The Historical and Ideological Underpinnings of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine — In early 2022, a spectre of conflict that had long been dormant awoke with the Russian advance into Ukrainian territory, presenting a seismic challenge to European stability unseen since the Cold War’s icy grip loosened. This audacious move by Russia was the culmination of long-standing historical tensions and an ideological…

A Critical Analysis of the People’s Liberation Army’s Capabilities and Intentions — The spectre of the Cold War looms large as the world grapples with the modern military ambitions of China, particularly its stance towards Taiwan. Historical parallels drawn from the mid-20th century remind us of the costly errors of miscalculating an adversary’s capabilities, as seen in America’s inflated perception of Soviet…

Assessing the Strengths and Stumbling Blocks of the PLA’s Ambitions — The Kinmen Islands, a stone’s throw away from Taiwan’s coast, serve as an open-air museum to one of the 20th century’s pivotal conflicts. The landscape is still scattered with the corroded relics of war — an eternal reminder of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)’s unsuccessful endeavour to seize Taiwan. The…

At this critical moment, the world faces an urgent question about the intensifying humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With rising indications of possible ethnic cleansing, one must question the West’s seeming acquiescence, if not indirect endorsement, of Israeli policies that effectively mete out collective punishment to Palestinian civilians. This week, UN…

Discussion of A Nation on Edge and The Growing Risk of Political Violence and Civil Breakdown — The recent indictment of former President Donald Trump for 34 felonies by the Manhattan district attorney has sent ripples through the political realm of the United States. Though the anticipated chaos did not fully materialise, with the majority of protests remaining relatively peaceful, the implications of such a pivotal event…

Understanding the Challenges and Possibilities of Reclaiming Chip Manufacturing Prowess — Semiconductors, the critical components embedded in an array of technologies from smartphones to advanced military systems, have taken centre stage in the global economy. These tiny devices form the bedrock of our digital world, their significance going beyond their technological applications to extend to economic and national security.

From digital reconnaissance to the involvement of civilians and private companies, warfare is undergoing a radical transformation — Battlefields have undergone a significant transformation, with traditional tools like binoculars and maps becoming largely obsolete. Today, they are defined by the extensive use of advanced technology, such as all-seeing sensors mounted on satellites and vast fleets of drones.

How Proxy Entities Challenge Accountability — Navigating International Laws and Norms in a World of Hidden Warfare — Proxy warfare stands as a prominent feature in today’s global conflicts, with the activities of Russia’s Wagner Group in Ukraine acting as a stark embodiment of this strategy. Employed under a veil of plausible deniability, such groups allow nations to exert influence and drive their geopolitical agendas, all while skirting…

An Unflinching Examination of America’s Role in Fostering Global Unrest and Radicalisation — Terrorism, a term frequently invoked but rarely examined, has its roots in a matrix of complex and interconnected factors. The socio-economic disparities, political disenfranchisement, and ideological clashes that often underpin acts of terror reveal a complexity that resists reduction to mere slogans or platitudes.