By José Carlos Palma* The name “Kursk” seems to carry a symbolic weight in Russia’s recent history, and for Vladimir Putin, it has become synonymous with tragedy and insurmountable challenges. From the disaster of the Kursk submarine in 2000 to the recent Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region, the name

By José Carlos Palma* The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in earnest with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn. The war has now expanded beyond the borders of Ukraine, with Ukrainian forces making incursions into Russian territory, most notably in

Image: Vladimir Putin speaks with Russian oligarch Igor Sechin (center right) in 2009. AFP/AFP via Getty Images By José Carlos Palma* In his autobiography, First Person, Putin wrote, “I have a lot of friends, but only a few people are really close to me. They have never gone away. They have never

By José Carlos Palma* Introduction Recent developments in the geopolitical landscape have raised alarm bells across military and diplomatic circles worldwide. The deployment of Russian Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 strategic bombers near NATO’s borders, specifically over the Barents, Norwegian, and Baltic Seas, marks a significant escalation in military posturing. This article

By José Carlos Palma* Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the precipice of revolutionary change, with the potential to redefine every aspect of human life. However, the militarization of AI introduces profound risks, particularly when such technology is misused or falls into the wrong hands. The insights of filmmaker James Cameron,

By José Carlos Palma* Washington, D.C., July 28, 2024 — On July 25, 2024, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracked and intercepted four bombers—two North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and two Chinese Xi’an H-6M aircraft—as they conducted a joint strategic aerial patrol over the Bering Sea, a

By José Carlos Palma* Today, we celebrate a significant milestone in consumer protection and product safety within the European Union. For over 30 years, the letters ‘CE’—standing for ‘Conformité Européenne’—have been a trusted symbol, assuring that the items you purchase meet the highest EU standards for safety, health, and environmental

By José Carlos Palma* Nationalism, the sense of pride and identity associated with one’s nation, is a force that has shaped histories, defined borders, and kindled both unity and conflict. In the 21st century, the resurgence of nationalist sentiments across the globe raises profound questions about its role and impact.

By José Carlos Palma* In the ever-evolving landscape of European politics, a formidable trio has emerged as pivotal figures challenging the status quo of the European Union (EU) and advocating for a new direction. Giorgia Meloni of Italy, Marine Le Pen of France, and Viktor Orbán of Hungary stand at

By  José Carlos Palma* The issue of declining troop numbers has become a significant concern for several European countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Portugal. This trend has implications for national security, military readiness, and the ability to meet international obligations. This article explores the factors contributing to

By José Palma* The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China boasts an increasingly sophisticated and diverse fleet of attack helicopters, prominently featuring the CAIC Z-10 and Harbin Z-19. Both helicopters play crucial roles in the PLA’s strategy, each bringing distinct capabilities to the battlefield. This article provides a comparative analysis

By José Palma* On Thursday, President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would transfer Mirage-2000 fighter jets to Ukraine and provide training for Ukrainian pilots. This move represents a significant escalation in Western military support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. As Ukraine continues to resist the Russian invasion,