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This article explores Elon Musk’s role in Donald Trump’s new administration, where the tech mogul has been appointed to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after heavily backing Trump’s campaign. Musk’s prominent and influential presence has sparked speculation that he could overshadow the new President in office. The DOGE, however, reveals significant shortcomings and appears more like a containment to restrict Musk's political action rather than a genuine promotion.
For the decision makers of today, it is clear that space is but another arena of international tension. Various diplomatic channels and treaties continue to safeguard the different powers’ clashes against more fatal crises or conflicts, but the reality is that the military Research and Development (R&D) continues to utilise space programs for defensive and offensive weapons alike. The 1983 Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) was the steppingstone of the United States’ (US) counteract against the space and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) nuclear threats; there are even those who argue that it would need some degree of resurrection. This article aims to retrace and comment on the past and present implications of the SDI and its grounding on the warfighting domain of space.
Deepfakes, a sophisticated form of artificial intelligence, are increasingly blurring the line between reality and fiction. This technology has serious implications for political disinformation, as it can be weaponised to manipulate public opinion and erode trust in the media. Deepfakes have already been used to target public figures, create divisive narratives, and compromise national security, raising concerns about their potential to undermine democratic processes and fuel social discord. The challenge of countering deepfakes is compounded by the rise of unfiltered content on social media platforms, where misinformation spreads rapidly. As the sophistication of deepfakes continues to advance, developing regulatory measures and reliable detection tools is essential to preserve the integrity of information in the digital age.
Once a concept confined solely to science fiction movies, human augmentation is rapidly transforming into a tangible reality. While Hollywood often portrays such enhanced humans through flashy, futuristic technology, the reality is that we are on the cusp of witnessing such innovations quite soon. Far from the realm of fiction, human augmentation is moving into the sphere of real-world applications, especially in the field of defence and healthcare.
In late September 2024, Georgia's Parliament passed a law on "family values and protection of minors," cloaked as a defence of tradition but, in reality, a severe rollback of LGBTQ+ rights. This legislation, which prohibits same-sex marriages, LGBTQ+ adoptions, and positive media representation of queer individuals, aligns with Russia's influence and the Orthodox Church’s anti-LGBTQ+ stance. As Georgia nears the October elections, populist, anti-Western rhetoric intensifies, weaponising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments. Pro-Russian parties leverage these sentiments to sway voters. The Georgian Dream Party, led by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, stands poised to capitalise on this, hoping to cement Georgia’s ties with Moscow and looking forward to criminalising even more LGBTQ+ communities.
Hezbollah, widely recognised as the most powerful non-state actor in the world, is perceived as a major threat to Israel, who opposes its existence. Backed by several state and non-state actors, Hezbollah operates internationally, its actions extending beyond Lebanon -where it holds significant political influence and substantially influencing the Middle East’s regional security dynamics. The long-standing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel dates to the early 1980s, following Israel’s invasions of Lebanon. Recent incidents have further heightened tensions in an already turbulent region. This article is aimed at understanding the motivations and grievances of both sides.
Few maritime security environments across the globe have consistently shown a degree of tension and volatility akin to the Baltic Sea scenario. Having established the deterrence of Russia's ambitions as an emphasis of European defence, the increase in military investments within the region, as well as the political realignments across the Baltic shore after the invasion of Ukraine show that the security assessment has radically changed in the last few months. The current deployment of NATO and Russian Federation forces in this region, along with the Alliance's geopolitical developments, provides a valuable perspective for analysing defence planning and assessing present and future vulnerabilities and areas of risk. The Baltic security architecture, and its continuous updates and transitions, justifies an integrative reading into the key aspects of the present security challenges in the area.
Troops from MINUSMA – Mission Multidimensionnelle Intégrée des Nations Unies pour la Stabilisation au Mali – commenced their “unceremonious” withdrawal from Mali in December 2023, at the request of the transitional authorities issued earlier in the year. The expulsion coincides with what has been deemed the United Nations’ (UN) peacekeeping crisis, leading many to question whether the ‘era of blue helmets in Africa is drawing to an end’.
In the shifting shadows of digital communication, Telegram has emerged as a modern underworld, where privacy often morphs into a sanctuary for illicit deeds once hidden on the dark web. This article explores how Telegram's encryption has drawn a host of both ordinary users and those with darker intentions. It highlights the platform’s role as a contemporary Hades, a space where the boundaries of privacy and criminality blur, and considers the broader implications for security and regulation.
This article explores the complex dynamics of transgender migration to Argentina, highlighting its historical reliance on immigration and its progressive legislation on transgender rights. Despite Argentina's reputation as a haven for transgender migrants fleeing persecution, they face significant challenges upon arrival, including intersectional discrimination that stems from both their migratory status and gender identity. The article examines the socio-political factors driving south-to-south migrations, the harsh realities of integration, and the systemic inequalities that hinder transgender migrants' access to rights, healthcare, and protection despite Argentina's advanced legal framework.
This article critically analyses Afghanistan's future in the aftermath of the third Doha Accord, scheduled from June 30th to July 1st, 2024. Addressing issues from economic vulnerability to regional terrorism, it explores the exclusion of women from these pivotal discussions, highlighting gender disparities and human rights violations in Afghanistan's transitional process. While Taliban participation marked a positive step, the article examines intricate dynamics influencing Afghanistan's journey towards stability.
This is the last article exploring our time at CPDP.ai this year. It takes a different point of view on the conference, focusing on one of the aspects that makes CPDP unique: its multidisciplinary approach and its emphasis on the arts. The article talks briefly about some of the more artistic moments of this year’s conference: Vladan Joler’s maps of technological evolution and AI systems, the fabricated exhibition by Inholland University of Applied Sciences, and the hands-on workshop Playing with Politics: Building Digital, Media, and Political Games.
Politicians across the West vowed, amidst a wave of sanctions for Russian state officials, companies and oligarchs, that Moscow’s economy would be stifled. And yet, Russia’s GDP growth has surpassed both the EU and the US for the second consecutive year. A conflict which has enormous geopolitical consequences, a burden of incalculable human, industrial, agricultural and energy losses for some, is seemingly also providing an economic boom that is injecting optimism and richness across Russia, particularly among Russia's “rustbelt”.
This is the second article exploring our time at CPDP.ai this year. Once again, keeping in mind the conference’s underlying question: Is AI governable? Different panels at the conference focused on the use and abuse of AI in public administration, specifically looking at the regulation and governance of public AI systems. The article tries to put in broader conversations the presentations, statements, and ideas from different panels and panellists on the topic. This article puts in conversation statements and ideas from CPDP.ai 2024 panellists Mirko Tobias Schäfer, Minna Ruckenstein, Anni Ojajärvi, Diletta Huyskes, Oana Goga, Matthias Spielkamp, Saskia Lensik, Fife Ogunde, Migle Laukyte, Tijmen Wisman and Kris Shrishak.
The results of the July 2024 presidential elections in Iran marked a departure from almost two decades of conservative dominance. This has sparked hope for potential change within the Islamic Republic. This article explores the underlying reasons behind the demand for change and assesses whether meaningful reform is achievable. It provides the historical context surrounding the creation of the Islamic Republic in 1979, examines how the political system functions, and considers the background of President Pezeshkian and the goals he has set to achieve.
This is the first of a special series of articles exploring our time at CPDP.ai this year. The conference set out to put the accelerating complexity of AI at centre stage, with the underlying question: Is AI governable? It is no wonder then that many panels at the conference focused on the controversial use of AI for law enforcement, specifically the regulation and governance of AI in this critical sector, as well as related issues of data protection and the handling of electronic evidence. The article tries to put in broader conversations the presentations, statements, and ideas from different panels and panellists on the topic. This article puts in conversation statements and ideas from CPDP.ai 2024 panellists Erik Valgaeren, Emilio De Capitani, Michèle Dubrocard, Andrea Bertolini, Sofie De Kimpe, Elise Lassus, Maximilian Zocholl, Jan Ellermann, Francesco Paolo Levantino, Johan Van Banning, Niovi Vavoula, Alexandra Karaiskou, and Naomi Theinert.
This article examines the Heritage Foundation's "Project 2025" and its potential impacts under a second Trump administration. It explores significant implications for national security, including changes in military and cybersecurity policies, and the restructuring of intelligence agencies. The analysis also covers domestic impacts on women's reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and educational reforms. Additionally, the article assesses international consequences, such as strained alliances and increased geopolitical tensions, providing a comprehensive overview of how Project 2025 could reshape the U.S. socio-political landscape and its global role.
On June 18, 2024, Thailand's Senate approved a landmark marriage equality bill, making Thailand the first ASEAN country to legalise same-sex marriage. This progressive move marks a significant advancement in LGBTQ+ rights in the region. Despite Thailand's leadership, Southeast Asia remains largely hostile towards SOGI minorities, with many countries enforcing laws that criminalise non-hetero-cis identities. The article highlights the historical and political context influence of these laws that shows the role that colonial legacies and contemporary Western influences have in the life of queer people in the region. It also underscores the urgent need for broader regional reforms and the potential for Thailand to inspire similar advancements in neighbouring countries.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has significantly impacted its influence in the Central Asian Republics (CARs), altering the geopolitical landscape and shifting perceptions among the region’s five key states: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Historically, Russia has been the dominant external player in the region, but the ongoing conflict has led to a reassessment of this relationship. In contrast, this situation has created opportunities for other powers, particularly China. Through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has exemplified soft power by positioning itself as a generous donor and investor. This not only enhances regional connectivity but also strengthens China's influence by promoting infrastructure development and economic integration in the CARs. The growing alignment between Russia and China in the territory is perceived as a threat, contributing to a complex security environment in Central Asia. This situation raises concerns over sovereignty, potential instability from Afghanistan, and increased military dependence.The Russian invasion of Ukraine has significantly impacted its influence in the Central Asian Republics (CARs), altering the geopolitical landscape and shifting perceptions among the region’s five key states: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Historically, Russia has been the dominant external player in the region, but the ongoing conflict has led to a reassessment of this relationship. In contrast, this situation has created opportunities for other powers, particularly China. Through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has exemplified soft power by positioning itself as a generous donor and investor. This not only enhances regional connectivity but also strengthens China's influence by promoting infrastructure development and economic integration in the CARs. The growing alignment between Russia and China in the territory is perceived as a threat, contributing to a complex security environment in Central Asia. This situation raises concerns over sovereignty, potential instability from Afghanistan, and increased military dependence.
