Regions - International Studies of Strategic and Geopolitics

23Sep

By ISSGNo Comments

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...

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...

An analyst on Fox News claims that the recent Wagner coup was a “classic false flag” orchestrated by Putin to deceive Biden into believing that Russia poses no threat

24Jun

By ISSGNo Comments

Russia and Eurasia

An analyst on Fox News claims that the recent Wagner coup was a “classic false flag” orchestrated by Putin to deceive Biden into believing that Russia poses no threat

During an interview on Saturday with host Eric Shawn on Fox News, guest Rebekah Koffler asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin, in collaboration with Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, orchestrated the recent armed coup as a "classic false flag" operation. In the past 24 hours, Russia has witnessed upheaval within its military and political establishment as Prigozhin led his paramilitary group from Ukraine into Russia, capturing two cities and advancing toward Moscow. However, in a surprising twist, Prigozhin reportedly called off the armed coup following negotiations with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. This rebellion posed the most significant existential threat to Putin's regime since he assumed power in Russia more than two decades ago. During a lengthy nine...

What would Russians gain from a Democratic Society and Western standards of living?

10Apr

By ISSGNo Comments

Russia and Eurasia

What would Russians gain from a Democratic Society and Western standards of living?

By José Carlos Palma* A democratic society and Western standards of living could bring many benefits to the Russian people. Here are some potential gains: Greater freedom and human rights: A democratic society would provide greater freedom of speech, assembly, and association, as well as greater protection of human rights. This could lead to more open and transparent government, and greater accountability of officials. Economic prosperity: Western standards of living generally offer higher levels of economic prosperity, with better job opportunities, higher wages, and better living conditions. This could lead to an overall improvement in the standard of living for the Russian people. Access to technology and innovation: Western societies are known for their technological ...

Iran’s Raisi welcomes invitation from king to visit Saudi Arabia

19Mar

By ISSGNo Comments

Middle East

Iran’s Raisi welcomes invitation from king to visit Saudi Arabia

Iranian president has received an invitation to visit Saudi Arabia following reconciliation deal, Iranian official says. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has favourably received an invitation from Saudi Arabia’s King Salman to visit the kingdom following the reconciliation deal between the two countries, an Iranian official has said. “In a letter to President Raisi … the King of Saudi Arabia welcomed the deal between the two brotherly countries [and] invited him to Riyadh,” tweeted Mohammad Jamshidi, the Iranian president’s deputy chief of staff for political affairs, adding to this Sunday message that “Raisi welcomed the invitation”. The two regional heavyweights announced on March 10 a Chinese-brokered deal to restore ties seven years after they were severed. Riyadh cut relations af...

Geopolitical and Technocratic: EU International Actorness and Russia’s War Against Ukraine

16Mar

By ISSGNo Comments

Europe

Geopolitical and Technocratic: EU International Actorness and Russia’s War Against Ukraine

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 marked the start of the largest and most brutal war at the heart of the European continent since World War II. It inevitably came as a "cold shower" for the EU and Member States' politicians, demonstrating with absolute certainty the fragility of the international and European security order. The EU responded to the invasion with unprecedented sanctions against Russia and Belarus and multi-faceted resolute support to Ukraine. The latter included the breaking of many previously existing taboos, such as the first ever use of the European Peace Facility to procure weapons for a third country at war or offering collective protection to about 8 million Ukrainian citizens and residents, fleeing the war. The war prompted EU le...

Iraq’s new geopolitics and the importance of regional engagement: A view from Brussels

16Mar

By ISSGNo Comments

Middle East, Regions

Iraq’s new geopolitics and the importance of regional engagement: A view from Brussels

By *Domènec Ruiz Devesa, Emiliano Alessandri Following the shock of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the United States’ invasion of Iraq in March 2003 marked one of the opening salvos of what has so far turned out to be a conflict-ridden 21st century. Whereas the 1990-1991 Gulf War was heralded by then-President George H. W. Bush as the founding moment of a “New World Order,” as Washington successfully mobilized a vast United Nations-mandated coalition to repel Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, the second Gulf War epitomized the emerging instability in the international system caused by the excesses of America’s “unipolar moment,” the retreat of multilateralism, a Global South increasingly critical of Western-led initiatives, and the rise of non-state actors and terrorist networks. Although the high...

Nigeria’s cities are growing fast: family planning must be part of urban development plans

15Mar

By ISSGNo Comments

Africa, Family Planning, Maternal and Child Health, and Immunizations

Nigeria’s cities are growing fast: family planning must be part of urban development plans

Nigeria is rapidly urbanising, with more people living in urban areas than in rural communities. A recent World Bank estimate shows that 53% of the 213 million Nigerians live in urban areas. That’s projected to rise above 70% by 2050. Lagos, Nigeria’s biggest city, already has over 15.9 million people. The country’s urban growth rate is 6% and the general population growth rate is about 2.4%. Although urban areas are hubs for socioeconomic development, many large cities are unsafe and unhealthy. Unfortunately, infrastructure development and service delivery aren’t keeping pace with urban population growth in Nigeria. Millions of urban residents face enormous challenges like housing deficits, overcrowding and limited economic opportunities. Poverty, air and noise pollution, insecurity, h...

The Quiet War between Israel and Iran Iran’s Hegemonic Drive

24Feb

By ISSGNo Comments

Middle East

The Quiet War between Israel and Iran Iran’s Hegemonic Drive

by Jonathan Schanzer Middle East Quarterly A major war has been underway for a decade in the Middle East though it infrequently makes headlines. Month after month, week after week, and night after night, the Israelis have operated across the region against the Islamic Republic of Iran in what the Israeli government calls "the-war-between-wars" (or "the-campaign-between-wars").[1] The genesis of this war is clear. Since the early 1980s, Tehran has financed, armed, and trained terrorist proxies to target Israel. This includes Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza, and more recently, Shiite militias in Syria and Iraq. Historically, Israel has battled many of these proxies in short but painful border wars. Tehran never paid a price. The Islamist regime preferred ...