15, 2023 /World/ –Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way that warfare is conducted. In the past, wars were fought with large numbers of troops and weapons. Today, AI is being used to develop new weapons that are more precise and effective. This is raising concerns about the potential for AI to be used to create new forms of warfare that are more destructive and deadly. Continue reading
London, May 4, 2023 /World/ — War is a complex phenomenon with many causes and consequences. It is often about killing, but it is also about much more than that. War can be about power, control, resources, ideology, or even just a misunderstanding. It can be fought between nations, groups, or even individuals. And it can have a devastating impact on all involved, both during and after the conflict.
There are many different theories about why war happens. Some people believe that it is an inevitable part of human nature, while others believe that it is caused by specific factors, such as poverty, inequality, or environmental degradation. There is no single answer that can explain all wars, but it is clear that they are often caused by a combination of factors.
The consequences of war can be just as devastating as its causes. War can lead to death, destruction, displacement, and economic hardship. It can also contribute to the spread of disease, famine, and violence. In the long term, war can undermine democracy, stability, and economic development.
Despite the risks and costs of war, it is important to remember that it is not inevitable. There are many things that can be done to prevent war, such as promoting diplomacy, resolving disputes peacefully, and addressing the root causes of conflict. We must all work together to create a world where war is no longer an option.
Horizon Capital, a U.S. private-equity firm investing primarily in fast-growing tech and export-oriented companies in Ukraine, announced that its latest fund, Horizon Capital Growth Fund IV (HCGF IV, the “Fund”) has reached $254 million at its Interim Closing held today in Kyiv, Ukraine. In besting its $250m target size at this second closing, the Fund demonstrates strong investor appetite for compelling opportunities in high-growth, high-impact tech and export-oriented companies, including light manufacturing, food processing, innovative consumer goods, fintech and more. Fund investments are expected to contribute to Ukraine’s ongoing resilience, including supporting growth and job creation, expanding the tax base, increasing availability of capital for SMEs, and promoting gender equality. Continue reading
Kristian Gustafson, Brunel University London; Dan Lomas, Brunel University London; Neveen S Abdalla, Brunel University London, and Steven Wagner, Brunel University London
After more than a week of intense fighting between Sudanese government troops and paramilitary forces in Khartoum, many western countries – including the US and UK – are evacuating their nationals from the strife-torn city.
While the conflict has been billed as a clash between rival warlords, there are questions about the role played by the private Russian mercenary company, the Wagner Group. This group, allegedly associated with Russian president Vladimir Putin’s ally Yevgeny Prigozhin – although he has denied any involvement – is heavily engaged in several African countries, exacerbating regional instability.
Paul Jackson, University of Birmingham
A three-day ceasefire to mark the Islamic festival of Eid-al-Fitr in Khartoum appears to be dead in the water as fighting continues in the Sudanese capital. According to the World Health Organization, more than 330 people have been killed over the past week. Now, with reports emerging that arms are being sent from Egypt and Libya, there are growing fears the situation could develop into a civil war that could draw in regional powers.
April 21, 2023 /Conflict and War/ –The discovery of gold in the Sahel has had a significant impact on the region, both positive and negative. On the one hand, it has brought much-needed economic development and opportunity to some of the poorest countries in the world. On the other hand, it has also led to increased conflict and instability. Continue reading
April 18, 2023 /World/ — The Ukraine war has divided the world in many ways. Some countries have condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and have imposed sanctions on Russia. Others have been more hesitant to take action, fearing that it could escalate the conflict.
The war has also divided the world on a ideological level. Some countries see the war as a battle between democracy and authoritarianism. Others see it as a proxy war between the United States and Russia. Continue reading
April 17, 2023 /World/ — Violence erupted in Sudan on April 11, 2023, when the country’s military, known as the Transitional Military Council (TMC), dissolved the Sovereign Council, the joint civilian-military body that had been governing the country since the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The TMC also detained several civilian leaders, including Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.
The violence has been met with widespread international condemnation, and the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have all imposed sanctions on the TMC. The African Union has also suspended Sudan from its activities.
Continue reading
Jose Caballero, International Institute for Management Development (IMD)
After over a year of the Ukraine war, efforts at building a global consensus against Russia seem to have stalled, with many countries opting for neutrality.
The number of countries condemning Russia has declined, according to some sources. Botswana has edged towards Russia from its original pro-Ukraine stance, South Africa is moving from neutral to Russia-leaning and Colombia from condemning Russia to a neutral stance. At the same time, a large number of countries have been reluctant to support Ukraine.
China Global Television Network (CGTN) is marking the 20th anniversary of the start of the Iraq War with the release of a three-part documentary, “The Legacy of War”, premiering on March 17th. The documentary presents an objective account of the war and its aftermath through the stories of ordinary people. It highlights the impact the war is still having on people in Iraq. Continue reading