Takeaways from China’s Third Plenum
Examining the three distinct themes that emerged from China’s recent Third Plenum policy meeting: technological self-sufficiency, economic and national security, and agrarian land reform.
Al-Shabaab Remains Active in Southern Somalia
A recent attack in Jubaland state reflects how the long-running conflict between Mogadishu and Al-Shabaab continues to evolve.
Iran Nuclear Program Nears “Breakout”
![cc US Department of State, Wikicommons, A view of the Blue Salon at the Palais Coburg hotel in Vienna, Austria, the 19th-century, Neoclassical former palace for Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg, where most of the bilateral meetings between the United States, other P5+1 countries, European Union, and Iran took place, as well as one-on-one meetings between Secretary Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. Secretary Kerry sat on the left side of the table, third chair from the bottom, and Minister Zarif sat directly across on the right side of the table. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]](https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/U.S._Nuclear_Negotiations_With_Iran-copy-768x369.jpg "cc US Department of State, Wikicommons, A view of the Blue Salon at the Palais Coburg hotel in Vienna, Austria, the 19th-century, Neoclassical former palace for Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg, where most of the bilateral meetings between the United States, other P5+1 countries, European Union, and Iran took place, as well as one-on-one meetings between Secretary Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. Secretary Kerry sat on the left side of the table, third chair from the bottom, and Minister Zarif sat directly across on the right side of the table. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]")
The post-JCPOA Iran nuclear program is edging toward the ‘breakout’ point, leading to some difficult choices for the next US administration.
Russia Isn’t Behind Armenia’s Military Defeats, Geopolitical Choices Are
It was not a betrayal from Moscow that lost Armenia the war. Rather, it was Yerevan’s longstanding and misguided over-reliance on Russia which, as its war against Ukraine demonstrates, is a declining great power.
Teke-Yaka Tensions See Violence Spread to Western DRC
A longstanding sectarian conflict, fueled by disputes over land rights and customary taxes, is fomenting violence in the once peaceful regions of western DRC.
Biden Ambiguous as Israel and Hezbollah Hurtle toward Escalation
Escalating turmoil on Israel’s northern border underscores an urgent need for leaders who can transcend entrenched positions and envision a future free from perpetual conflict.
Protests Erupt as Debt-Laden Kenya Tests Limits of Austerity
Suffocating debt payments have ignited a wave of protests against the Ruto administration, posing a major challenge to the integrity of Kenya’s state institutions.
Only a Comprehensive Approach Will Solve Mediterranean Migration
Ad hoc and punitive approaches to Mediterranean migration are doomed to fail. Only a comprehension and cooperative approach based on mutual respect and shared responsibility can prevail. The Mediterranean Migration Forum (TMMF) is just that.
Reciprocal Access Agreement: A New Chapter in the South China Sea Dispute?
Japan and the Philippines, once bitter enemies, are moving toward ever greater military cooperation in an attempt to push back against China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
Critical Minerals: Supply Eases as US, Canada Secure Supply Lines
A concerted effort by Canada, the United States, and other Western allies is helping to secure the supply of critical minerals and easing price pressures in the process.