In this series of articles, our foreign affairs editor Colin McGinness provides a concise roundup of the biggest geopolitical events from the past month.
Asia
Farmers continue to protest in India, culminating in a dramatic storming of the iconic Red Fort in Delhi. The protests are a response to a proposed government reform to agriculture trade policy that has long protected farmers for generations. The proposed reforms would limit the government’s role in price setting, and as some farmers claim, lead to a consolidation of the market by large agri-businesses. Protest leaders have condemned the violence in the capital, while also stating that they will continue with planned marches and civil disobedience. Several paramilitary regiments have been deployed by the government in an attempt to restore order, but some argue that this will likely fuel tension between the two camps.
Taiwan has reported that military planes from the mainland have crossed the generally accepted demarcation line between China and the autonomous government of Taiwan. Tensions between the two have grown over recent years, and most recently due to increased American activity on the island. Arms sales and high-level diplomatic visits have clearly disturbed officials on the mainland and the warplane incursion was likely a retaliation. The timing also coincides with the start of a new administration in the United States, so this will also be an opportunity to judge Biden’s response.
Middle-East and North Africa
Israel has begun its vaccine rollout programme with much fanfare and subsequent controversy. While lauded by some for having achieved the highest percentage of citizens vaccinated, this statistic belies a more grim reality. Palestinians have all but been ignored with these statistics, who’s health administration is technically governed by Palestinian authorities in accordance with the Oslo Accords. In practice, however, much of Palestinian territory is either under military occupation or blockade, so the procurement of vaccines and medical supples in general has been limited at best.
A suicide bombing in Baghdad has left 32 people dead and over 100 wounded, marking the first such attack in the capital over the last three years. The attack has since been claimed by ISIS, demonstrating the active threat the group poses to the beleaguered nation of Iraq.
Europe
The arrest of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has sparked massive protests across the country, which have in turn been met with police crackdowns in Moscow. Navalny was arrested upon his return to Russia from Germany, where he was in hospital recovering from an attempted poisoning. The opposition figure has drawn out further ire from president Vladimir Putin by releasing a now widely publicized video linking Putin’s opulent palaces dotted around the country. The government has decried the video as pure fabrication, but it has since been viewed over 80 million times.
The German government is expected to announce that it will begin state surveillance of the right-wing political party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). The far-right fringe of the group, known as The Wing, has already been under surveillance for two years and the findings likely implicate the party at large. The German constitution ensures ‘the dignity of all people’ and the AfD’s demonisation of Muslims and refugees is likely the reason behind the government’s move.
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Africa
Following the general election in Uganda, opposition leader Bobi Wine has been released from home arrest. The high court ruled that the security services were acting unlawfully when they surrounded his estate in the capital of Kampala. The 35 year incumbent, President Yoweri Museveni has since been declared the victor by the election commision with nearly 59% of the vote. However the opposition has accused the government of fraud, and is currently seeking evidence to that effect.
Reports of locust swarms in East Africa show that several countries in the region are severely at risk unless the pests are dealt with. Large swathes of arable land have been assaulted by the small assailants, and food security in the region may be in jeopardy. Experts blame an irregular rainy season in 2020 that has helped contribute to the rapid growth of the locust population.
Latin America
Argentina has become one of the few countries in Latin America with legalised abortion following the approval of both houses of the legislature. It is now the largest nation in Latin America with legal elective abortion, with human rights campaigners rejoicing around the country. Conservatives in the predominantly Roman Catholic state are likely to challenge the law in the courts, but this will likely be stalled by the current preoccupation with COVID-19.
North America
The president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), has tested positive for COVID-19. A press release from the office of the president cites his good health and minor symptoms as signs that the public should not be too concerned. AMLO has repeatedly downplayed the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and has abstained from large lockdown measures. Mexico currently has the 4th highest number of deaths caused by COVID-19.
Far-right protesters and conspiracy theorists stormed the United States capitol building in an attempt to halt the certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. Several people were killed, and former president Donal Trump has recently been impeached by the House of Representatives for his role in inciting the crowd. The impeachment trial will now move to the senate, where it faces stiff resistance from many Republicans who intend to defend the de facto leader of their party. In response to the violence on January 6th, Washington DC was essentially been under martial law for the lead up to Biden’’s inauguration and several National Guard regiments have still remained in the federal district.
Colin McGinness is The International’s foreign affairs editor.