Choosing the Right Strategy: (Counter)Insurgency and (Counter)Terrorism as Competing Paradigms

Choosing the Right Strategy: (Counter)Insurgency and (Counter)Terrorism as Competing Paradigms

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“Distinguishing between terrorism and insurgency is becoming increasingly challenging for policy-makers and military planners. Terrorist organisations cannot be disrupted through counter-insurgency techniques and insurgencies are extremely resilient to counter-terrorism strategies. Counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency, although similar in certain respects, identify divergent assumptions and modalities for dealing with terrorism and insurgency.” by Roberto Colombo Distinguishing between terrorism…

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UK Access to EU Databases: The National Security Ramifications of a No Deal Brexit

UK Access to EU Databases: The National Security Ramifications of a No Deal Brexit

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“The UK’s ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond to risks is enhanced by its ability to share data and expertise, exchange information, and collaborate closely with its nearest neighbours. Brexit presents a significant threat to both that information exchange and continued collaboration.” by Matthew Wentworth At present standing, with one deal presented by British…

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Environmental Migration and Conflict in West Africa

Environmental Migration and Conflict in West Africa

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“In the coming decades, climate change will push an astounding number of people to flee their homes in West Africa to search for new places where food, health, and environmental security will be more accessible. Addressing this issue in the earliest phases will play a fundamental role in the coming decades’ policy outcome.’” by Stefano…

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Strategic Turnaround? Russia’s Support to the Afghan Taliban and its Strategic Implications

Strategic Turnaround? Russia’s Support to the Afghan Taliban and its Strategic Implications

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“We know that the Russians are involved, stated U.S. Army General John Nicholson during an interview with the BBC, publicly accusing Russia of smuggling loads of weapons to the Taliban. Russia’s logistical and financial support to the Afghan Taliban is a short-term security insurance, and a profitable long-term investment, for the Kremlin’s future geopolitical manoeuvres.”…

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Colombia’s Tenuous Peace

Colombia’s Tenuous Peace

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“Colombia’s 2016 Peace Deal with the FARC helped to lessen violence. However, without increased development efforts in rural areas, the toll of past conflict on society may prevent long-term sustainability, justice, and recovery. The new administration of Colombian President Iván Duque Márquez is projected to subvert major post-conflict initiatives and risks reigniting paramilitary conflict.” By…

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Reform of the French Intelligence Oversight System

Reform of the French Intelligence Oversight System

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“French intelligence remains a very secretive world from the public view, and the little presence it occupies in the press or public debate is more often than not one of scandal, abuse or failure. Nevertheless, a wave of reforms is attempting to perfect this system, and in some cases, to create effective intelligence oversight mechanisms.”…

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Discord of War in Yemen: Is Liberating Hodeidah Strategic?

Discord of War in Yemen: Is Liberating Hodeidah Strategic?

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“The liberation of Hodeidah will strategically enhance the UN-led peace process and the global humanitarian response to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis in 100 years, unlike what some western practitioners and researchers from the outside contend. To the Houthis, Hodeidah is a supply artery for survival at best and a negotiation stick at worst. Once…

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What is intelligence oversight, and why does it matter?

What is intelligence oversight, and why does it matter?

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“By definition, the work of intelligence agencies is covert and secret. Intelligence oversight maintains the integrity of the system and the techniques employed by the secret services protecting citizens’ rights to privacy and confidentiality. Although it may seem to restrict the work of intelligence, a clear legal framework increases both intelligence legitimacy and efficiency“ By Anne Lise…

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When Smarter Is Not Always Safer: the Cybersecurity of the Electric Grid

When Smarter Is Not Always Safer: the Cybersecurity of the Electric Grid

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“An increased reliance on electricity combined with new production methods and structural changes in the grid pose new challenges in guaranteeing stable and affordable access to electricity. These structural changes imply the integration of ‘smart’ control systems, which often rely on internet connections. Yet, considering the rapid development of malicious activities in the cyber domain,…

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Non-Proliferation Treaty and the UN Nuclear Weapons Ban

Non-Proliferation Treaty and the UN Nuclear Weapons Ban

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“On 7th July 2017, 122 nations passed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) through a United Nations mandate. All Nuclear Weapons States (NWS) and the states under their protection boycotted the debate except for The Netherlands: they attended all the negotiations and then voted against the treaty.“ By Caitlin Irvine

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