The DRC’s Perfect Storm: A Nation on the Brink of Civil War

By: Shannon Mizzi, Columnist Photo Credit: MUN Planet The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is simultaneously experiencing a tense political crisis, a deep economic downturn, and increasing unrest in its notoriously unstable eastern provinces, where over 40 armed rebel groups (both domestic and foreign) operate.[i] This “perfect storm” of factors threatens to push the … Continue reading The DRC’s Perfect Storm: A Nation on the Brink of Civil War

Libya Could Be the Trump Test for US-Russia Cooperation in the Middle East

By: Yasmin Faruki, Columnist Photo Credit: Middle East Eye President Trump has no issue cooperating with Russia in the Middle East. Just earlier this year, he suggested cooperating militarily with Russia in Syria, despite the fact that the United States and Russia have fundamentally different objectives in the region.[i] Though it seems Trump has backed … Continue reading Libya Could Be the Trump Test for US-Russia Cooperation in the Middle East

Why International Law Matters to Decision Makers

Photo Credit: French Ministry of Defense By: Lorris Beverelli, Guest Contributor Since September 2014, an international coalition has been conducting military operations in Syria aimed at degrading and destroying the self-proclaimed “Islamic State” (ISIS). The coalition, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, have invoked their right to self-defense and the consent of the … Continue reading Why International Law Matters to Decision Makers

Kabyle’s Forgotten Grievance: Implications for Algeria’s Internal Security Outlook

Photo Credit: Al-Khalidiyah Blog By: Emily Gilbert, Columnist Algeria is a critical security partner in North Africa and the Sahel.[i] However, faced with the continued instability of its neighbors to the east and south, Algeria is also contending with an uncertain political and economic future.[ii] While incidents of terrorism are significantly down within Algeria, many … Continue reading Kabyle’s Forgotten Grievance: Implications for Algeria’s Internal Security Outlook

U.N. Peacekeeping Mission Failure in Mali: An Operational and Strategic Failure

Photo Credit: UN.org By: Emily Gilbert, Columnist After several years of bloody conflict, including a French military intervention, the Malian government and Tuareg-led rebels signed a peace agreement in June 2015.[i] However, since the peace agreement, the security situation in Mali has remained volatile. As of August 2016, the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali (MINUSMA) … Continue reading U.N. Peacekeeping Mission Failure in Mali: An Operational and Strategic Failure

An Unstable Peace in South Sudan

Photo Credit: Insight on Conflict By Anthony D’Amato, Columnist South Sudan is one of the many places in Africa where internal stability remains an elusive goal, and the danger of conflict is always present. When President Salva Kiir dismissed his cabinet in 2013 and accused first Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar of planning a coup, the … Continue reading An Unstable Peace in South Sudan

Amid Setbacks in Somalia, al Shabaab Hints at Resurgence

Photo Credit: The Telegraph By Ian Churchill, Columnist Though many observers of the multinational effort to stamp out al Shabaab in Somalia characterize the group as ‘on its heels,’ such optimistic assessments belie the uncomfortable truths unfolding on the ground.[i] Boasting between seven and nine thousand fighters, Harakat al Shabaab al Mujahideen, or ‘Movement of … Continue reading Amid Setbacks in Somalia, al Shabaab Hints at Resurgence

Engaging Local Leaders in Africa

By: Colin Geraghty Photo Credit: AFP/Getty Images via USA Today Kouoptam is a city of about 68,000 in Western Cameroon that’s reached by driving 45 minutes along bumpy dirt that’s more path than road. During the rainy season, the road becomes nigh-impassible. The mayor is an engaging man, elected in 2013 against a party that … Continue reading Engaging Local Leaders in Africa

Is Déby the new strongman of the Sahel?

Idriss Déby, Wikimedia Commons By Colin Geraghty, Columnist On March 11, the French Minister of Defense, Jean-Yves Le Drian, announced an increase in French forces in the Sahel region to provide support against Boko Haram.[1] In doing so, France signaled a shift in focus that reflects Chad’s growing influence as a key military power … Continue reading Is Déby the new strongman of the Sahel?

Countering Boko Haram Propaganda: A Memo to US Policymakers

Abubakar Shekau, Leader of Boko Haram, Wikimedia Commons By Josh Forgét, Columnist Boko Haram (or Jama’atu Ahlus-Sunnah Lidda’Awati Wal Jihad) is in the midst of a media transition. Inspired by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Boko Haram is refashioning its propaganda to target a more global audience through the use of social … Continue reading Countering Boko Haram Propaganda: A Memo to US Policymakers