diplomatic engagements with leaders of China and Mexico, Biden underscored the need for robust global action to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the illicit drug trade. Speaking at a meeting at the White House dedicated to addressing the devastating impact of fentanyl, President Biden emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the scourge of the deadly drug extends beyond the borders of the United States. With more than 200,000 American lives lost to fentanyl-related overdoses in recent years, the need for comprehensive and ...

Pentagon Conducts Real-World Flight Tests of AI Dogfighting Against Human F-16 Pilot

21Apr

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Future Technology

Pentagon Conducts Real-World Flight Tests of AI Dogfighting Against Human F-16 Pilot

By José Carlos Palma* In a groundbreaking demonstration of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, the Pentagon, in collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Air Force, has conducted flight tests of autonomous fighter jets engaged in dogfighting against a human F-16 pilot. These tests, conducted as part of DARPA's Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program, represent a significant leap forward in the integration of AI into combat operations. AlphaDogFight Trials and the ACE Program The journey to these real-world flight tests began with DARPA's AlphaDogFight Trials, where algorithms emerged undefeated in simulated battles against military aviators. Building on this success, the ACE program utilized a modified F-16, known as the X-62A VISTA (Variable I...

China’s Strategic Influence on Africa’s Media Landscape: A Comprehensive Analysis

19Apr

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Africa, Regions

China’s Strategic Influence on Africa’s Media Landscape: A Comprehensive Analysis

By José Carlos Palma* China's burgeoning presence in Africa transcends traditional spheres of economic investment and infrastructure development; it extends to the realm of media, where Beijing is actively shaping narratives and exerting influence to advance its geopolitical interests. This comprehensive analysis delves deep into the multifaceted strategies employed by China to assert its dominance over Africa's media landscape, examining key events, initiatives, and their implications. 1. Expansion of Chinese State-Owned Media Outlets: China Global Television Network (CGTN), formerly known as CCTV Africa, stands as a towering symbol of China's media expansion on the African continent. With bureaus strategically positioned across Africa, CGTN produces news content specifically tailored t...

Moscow and Tehran’s Role in the Middle East

15Apr

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Middle East, Geopolitics and International Security, Study Office

Moscow and Tehran’s Role in the Middle East

By José Carlos Palma* In recent years, the Middle East has become a battleground for geopolitical maneuvering, with Moscow and Tehran emerging as key players in shaping the region's dynamics. The evolving relationship between Russia and Israel, coupled with Iran's growing influence, underscores a complex interplay of interests and alliances that have far-reaching implications for regional stability and global security. Redefining Alliances The historic friendship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone significant strain in the face of shifting geopolitical realities. While once considered allies in the fight against terrorism, particularly in Syria, the relationship between Moscow and Jerusalem has cooled in recent years, dri...

Iran’s Ring of Fire: A Strategic Analysis

15Apr

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Middle East, Geopolitics and International Security, Regions, Study Office

Iran’s Ring of Fire: A Strategic Analysis

By José Carlos Palma* In the ongoing geopolitical chess game between Iran and Israel, the Middle East has become a battleground where tactics are nuanced, and consequences dire. At the heart of Iran’s strategy lies a two-pronged approach: a military nuclear capability acting as a shield, and a network of proxy forces encircling Israel, known as the “Ring of Fire.” The Strategic Framework Iran’s ambition to establish itself as a dominant regional power has manifested in its development of a sophisticated strategy aimed at maintaining a safe distance from confrontation while exerting influence through proxies. The “Ring of Fire” strategy, orchestrated by the Islamic Republic, involves bolstering militant groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza, and various m...

Introducing Dr. Vassilios Damiras: A Leading Expert in International Relations, Counterterrorism, and Defense Analysis

14Apr

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Contributors, Dr. Vassilios Damiras, Vassilios Damiras – Pax Americana

Introducing Dr. Vassilios Damiras: A Leading Expert in International Relations, Counterterrorism, and Defense Analysis

By José Carlos Palma* It is indeed a pleasure to have Dr. Vassilios Damiras as a valued contributor to the International Studies of Strategic and Geopolitics (ISSG) with your works on the podcast Vassilios Damiras – Pax Americana Dr. Vassilios Damira is a distinguished figure in the field of International Relations/Business, renowned for his expertise in U.S. counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and defense analysis. With a comprehensive background in various aspects of global security and diplomacy, Dr. Damiras has made significant contributions to the understanding and management of complex geopolitical issues. His professional journey encompasses extensive work on critical U.S. National Security matters, including the Middle East and Balkan politics, as well as European econo...

Baltic Sea as a “NATO Lake” Signals Strategic Shift in Regional Dynamics

8Apr

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Europe

Baltic Sea as a “NATO Lake” Signals Strategic Shift in Regional Dynamics

By José Carlos Palma* , April 8, 2024 The Baltic Sea, once a contested maritime domain at the intersection of Russian and NATO interests, is increasingly being referred to as a "NATO Lake," marking a significant shift in the region's strategic landscape. Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Baltic Sea region witnessed a palpable transformation as Sweden and Finland, long-standing neutral nations, joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This pivotal development has tilted the balance of power in favor of the Western alliance, reshaping the dynamics of security and cooperation in the area. The term "NATO Lake" underscores the newfound strategic advantage enjoyed by the alliance in the Baltic Sea. With Sweden and Finland's access...