security

Stories (623)

South American Antarctica: The Final Frontier of Hemispheric Security

Antarctica foreign policy politics diplomacy elections economy security Summary: - The Antarctic Treaty (1961) preserves peaceful scientific use and freezes territorial claims, but rising great-power competition tests the post–Cold War status quo as the rules-based order erodes. - The article argues there is a growing “South American Antarctica,” given geographic proximity to Chile and Argentina, and the strategic use of interoceanic routes (Drake Passage, Strait of Magellan

2026-06-10

security

France | Sciences Po Observatory Indo-Pacific

Summary: - France treats the Indo-Pacific as a core strategic region due to overseas territories and EEZ dominance, including French Southern and Antarctic Lands’ broader strategic context. - French foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific emphasizes sovereignty protection, security of strategic supplies, freedom of action, and fostering stable regional environments. President Macron frames it as safeguarding space for freedom and sovereignty with security, climate/biodiversity, an

2026-06-10

security

U.S. Territories: The Frontlines of Global Competition With China | RealClearDefense

Summary: The piece argues that U.S. territories and possessions in the Pacific and Caribbean—collectively including the Minor Outlying Islands—are on the front lines of strategic competition with China. It contends that Beijing’s economic predation, IUU fishing, and military ambitions threaten local economies, ecological health, and U.S. sovereignty. The author calls for stronger U.S. policy integration of territories into national security planning, including an assistant se

2026-06-10

security

United States Minor Outlying Islands

Summary: - The United States Minor Outlying Islands (USMOI) are a group of small, mostly uninhabited Pacific and Caribbean islands under U.S. sovereignty. They are not administered as a single political unit and have limited permanent populations, with only military, government, or research personnel present on some islands. - Key islands include Johnston Atoll, Wake Island, Midway Atoll, Palmyra Atoll, Howland Island, Baker Island, Jarvis Island, Kingman Reef, and others. T

2026-06-10

security

Bangladesh India China US Policy 2026 | After 2026 election, Dhaka must set out clear India, China, and US policies | The Daily Star

Summary: The Daily Star argues that Bangladesh’s foreign policy lacks a stable, cross-administration framework, with foreign relations often cast as partisan tools rather than coherent strategy. It urges that after the 2026 elections, Dhaka should publish three enduring, consensus-driven policies toward India, China, and the US, reducing policy volatility across governments. Key recommendations include: - Develop a formal foreign-policy white paper within the first year of t

2026-06-09

security

Energy realism: President Aliyev’s formula - At the opening of Baku Energy Week

Summary: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev used the Baku Energy Week opening to frame energy policy as a foundation for national sovereignty and regional influence. He promoted energy realism: natural resources should serve state security, military resilience, and diplomatic leverage, not just revenue. The speech links oil and gas to independence, defense, and international agency, arguing that resources enable strong institutions and policy autonomy. He stressed a pragmati

2026-06-09

security

Lula Government Says New U.S. Tariff Threat Is Protectionist and Warns of Reciprocity - 05/06/2026 - Business - Folha

Brazilian government calls new U.S. tariff threat protectionist and unilateral; contemplates invoking reciprocity law. U.S. proposed 12.5% tariff on Brazilian goods follows a separate 25% tariff proposal tied to alleged unfair practices and forced labor concerns. Lula administration rejects linking Brazil’s competitiveness to labor rights, citing Brazil’s longstanding anti-forced labor record. The move has domestic political implications, including reactions to a meeting betw

2026-06-09

security

Becirovic Meets with German Chancellor Merz: Calls for Increased German Investment in BiH - Sarajevo Times

Summary: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Chair of the Presidency, Denis Bećirović, met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to seek increased German investment in BiH, especially in renewable energy and the defense industry. Bećirović credited Germany as a major investor and trade partner and highlighted ongoing German support for BiH’s EU and NATO path, regional stability, and European integration. The discussion covered Germany’s role in the Peace Implementation Council, the High Repr

2026-06-09

security

Benin president visits Niger, Burkina, following coup tensions | Africanews

Benin’s new president Romuald Wadagni is pursuing active neighborhood diplomacy to ease tensions with Niger and Burkina Faso, both led by military juntas. Key points: - Wadagni visited Niger and Burkina Faso to bolster cooperation after rising tensions over Niger’s border closure and accusations that Benin harbors French bases. - The leaders issued a joint statement signaling a shift toward removing obstacles to cooperation, including the border reopening, and pledged joint

2026-06-09

security

UK ratification of the Chagos Archipelago treaty will not violate international law | Chatham House – International Affairs Think Tank

Summary: - The UK paused Lords debate on ratifying the 2025 UK–Mauritius Chagos Archipelago treaty, which would transfer sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius while granting the UK a 99-year lease over Diego Garcia to keep the US base operational. - The treaty aims to reconcile Mauritius’s self-determination and territorial unity with continued US-UK access to the base, a point of contention among critics concerned with geostrategic implications. - The article argues that t

2026-06-09