Retaliation. Israel launched an airstrike on Iran early Friday morning in response to Iran’s attack on Israeli targets on April 14. An Iranian air base near the city of Isfahan was reportedly hit. Though Isfahan is home to multiple nuclear sites, Iranian media reported that they are all safe. Iranian officials and press seemed to […] The post Daily Memo: Strike on Iran, Security Concerns in Russia appeared first on Geopolitical Futures ..read more

In mid-April, China’s People’s Liberation Army conducted live-fire drills along its southern border – the second of its kind this month – amid deteriorating security in Myanmar. The exercises come as the PLA Daily published an article saying the war there has threatened security and stability in the border region and stressing that the PLA […] The post In Myanmar, China Considers a New Strategy appeared first on Geopolitical Futures ..read more

Talks with Hamas. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a nearly three-hour meeting with Hamas representatives, including leader Ismail Haniyeh, in Qatar on Wednesday, Fidan said at a joint press conference with the Qatari foreign minister. He added that they had an intense exchange of views on Hamas’ position on a cease-fire in Gaza. He […] The post Daily Memo: Turkish Mediation, Ukrainian Mobilization appeared first on Geopolitical Futures ..read more

The partnership comprising Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States known as AUKUS is intended to be among the most closely integrated national security alliances of its kind. It’s no surprise, then, that when the U.S. ambassador to Tokyo floated the idea last week of adding Japan to the grouping, it caused quite a […] The post Is Japan the Next AUKUS Member? appeared first on Geopolitical Futures ..read more

The biggest question facing Mexico in the upcoming presidential election is how the country can balance democratic governance while also supporting strong centralized authority. The two leading candidates in the race represent opposite sides in this debate. The approach that prevails on June 2 will serve as the cornerstone of the administration and will shape […] The post In Upcoming Elections, Mexico Weighs Its Political Future appeared first on Geopolitical Futures ..read more

Economic retaliation. One day after an unprecedented drone and missile attack against Israel, Iran’s president called on government departments to redouble their efforts and coordination to stop Israel from undermining the Iranian economy. Over the course of five hours on Saturday night, Iran fired more than 300 munitions at Israel, most of them from Iranian […] The post Daily Memo: Iran Preps for Economic Retaliation, China Stands With North Korea appeared first on Geopolitical Futures ..read more

The U.S. has adopted a national strategy designed to use force without risking casualties of its own. This strategy has been on full display in Ukraine, where Washington has played a significant and perhaps decisive role not by committing troops but by arming Ukrainian forces with weapons, using political signals and the potential of increased military presence to try to shape Russian action. The policy stands in stark contrast to the one adopted in Vietnam, where the U.S. absorbed massive casualties and incurred severe political repercussions domestically. The policies during operations in Ir ..read more

(click to enlarge) The latest U.N. trade data show that the global decline in goods trade is ending – with a few important caveats. First, trade flows have been and will continue dividing into blocs whose members have similar geopolitical perspectives. Second, differing rates of economic growth will likely lead to further changes in trade patterns. Third, increased competition for container shipping will likely raise transport costs and cause delays for some goods, while intense competition for essential raw materials will refocus trade toward securing these supplies. Finally, ongoing conflict ..read more

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