Editorial paper at Robert Lansing Institute

Shadow Diplomacy: Russia’s Strategies to Whitewash Atrocities and Expand Influence in Africa

Russia has been actively working to whitewash its atrocities in Africa, leveraging a mix of propaganda, disinformation campaigns, diplomatic maneuvering, and economic influence. Despite accusations of human rights abuses and…

November 18, 2024Africa, Russia

Geoeconomics Geopolitics National Security

Boakai’s Ties With Russia Threaten Liberia’s Stability and U.S. Relations

The Liberian opposition could attempt to counter Russian expansion through legislative action, public advocacy, alliances with Western countries, and media campaigns. However, their success would depend on a range of…

November 14, 2024Liberia, Russia, USA

Geopolitics Governance Intelligence ops

Russia Tests the Waters in Turning Georgia into a Confederation under the Cloak of Tbilisi Cooperation

In both Georgia and the breakaway region of Abkhazia, speculation is mounting that the Kremlin might be willing to appease the Georgian authorities by creating an illusion of returning control…

November 13, 2024Abkhazia, Georgia, Russia, South Ossetia, Ukraine

Conflict

The Amhara Insurgency: External Influences and the Evolving Geopolitical Landscape in Ethiopia

The conflict in Amhara poses a serious threat to Ethiopia’s fragile stability. It not only challenges the federal government’s authority but also risks deepening ethnic divisions, which could have far-reaching…

November 11, 2024Amhara, Ethiopia

Democracy Governance

Possible Outcomes of Constitutional Changes in the DRC

The prospect of changing the Constitution in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is raising concerns of a potential "constitutional coup" for several reasons, largely rooted in the country's…

November 8, 2024DRC

Governance National Security Terrorism

Who is the New Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem?

In a leadership transition amid the ongoing wars in Lebanon and Gaza, Hezbollah’s Shura Council elected Shia cleric Naim Qassem as its new Secretary-General. The appointment follows the assassination by Israel of former…

November 6, 2024Hezbollah, Iran, Israel, Lebanon

Geopolitics National Security Propaganda and Disinformation Psyops

Hungarian Prime Minister Joins Russian Efforts to Interfere in U.S. Elections

Moscow is once again attempting to sway the outcome of U.S. elections, this time employing information operations with the help of allied leaders. The Kremlin's narrative warns that a loss…

November 5, 2024Hungary, nuclear weapons, Russia, USA

Governance Intelligence ops

The Kremlin suffered a crushing defeat in Moldova and is likely to resort to hybrid operations to destabilize the region.

In the wake of Moldova’s presidential runoff, pro-Western forces led by incumbent President Maia Sandu handed the Kremlin a significant loss. This setback deals a blow to Russia’s imperial ambitions…

November 4, 2024FSB, Moldova, Russia

Conflict Geoeconomics Geopolitics

Egypt creates anti-Ethiopia alliance in the Horn of Africa

The recent strengthening of relations between Egypt and certain African nations may indicate a rising likelihood of conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia. In early October, the presidents of Egypt, Eritrea,…

November 1, 2024Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somaliland

Governance

The search for Ayatollah Khamenei’s successor and rumors regarding his health

Discussion around Ayatollah Khamenei's successor has picked up for several reasons, beyond just the rumors about his health. Khamenei has been in power since 1989, making him one of the…

October 29, 2024Iran

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