ISSG - International Studies of Strategic and Geopolitics

Radicalization: Understanding the Pathways and Prevention Efforts

22Apr

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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,...

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 an...

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 ...

21Apr

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Cybersecurity & Technology, Cybersecurity

Cybercom Establishes AI Task Force

By José Carlos Palma* In a strategic move aimed at enhancing cybersecurity capabilities, U.S. Cyber Command (Cybercom) has launched an artificial intelligence task force dedicated to identifying and implementing cutting-edge technologies. The initiative stems from an AI roadmap developed by Cybercom in response to a mandate from Congress, as part of the fiscal 2023 annual defense policy bill. This legislation tasked Cybercom, along with key stakeholders such as the Department of Defense chief information officer and the director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), to devise a comprehensive five-year plan for the rapid adoption and acquisition of AI systems for cyber operations forces. "U.S. Cybercom has developed an AI roadmap and is working to ...

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 tailor...

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,...

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 vario...

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...

Navigating the Complexities of Iran’s Response: Balancing Act in the Face of Escalation

4Apr

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Middle East

Navigating the Complexities of Iran’s Response: Balancing Act in the Face of Escalation

By Daniel Robinson* In the aftermath of recent events, particularly the Israeli strike which significantly escalated tensions, Iran finds itself at a critical juncture, forced to carefully calibrate its response. Observers and experts alike weigh in on the intricate dynamics unfolding, highlighting the delicate balance Iran must strike between demonstrating responsiveness without veering into full-scale confrontation. "They have faced this real dilemma that if they respond they could be courting a confrontation which they don't want," one analyst observed. This sentiment underscores Iran's cautious approach, seeking to avoid escalation while still signaling its ability to defend its interests. The potential consequences of Iran's response loom large, with v...