Defense & Security - International Studies of Strategic and Geopolitics

Navigating Governance Challenges in Postwar Gaza: Strengthening the Palestinian Authority

4Jan

By 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...

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, reco...

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 ens...

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 due...

Space-Based Weapon Systems: Exploring the Frontier of Military Capabilities in Outer Space

2Jul

By ISSGNo Comments

Space Defense

Space-Based Weapon Systems: Exploring the Frontier of Military Capabilities in Outer Space

By José Carlos Palma* Space-based weapon systems refer to offensive or defensive capabilities deployed in space with the purpose of conducting military operations or protecting assets in space or on Earth. These systems utilize space-based platforms, such as satellites, to deliver kinetic or non-kinetic effects. Here is a deep and detailed exploration of space-based weapon systems: I. Types of Space-Based Weapon Systems A. Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Weapons: 1. Kinetic ASATs: These weapons physically destroy or disable enemy satellites using direct impact or fragmentation techniques. 2. Non-Kinetic ASATs: These weapons use non-destructive means, such as electronic or cyber attacks, to disrupt or disable satellite functions. B. Space-Based Directed Energy Weapons: 1. High-E...

The Military Use of Space: Defining its Significance in Modern Warfare

2Jul

By ISSGNo Comments

Space Defense

The Military Use of Space: Defining its Significance in Modern Warfare

By José Carlos Palma * The military use of space has become an integral aspect of modern warfare, where nations leverage space-based assets and capabilities to achieve strategic objectives. This article delves into the definition and significance of the military use of space, highlighting it's evolving nature and the impact it has on contemporary conflicts. I. Understanding the Military Use of Space A. Definition: The military use of space refers to the utilization of space technology, assets, and systems to support and enhance military operations and capabilities. B. Space-Based Assets: This includes satellites, communication networks, navigation systems, intelligence-gathering systems, and space-based weapon systems. II. Significance of the Military Use of Space A. Communication...

Cold War 2.0 — Kremlin rolls out red carpet for China’s Xi

20Mar

By ISSGNo Comments

Geopolitics and International Security

Cold War 2.0 — Kremlin rolls out red carpet for China’s Xi

Chinese leader offers Putin a lifeline as Ukraine war churns By Guy Taylor - The Washington Times Cold War 2.0 shifted into a new gear Monday as Chinese President Xi Jinping traveled to Moscow in a major show of solidarity with Russian President Vladimir Putin against the United States and other Western democracies. Mr. Xi is seeking to highlight China’s rising diplomatic clout during the three-day state visit, his first overseas trip since formally securing an unprecedented third five-year term as president this month. Analysts say he also aims to give the embattled Mr. Putin a boost just days after an international arrest warrant was issued for the Russian leader on war crimes charges related to his troubled invasion of Ukraine. The Ukraine war and the prospect that Beijing could...

U.S. Cites Russian Noncompliance with New START Inspections

9Feb

By ISSGNo Comments

Missile Defense, Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation

U.S. Cites Russian Noncompliance with New START Inspections

Authored by Shannon Bugos on February 9, 2023 Russia has failed to fully comply with the 2010 New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) because of its refusal to allow on-site inspections and to reschedule a meeting to discuss treaty concerns, according to a U.S. assessment released in January. Senior Russian officials have accused the United States of “politicizing nuclear arms control,” saying that Washington “would have to adjust its policy towards Russia to move to a constructive arms control agenda.” In August, Moscow prohibited U.S. on-site inspections of its nuclear weapons-related facilities subject to the treaty over complaints about reciprocal access. Russia called off a planned meeting of the treaty’s Bilateral Consultative Commission (BCC) in Egypt in November....

Russia will unveil the export Sukhoi Su-57E fighter in India

9Feb

By ISSGNo Comments

Military Technology, Defense Industry, Acquisition, and Innovation

Russia will unveil the export Sukhoi Su-57E fighter in India

MOSCOW, INDIA — Russia intends to show an export version of its Su-57E Felon fighter jet. Russia’s largest arms trading company, Rosoboronexport, announced the news to reporters. The Su-57E will be displayed in India at the Aero India 2023 International Air Show in Bangalore. The exhibition starts on February 13 and ends on February 17. This is the 14th Aero India Expo. Besides the Su-57E, Rosoboronexport reported that the Su-75 Checkmate will also be displayed in India. It is not clear from the statement of the Russian company whether a working prototype of the Su-75 will be displayed at the exhibition or mockup. Rosoboronexport plans to present 200 samples in India. In the short press release of the Russian commercial company, the Su-57 was called “a promising fifth-generation multi-ro...

US, UK and Australia carry out China-focused air drills

9Feb

By ISSGNo Comments

Defense Strategy and Capabilities, Defense & Security

US, UK and Australia carry out China-focused air drills

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nevada — The US, UK and Australia carried out joint air drills on Wednesday (Feb 8) over the Nevada desert and beyond as part of an effort to simulate high-end combat operations against Chinese fighter aircraft and air defences. Reuters accompanied British forces for several hours during the US-hosted, three-week-long Red Flag exercises aboard Britain's KC-2 Voyager refuelling tanker aircraft, which on Wednesday supplied fuel for US and British fighter jets. US Air Force Colonel Jared J. Hutchinson, commander of the 414th Combat Training Squadron that runs Red Flag, said the annual drills were not tied to any recent events. On Saturday, a US fighter jet shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina, hiking tensions. "(China is) just the...