Geostrategic Diary – June 7, 2022 p.m.

First published in The Science of Where Magazine

FOCUS

• June 7, 2022. By Reuters. The world must “widen its gaze from the war in Ukraine” to prevent Somalia sliding into famine, the United Nations’ children’s agency said on Tuesday, warning only a third of the $250 million needed to stave off catastrophe had so far been raised. ‘Widen gaze from Ukraine’ to avert famine in Somalia, U.N. agency warns

THINK TANKS & GLOBAL NEWS

DIGITAL, TECH, CYBER

• June 7, 2022. By Jan-Peter Kleinhans, Julia Hess, Wiebke Denkena, Stiftung Neue Verantwortung. The global chip shortages led to severe disruptions in many end-customer industries, such as automotive and medical equipment. To anticipate and ideally alleviate future chip shortages, Europe is proposing a highly granular government supply chain monitoring in the upcoming EU Chips Act. Similar plans are also discussed within the EU-US Trade and Technology Council. Based on the assessment that there is a lack of transparency within the global semiconductor value chain and information asymmetries between suppliers and end-customers, the European Commission wants Member States to monitor ‘early warning indicators’ to ensure supply security for end-customer industries.  Governments’ role in the global semiconductor value chain #1
• June 6, 2022. By Jiwon Ma, Trevor Logan, FDD. The U.S. Department of the Treasury in May sanctioned a major digital-currency mixer, Blender.io, which North Korea has used to launder $20.5 million in funds stolen from a gaming-focused blockchain project known as the Ronin Network. While Treasury’s move deserves praise, inconsistent international enforcement of anti-money laundering (AML) protocols has left hackers with multiple outlets capable of laundering their illicit funds, thereby undermining U.S. sanctions against Pyongyang. Treasury Sanctions Cryptocurrency Exchange, But International Enforcement Still Lacking

AROUND THE WORLD

Africa

• June 7, 2022. By Emanuele Rossi, Formiche. La demografia, le democrazie emergenti, una serie di nuove generazioni vivaci. Oltre le crisi, l’Africa è il continente del futuro. Oggetto di interessi delle potenze, a cui gli africani chiedono di non essere intrappolati nel confronto globale. Mondo Africa. Il continente in mezzo allo scontro tra potenze

Bosnia

• June 7, 2022. By Reuters. Bosnia’s international envoy Christian Schmidt on Tuesday imposed a decision on financing general election on Oct. 2 after the central government had failed to allocate sufficient funding for conducting the vote, he said. Bosnia’s international envoy imposes decision on financing general election

Canada

• June 7, 2022. By World Nuclear News. After more than eight years of preparation, Canada’s Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has completed a full-scale demonstration of the engineered barriers that will safely contain and isolate the country’s used nuclear fuel in a deep geological repository. Repository engineering demonstration success for NWMO : Waste & Recycling

Finland

• June 7, 2022. By World Nuclear News. Skanska Talonrakennus Oy, the contractor responsible for construction of the used fuel encapsulation plant at Olkiluoto, handed over the building to Finnish waste management company Posiva at the end of May for installation of the nuclear systems.  Finnish fuel encapsulation plant enters installation phase : Waste & Recycling

Gaza Strip

• June 7, 2022. By Emma Farge and Dan Williams, Reuters. An independent commission of inquiry set up by the U.N. Human Rights Council after the 2021 Gaza war said Israel must do more than end the occupation of land Palestinians want for a state, according to a report released on Tuesday. UN-mandated rights inquiry rebukes Israel for seeking ‘complete control’
• June 7, 2022. By Shira Efron, Kim Noach, Noa Shusterman, INSS. Major heat waves, floods, rising sea levels, and less rainfall: while the Israeli security establishment continuously reviews the effect of Gaza’s economic plight on the security situation, it ignores a factor that could wield decisive influence on the possibility of quiet or escalation in the Gaza Strip – climate change. Therefore, INSS, with the International Committee of the Red Cross, convened a special conference on the issue. The findings presented are presented in this article. The Gaza Strip and the Climate Crisis

IAEA – Iran

• June 6, 2022. By David Albright, Sarah Burkhard, Andrea Stricker, FDD. This report summarizes and assesses information in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) quarterly safeguards report for May 30, 2022, Verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nations Security Council resolution 2231 (2015), including Iran’s compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Analysis of IAEA Iran Verification and Monitoring Report – May 2022

India

• June 7, 2022. By  Rupam Jain, Reuters. Leaders of India’s Hindu nationalist ruling party on Tuesday instructed officials to be “extremely cautious” when talking about religion on public platforms after derogatory remarks about the Prophet Mohammad drew protests from Islamic nations. India’s ruling party asks officials to exercise caution on religious issues after Islamic nations protest

Italy – China

• June 7, 2022. By Gabriele Carrer, Formiche. Efort Intelligent Equipment, società legata a Pechino, voleva aumentare la sua partecipazione in Robox, azienda del Novarese (dal 40% al 49%). Ma il governo si è opposto all’operazione utilizzando i poteri speciali. È il quinto veto in 17 mesi per fermare le mire del Dragone sulla terza economia europea. Draghi blocca gli affari cinesi su un gioiello della robotica italiana

Pakistan

• June 7, 2022. By Asif Shahzad, Reuters. Pakistan will reduce its official work week to five days from six in a bid to reduce energy and fuel consumption as part of an energy conservation plan approved by the country’s cabinet on Tuesday, the information minister said. Facing ‘severe’ energy crisis, Pakistan reverts to five-day work week

Palestine

• June 7, 2022. By Nidal Al-Mughrabi, Reuters. The Palestinian Authority announced on Tuesday it would pay partial salaries to most of its employees after Israel transferred some revenues it collects on the Palestinians’ behalf, Palestinian officials said. Palestinians pay partial wages amid protests over rise in food prices

Russia

• June 7, 2022. By Interfax. U.S. electronics corporation IBM is fully winding down operations in Russia and has begun laying off employees in the country, Reuters reported, citing a letter from company CEO Arvind Krishna to employees. IBM winding down Russia business – Reuters
• June 7, 2022. By Luigi Romano, Formiche. “Vogliono la nostra morte, quella della Russia. E finché sono vivo, farò di tutto per farli sparire”, scrive il vicepresidente del Consiglio di sicurezza russo. Di Maio: “Affermazioni gravissime e pericolose”. Ieri colomba, oggi falco. Cosa c’è dietro l’affondo di Medvedev contro l’Occidente
• June 7, 2022. By Interfax. Converting the depositary receipts of Russian companies not included in the specially designated nationals and blocked persons (SDN) list into local Russian shares does not contravene the current sanctions that prohibit United States residents from making new investments in the Russian Federation, according to the corresponding clarification published by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Monday. Converting DRs of Russian companies not on SDN list into local shares does not contravene sanctions – OFAC
• June 7, 2022. By Interfax. Russian exporters now have the right to receive forex revenue on foreign accounts, however they are still required to repatriate it afterwards. Exporters get right to receive export revenue on foreign accounts before repatriating it to Russia

Russia – Ukraine

• June 7, 2022. By Pavel Polityuk and Abdelaziz Boumzar, Reuters. Ukraine will fight to recover all its territory occupied by Russian forces, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday, as his troops battled street-to-street in Sievierodonetsk in one of the bloodiest land battles of the war. Ukraine will fight for all territory, stalemate ‘not an option’, Zelenskiy says
• June 7, 2022. By Interfax. The sanctions that the United States, the European Union, and their partners have imposed on Russia have not influenced Moscow’s position on Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview published in the Financial Times. Western sanctions haven’t affected Russia’s position on Ukraine – Zelensky
• June 7, 2022. By Ukrinform. The EU should work together to approve the seventh package of sanctions, which must include, inter alia, a complete ban on Russian gas and petrochemicals imports. Poland’s MFA: Seventh package of sanctions must include complete ban on Russian gas imports
• June 7, 2022. By Ukrinform. One person was killed and, according to preliminary data, three more were injured in a recent strike on Kharkiv city. 1 killed, 3 injured in recent Russia’s strike on Kharkiv
• June 7, 2022. By Ukrinform. Ukraine’s victory in the war must be achieved on the battlefield, and Ukrainian forces need a tenfold advantage over the enemy for their advance. Zelensky about victory on battlefield: We need tenfold advantage over enemy for advance
• June 7, 2022. By Carlo Jean, Formiche. Parlare di mediazione e di “territori” ucraini da concedere ha un solo effetto: far morire dal ridere il Cremlino. Putin ha un piano dichiarato: spazzare via l’identità Ucraina. Per l’Occidente il bivio è semplice: resistenza o tradimento. Il commento del generale Carlo Jean. Il bivio ucraino dell’Occidente: armi o tradimento
• June 7, 2022. By Ukrinform. The situation in Mykolaiv is now even more dangerous than it was two weeks ago because the city is under constant attacks. Situation in Mykolaiv now more dangerous than two weeks ago – Kim
• June 7, 2022. By Ukrinform. Russia keeps up to three battalion tactical groups on its border with Ukraine’s Sumy and Chernihiv regions, but there are no signs of any preparations for a renewed invasion. Russia keeps up to three BTGs on border with Sumy, Chernihiv regions
• June 7, 2022. By Ukrinform. In Siverodonetsk, Luhansk region, the situation is currently stable, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have strengthened their positions and are holding their ground in the city against the Russian onslaught. Ukrainian troops strengthen positions in Siverodonetsk, holding ground – mayor
• June 7, 2022. By  Maytaal Angel, Reuters. Britain’s farming minister called on Tuesday for an immediate investigation into allegations that Russia had been stealing grain from Ukraine, following Moscow’s invasion which has driven up world food prices to record levels. UK seeks investigation into alleged Ukraine grain theft by Russia
• June 7, 2022. By Pavel Polityuk and Abdelaziz Boumzar, Reuters. Ukraine will fight to recover all its territory occupied by Russian forces, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday, as his troops battled street-to-street in Sievierodonetsk in one of the bloodiest land battles of the war. Ukraine will fight for all territory, stalemate ‘not an option’, Zelenskiy says

Slovenia

• June 7, 2022. By World Nuclear News. Slovenia has a “comprehensive, robust and well-functioning system” for used nuclear fuel and radioactive waste management, a team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded. However, it noted areas where it could be further enhanced. IAEA assesses Slovenia’s radwaste programme : Waste & Recycling

Syria

• June 7, 2022. By Reuters. Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar told Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu in a call on Tuesday that Turkey would respond to moves aimed at disrupting stability in northern Syria, his office said, as Ankara gears for talks with Moscow ahead of an expected offensive in the region. Turkey tells Russia it will respond to destabilising moves in north Syria
• June 7, 2022. By The Syrian Observer. Prime Minister, Eng. Hussein Arnous, discussed on Monday with the Iranian Minister of Health, Dr. Bahram Ayn Allah and the accompanying delegation ways of enhancing cooperation between Syria and Iran in the fields of pharmaceutical industries, equipment, medical supplies, scientific research, medical tourism, and the exchange of students and professors. Syria Discusses Ways to Enhance Cooperation in Health Sector with Russia, Iran
• June 7, 2022. By The Syrian Observer. The positions of frontlines remain unchanged in northern Syria, despite the high frequency of Turkish attacks and the Erdogan regime’s continued threats to occupy the border strip at a depth of 30 kilometres. Lines of Contact Unchanged, Army Reinforcing its Forces North of Raqqa
• June 7, 2022. By The Syrian Observer. As the value of the Syrian pound deteriorates due to the economic crisis hitting the country, shop owners in the capital, Damascus, are requesting annual rent for their shops in US dollars instead of the Syrian pound. Shop Owners in Damascus Charge Rent in USD
• June 7, 2022. By The Syrian Observer. Recently, Russia appears to have started increasing its economic activity in Syria, which has followed Iran’s exploitation of the Russian preoccupation with invasions of Ukrainian territory. In this context, Iran was presented with an opportunity to increase its economic influence in Syria.  Fearing Iranian Expansion, Russia Increases Economic Activity in Syria
• June 7, 2022. By The Syrian Observer. Three civilians, including two children, were wounded in a YPG attack in northwestern Syria on Monday. YPG Attack Injures 3 Civilians in Azaz
• June 7, 2022. By The Syrian Observer. A high-level UN delegation, accompanied by the Chief of Iraq’s National Security Service, made a trip to al-Hol Camp in Hassakeh Governorate, northeastern Syria on June 5th. UN Delegation Visits Syria’s al-Hol Camp, Urges Repatriation

Ukraine – Poland

• June 7, 2022. By Ukrinform. Poland has signed a defense contract with Ukraine worth PLN 2.7 billion (about $650 million) for the sale of Krab self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine. Poland signs $650M defense contract with Ukraine

Ukraine – South Korea

• June 7,  2022. Ukrinform. Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Dmytro Senik and South Korea’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Lee Do-hoon have discussed the participation of leading Korean companies in the implementation of the post-war reconstruction plan for Ukraine. Ukrainian, South Korean diplomats discuss participation of companies in post-war reconstruction of Ukraine

USA – North Korea

• June 7, 2022. By Reuters.  North Korea could conduct a seventh nuclear test at “any time” and has shown no interest in returning to negotiations, U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Sung Kim said on Tuesday. North Korea could conduct nuclear test ‘any time’ -U.S. envoy

Vatican

• June 7, 2022. By  Philip Pullella, Reuters. The Vatican on Tuesday unveiled a committee to oversee the ethics of its investments, even as a corruption trial related to a botched London real estate deal in which it lost more than 200 millions euros continued. Vatican unveils investment ethics body as corruption trial drags on

Venezuela – Turkey

• June 7, 2022. By Reuters. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro will pay a two-day official visit to Turkey beginning on Tuesday, the Turkish government said. Venezuelan President Maduro to visit Turkey, meet Erdogan

DEFENSE, MILITARY, SPACE

• June 7, 2022. By  Vivienne Machi, Defense News. With the war in Ukraine serving as a sobering backdrop, NATO is preparing to start the next phase of two multinational air and missile defense programs that are several years in the making. NATO gears up to launch new air defense programs in 2023
• June 7, 2022. By  Stephen Losey, Defense News. Raytheon Technologies on Tuesday announced it will move its global headquarters to Arlington, Virginia, later this year. Raytheon to move global headquarters to Arlington, Virginia
• June 7, 2022. By Vivienne Machi, Defense News. A European Union-funded effort to build a comprehensive beyond-line-of-sight missile capability is heading for a live-fire demonstration, and perhaps fresh support from the European Defence Fund. MBDA-led team to demo new European anti-tank kit this summer
• June 7, 2022. By Reuters. Berlin and Vilnius will take preparations to expand the multinational NATO combat unit in Lithuania to the size of a brigade eventually, the countries’ leaders said in a joint statement on Tuesday. NATO combat unit in Lithuania could grow to German-led brigade in longer term, Scholz says
• June 6, 2022. By Rachel Nostrant, Defense News. Army Alaska was officially re-designated as the 11th Airborne Division in ceremonies held Monday at Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Soldiers at Fort Wainwright will officially ditch Stryker vehicles

PERSPECTIVES

• June 7, 2022. By Jason Bordoff and Meghan L. O’Sullivan, Foreign Affairs. In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the world appears to be at an inflection point. Business leaders have declared the acceleration of deglobalization and sounded the alarm about a new period of stagflation. Academics have decried the return of conquest and hailed the renewal of transatlantic ties. And countries are rethinking almost every aspect of their foreign policies, including trade, defense spending, and military alliances. The New Energy Order