Russia has weaponized artificial intelligence to spread disinformation, infiltrating chatbots and trusted sources. Transforming its traditional propaganda tactics and capitalizing on gaps in U.S. cyber oversight, Russia has distorted public perception, spreading false narratives about Ukraine and the West.

At 3:02 on the morning of February 24, 2022, Russia launched a cyberattack on the American satellite company Viasat. Just one hour later, Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This attack signaled the initiation of Russia’s hybrid war strategy, using cyber capabilities in tandem with military forces against Ukraine. The use of cyber warfare in the Russo-Ukrainian War challenges the standards of traditional warfare and sets a new precedent for future conflicts.

The self-proclaimed “world’s coolest dictator” is lauded by his people for making them feel safe in their own neighborhoods, however, President Bukele’s approval rating conceals his administration’s ignorance of past and future rural life in El Salvador. While President Bukele’s crackdown has provided short term success, his actions ignore El Salvador’s history of war and violence that motivates gang participation in the first place. Explicitly, Bukele’s mano dura (firm hand) policies have undermined impoverished communities more than they have helped them and centralization of state power has contributed to a democratic backsliding in El Salvador that exacerbates the class divide between industry elites and the rural population.

Climate change, rising ocean temperatures, and destructive fishing practices have bleached and destroyed Kenya’s coral reefs, which has generated a domino effect of declining fish stocks and diminished income for fishers across the Swahili Coast. Nonetheless, through restoration efforts by nonprofits, supported by the Kenyan government, as well as conservation projects by local activists, reef stocks have come back to life. Kenya–and its coastal neighbors–must continue balancing coral reefs as both a profitable economic endowment, and a scarce natural resource vital for biodiversity. 

Lesotho and the United States have a long history of diplomatic relations, a relationship  that was recently dismissed by President Trump as an ‘unknown country.’ However, Lesotho and the United States maintain strong economic ties and Lesotho remains a prominent figure in regional and international affairs.

The Soviet Union has historically employed linguistic imperialism to dominate its diverse linguistic and ethnic populations. In a post-Soviet era, remnants of Russian linguistic strategy continue to shape regional geopolitics as many former satellite states reject its political implications.

The Russian-sponsored Wagner Group serves as a geopolitical tool to expand Russian influence and strengthen ties with Russian allies. It sets a new standard for the expansion of geopolitical influence beyond traditional diplomacy and military aid.

Saudi Arabia has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, reshaping its economic and diplomatic strategies to solidify its position as a regional powerhouse. Spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, the kingdom has shifted from an oil-dependent economy to one focused on diversification, tourism, and technological innovation. On the diplomatic front, Saudi Arabia has recalibrated its foreign policy, engaging in regional de-escalation efforts, strengthening ties with China and the U.S., and positioning itself as a key player in Gulf politics and economic integration. This evolution underscores its ambition to redefine power dynamics in the Middle East.

Russia has weaponized artificial intelligence to spread disinformation, infiltrating chatbots and trusted sources. Transforming its traditional propaganda tactics and capitalizing on gaps in U.S. cyber oversight, Russia has distorted public perception, spreading false narratives about Ukraine and the West.

At 3:02 on the morning of February 24, 2022, Russia launched a cyberattack on the American satellite company Viasat. Just one hour later, Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This attack signaled the initiation of Russia’s hybrid war strategy, using cyber capabilities in tandem with military forces against Ukraine. The use of cyber warfare in the Russo-Ukrainian War challenges the standards of traditional warfare and sets a new precedent for future conflicts.

The self-proclaimed “world’s coolest dictator” is lauded by his people for making them feel safe in their own neighborhoods, however, President Bukele’s approval rating conceals his administration’s ignorance of past and future rural life in El Salvador. While President Bukele’s crackdown has provided short term success, his actions ignore El Salvador’s history of war and violence that motivates gang participation in the first place. Explicitly, Bukele’s mano dura (firm hand) policies have undermined impoverished communities more than they have helped them and centralization of state power has contributed to a democratic backsliding in El Salvador that exacerbates the class divide between industry elites and the rural population.

Climate change, rising ocean temperatures, and destructive fishing practices have bleached and destroyed Kenya’s coral reefs, which has generated a domino effect of declining fish stocks and diminished income for fishers across the Swahili Coast. Nonetheless, through restoration efforts by nonprofits, supported by the Kenyan government, as well as conservation projects by local activists, reef stocks have come back to life. Kenya–and its coastal neighbors–must continue balancing coral reefs as both a profitable economic endowment, and a scarce natural resource vital for biodiversity. 

Lesotho and the United States have a long history of diplomatic relations, a relationship  that was recently dismissed by President Trump as an ‘unknown country.’ However, Lesotho and the United States maintain strong economic ties and Lesotho remains a prominent figure in regional and international affairs.

The Soviet Union has historically employed linguistic imperialism to dominate its diverse linguistic and ethnic populations. In a post-Soviet era, remnants of Russian linguistic strategy continue to shape regional geopolitics as many former satellite states reject its political implications.

The Russian-sponsored Wagner Group serves as a geopolitical tool to expand Russian influence and strengthen ties with Russian allies. It sets a new standard for the expansion of geopolitical influence beyond traditional diplomacy and military aid.

Saudi Arabia has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, reshaping its economic and diplomatic strategies to solidify its position as a regional powerhouse. Spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, the kingdom has shifted from an oil-dependent economy to one focused on diversification, tourism, and technological innovation. On the diplomatic front, Saudi Arabia has recalibrated its foreign policy, engaging in regional de-escalation efforts, strengthening ties with China and the U.S., and positioning itself as a key player in Gulf politics and economic integration. This evolution underscores its ambition to redefine power dynamics in the Middle East.