Blog

The Strategic Importance of the Dnipro River in the Russia-Ukraine War

13Nov

By ISSGNo Comments

Russia and Eurasia, Defense Strategy and Capabilities, Europe

The Strategic Importance of the Dnipro River in the Russia-Ukraine War

By José Carlos Palma* The Dnipro River, the longest river in Ukraine, has played a pivotal role in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. The river's strategic importance stems from its geographical position, its role in transportation and logistics, and its symbolic significance for both sides. Geographical Significance Flowing from north to south through the heart of Ukraine, the Dnipro River divides the country into eastern and western halves. This geographical feature has significant implications for both military operations and civilian life. For Russian forces, controlling the Dnipro River would provide a natural defensive barrier and facilitate the movement of troops and supplies. Ukrainian forces, on the other hand, have sought to prevent Russian control of the river, re...

New Political Parties in Europe: Kremlin’s Tactics to Infiltrate Agents into the European Parliament

12Nov

By ISSGNo Comments

Europe, Russia and Eurasia

New Political Parties in Europe: Kremlin’s Tactics to Infiltrate Agents into the European Parliament

By José Carlos Palma* In recent years, Europe has witnessed the emergence of a plethora of new political parties, many of which espouse populist, nationalist, and anti-EU sentiments. While some of these parties stem from genuine grassroots movements, others are believed to be mere fronts for Russian interests aimed at undermining the European Union and its institutions. This article delves into the Kremlin's sophisticated strategies to infiltrate its agents into the European Parliament and influence European politics. The Kremlin's Strategy of Political Influence The Russian government has a long-standing history of employing political influence to advance its interests abroad. In the context of Europe, the Kremlin has forged ties with far-right and Eurosceptic parties, provid...

Understanding the Limited Opposition to Russia’s Ukraine War: A Sociological Perspective

2Nov

By ISSGNo Comments

Russia and Eurasia, Study Office

Understanding the Limited Opposition to Russia’s Ukraine War: A Sociological Perspective

Photo: Russian soldiers head towards a train station in Volgograd Oblast By José Carlos Palma * Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, and the leadership of President Vladimir Putin, have faced relatively limited opposition from the Russian populace. Despite international concerns and the conflict's longevity, a recent study by Russian sociologist Lev Gudkov, head of the independent Leveda Center, provides insights into the factors contributing to this lack of widespread anti-war sentiment. Stifled Dissent: Strict Censorship and State Propaganda One of the key reasons for the lack of opposition to the Ukraine war in Russia is the presence of strict censorship and pervasive state propaganda. Gudkov notes that the majority of Russians are deprived of independent news sources due to censorshi...

Hungarian Prime Minister’s Visit to Georgia Raises EU Candidacy Questions

15Oct

By ISSGNo Comments

Europe

Hungarian Prime Minister’s Visit to Georgia Raises EU Candidacy Questions

By ISSG with agencies The Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, recently visited Georgia in a show of support, sparking concerns about the impact of Hungary's influence on Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union (EU). Orban's two-day visit on October 11 and 12 marked the strengthening of a partnership between Hungary and Georgia. He has notably formed a close relationship with Georgia's Prime Minister, Irakli Garibashvili. Both leaders have increasingly emphasized social conservatism, embracing the idea of a European identity based on Christianity and traditional values, while diverting from the conventional European emphasis on liberalism and democracy. Georgia and Hungary signed a strategic partnership agreement last year, and Garibashvili was a keynote speaker at the ...

Iran’s Role in Hamas Attack May Lead to Israeli Retaliation, Regional Conflict

11Oct

By ISSGNo Comments

Middle East

Iran’s Role in Hamas Attack May Lead to Israeli Retaliation, Regional Conflict

By ISSG- International Studies of Strategic and Geopolitics October 11, 2023 Washington - Iran's alleged involvement in the planning of a recent Hamas attack on Israel could lead to Israeli retaliation and a wider regional conflict, experts say. According to an Oct. 8 report by The Wall Street Journal, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) helped plan the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel that killed more than 900 Israelis and resulted in the kidnapping of more than 100 people. The report said that beginning in August, senior IRGC officials -- including, at times, Quds Force commander Esmail Ghaani and, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian -- met biweekly with Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Hezbollah to plan the attack, which Iran allegedly gave its fin...

Shift in US-China Relations: A New Approach to Dialogue

6Oct

By ISSGNo Comments

Geopolitics and International Security, Study Office

Shift in US-China Relations: A New Approach to Dialogue

By José Carlos Palma* In a notable shift in the Biden administration's approach towards U.S.-China relations, the United States has initiated a series of dialogues and high-level engagements with Beijing, marking a departure from its earlier stance that conversations would only take place if they led to "tangible outcomes." This change in strategy aims to mend a strained relationship between the two global superpowers, which had deteriorated earlier this year when the United States shot down a Chinese spy balloon. It has the potential to culminate in a highly anticipated meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in November, their first face-to-face encounter in a year. The primary objective of this new approach is to establish channels of communication and...

23Sep

By ISSGNo Comments

Russia and Eurasia, Europe

Russia’s influence in the Balkans

By José Carlos Palma* Russia's influence in the Balkans is a complex and long-standing phenomenon. It dates back to the Ottoman Empire when Russia saw itself as the protector of Orthodox Christians in the region. Russia intervened militarily in the Balkans on numerous occasions and played a key role in the independence of several Balkan countries in the 19th century. After the Second World War, Russia established communist governments in a number of Balkan countries, including Bulgaria, Romania, and Albania. These governments were close allies of the Soviet Union and played an important role in the Cold War. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia's influence in the Balkans declined. However, in recent years, Russia has sought to expand its influence in the region, part...

The Consequences of Digital Democracy in Western Liberal Democracies

1Sep

By ISSGNo Comments

Study Office

The Consequences of Digital Democracy in Western Liberal Democracies

By José Carlos Palma * Digital democracy is the use of digital technologies to promote participation, transparency, and accountability in government. It has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with our governments, making them more responsive and accountable to the people. However, there are also risks associated with digital democracy, such as the spread of misinformation, political manipulation, and exclusion of marginalized groups. It is important to be aware of these risks and to take steps to mitigate them. History of Digital Democracy The concept of digital democracy emerged in the early days of the internet. In the 1990s, there were a number of experiments with online voting and citizen participation. However, these early efforts were limited by the lack of wide...

Russia could destabilize the Horn of Africa now?

4Aug

By ISSGNo Comments

Africa, Regions

Russia could destabilize the Horn of Africa now?

By José Carlos Palma* Russia could destabilize the Horn of Africa now, and it is a concern that many experts have raised. Russia has been increasing its military presence in Africa in recent years, and the Horn of Africa is a region where Russia has been particularly active. There are a number of reasons why Russia could destabilize the Horn of Africa. First, Russia has been providing military assistance to Ethiopia, which is currently involved in a civil war. This assistance could give Ethiopia an advantage in the conflict, and it could also lead to further instability in the region. Second, Russia has been accused of supporting Eritrea, which is another country in the Horn of Africa that is known for its human rights abuses. This support could embolden Eritrea to continu...

The Militarization of Russia’s Murmansk Region: A Comprehensive Analysis of Strategic Significance

12Jul

By ISSGNo Comments

Arctic, Defense Strategy and Capabilities, Russia and Eurasia

The Militarization of Russia’s Murmansk Region: A Comprehensive Analysis of Strategic Significance

By José Carlos Palma * The Murmansk region in Russia stands as a critical and heavily militarized area due to its strategic location, historical defense considerations, and evolving geopolitical dynamics. Situated in the far northwestern part of the country, bordering the Barents Sea and adjacent to NATO members, the region plays a pivotal role in Russia's military posture. This article provides a deep and detailed analysis of the factors driving the militarization of the Murmansk region, examining its Arctic strategic importance, the significance of the Northern Fleet, military bases and installations, nuclear deterrence, Arctic military modernization, and geopolitical considerations. Arctic Strategic Importance: The Arctic region has become a focal point of international interest d...