By Lexi Dean China continues to assert control over the South China Sea where around one-third ofglobal shipping occurs. Amidst growing Chinese aggression in regional countries’exclusive economic zones, Indo-Pacific countries continue to step up efforts to combatthis. This past week, Taiwan’s coast guard detained a Chinese-linked ship after itstopped near an undersea communication cable that... Continue Reading →
Ice Raids and US Jobs
By Suha Abrahim In 2024 Trump made combatting illegal immigration a large focus of his campaign. He hasstated, “Illegal immigrants have allowed crime rates to rise, and jobs have been taken from U.S.citizens.” As immigration raids have continued to escalate, many migrants have been stayinghome from work. This is affecting employers who rely on foreign... Continue Reading →
Trump’s Aims for a Rapid Peace in Ukraine, Disregarding Zelensky and European Allies
By Matthew Grace Ukraine and the US both seek peace, “but that is where the consensus seems to end”. For Trump blinded by his “battlefield realities” claim, shortsightedly sees Russia retaining the Ukrainian land it has seized since 2014. Ukraine on the other hand wants genuine and meaningful security guarantees that would adequately prevent another... Continue Reading →
Chinese Spy Ring in the Philippines
By Lauren Ho Amidst the Philippine’s continued political unrest, concerns of a Chinese spy-ring are now plaguing the nation. On January 20, 2025 a Chinese national, Deng Yuanqing, was arrested by Philippine law enforcement under suspicion of spying on multiple Filipino military facilities. Deng was found to be a member of a spy ring that... Continue Reading →
Back to the Front: The Return of North Korean Troops to Kursk
By Sam Dantzler In December 2024, approximately 12,000 North Korean troops were deployed to the front lines of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, providing support to Russian forces in various roles. Their involvement included aiding in repelling a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region that began the previous August. Ukrainian forces have reported that the North... Continue Reading →
Human Trafficking Victims Feed Scam Operations
By Lexi Dean The proliferation of scam operations and illegal cyber-ploys across Southeast Asia gave rise to a wave of concern back in 2023. This concern led to crackdowns on these operations, which have continued this week, as Thailand received over 250 victims of human trafficking from a Myanma militia who freed workers from scam... Continue Reading →
Insights on Gaza: Ceasefire and Prisoner Release
By Abby Bedard The Israel-Hamas ceasefire hangs by a thread amid accusations that both sides have violated the agreed upon terms. Earlier last week, Hamas announced their intent to delay the hostage release scheduled for Saturday, claiming that Israel failed to deliver necessary aid, such as tents and heavy machinery and continues to carry out... Continue Reading →
Despite Tensions Regarding the Canal, U.S. and Panama Work to Expand Deportation Efforts
By Cora Kirby The Trump administration is continuing its deportation efforts and sent undocumented immigrants to Panama this week. A military plane left California on Wednesday night with more than 100 migrants from countries including Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan. This development comes after a recent meeting in Panama between President José Raúl Mulino of... Continue Reading →
Ebola and Marburg: Viruses Loose in Eastern Africa
By Madelyn Williams Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is no stranger to disease outbreaks such as malaria, Mpox, and dengue fever. This is due to warm climate, rich biodiversity, weak public health systems, malnutrition, and various other factors. While some diseases are a constant challenge, others emerge as sudden outbreaks like the Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) and... Continue Reading →
Central Asia’s Alternative: Western Investment in Central Asia
By John W. Parks Central Asia’s open doors have increasingly welcomed foreign investment over the decade. Though China throws large swaths of money at the region, the West (the U.S. and Europe) are not sitting the bench in this great game. Western interests and investments in Central Asia reflect the increasingly globalized nature of the... Continue Reading →