Transnational Crime on the China-Myanmar Border
By Antonio Graceffo On September 6, the United Wa State Party, the political arm of one of the most powerful ethnic resistance armies in Myanmar, handed over 1,207 Chinese online…
The Days of China’s Fast Growth Are Done
By Antonio Graceffo China’s economy is slowing, and the old growth model won’t work. For Chinese leader Xi Jinping to restore the economy, he'll have to dramatically change the existing…
Drugs: The Largest National Security Threat for 2024
By Antonio Graceffo In its recently published Homeland Threat Assessment 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identifies drugs as the largest national security threat. More than 100,000 Americans died…
BRI loses momentum; US gains
By Antonio Graceffo China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is losing its luster, paving the way for enhanced US diplomatic and economic engagement as a BRI alternative. Chinese President Xi…
BRICS Expansion Makes China’s Clout Look Enlarged But Not A Real Threat to the US
By Antonio Graceffo After the BRICS Summit in August, it was announced that the current members — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — had invited six more countries to…
Russia’s Religious Offensive in Africa
By Antonio Graceffo Vladimir Putin is strategically weaponizing the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow’s drive to expand its sphere of influence in Africa. The Kremlin’s message of promoting traditional Christianity,…
Kim and Putin Talk Satellites, Ammunition
Antonio Graceffo Russian trade with North Korea has increased because of the West’s sanctions on the two countries. A flagging economy, heavy casualties, failed military objectives, lack of equipment, and…
Slowing GDP may derail PRC goal
By Antonio Graceffo At the 19th Chinese Communist Party (CCP) National Congress in 2017, Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) unveiled his vision to transform China into a “great modern socialist…
Biden Admin’s Regulations, Taxes Cause Unemployment
By Antonio Graceffo The Biden administration wants to force wage hikes and increase regulations and taxes, which the White House claims will help workers. In reality, however, such moves will…
Loans, Minerals, Weapons, and Coups: China’s Destabilizing Role in Africa’s Coup Belt
By Antonio Graceffo In August, military officers in Gabon placed the country’s president, Ali Bongo, under house arrest. This latest coup comes just weeks after the army ousted the president…