Commentary
“As recently witnessed, several Western and Central African countries are either willingly or forcibly re-assessing their alliances, prioritising non-Western partnerships to fill in the infrastructure and development gap. To what cost, though? ” Orso Gardin writes in his RUSI Europe commentary. Article published on 25 October.
“The Israel-Palestine conflict, reminiscent of the ever-shifting patterns within a kaleidoscope, is deeply entrenched in a labyrinthine history of territorial disputes and intricate socio-political ties. Each turn in this geopolitical kaleidoscope brings forth a different pattern of narratives and grievances, reflecting the myriad perspectives, emotions, and historical contexts.” Joana de Deus Pereira Ph.D writes in her RUSI Europe commentary. Article published on 23 October.
Gabon’s Coup and Africa’s Butterfly Effect: A Wake-Up Call for Europe – Dr Joana de Deus Pereira on RUSI Europe
“In the vast expanse of Africa, the whisperings of a butterfly’s wings can summon a storm. Gabon, a small country on the equator, is the latest to feel this storm’s rage as a coup d’état threatens to unsettle its political landscape. The recent ousting of its government is not an isolated event but a powerful echo of Françafrique’s intricate history and its lingering influence. How is the French legacy viewed today, and what role does it play in the recent wave of coups?” Joana de Deus Pereira Ph.D writes in her RUSI Europe commentary. Article published on 1 September.
Niger’s Coup: Unleashing Uranium, Françafrique’s Ghosts, And Russia’s Shadow – Dr Joana de Deus Pereira on RUSI Europe
“Russia’s growing influence in Africa, like the mythical Hydra, seems to thrive amidst chaos and uncertainty. However, each new head of this Hydra that emerges offers an opportunity for vigilance and comprehension of Russia’s complex and ever-evolving strategy in Africa”, Joana de Deus Pereira Ph.D. writes in her commentary. Article published on 8 August.
Prigozhin’s Rebellion: An Emotional 48-Hour Carousel for Russia – Dr Joana de Deus Pereira on RUSI Europe
‘To belong or not to belong, that is the question.’ In the realm of President Vladimir Putin’s recent speeches, this existential quandary takes centre stage. The contrasting messages of offense and forgiveness, intertwined with the complexity of belonging, offer a thought-provoking journey. As we have listened to and watched these speeches, it has become increasingly evident that in Russia, nothing is what it seems, and what it seems is often not what it is,” Joana de Deus Pereira writes for RUSI Europe. Commentary published on 28 June 2023.
Framing Sanctions: The Role Of Governmental Narrative-Building
Strategic communications are key to making sanctions work. Policymakers should pay more attention to the role of narratives in securing populations’ support for sanctions against Russia.
Commentary by Balázs Gyimesi, Communications and Events Officer, RUSI Europe, published on 30 March 2023.
Untangling the Spider’s Web: Tackling Transnational Criminal Networks
A coordinated transnational response is needed to understand and tackle the complex criminal networks involved in global illicit flows.
Commentary by Clotilde Sebag, CRIMSON Project Assistant, RUSI Europe, published on 2 March 2023.
It’s All Fun and Games, Until It’s Not: The Risks of Gamified Violent Extremism and How We Can Tackle It
by Petra Regeni, Research and Project Officer, Terrorism and Conflict group, RUSI Europe. Commentary published on 11 November 2022.