Cyber Security, Supply Chain Attacks, EU
Guest User
The New Space Era and The Rising Cyber-ASAT ...

The "New Space" era has transformed space into a critical domain for security, commerce, and digital infrastructure, but it has also introduced significant cybersecurity challenges. The digitalization of satellite systems has expanded the attack surface for cyber threats, making Anti-Satellite (ASAT) cyber operations a growing concern. This paper examines the intersection of cyberspace and space security, highlighting satellite vulnerabilities, supply chain risks, and global stability implications. It also explores the European Union’s strategic response, including the EUSSD, strengthened legislation, and inter-agency cooperation. Addressing cyber-ASAT threats will require international collaboration, strong cybersecurity policies, and proactive mitigation strategies to ensure space resilience.

The New Space Era and The Rising Cyber-ASAT Threats
,

Post-Raisi Iran: President Pezeshkian’s Reform Ambitions

,
Post-Raisi Iran: President Pezeshkian’s Reform Ambitions

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.

,

Legal, ethical, and governance challenges of AI for law enforcement. Voices from CPDP.AI 2024

,
Legal, ethical, and governance challenges of AI for law enforcement. Voices from CPDP.AI 2024

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.

,

Project 2025: The Security and Societal Consequences of Trump's Return to Power

,
Project 2025: The Security and Societal Consequences of Trump's Return to Power

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.

,

Thailand's New Marriage Equality Bill: Examining the Conditions and Implication for SOGI Minorities in Southeast Asia

,
Thailand's New Marriage Equality Bill: Examining the Conditions and Implication for SOGI Minorities in Southeast Asia

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 Great Game: The Great Power Rivalry for Dominance in Central Asia

,
The Great Game: The Great Power Rivalry for Dominance in Central Asia

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.

,

Lawyers, Guns and AI: Gaza´s New Urban Warfare?

,
Lawyers, Guns and AI: Gaza´s New Urban Warfare?

The fighting in Gaza has divided much of the international community’s opinion, generating much scrutiny over the most polemical urban fighting battle in years. The current engagement of the Israeli Defense Forces in the Gaza Strip has introduced  measures that define a distinct approach along legal, methodological and tactical considerations. Further, the combination of new technology, new ideas and the same old battlefields and problems justifies further research into this matter. This article aims to offer a brief overview of the realities of urban warfare in the 21st century, highlighting key insights that the current conflict in Gaza may be revealing.

,

Bolivia’s Political Turmoil

,
Bolivia’s Political Turmoil

This article examines the persistent political instability in Bolivia and underscores the critical need to address its deep conflicts stemming from the profound division of the ruling party and the political polarisation. By analisyng key events and prominent figures, the article seeks to offer a thorough understanding of the ongoing turmoil and the governance challenges it presents.

,

Geopolitical Tensions in the Indian Ocean: The Strategic Implications of a Cobalt-Rich Underwater Mountain

,
Geopolitical Tensions in the Indian Ocean: The Strategic Implications of a Cobalt-Rich Underwater Mountain

The discovery of a cobalt-rich underwater mountain in the Indian Ocean has intensified geopolitical tensions between India and China, both vying for control over the critical resource. Sri Lanka, positioned at the centre of this contest, must navigate its strategic relationships with said regional powers to maintain stability and benefit economically. This briefing explores the implications of this discovery and outlines strategies for Sri Lanka to leverage its position effectively.

,

Guardians of the Sky: Air Travelling and the Role of the Passenger Information Units in Handling Your Data for Security Purposes

,
Guardians of the Sky: Air Travelling and the Role of the Passenger Information Units in Handling Your Data for Security Purposes

Passenger Information Units (PIUs) are specialised entities within aviation security that collect and analyse passenger data, primarily to identify potential threats such as serious crime and terrorist plots. They utilise the Passenger Name Record (PNR), a vital six-digit code on each ticket, to track and scrutinise passenger information. Operating quietly and invisibly, akin to clouds hovering in the sky, PIUs gather data from various sources, detecting patterns and anomalies that could indicate security risks. This article aims to shed light on their discreet yet vital surveillance, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding air travel, providing an essential but often unnoticed layer of security.

,

Anti-LGBTQ+ Propaganda: How Russia Persecutes SOGI Minorities as Part of Its Anti-Western Rhetoric

,
Anti-LGBTQ+ Propaganda: How Russia Persecutes SOGI Minorities as Part of Its Anti-Western Rhetoric

In recent years, the Kremlin has intensified its campaign against Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) minorities, identifying them as Western propaganda. However, this rhetoric has an old origin that started with the criminalisation of “sodomy” done by Iosif Stalin. Recently, tactics of attacking the LGBTQ+ community have evolved into designating it as Western propaganda. This has led to an increasing criminalisation of the community, which has become a systematic technique that involves all the elites and powers of the Russian state from Putin to Kirill and running through the judicial system. Moreover, this propaganda has spread outside the country's borders, with anti-LGBTQ+ disinformation being spread in the former Soviet space and globally, reproducing similar anti-Western rhetoric. In this environment, the condition of SOGI minorities in Russia is worrying, and the situation will likely become worse in the future.

,

India-Russia Relations: Navigating Partnership Dynamics in a Changing Global Landscape

,
India-Russia Relations: Navigating Partnership Dynamics in a Changing Global Landscape

The article will delve into the evolving dynamics of the Indian-Russian relationship post-Jaishankar visit to Moscow in December 2023. Pointing to India’s neutrality during the Russian-Ukraine conflict, it underscores India's prioritisation of national interests in its foreign policy approach. Lastly, the article highlights the potential challenges India faces in maintaining a delicate balance between the West, Russia, and China, shedding light on the intricacies of its geopolitical navigation.

,

The World's Fastest Emptying Nation: Eritrea

,
The World's Fastest Emptying Nation: Eritrea

Eritrea has been one of the world’s largest producers of refugees since the country’s struggle for independence in the early 1960s. While the nation’s wars have contributed to this exodus, the root cause lies within the authoritarian government under the leadership of Isaias Afwerki, and the technically mandatory indefinite national service for all citizens.

If fortunate enough to survive or avoid getting injured by shots from the security forces at the border, migrants undergo perilous journeys to escape repression and forced labour. Obligated to follow irregular routes because of the government’s impediments, they risk being victims of human trafficking by criminal networks. Even after fleeing, evaders of the national service face ongoing fears of the consequences their families left behind will have to suffer.

,

Nobody Does it Better. The Use of CIWS in the Red Sea and The Gulf of Aden

,
Nobody Does it Better. The Use of CIWS in the Red Sea and The Gulf of Aden

Western navies have found themselves increasingly reliant on weapons systems doctrinally understood as “last lines of defence” in the Red Sea. This article investigates the nature of the Houthi threat and the operational intricacies faced by the “Prosperity Guardian” and “Aspides” coalition missions. This article serves to analyse some of the most relevant developments in the military technology and procurement fields.

,

Navigating Intersecting Realities: Gender, Sexuality, and Migration Experiences from MENA to the UK

,
Navigating Intersecting Realities: Gender, Sexuality, and Migration Experiences from MENA to the UK

Migration from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to the United Kingdom embodies a complex tapestry of intersecting factors, notably gender, sexuality, and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). This article delves into the intricate dynamics shaping these migration journeys, drawing on theoretical frameworks, empirical evidence, and policy considerations. By focusing on the intersectionality of gender, sexuality, and SGBV, it explores the challenges faced by individuals and proposes actionable recommendations for policy and practice.

,

Untangling the Gordian Knot: War-themed Video Games and Society’s Militarisation in the US

,
Untangling the Gordian Knot: War-themed Video Games and Society’s Militarisation in the US

After closing the curtains of a hectic day, feeling the soft veil of tranquillity embracing your weary body on a warm afternoon, your fingers gently touch the little smartphone in your pocket: instinctively, they seek a temporary refuge from the fast-paced reality for their owner. It all happens automatically, and, without giving it a second thought, you soon find yourself immersed in the intricate universe of video games. What if you were being told instead that behind your war-themed game lies a strategic message from the US Army, aiming to encourage you to see this simulation as the only viable option for tackling international crises?

,

Roots of Empowerment: the Intersectionality of Indigenous Feminism

,
Roots of Empowerment: the Intersectionality of Indigenous Feminism

Indigenous feminism is a long-criticised term that still lacks a unified definition today. In a world in which intersectionality is at the very basis of every form of discrimination, native feminism fits into a framework practical for defining diverse types of battles held by indigenous women in the fight against gender and colonial discrimination, thereby tracing new roots of empowerment.

,

Navigating Geopolitical Crosscurrents: China's Assertive Moves Post-Blinken Visit

,
Navigating Geopolitical Crosscurrents: China's Assertive Moves Post-Blinken Visit

Through the intricate dynamics of China-Taiwan relations amidst the US Secretary of State and Antony Blinken's recent visit to China, this article examines the key issues discussed by the US and Chinese counterparts. It further delves into China's strategic manoeuvres following Blinken's departure to shed light on the complexities of maintaining stability in the region amidst competing territorial claims and diplomatic tensions.

,

Beyond the Final Frontier: Emerging Powers and Private Influence in Outer Space

,
Beyond the Final Frontier: Emerging Powers and Private Influence in Outer Space

The spatial domain has experienced significant transformations over time, both politically and economically. In parallel to terrestrial globalization, the advent of space programs in emerging nations implies a departure from global powers' traditional complete dominance. This shift is not only limited to state endeavors but also includes a rising number of private entities, which are particularly present in Western countries. This evolution raises several pertinent questions: Who exactly were the key players in the first new era of space exploration? To what extent do ‘the rise of the rest’ and the involvement of private enterprises represent a pivotal shift in the dynamics of Outer Space?

,

Navigating Troubled Waters: the Escalating Crisis in the Red Sea

,
Navigating Troubled Waters: the Escalating Crisis in the Red Sea

Emerging from Yemen’s civil war, the Houthi militia is disrupting vital global shipping routes with its actions, creating the necessity of finding alternative routes and exacerbating costs for companies. This conflict has further created humanitarian and environmental consequences, which added to the economic ones, have profoundly affected the interests of Western powers, notably the United Kingdom and the United States, who support Israel. These countries sought to secure the region with the creation of several different operations, such as Operation Prosperity Guardian or Operation Poseidon Archer, aimed at securing the area. Concurrently China and Russia managed to reach an agreement of safe passage with the Houthis. This article delves into the complexities of the conflict, emphasising its far-reaching global repercussions, and the challenges it poses.

,

An Orwellian Fortress: The Pegasus Spyware

,
An Orwellian Fortress: The Pegasus Spyware

The gentle clatter of hooves made by Pegasus sounds magical in the Greek mythical world where nature bloomed under his majestic wings. However, in our contemporary society, the name of this divine winged horse carries a darker significance, unveiling a concealed dystopian society hiding in plain sight. Dubbed as one of the most sophisticated cyber weapons, the Pegasus spyware is used to suppress dissent and opposing views, targeting the individuals who advocate for human rights and justice or simply expose state crimes.