The Negative Effects of Dismantling USAID

 The New York Times published on 12 February 2025 a commentary titled "The U.S.A.I.D. Chaos Already Has Dire Effects" by Nicholas Kristof.

The dismantling of USAID has resulted in accounts of mayhem flowing in from around the world.  Yet, Elon Musk does not seem to have verified a single case of fraud so far.  He has arguably found cases of waste, but nothing like the $489 million in food aid that has been left rotting because of the Trump administration's decision to leave the program in limbo.   

Russian Naval Strategy in the Indian Ocean

 Abu Dhabi-based TRENDS Research and Advisory published on 14 May 2023 an analysis titled "The Indian Ocean: Moscow's New Naval Priority" by Stephen Blank, senior fellow Foreign Policy Research Institute.  

The study analyzes  Russia's naval strategy in the Indian Ocean.  Russian naval deployments in the Indian Ocean will, according to Moscow, allow it to deter Western missile strikes on its territory originating in the Indian Ocean and give Russia leverage over extensive trade passing through these waters.

Russian Foreign Minister's Diplomatic Offensive in Africa

 The US Institute of Peace published on 25 August 2022 an analysis titled "Amid War in Ukraine, Russia's Lavrov Goes on Diplomatic Offensive" by Heather Ashby, Jude Mutah, Jason Tower, and Hashem Youssef.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited four countries in Africa--Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Uganda--in an effort to shore up understanding for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.  This analysis summarizes Russia's relationship with each of the four countries.  

China's Investment in Foreign Agriculture

 The Overseas Development Institute published in November 2021 a study titled "China's Appetite for International Agricultural Investment: Case Studies of Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar and Tanzania" by L. Johnston, E. Downie, J. Mwakalikamo and M. Rudyak.  

Despite compelling push and pull factors, constraints are restricting China's expressed interest to partner with developing countries to grow their agricultural sectors.  This study explores the related trends in Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, and Tanzania with different geography, strategic importance, institutional framework, and existing economic ties, especially related to agriculture.

China's Maritime Silk Road

The Diplomat published on 22 January 2016 a note titled "Xi's Visit Cements Egypt's Place on the 'Belt and Road'" by Shannon Tiezzi.  She points out that the planned expansion of the China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone will take 10 years to complete and involve an investment of $230 million. 

In another take on the subject, The Hindu published on 15 February 2016 an article titled "Djibouti, Myanmar and Sri Lanka Anchor China's Maritime Silk Road" by Atul Aneja.  The article argues that a new Chinese military facility in Djibouti along with major port development projects in Myanmar and Sri Lanka are defining the contours of China's Maritime Silk Road.

Rethinking Engagement in Fragile States

The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies published in July 2015 a study entitled "Rethinking Engagement in Fragile States" by Jennifer Cooke and Richard Downie.  It looks at four states in particular--Somalia, South Sudan, Mali, and Myanmar--and makes recommendations for external engagement with these states.

10 Most Censored Countries: Horn Fares Poorly

The Committee to Protect Journalists released in April 2015 its list of 10 most censored countries.  The Horn of Africa fared poorly.  Eritrea was at the top of the list and Ethiopia in number four position.  Others on the list were North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Vietnam, Iran, China, Myanmar, and Cuba.

China in Africa: Great Decisions

The Foreign Policy Association in New York asked me to write the "China in Africa" contribution for the 2013 edition of Great Decisions, an annual publication that is designed to stimulate debate on key current issues.  In addition to China in Africa, the 2013 edition contains essays on the future of the Euro, Egypt, NATO, Myanmar, Iran, Intervention and Threat Assessment.  The publication is available for sale for $20.  Click here for information on  ordering.