By: Brian Hayes, Columnist Photo Credit: Newsweek In the last quarter century, the United States has twice intervened in Somalia. The first intervention—made famous by the book and film Blackhawk Down—ended in failure in 1995. The second intervention, less well known, is now in its eleventh year. From relatively narrow counterterrorism objectives—hunting down a few … Continue reading Strategic Gridlock in America’s Second Somalia War
Category: Sub-Saharan Africa
National Security Figures Need to Explain the Impacts of Climate Change
By: Evan Cooper, Columnist Photo Credit: Task and Purpose In a 2014 Department of Defense document, then Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel sounded the alarm that “Rising global temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, climbing sea levels, and more extreme weather events will intensify the challenges of global instability, hunger, poverty, and conflict.”[i] Hagel’s warning has borne … Continue reading National Security Figures Need to Explain the Impacts of Climate Change
Rethinking American Military Aid to Egypt
By: Stephanie Pillion, Columnist Photo Credit: MEMO On November 22, 2017, more than 235 were killed and 107 injured when four truck bombs exploded and militants opened fire on a Sufi mosque in Sinai, Egypt.[i] This attack is the latest example of the Egyptian government’s failed efforts to counter the threat of the Islamic State … Continue reading Rethinking American Military Aid to Egypt
Psychologist Discusses ‘Mutual Radicalization’ in Groups and Nation-States
By: Andrew Johnian, Reporter Photo Credit: National Communication Association At Georgetown’s Communication, Culture & Technology Center, Professor Fathali Moghaddam discussed the “mutual radicalization” of groups and nations. The topic is the basis for his forthcoming book, “Mutual Radicalization: The Psychology of How Groups and Nations Drive Each Other to Extremes.” Moghaddam’s work on radicalization was … Continue reading Psychologist Discusses ‘Mutual Radicalization’ in Groups and Nation-States
American Amnesia: Counterterror Strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa
By: Evan Cooper, Columnist Photo Credit: The Nation Prior to the disclosure that four United States special forces members had been killed in Niger, there was almost no discussion of the United States’ military presence in sub-Saharan Africa. Since the news broke, it has become clear that American policymakers continue to see the use of … Continue reading American Amnesia: Counterterror Strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa
Why the Fall of the ‘Caliphate’ in Syria Will Not Ease Western Security Concerns
By: Antonia Ward, Columnist Photo Credit: SBS Australia In October, Iraqi, Syrian, and coalition forces celebrated the fall of Raqqa, one of the most important, and final, areas under ISIS control.[i] However, despite this significant loss of territory in the self-proclaimed ‘caliphate,’ ISIS has proven remarkably adaptable and resilient. ISIS could continue to present a … Continue reading Why the Fall of the ‘Caliphate’ in Syria Will Not Ease Western Security Concerns
The Mounting Challenges in Refugee Education
By: Rebecca Robison, Reporter Photo Credit: JRSUSA.org The global rise in the number of conflicts, particularly protracted conflicts, has resulted in a drastic increase in refugees. In fact, the number of displaced persons worldwide has reached its highest level since World War II. The event “A Crisis Unfolding: Access to Education for Refugees in Africa?” held … Continue reading The Mounting Challenges in Refugee Education
Women and De-Radicalization
By: Gregory Niguidula, Reporter Photo Credit: Georgetown University On September 15, 2017, over two-dozen people gathered around the Mortara Center conference table for a panel titled “Women and De-Radicalization: Comparing Perspectives”. The panel, hosted by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security (GIWPS), was moderated by Ambassador Melanne Verveer, the Institute’s executive director. “Women are the … Continue reading Women and De-Radicalization
Turning a Blind Eye to Chemical Weapons: Will Anyone Investigate What Happened in Darfur?
By: Farnaz Alimehri, Columnist Photo Credit: Amnesty International In the past decade, there has been a disturbing increase in the use of chemical weapons by states and non-state actors alike. While the international community and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons have been prompt to act and condemn the use of chemical weapons … Continue reading Turning a Blind Eye to Chemical Weapons: Will Anyone Investigate What Happened in Darfur?
By, With, and Through: Securing US National Interests in Africa
By: Doug Livermore, Columnist Photo Credit: Author, Northern Mali (2011) President Donald Trump’s recently released annual budget request, characterized as a “hard power” budget, emphasizes military spending over diplomatic and developmental aid.[i] As such, there is a perceived risk that the United States’ new foreign policy will de-prioritize our engagement with Africa, which accounts for … Continue reading By, With, and Through: Securing US National Interests in Africa