ISDEI Instituto de Seguridad, Defensa y Estudios Internacionales

 Hypersonic Missiles Hypersonic missiles are a new category of weapons which have sparked intense debate among security experts. Capable of travelling over five times the speed of sound (Mach 5), and of performing evasive maneuvers mid-flight, they are considered practically impossible to intercept using conventional missile defense systems. Adding that in some cases they can carry nuclear warheads, it is immediately clear why they have caused so much concern in regard to their impact on the global strategic equilibrium. The world’s leading military powers (the United States, China, and Russia) and other states are working on their development. Even though their specific technical characteristics and actual performance remain shrouded in secrecy, hypersonic weapons are poised to become an integral part of future warfare, with noteworthy implications in military and international terms.  HYPERSONIC MISSILES:  THE CURRENT STATE OF THE ART By definition, hypersonic missiles are vectors ca

 Here are some key geopolitical developments from around the world as of today, July 4, 2024: 1. **China-Taiwan Tensions**: China has initiated significant military drills around Taiwan, labeled "Joint Sword-2024A." These exercises involve naval vessels and military aircraft and are aimed at demonstrating China's ability to seize control of strategic areas. This action comes shortly after the inauguration of Taiwan's new President, Lai Ching-te, whom China accuses of separatism. Both the United Nations and the United States have urged China to exercise restraint to prevent escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait【6†source】【7†source】. 2. **Middle East Conflicts**: The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East remains tense with ongoing clashes between Israeli and Hezbollah forces. This has led to increased military activities and significant concerns about stability in the region. Additionally, the recent direct strikes between Israel and Iran mark a notable escalation

  1. Tensions Flare: Israel-Gaza: Ongoing fighting in Gaza has displaced tens of thousands of people. The UN is calling for a ceasefire [Global Issues]. China-Taiwan: China continues its military presence near Taiwan, raising concerns about a potential conflict [Economic Times]. 2. Diplomatic Developments: Russia-Cuba: Russia's renewed military presence in Cuba suggests a potential strengthening of ties between the two nations [Geopolitical Monitor]. UN Security Council Reform: India calls for urgent reform of the UN Security Council to reflect the changing geopolitical landscape [Economic Times]. Mexico Elections: Mexico heads to the polls amidst rising cartel violence [Geopolitical Monitor]. 3. Other: South China Sea: Talks between China and the Philippines offer a temporary reprieve but tensions remain high [Stratfor].

 Here are the key geopolitical developments for 2024: ## Oceans take geostrategic prominence The geopolitics of the oceans will feature more prominently in 2024. 90% of global goods trade is shipped via maritime routes, but many of the world's busiest maritime transit corridors are at risk of geopolitical disruption. Deep-sea mining is forecast to account for at least one-third of the supply of critical minerals necessary for the energy transition[1]. ## Countries race to innovate on and regulate AI Governments will race to regulate AI to reduce potential sociopolitical risks, while simultaneously trying to foster domestic AI innovation to compete geopolitically. AI will be a central dynamic in US-China relations in 2024[1]. ## Elections everywhere all at once Voters will go to the polls in markets accounting for about 54% of the global population and nearly 60% of global GDP in 2024, generating regulatory and policy uncertainty. The US and EU elections may be the most consequentia

  Global News Roundup: July 3, 2024 Record-Breaking Heat Across the Globe July 3, 2024, marked the hottest day ever recorded globally, with the average temperature reaching 62.9 degrees Fahrenheit (17.2 degrees Celsius). This unprecedented heat wave has affected regions worldwide, including Quebec, Peru, and Beijing, causing health concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly and young children. Scientists attribute these extreme temperatures to ongoing climate change, highlighting the urgent need for global climate action​ ( Ground News ) ​​ ( WORLD ) ​. France Continues to Face Unrest France remains in turmoil as protests sparked by the police killing of a French teenager continue. Riots have led to significant property damage and numerous arrests, with over 3,000 people detained so far. Despite a slight easing in violence, the French government has maintained a heightened police presence to restore order. This situation underscores the ongoing social and ra

ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE A few days ago an unknown perpetrator trespassed on the territory of the Russian Trade Delegation in London, causing damage to the property and the vehicles belonging to the trade delegation , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during the September 12 press briefing. The diplomat revealed the response by the London police was discouraging. Police told that the case does not have any prospects and is likely to be closed. This was made despite the fact that the British law enforcement was provided with video surveillance tapes and detailed information shedding light on the incident. By this byehavior, British law inforcements indirectly encourage criminals to continue attacks on Russian diplomatic property in the UK. Zakharova’s statement on “Trespassing on the Russian Trade Mission premises in London” ( source ): During our briefings, we have repeatedly discussed compliance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, specif

Click to see the full-size image TASS – some new products and promising developments in the field of domestic [Russian] shipbuilding and naval equipment The International Navy Show (INS) in St. Petersburg is rightfully one of the three largest world marine exhibitions of military materials. The main topics are shipbuilding, naval armament, combat control, navigation and communication systems, ship power engineering, naval aviation, fleet basing and support infrastructure and advanced technologies. A total of 353 participants, including 28 foreign companies from 19 countries, took part in INS 2019. In the open areas, at the mooring walls of the sea station and the waters of the Gulf of Finland, one could see all the new things that Russia’s military-industrial complex is proud of. Petr Kovalev/TASS There were a total of 17 ships, boats and vessels of the Russian Navy and the Border Service of the Federal Security Service of Russia, among them, the frigate of Project 2235

Click to see full-size image On September 12 th , another round of disarming the “volunteer battalions” [mostly consisting of various Nazis and radicals] by Ukrainian authorities  began . Three formations surrendered their weapons at once – the battalion named after Sheikh Mansur, the OUN and the 8th battalion of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army. The police disarmed them under the leadership of Deputy Vyacheslav Abroskin, who was soon about to quit. The disarmament is presented as purely voluntary by the battalions, but in truth, these battalions aren’t organized by the government. They are essentially a sort of militant group, that’s not even a paramilitary contractor, since they’re more or less illegal. Thus,  it is likely that the “volunteer battalions” were offered something in return, since a possible conclusion of the settlement process in Donbass and successful “Normandy Four” talks would mean they are out of a job, but heavily armed. The official statement by law enfo