(Analysis) Watch Out – The Looming Arms Race in the Arctic

On July 24, 2024, a Sino-Russo bomber formation was patrolled in the Arctic Circle near Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone for the first time. While some might interpret the event as a move by the great powers to establish the Arctic’s military presence to contest future access to the Northern Sea Route and regional undersea resources amid climate change, the joint exercises reveal deeper security motivations. The findings show that the event is largely attributed to the intensifying military confrontations between global powers in other parts of the globe while also raising the risk of an arms race in the Arctic region. Future security studies warrant examining how great power struggles in non-Arctic regions might affect their military moves in the Arctic.

[Analysis] Rolling the Dice on the Development Road: Will Iraq and Türkiye Hit the Jackpot?

The Development Road aims to establish a trade route from Europe to Asia through Iraqi and Turkish infrastructure. It promises to boost the economies of both countries, enhance their geopolitical standing, and support key domestic objectives. However, obstacles to its success lie ahead.

Fold or Call: Is the Philippines’ POGO Problem a National Security Threat?

Philippine Offshore Gambling Operators (POGO) have shaken the Philippines’ perception of its internal security amid allegations of linked violent crimes and espionage. For several months the ongoing situation created more questions than any of the country’s officials can answer. Such issues have led to calls to raise it as a national security threat. However, security agencies refuse to do so despite the issue’s overwhelming severity.

China’s Foothold in Peru’s Strategic Port Infrastructures

The development of key maritime infrastructures in Peru has been lately in the eye of the storm. The case of the construction of the Port of Chancay within the Belt and Road Initiative has been presented as an extremely strategic infrastructure for Peru, while serving Chinese aims to access key raw materials and agricultural commodities markets in the region. Yet, disputes over Chinese state-owned Cosco Shipping exclusivity right over operations in the port and the increasing Chinese presence and control in other infrastructures in Peru have been criticised by the US. The Chinese foothold in the country is indeed seen as a menace to Peru’s national security.

Post – Security Law: The Dawn of Hong Kong Financial Hub?

Will Hong Kong retain its status as an international financial hub following the passing of the national security law? This article examines China’s economic goals, recent geopolitical shifts, and initiatives like the Belt and Road and Greater Bay Area, while assessing Hong Kong’s unique financial strengths and future.

BRP Sierra Madre: The Waves of Uncertainty Surrounding the Sentry of the Second Thomas Shoal

The BRP Sierra Madre acts as the Philippines’ stronghold over the Second Thomas Shoal against Chinese advances in the South China Sea. In the past year, tensions in the region have escalated, with both nations’ coast guard services engaged in heated confrontations. Due to the shoal’s strategic location, both countries employed risky strategies to pursue their goals of controlling this location. Hence, turning the shoal and the BRP Sierra Madre into the South China Sea’s new geopolitical flashpoint towards the boundaries of a possible conflict.

(Analysis) China’s push for influence in Central Asia

Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Central Asia has fallen largely under Russia’s sphere of influence. However, China has had its eye on the region in recent years and is increasing efforts to dominate the land mass as part of its narrative of rebuilding its historic glory as the “Middle Kingdom”.