CRISI DEL DEBITO NEL SUD DEL MONDO

FOCUS

July 8, 2022. By Ulrich Volz, Brookings. A big debt crisis is brewing in the Global South. The IMF had sounded alarm over growing debt sustainability problems in many low-income countries already prior to the coronavirus crisis. More than two years into the pandemic, the debt situation has deteriorated significantly. The debt and climate crises are escalating—it is time to tackle both

AROUND THE WORLD

Balkans

• July 8, 2022. By Margarita Assenova, The Jamestown Foundation. Russia’s war on Ukraine has prompted the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union to examine current security vulnerabilities in Europe and find a way to address them. One of the major areas of focus has been the Balkans, and three outstanding security problems plague this still-conflict-prone region: Bulgaria’s veto on North Macedonia’s EU accession, which indirectly also impacts Albania; unsettled relations between Serbia and Kosovo; and the threat of partition of Bosnia-Herzegovina if the Serb entity withdraws from the federal institutions, as it has announced. The Balkans Are Heating up Again

Europe

• July 7, 2022. By Rafael Loss, Jana Puglierin, ECFR. The EU has made insufficient progress in enhancing its sovereignty, particularly in security and defence. The union now needs to overcome internal differences to bolster its external ability to act. War and sovereignty: How the EU can enhance its ability to act
• July 7, 2022. By Pawel Zerka, ECFR. Europeans have set out on a journey towards greater economic sovereignty. They will only reach their destination if they learn to navigate an interconnected world. The traveller’s guide to European economic sovereignty

Japan

• July 8, 2022. By Colin Clark, Breaking Defense. The grim news of former Japanese Prime Minister’s Shinzo Abe’s death at the hands of an assassin rocketed around the Pacific this afternoon, sparking sorrow and encomiums for perhaps Japan’s best-known politician of the last 50 years. Abe assassination could have ramifications for Japan’s defense posture
• July 8, 2022. By Tara Copp, Defense One. In 2014, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pushed through the cornerstone of what some experts said was his most important legacy: convincing Japan to ease into the idea that its pacifist post-World War II-era military policies had to evolve to best protect it from a rising China.  Abe’s Unfinished Legacy: Leading Japan and its Military to Confront Modern Threats
• July 8, 2022. By Matthew P. Goodman, CSIS. It is difficult to make sense of the shocking news of the assassination of Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe. I lived in Japan for more than 10 years and can barely remember a media report about gun violence there. Moreover, Japan’s political culture in recent decades has generally been peaceful and civil, and such a violent act is unthinkable. Shinzo Abe’s Legacy as Champion of the Global Economic Order
• July 8, 2022. By Christopher B. Johnstone, Nicholas Szechenyi, Yuko Nakano, CSIS. Former prime minister Shinzo Abe, one of Japan’s most powerful politicians, died today after being shot while campaigning ahead of a parliamentary election. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida mourned Abe’s passing and announced that the election scheduled for July 10 would go forward after the attack he characterized as barbaric and a threat to democracy. President Biden issued a statement praising Abe as a champion of the U.S.-Japan alliance. Abe was Japan’s longest serving prime minister and a transformational figure, the most important Japanese leader in a generation. He stepped down in 2020 after presiding over a window of political stability in which he introduced strategies to strengthen Japan’s economic competitiveness, defense capabilities, and global leadership role based fundamentally on close ties with the United States. The Assassination of Shinzo Abe
• July 8, 2022. By Mireya Solís and Adrianna Pita, Brookings. “Prime Minister Abe now becomes a really tragic figure in Japanese history, but also a very consequential leader that has left an indelible mark in Japan.” Following the stunning assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Mireya Solís describes Abe’s policy legacies, the role he continued to play in shaping the direction of the country, and the ramifications of his assassination for Japan’s politics. What does Shinzo Abe’s assassination mean for Japan?
• July 8, 2022. By Atlantic Council. Condolences from global leaders poured in Friday after former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated at a political rally in the city of Nara. He was 67 years old. Shinzo Abe’s murder has shocked the world. What legacy will he leave behind? – Atlantic Council

NATO

• July 8, 2022. By Vladimir Socor, The Jamestown Foundation. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is what the political leaders in the capitals of member countries make it to be. The summit just held confirmed this reality (see EDM, July 6, 7). Summit Shows NATO’s Limited Relevance to Ukraine (Part One)

North Korea

• July 8, 2022. By Andrew Yeo, Brookings. During last week’s North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in Madrid, the leaders of the United States, South Korea, and Japan held a trilateral meeting. The lead topic: security concerns about North Korea, which reportedly has completed preparations for a seventh nuclear test. Why further sanctions against North Korea could be tough to add

Pacific Islands

• July 9, 2022. By Denghua Zhang, Michael O’Keefe, East Asia Forum. The Pacific islands are receiving more attention from other countries, with high-level delegations from the United States, Japan, Australia and New Zealand visiting the region over the past five months. Alarmed by China’s rise, traditional powers are now stepping up their engagement with the region to actively compete with China. Pacific Islands benefit from geostrategic competition

Russia – Ukraine

• July 8, 2022. By Valery Dzutsati, The Jamestown Foundation. The Russian State Duma (lower chamber of parliament) deputy from Kurgan, Aleksandr Iltyakov, launched a surprise blistering verbal attack against the governor of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, for the latter’s ostentatious visits to the war zone in Ukraine. Russian Deputy Rebukes Kadyrov for His Flashy Visits to Ukraine War Zone
• July 8, 2022. By Kateryna Stepanenko, Frederick W. Kagan, and George Barros, ISW. Luhansk Oblast Administration Head Serhiy Haidai stated that Russian forces are not conducting an operational pause as of July 8 and are continuing to shell settlements and deploy additional tank units to Donbas. Haidai’s statement likely reflects confusion about the meaning of the expression “operational pause” and how such a “pause” actually manifests on the ground in a war.US military doctrine considers the role of operational pauses in warfighting and campaigning in some detail. It notes that “Normally, operational pauses are planned to regenerate combat power or augment sustainment and forces for the next phase.” It observes that “The primary drawback to operational pauses is the risk of forfeiting strategic or operational initiative.” It therefore recommends that “If pauses are necessary, the [commander] can alternate pauses among components to ensure continuous pressure on the enemy or adversary through offensive actions by some components while other components pause.” Soviet military theory regarded operational pauses in a similar fashion—sometimes necessary, but always dangerous. Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, July 8

UK

• July 8, 2022. By Nick Witney, ECFR. The Johnson era is ending as it began – in farce. Brexit will not be reversed, but there is now a realistic chance that Britain will begin to repair its relationship with the EU. Tory de force: Johnson’s eviction and the future of Brexit

USA

• July 8, 2022. By Coura Fall, Brookings. Policy questions around the estimated 11 million individuals living in the U.S. without legal status are divisive. On February 7, 2022, the Center on Children and Families hosted a discussion of The Border Within: The Economics of Immigration in an Age of Fear, by Rubenstein Fellow Tara Watson and her co-author, journalist Kalee Thompson. The Border Within: Interior enforcement and the current state of immigration

USA – Middle East

• July 8, 2022. By Daniel L. Byman, Brookings. As President Joe Biden prepares to travel to the Middle East, his administration faces several challenges in its relations with Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other regional (non-treaty) allies. At the most basic level, the United States and these allies do not share the same priorities. Biden’s difficult task: Reviving US partnerships in the Middle East

TOPICS

Cybersecurity, Disinformation, Propaganda

• July 8, 2022. By Alessandro Mascellino, Info Security. A fake LinkedIn job offer was the reason behind Axie Infinity’s $600m hack, according to a new investigation by The Block. Spear Phishing Fake Job Offer Likely Behind Axie Infinity’s Lazarus $600m Hack
• July 8, 2022. By Alessandro Mascellino, Info Security. Disneyland’s Facebook and Instagram accounts were taken over on Thursday by a self-proclaimed “super hacker” who posted a series of racist and homophobic posts. Disneyland’s Instagram and Facebook Accounts Hacked to Show Racist Content
• July 8, 2022. By Alisdair Faulkner, Info Security. Digital risk is the scourge of our modern times. Its growth in volume, sophistication and reach has even led some experts to brand it a threat to national security. Bad bots swarmed the internet in record numbers last year, driving up account takeovers, new account fraud and other malicious activity. Phishing attacks, credential stuffing and a steady stream of data breaches ensure the underground economy is well stocked with a mountain of identity data for scammers to leverage. Decisioning at the Edge: Changing the Way Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention Works

Defense, Military, Space

• July 8, 2022. By Patrick Tucker, Nextgov. Marine commanders on the battlefield need access to better intelligence and AI tools for more rapid decision making, while higher-ranking commanders further from the tactical edge must accept that their picture may be less timely and complete and will focus more on pre-planning logistics, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger said Thursday.  Marines Look To A Future Where More Authority, Intel Moves to the Edge
• July 8, 2022. By Naval News. Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri delivered the second Musherib-class OPV “Sheraouh” (Q62) to the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces on 7 July 2022. Fincantieri Delivers Second Musherib-Class OPV To Qatar
• July 8, 2022. By Naval News. The U.S. Navy recently demonstrated a mine countermeasure (MCM) prototype technology aboard the MQ-8C Fire Scout UAS at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, proving a capability that could allow the warfighter to rapidly detect and respond to threats.  U.S. Navy demos MCM equipment prototype on MQ-8C
• July 8, 2022. By Jason Rainbow, Space News. Lynk Global said it is still waiting for Spaceflight to rebook a flight for the second commercial satellite in its cellphone-compatible broadband network, four months after the launch services provider’s space tug was kicked off a SpaceX mission. Second commercial Lynk Global satellite still looking for launch
• July 8, 2022. By Andrew Eversden, Breaking Defense. Prototype helicopters vying to be the future of the Army’s scout fleet came one step closer to having an engine to power their flight, after the service said Improved Turbine Engine recently completed an early stage of testing. Army’s FARA-destined future helicopter engine passes first test
• July 8, 2022. By Theresa Hitchens, Breaking Defense. As the Space Force moves to more fully embrace the use of commercial kit — from antennas to radios to satellite buses — in an effort to speed development, cut costs and keep up with state-of-the-art capabilities, programs often run up against hurdles caused by proprietary corporate technology. Recently blasted into space, Aerospace’s Slingshot tests universal electrical port for satellite payloads
• July 8, 2022. By Arie Egozi, Breaking Defense. Israel has already done an eye-watering $3 billion in defense business with its new Arab partners in the region, but industry sources here said that’s just the tip of the iceberg. For Israel and new Arab partners, $3 billion in defense business just the beginning
• July 8, 2022. By  Usman Ansari, Defense News. Pakistan’s military modernization it taking a hit, with the government slashing the budget for the Armed Forces Development Program by 72 billion rupees (U.S. $346 million) — a decrease of about 20%. Pakistan slashes military modernization fund by 20%

• July 8, 2022. By Courtney Albon, Defense News. A new commercial satellite imagery acquisition tool developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory could help the U.S. Space Force make near-term shifts to a more resilient architecture. US Space Force wants new commercial imagery tool to boost resiliency
• July 8, 2022. By Zamone Perez, Defense News. French company Safran and Indian firm Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. are creating a joint venture to develop helicopter engines in the Asian nation, Safran announced Friday. Safran, Hindustan ink deal to develop helicopter engines
• July 8, 2022. By  Vivienne Machi, Defense News. The French government is proposing a €44 billion ($45 billion) budget for its military in 2023, including a €3 billion ($3 billion) increase over last year’s budget. France to request multibillion-dollar defense budget boost in 2023
• July 8, 2022. By  Stephen Losey, Defense News. The United States is sending to Ukraine up to $400 million in additional military equipment and supplies, including four more medium-range rocket systems and ammunition, as the embattled nation tries to repel Russia’s advances in the Donbas region. US to send more HIMARS precision rockets to Ukraine
• July 8, 2022. By Tara Copp, Defense One. The Biden administration is sending to Ukraine four more medium-range rocket artillery systems and higher-precision ammunition in a new package of donated weapons that defense officials said would allow Ukrainian forces to save bullets for a conflict that could extend for months or years. US Sending More HIMARS to Ukraine
• July 8, 2022. By Jacqueline Feldscher, Marcus Weisgerber, Defense One. Bipartisan lawmakers want to give India more leeway to buy Russian weapons in the short term to strengthen the security partnership between the United States and India in the long term.  US Lawmakers Want to Give India a Pass For Buying Russian Missile

Digital & Tech

• July 9, 2022. By Cheng Wei Swee, East Asia Forum. Asia’s digital economy has grown significantly in recent years, driven by factors such as national digitalisation efforts and COVID-19-induced changes in the use of digital platforms. The Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, for instance, aims to transform the country into a technology-driven nation by building digital infrastructure and driving digital transformation in the public sector. To maximise growth, policymakers must establish a robust understanding of the economic benefits of digital transformation, what drives the gains, the potential challenges to growth and how they might be overcome. Investing in the skills to accelerate equitable digital development
• July 8, 2022. By Alexandra Kelley, Nextgov. Leaders at the Transportation Security Administration and the Airports Council International Europe publicly endorsed a new collaboration to implement open architecture software in airport security systems. TSA Collaborates with European Security, Manufacturers To Upgrade Security Tech
• July 8, 2022. By  Natalie Alms, Nextgov. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants more technologists to help the agency understand and regulate the technologies cropping up in the consumer financial marketplace. CFPB Expands Technologist Hiring Program

Energy & Climate Action

• July 8, 2022. By  Frank Konkel, Nextgov. According to the weather experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the total financial impacts of extreme weather events over the past five years—more than $740 billion—have been the most costly on record. Energy Awards $14 Million to Improve Climate Change Modeling

Health & Digital

• July 8, 2022. By Alexandra Kelley, Nextgov. President Joe Biden announced his intent to sign an executive order on Friday addressing protections for women’s health data and the potential for law enforcement exploitation, in the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade.  Biden’s Executive Order Sharpens Health Data Privacy Following Roe v. Wade Overturn
• July 8, 2022. By  Julien Bloch, Azadeh Yazdan-Shahmorad and Alec Greaves-Tunnell, Nextgov. The connections between the neurons in your brain enable you to do amazing things, from brushing your teeth to solving calculus equations. When these connections become damaged, often as a result of conditions like stroke or traumatic brain injury, these abilities can be lost. Directly activating neurons with tiny pulses of electricity, however, can help rewire these connections and potentially restore function. Brain Stimulation Can Rewire and Heal Damaged Neural Connections, But it Isn’t Clear How
• July 8, 2022. By Mariam Baksh, Nextgov. The Food and Drug Administration received more than a thousand comments—mainly from diabetes patients and their family members—in response to draft cybersecurity guidance for staff to use when processing submissions from medical-device manufacturers seeking the approval to market their products.  Diabetes Patients Flood FDA with Comments on Cybersecurity for Medical Devices

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