Instability in the Sahel: A Cycle of Poverty and Violence
Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Red Sea in the east, Africa’s Sahel region encompasses a vast geographic area with an estimated population of 150 million. The Sahel faces socio-economic, security, and environmental challenges that have stunted the development of regional states, while posing a security risk to the immediate region and beyond. Contextualizing the Sahel’s ongoing struggle with insecurity and socio-economic issues, against the backdrop of political and financial mismanagement, makes it clear that the region’s woes are cyclical in nature.
Russia’s Military Debacle in Ukraine
Eleven weeks into Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has failed to achieve any major strategic gains on the ground to justify what he markets at home as a “special military operation.” Staggering losses and an underperforming military have left many Western analysts surprised, particularly given recent observations indicating the modernization and professionalization of Russia’s military. Understanding Russia’s failure in Ukraine thus far requires an evaluation of key factors.