Study Office

Afghanistan: A Factory of Terrorism – A Deep Analysis
31Aug José Carlos PalmaBy José Carlos PalmaNo Comments
Study Office, Asia

Afghanistan: A Factory of Terrorism – A Deep Analysis

By José Carlos Palma* Introduction In the years since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the country has become a breeding ground for terrorism, posing a significant threat not only to its neighbors but also to global security. The rapid collapse of the Afghan government in August 2021 and the subsequent rise of the Taliban created a power vacuum that various extremist groups, most notably the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), have exploited to expand their operations. This analysis explores how Afghanistan has evolved into a "terrorism factory" and the implications for regional and global security. The Taliban's Reign: Fertile Ground for Extremism When the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, they inherited a country deeply scarred by decades of conflict, pove...
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Moscow and Tehran’s Role in the Middle East
15Apr ISSGBy ISSGNo Comments
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...
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Iran’s Ring of Fire: A Strategic Analysis
15Apr ISSGBy ISSGNo Comments
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...
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Iran’s Strategic Missile Strikes Escalate Regional Tensions: Targets Include Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan
29Jan ISSGBy ISSGNo Comments
Middle East, Geopolitics and International Security, Study Office

Iran’s Strategic Missile Strikes Escalate Regional Tensions: Targets Include Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan

By José Carlos Palma* Date: 29 January 2024 In a series of coordinated missile attacks, Iran has escalated its regional conflict by targeting strategic positions in Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan. The missile strikes, which began as responses to perceived threats from these nations, have added fuel to an already tense geopolitical landscape. Syrian Retaliation for Suicide Bombings: Iran's attack on Syria comes in the aftermath of devastating suicide bombings in Kerman, Iran, claiming nearly 100 lives. Syria, under President Bashar al-Assad, has been a key ally for Iran in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). The Iranian response underscores its commitment to defending its interests and supporting its regional allies. Erbil Struck Amidst Israel-Iran Tensions: Erbil, the capital of Ira...
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Navigating Governance Challenges in Postwar Gaza: Strengthening the Palestinian Authority
4Jan ISSGBy ISSGNo Comments
Middle East, Geopolitics and International Security, Study Office

Navigating Governance Challenges in Postwar Gaza: Strengthening the Palestinian Authority

By José Carlos Palma* As the echoes of explosions and gunfire subside, the critical question of who will govern Gaza in the aftermath of the war looms large. With options limited, the Palestinian Authority (PA) emerges as a potential candidate, despite its own set of challenges. In this analysis, we explore the complexities surrounding Gaza's governance and delve into potential strategies for revitalizing the PA to play a central role in the region's stability. Current Challenges: Hamas Dilemma: Hamas, a prominent Palestinian organization, is not an acceptable option for Israel due to security concerns. Israel remains determined not to let Hamas rebuild its military capabilities, posing a significant obstacle to the group's governance in Gaza. Israeli Occupation Concer...
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Putin Orders Unprecedented Expansion of Russian Military: Analyzing the Strategic Implications Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
2Dec ISSGBy ISSGNo Comments
Russia and Eurasia, Study Office

Putin Orders Unprecedented Expansion of Russian Military: Analyzing the Strategic Implications Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict

By José Carlos Palma * The expansion of the Russian military with an additional 170,000 troops amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine suggests several strategic and geopolitical considerations on the part of Russian President Vladimir Putin: Sustaining Military Operations in Ukraine: The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing for nearly 22 months, and the decision to increase military personnel indicates that Putin is committed to sustaining and potentially escalating military operations in Ukraine. The additional troops could be deployed to reinforce existing forces, intensify offensives, or maintain control over certain areas. Countering NATO and Regional Dynamics: The official statement from the Russian Defense Ministry cites concerns about NATO's actions, including the buildup o...
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Understanding the Limited Opposition to Russia’s Ukraine War: A Sociological Perspective
2Nov ISSGBy 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...
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Shift in US-China Relations: A New Approach to Dialogue
6Oct ISSGBy 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 ens...
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The Consequences of Digital Democracy in Western Liberal Democracies
1Sep ISSGBy 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 widesp...
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Understanding Modern Warfare and Global Conflicts: A Multidisciplinary Perspective
2Jul ISSGBy ISSGNo Comments
Study Office

Understanding Modern Warfare and Global Conflicts: A Multidisciplinary Perspective

By José Carlos Palma* The study of modern warfare and global conflicts is a multifaceted field that draws upon various academic disciplines to unravel the complexities of contemporary conflicts. From the causes and triggers of conflicts to the strategies employed by armed forces, and from the humanitarian consequences to post-conflict reconstruction, this field encompasses a broad range of topics. In this article, we delve deeper into the key aspects of this discipline and explore the interdisciplinary nature of understanding and analyzing modern warfare and global conflicts. Causes and Triggers One fundamental area of research in this field revolves around understanding the causes and triggers of conflicts. Scholars analyze the interplay of political, economic, social, and ideological...
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