Author: Laura Aviles
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Gulf Instability Strains Central Asian Neutrality
– How does the Iran war affect Central Asia’s neutrality and trade? – The conflict disrupts key transit routes, raises prices, and forces C5 states to balance ties between Iran, the US, and regional partners. – Prolonged instability will strain neutrality, pushing Central Asia to diversify trade routes and deepen reliance on alternative partners like…
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Inside the World Forum for Democracy, 2025
How can democracies worldwide confront rising polarization and digital era threats while strengthening civil engagement? Polarisation, misinformation, and weakened trust demand new tools. We need to counter them with AI, stronger digital media presence, and other innovative solutions. Democracies must remain resilient through innovation, AI regulation, reclaiming online spaces, all while rebuilding trust.
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Operation Spiderweb and the Drone Revolution
Main Question: How are drones, particularly UAVs, redefining warfare in the Russia-Ukraine conflict? Argument: Affordable, small-scale drones (like FPVs) are now central to modern combat, offering low-cost, high-impact strategies that outmaneuver traditional defense systems. Conclusion: Operation Spiderweb showcased a revolutionary shift in warfare, proving drones are no longer support tools but central weapons capable of…
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A Fading Alliance?
1. Will the CSTO have a future as a relevant organization? 2. We see a history of inaction, Russia maintains a leadership role within the organization and its current priorities are elsewhere, we have seen member states question the organization. 3. Although the organization is unlikely to disappear, its fragmentation and decline will create room…