National Security News

Reporting the facts on national security

National Security News

Month: May 2024

US and China clash over Taiwan at Shangri-La Dialogue amid intensifying military drills

In a significant showdown marking the first face-to-face meeting between US and Chinese defence chiefs in two years, the hot-button issue of Taiwan took centre stage. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and China’s defence minister, Admiral Dong Jun, convened in Singapore…

Coalition Government May Limit South Africa’s Global Influence – Chris Vandome, Chatham House 

With counting underway in South Africa’s watershed elections, predictions point to the ANC suffering a 15% collapse in support, plunging the country into uncertainty for the next two weeks. The party still remains the dominant force in South Africa; however, it…

Educating Against Deepfakes: India’s Disinformation Battle Offers Crucial Lessons for Upcoming Elections

In light of the upcoming UK election, the threat of AI-driven disinformation, like deepfakes, is a growing concern. The UK’s Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy emphasised the urgency, stating “It is more important than ever that the UK…

Hong Kong’s Crackdown Continues: 14 Pro-Democracy Activists Arrested for Subversion

In a landmark case under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law (NSL), Hong Kong has convicted 14 pro-democracy activists and former lawmakers on charges of subversion. This mass trial, the most severe application yet of the NSL, highlights the Chinese government’s…

South Africa on course for coalition politics heralding end of ANC dominance

OP-ED Early results of South Africa’s national election point to the ruling party, the ANC losing its majority after being in power for 30 years. The final result is expected this weekend and it will be followed by two weeks…

Iran’s Next Supreme Leader

As the world awaits news on who will be Iran’s next president, The Conversation discusses who is likely to become Iran’s next supreme leader after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, the man many expected to take on the supreme…

Double-Edged Sword: Emerging AI Technologies and the National Security Landscape 

A recent panel discussion explored the complex relationship between emerging technologies and national security, with artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous weapons, and cyber warfare at the centre of the conversation. Leading experts examined the potential benefits and the lurking threats these…

South African Elections will reveal SA’s exposure to digital influence as a service

As the South African elections get under way, ISS Africa examines how vulnerable South Africa is to misinformation and disinformation through unverifiable social media posts, designed to influence voters. ISS discusses how information integrity is essential to protect democratic principals…

South Africa Uncategorized

South Africa’s Election: Pivotal for Geopolitical Alignment – Dr Frans Cronje

The ANC’s choice of coalition partner could not only alter South Africa’s path but also have wider regional and geopolitical implications due to the country’s strategic location along key maritime routes and its influence in African politics.

National Security News identifies six potential Iranian presidential candidates.

The end of official mourning for Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi has kick-started a competition in which as many as 20 potential successors have been proposed.All candidates have to be cleared by the 12-strong elite body known as the Guardian Council,…