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Breaking out: Is Syria’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham moving away from Jihad and Sharia law?

As Syria’s new Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) led-government tentatively explores governance away from jihad and strict Sharia law, the reactions from extremist factions have been notably severe and revealing. Sami al-'Uraydi, leader of Syria's Tanzim Hurras al-Din (sometimes referred to as Al-Qaeda in Syria), has vocally opposed any deviation from Sharia, embodying a "Sharia or [...]

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The Rise of Economic Nationalism: how protectionist policies are ending globalism

Global trade’s share of economic output has decreased, while industrial policies focused on bolstering domestic industries are increasing, especially in wealthier countries. This change has since last year been dubbed "slowbalisation", signalling a slowdown in globalisation. However, rather than indicating a complete reversal, this shift reflects a growing emphasis on the protection of domestic industries,

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Savings and Sanctions: Indonesia lured by Russian oil

With its recent entry into BRICS offering Indonesia closer ties with Russia, the potential import of discounted Russian oil presents a double-edged sword with both an opportunity and a conundrum. The appeal is clear: Energy Minister, Bahlil Lahadalia, and National Economic Council Chair, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, have calculated savings of up to US$22 per barrel,

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What drives FDI in the Asia Pacific Region?

The Asia Pacific region is witnessing economic growth despite the ongoing tensions between China and the smaller Asian nations in the South China Sea. Countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Singapore are experiencing a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) from nations including Australia, Germany, Spain and the US. Investment is particularly noticeable

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Hybrid Warfare – the coordinated efforts of Russia and China against the West

Russia and China are conducting hybrid warfare campaigns against Western nations, leveraging a blend of conventional military assets and non-military tactics, including cyberattacks, disinformation, economic pressure, and exploitation of political and legal systems. These efforts aim to destabilise and weaken adversaries from within. Russia has been intensifying its sabotage campaigns across the EU, reflecting a

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Ethiopia’s Fractured State: The fragile path forward

While the world’s media has largely focused on Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict, unrest in Oromia (Central Ethiopia) and other regions reveals the scale of volatility within the country. Oromia, Ethiopia's largest region, has been the scene of ethnic tensions, driven by longstanding grievances over political sidelining, unequal resource allocation and land rights. The Oromo Liberation Army

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The South China Sea: Is there a compromise?

The South China Sea remains a focal point of strategic and territorial dispute, principally involving China and neighbouring ASEAN member countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. This region, crucial for international shipping and its wealth of natural resources, witnesses frequent disputes that have the potential to escalate into greater regional conflict. China's assertive

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Prisons of Power: the Sahel insurgency worsens

The on-going insurgency in the Sahel region, traditionally seen in Mali and Burkina Faso, is experiencing a notable expansion, potentially threatening the stability of neighbours Ghana and Benin. This increased geographic spread is partly influenced by the presence of Russia's GRU controlled 'Africa Corps’, which is the new umbrella organisation encompassing the Wagner Group infantry,

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Breaking point in the Northern Triangle – Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador

Central America’s Northern Triangle consisting of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador (with a total of 9.2 million people) is grappling with relentless political upheaval and unrest. This not only impinges on domestic conditions but also seriously impacts international migration figures and foreign policy. The region's strategic importance, due to its proximity to major trade routes

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Two’s company, three’s a crowd

Recent developments have identified an escalation of alliances, with North Korean (NK) premier, Kim Jong Un, bolstering Vladimir Putin’s military capability by providing much-needed arms and personnel supplies for their war against Ukraine. This enhanced collaboration not only reveals a greater bond between NK and Russia, but it also presents a subtle challenge within the

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