Global Security Research Articles

Mapping annual dynamics of surface mining disturbances in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau using Landsat imagery and LandTrendr algorithm.

The exploitation and utilization of coal resources have significantly contributed to global energy security. However, this mining activity has inflicted considerable damage on the ecological environment, particularly on the Tibetan Plateau, where the impact on ecosystems may be even more detrimental. The implementation of high-intensity mining activities leads to rapid changes in land cover/land use. Consequently, it is essential to accurately and effectively monitor mining disturbances. In this study, we propose an approach to capture surface mining disturbances using spatial-temporal rules and time series stacks of Landsat data. First, a time series of annual mining disturbance probability was generated based on Landsat temporal-spectral metrics and random forest. Second, the Landsat-based detection of Trends in Disturbance and Recovery (LandTrendr) algorithm was employed to segment the time series and detect breakpoints. Finally, mining disturbances were captured by further restricting the output of LandTrendr based on spatial-temporal rules of mining disturbances. This approach was applied and evaluated in the Muli mining area of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, which experienced large-scale and rapid mining disturbances from 2004 to 2014, and identified a disturbed mining area of 43.62 km2. The mining sites have been reclaimed after mining, and all reclamation work was done after 2016, with a total reclaimed area of 22.28 km2. The validation results indicated that the overall accuracy of mining disturbance and reclamation mapping ranges from 0.7333 to 0.8667, and the F1 scores for mining disturbances and reclamation range from 0.7551 to 0.8723. This study provides a reliable framework for monitoring mining disturbances and reclamation in surface mines, promising to be useful in realizing disturbance monitoring in surface mines for a wide range of mineral types.

Kazakhstan-EU Relations in the Realities of the Geopolitical Turbulence: A Textual Analysis of Before and After Design

Global security concerns have impacted both domestic and foreign policies of international actors. A regional geopolitical crisis after 2022 has certainly impacted the relations between Kazakhstan and its external partners. This research aims to explore how the regional geopolitical turbulence shaped the dynamics of Kazakhstan’s relations with the EU, one of the major actors in Kazakh multi-vector foreign policy. This research is concentrated on Kazakhstan-EU relations after 2022 and includes two studies: an analysis of press materials and a qualitative content analysis with some quantitative approach. An analysis of 191 press materials from the European External Action Service of 2018-2021 and 2022-2024 as well as content analysis of 2018-2021, 2022, and 2023-2024 press materials revealed the intensification of Kazakhstan-EU relations.

MMFA-DTA: Multimodal Feature Attention Fusion Network for Drug-Target Affinity Prediction for Drug Repurposing Against SARS-CoV-2.

The continuous emergence of novel infectious diseases poses a significant threat to global public health security, necessitating the development of small-molecule inhibitors that directly target pathogens. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 have been validated as potential key antiviral drug targets for the treatment of COVID-19. However, the conventional new drug R&D cycle takes 10-15 years, failing to meet the urgent needs during epidemics. Here, we propose a general multimodal deep learning framework for drug repurposing, MMFA-DTA, to enable rapid virtual screening of known drugs and significantly improve discovery efficiency. By extracting graph topological and sequence features from both small molecules and proteins, we design attention mechanisms to achieve dynamic fusion across modalities. Results demonstrate the superior performance of MMFA-DTA in drug-target affinity prediction over several state-of-the-art baseline methods on Davis and KIBA data sets, validating the benefits of heterogeneous information integration for representation learning and interaction modeling. Further fine-tuning on COVID-19-relevant bioactivity data enhances model predictions for critical SARS-CoV-2 enzymes. Case studies screening the FDA-approved drug library successfully identify etacrynic acid as the potential lead compound against both RdRp and Mpro. Molecular dynamics simulations further confirm the stability and binding affinity of etacrynic acid to these targets. This study proves the great potential and advantages of deep learning and drug repurposing strategies in supporting antiviral drug discovery. The proposed general and rapid response computational framework holds significance for preparedness against future public health events.

Environmental safety performance dynamics and estimation of the deterioration of leachate containment elements: Implications for the lifespan of hazardous waste landfills

In the coming decades, the failure and expiration of over 100,000 landfills involving billions of tons of waste not only threaten global water security but also lead to a sudden increase in the global demand for solid waste disposal. Therefore, further research is needed on the ways in which landfill performance is degraded, their life expectancy, the factors that influence them and the ways in which they are influenced. A study estimated the performance degradation and expected lifespan of a modern hazardous waste landfill in China. The landfill experienced slow performance degradation in early years (0–12 years). But during mid-term (12–62 years) due to the rapid degradation of the liner material, the rate of leakage from the containment layer will increase by a factor of 4.8–27.1, leading to its earliest failure after about 38 years. This indicates the need for measures to prevent rapid performance degradation in the middle of the landfill's service life and to strengthen monitoring of performance indicators and environmental medium pollution in the later period (after 62 years) to respond to potential scrapping and pollutant leakage problems. Differences in construction quality and regional climate can cause differences in the lifespan of landfill facilities by up to 20 and 30 times, highlighting the importance of scenario-based failure and lifespan prediction for designing reasonable monitoring plans and preparing response measures to prevent potential groundwater pollution and to meet the sudden increase in demand for secondary waste disposal.

The Evolution of China's Cyber-Espionage Tactics: From Traditional Espionage to AI-Driven Cyber Threats against Critical Infrastructure in the West

Purpose: This article critically investigates the evolution of China’s cyber-espionage strategies, specifically illustrating the shift from traditional espionage methodologies to the incorporation of advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). This transition profoundly reshapes global power dynamics, delineating nuanced threats to critical infrastructure in Western nations, including power grids, financial systems, and communication networks (Wang et al., 2019). Materials and Methods: Utilizing a theoretical framework grounded in Joseph Nye's concept of soft power and contemporary security studies, this research posits a hypothesis: there exists a positive correlation between technological advancements and the escalation of espionage activities by state actors. The inquiry encompasses a comprehensive analysis of key components, such as vulnerabilities, adaptive strategies, geopolitical implications, deterrence mechanisms, and international collaboration, thereby illuminating the multifaceted risks to national security inherent in the digital age (Nye, 2004). Findings: The study critically evaluates the countermeasures undertaken by Western countries, probing strategic enhancements of cyber defences and the formation of international coalitions aimed at collective security (Huang et al., 2021). The findings reveal substantial obstacles in achieving a cohesive and effective response to the rapidly escalating and pervasive nature of contemporary cyber threats (Zhang et al., 2020). Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Considering the ongoing maturation of China’s cyber capabilities, characterized by an increased reliance on AI and the impending advent of quantum computing, the article advocates for a comprehensive revaluation of global security practices (Mann et al., 2020). It underscores the imperative for Western nations to not only innovate defensively but to also adopt proactive measures and foster significant international collaboration. This multifaceted approach is essential to address the complex challenges posed by state-sponsored cyber operations within an increasingly interconnected global landscape (Chen et al., 2021).

Security risk assessment of submerged floating tunnel based on fault tree and multistate fuzzy Bayesian network

To assess the global security risks of the submerged floating tunnel (SFT) in marine environments during operation and provide a basis for risk control, a security risk assessment method using a multistate fuzzy Bayesian network (MFBN) considering complex disaster-inducing factors is proposed. A fault tree model of SFT security risk is established to analyze the causal relationships between global risk and influence factors such as structural components and environmental loads. For root nodes, fuzzy probabilities for each state are obtained through expert knowledge. An improved similarity aggregation method is proposed to integrate expert opinions, mitigating the impact of significant option discrepancies. For non-root nodes, the Leaky Noisy-Max model is used to calculate complex conditional probabilities within the SFT. The probabilities of various security risk states and key risk factors could be determined through reasoning by MFBN. Additionally, a risk prediction method that incorporates domain expert opinions and leverages the BN's ability of updating node probabilities with new information was developed to forecast the security risks of the SFT under wave and current loads.

Learning interventions in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region: supporting Member States to get prepared for better response to health emergencies in the region.

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) faces numerous public health risks caused by biological, chemical, man-made, and natural hazards. This manuscript aimed to assess the multifaceted interventions and strategies used to strengthen the EMR's preparedness capacities to respond properly to current and upcoming health emergencies. To address these challenges, it is crucial to implement comprehensive and robust strategic risk assessments and health emergency preparedness frameworks. The World Health Organization (WHO) takes a risk-based approach, emphasizing the significance of all-hazards emergency management and the creation of national health risk profiles using the Strategic Toolkit for Assessing Risk (STAR). Furthermore, the International Health Regulations (IHR) Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (MEF) ensures continuous learning and capacity building among Member States, enhancing their ability to manage health emergencies effectively. Key components include State Party Annual Reporting (SPAR), Joint External Evaluation (JEE), After Action Review (AAR), Intra Action Review (IAR), and Simulation Exercises (SimEx). Moreover, initiatives like One Health, Emergency Care Systems, Safe Hospitals, and Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOCs) reinforce preparedness and response capacities. Risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) strategies play a pivotal role in disseminating timely information and fostering community resilience. Furthermore, the management of Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (CBRN) incidents remains a priority, necessitating collaboration between the public health and security sectors. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen health systems, reduce risks, and improve emergency response capabilities throughout the EMR, thereby promoting global health security and resilience. The EMR is addressing public health challenges through frameworks like IHR-MEF, and RCCE. It is strengthening emergency care systems, ensuring safe hospitals, and establishing PHEOCs. Proactive measures to address CBRN events and collaboration are enhancing resilience. The inclusion of the One Health approach underscores the EMR's holistic strategy to address the health threats at the human-animal-environment interface. This demonstrates the EMR's commitment to global health security.

Development of a lateral-flow assay for rapid detection of parasitic nematodes

ObjectivesWild animals kept in enclosures are exposed to an increased risk of infection with Soil-transmitted Helminth (STH) due to high animal densities and the resulting heavy contamination of the enclosures. As regular fecal examinations are necessary to monitor and maintain health, a rapid test was developed to detect STH in wildlife. MethodThe rapid test consists of two polyclonal antibodies directed against the nematode SUMO-Protein (C- & N-term). For this study, 102 fecal samples from wild boar, fallow deer, red deer and dogs were examined. The fecal samples were defined by using the sedimentation technique and then used to evaluate the developed rapid test. ResultsThe sensitivity of the rapid test was 95.38 % with a specificity of 81.08 % and a accuracy of 90.2 %. ConclusionsAt this time, there is no commercial rapid test for the detection of STH. This rapid test can enable fast disease monitoring to make a decision in the field to save animals health. In addition, this rapid tests for the detection of parasites in wildlife can be crucial in the context of One Health to prevent the spread of disease within a system through monitoring, to preserve biodiversity and to improve global health security.

Track-II Diplomacy in the Format of Situational Analysis: The Experience of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences

This paper examines the practice of implementing Track-II diplomacy as practiced by the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IORAS) in the form of situational analysis, a methodology developed by Academician Yevgeny Primakov. This approach represents an effective tool for resolving international conflicts and enhancing global security by combining science with diplomacy. Special attention is given to a series of three expert discussions on the Concept of Collective Security in the Persian Gulf region, held at IORAS from 2019 to 2023. These discussions demonstrated the method's ability to bring together a broad range of experts for in-depth interdisciplinary analysis of complex international situations. The practical focus of the results from these situational analyses makes them valuable for both policy recommendations and long-term strategic planning. The application of this method fosters the creation of trustful relationships between conflicting parties and the establishment of sustainable mechanisms for international security. The paper also highlights the significance of this practice for the development of Russian foreign policy strategy and its contribution to the interdisciplinary study of international relations.

The War on Terror: Assessing Awareness and Acceptance on The Anti-Terrorism Act (Ata) of 2020 in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

The war on terror has been a focal point of global security efforts, with various measures implemented to combat terrorism. This study investigates the awareness and acceptance of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 among the residents of Sitio who have had cases of terrorist attacks in the Municipality of Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro. The study utilized the descriptive-correlational method to systematically describe the relationship among variables. The study reveals that respondents were unaware of the provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act and varied on the level of acceptance of its provisions. It further shows a significant relationship between the level of awareness and acceptance and factors such as age, sex, religion, income, and educational attainment. The research recommends collaboration between local leaders, educational institutions, and other civil society organizations to implement an information dissemination plan and other educational programs for anti-terrorism awareness and establish a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to assess the impact of the awareness-raising efforts of the agencies involved.

THE INTERFACE BETWEEN THE BIOCEANIC ROAD AND THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE (BRI) FROM A BRAZILIAN PERSPECTIVE ON CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS

The current changing in world dynamics leads to an increased complexity on countries relations. From this perspective, the article's general objective analyses the impact of Latin America and East Asia integration through the Bioceanic Corridor and the Belt and Road Initiative on illicit markets. The specific objectives focus on identifying complicating elements for regional security, stemming from the collaborative and competitive engagements of actors within illegal networks. The adopted methodology is predominantly qualitative, involving bibliographic review, document analysis and case studies based on data from academic and government documents, and reports from international organizations. The addressed topics include drug and weapons trafficking, infrastructure initiatives, regional and global interconnection, and their relations to the criminal phenomena in South America. From the results obtained, the article emphasizes the anticipatory dimension, providing preventive recommendations in international collaboration, standardization of informational capabilities through common data models in road logistics hubs, and the application of security protocols in maritime hubs, with emphasis on the ARESP methodology (Risk Analysis with Emphasis on Port Security), contributing to regional integration on global security, and proposing practical and collaborative measures to anticipate and mitigate potential challenges arising from the interconnection of illicit networks on a global scale.

Global security and problems of transition to the principles of sustainable development

Global security and problems of transition to the principles of sustainable development

Enhancing water security: Statistical measurement and spatiotemporal analysis

Water security is essential for ensuring energy security, sustainable development, and human survival. However, due to a series of challenges, including rising water demand, environmental pollution, and water resource shortages, the global water security situation remains concerning and poses a threat to global sustainable development. To assess water security in China, this study uses data from 30 provinces in China from 2012 to 2021. A comprehensive evaluation method was applied to determine the level of water resource security in China. The Dagum Gini coefficient, Moran index, and spatial model were used to clarify regional differentiation characteristics and the driving factors. The results indicate that while China's water resource security is relatively low, it has shown steady improvement in recent years. Significant regional disparities exist in water resource security across China, with notable spatial characteristics, and socio-economic factors are the primary causes of these differences. Based on the above research, we put forward policy recommendations from the aspects of water resources management, public participation and inter-regional water resources cooperation, to provide reference for water resources security in developing countries.

Global Health Security: Preparing For Future Pandemics

The interconnectedness of modern societies and global mobility has amplified the risk of infectious disease outbreaks escalating into pandemics. Global health security involves proactive efforts to detect, prevent, and respond to emerging health threats before they become widespread crises. Historical pandemics like the Black Death and the Spanish flu highlight the catastrophic consequences of uncontained outbreaks. Despite advancements in healthcare infrastructure, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed gaps in preparedness, emphasizing the need for enhanced global surveillance, cross-sectoral collaboration, and technological innovations. This paper explores the historical context of pandemics, key components of pandemic preparedness, and the role of global coordination and technology in mitigating future health threats. It calls for stronger international collaboration and investment in healthcare systems to ensure resilience in the face of future pandemics. Keywords: Global health security, pandemic preparedness, pandemic response, historical pandemics, COVID-19, global surveillance.

Policing the Territorial Waters of The Philippines: Work World of Philippine National Police - Maritime Group (PNP – MG) Troopers

As geopolitical dynamics change and the threat of transnational crimes persists, the need to protect territorial waters and address the growing issues associated with global marine security have taken on more significance. Countries all around the world are struggling with the necessity of protecting their internal waters from a variety of criminal activities, such as illegal fishing, piracy, and drug trafficking. This study explored the work world of PNP Maritime Group Troopers through a qualitative research method. The informants of this study were 10 Maritime Troopers assigned at Bohol Maritime Police Station. Four (4) informants were subjected to an in-depth interview and six (6) informants for the focus group discussion. The findings of this study are illustrated in emergent themes. Four (4) emergent themes described the positive and negative experiences of the informants in the performance of their duties in securing the internal waters of Bohol. For the positive experiences, two (2) emergent themes were developed, namely Familial and Pecuniary Incentives and Perpetual Duty Gratification. For the negative experiences, two (2) emergent themes were also developed, to wit: Unforeseen Logistical Impediments and Organizational Strain Intricacies. Meanwhile, two (2) emergent themes were formulated to explain the informants’ coping with the challenges encountered in the performance of their duties, namely: Optimizing Operation Efficiency and Strategic Dispute Management. Finally, two (2) emergent themes were created to express the aspirations of the informants to improve the quality of their work in securing the internal waters of Bohol, to wit: Biologically Benevolent Stewardship and Harmonious Excellent Synergy. Based on the emergent themes identified, it is recommended to implement targeted interventions addressing logistical challenges and enhance organizational support to have collaborative approaches to optimize efficiency of PNP Maritime Group Troopers in securing Bohol's internal waters.

Is high-intensity conflict escalation inevitable in the future? A two-level game analysis on the causes of US-Iran risky rivalry

In recent years, there appears to be a growing consensus among policymakers in both the East and the West, that the decades of global peace after the Cold War has now come to an end, and that the world is facing mounting security risks to the future of humanity. Among those challenges, the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict poses particularly significant risks to regional and global security, and is closely related to many other contemporary international crises involving European states and their allies, particularly the Russo-Ukrainian War, the nuclear proliferation in Europe, and the military disputes between the Iran-backed Houthis and EU forces. But why has the U.S.-Iran relationship deteriorated so dramatically over the past years, and what are the future risks its presents to the international community? While extensive scholarly works have been conducted to examine the ideological, historical, and geopolitical variables that fuel this observed escalating antagonism, no study to date has formal-modelled the complex interactions between Tehran and Washington into a two-level game. Utilizing an infinitely-repeated game theory approach, this research presents a comprehensive analytical framework that explains how interrelated political factors at both the international and the domestic level jointly shape the dynamic of this bilateral relationship. We contend that the domestic rally effect created by risk-oriented diplomacy, incompatible ideological stances and political values, the increasing polarization within U.S. Congress, and the mounting rivalry between Israel and the Iran-led Axis of Resistance convince policymakers from both sides that their utilities can be maximized in a non-cooperative game. Based on our models, it can be forecasted that there is hardly any chance Washington and Tehran will concede to the other’s security demands in the foreseeable future. Thus, the risks of high-intensity conflict escalation due to miscalculation will continue to upsurge in the future.

Assessment of the public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Nigerians regarding preparedness for future pandemics

IntroductionPandemics are global health crises that have caused millions of deaths, enormous socio-economic disruptions, and considerable public and global health security consequences. This study assessed Nigerians’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding preparedness for the next pandemics.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire-based national survey was conducted among 1276 respondents in Nigeria to determine public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of preparedness for future pandemics. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analyses.ResultsOf the 1276 respondents to this survey, > 50% had not heard of the Spanish flu and Zika disease. Approximately half (594) of the respondents did not consider antimicrobial resistance a possible cause of future pandemics. Over an average proportion of respondents reported unsatisfactory knowledge (655, 51.3%) and poor perceptions (695, 54.5%) about pandemic preparedness. The respondents’ good knowledge and satisfactory attitudes toward pandemic preparedness decreased with age. The respondents' education, age, and state of residence were significantly associated with good knowledge, satisfactory attitudes, and positive perceptions of pandemic preparedness with respondents with tertiary education levels being at least two times more likely to have these positive outcomes.ConclusionThis study revealed serious gaps in Nigerians’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of their readiness for upcoming pandemics. To protect Nigerians’ health, emphasis should be placed on these issues by all stakeholders, including the government.

Uncharted depths: Navigating the energy security potential of deep-sea mining

In the context of a global shift towards low-carbon energy systems, this paper provides an in-depth analysis of deep-sea mining's (DSM) potential role in enhancing global energy security. Addressing the growing demand for critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles (EVs), and energy storage systems, the paper examines how DSM can diversify the global mineral supply and reduce reliance on geopolitically sensitive sources. It explores DSM's capacity to recalibrate energy prices, influence the competitive landscape of clean energy technologies, and shift geopolitical dynamics. The paper delves into the multi-faceted impacts of DSM on energy security, including geopolitical shifts, supply chain diversification, and environmental trade-offs. By providing a holistic view that links mineral supply security to sustainable energy transitions, this study extends beyond prior research focused mainly on the technical and environmental aspects of DSM. The findings illustrate DSM's intersection with international politics, its effect on energy pricing strategies, and the balance between resource exploitation and environmental stewardship. Strategic policy recommendations are offered to optimize DSM's benefits while minimizing its ecological impacts, aligning the emerging DSM industry with global sustainability goals. In addition to identifying challenges, the paper proposes actionable solutions, contributing a unique perspective to the discourse on DSM and energy security.

Health worker protests and the COVID-19 pandemic: an interrupted time-series analysis.

To assess the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on protests by health workers. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis of data from 159 countries for 2years before and after the World Health Organization classified COVID-19 as a pandemic in March 2020, thus between 2018 and 2022. We produced models examining two main outcomes: (i)the total weekly number of health worker protests globally; and (ii)the number of countries with one or more health worker protests in a given week. In total, there were 18 322 health worker protests in 133 countries between 2018 and 2022. The number of weekly health worker protests globally increased by 47% (30.1/63.5), an increase of 30.1 protests per week (95% confidence interval, CI: 11.7-48.6) at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the number of countries experiencing such protests in a given week increased by 24% (5.7/24.1) following the declaration of the pandemic (an increase of 5.7 countries; 95% CI: 3.5-7.8). The pandemic increased the overall level of health worker protests globally as well as the number of countries experiencing such protests. These protests highlight discontent in the health workforce. Given the ongoing global health workforce crisis, understanding and addressing the drivers of health worker discontent is important for global health policy and security.

Blockchain Technology Application and Potential in the Global Securities Trading Market

With the rapid development of financial technology, blockchain technology is gradually permeating the global securities trading market. This paper delves into the current status of blockchain technology applications in this field, covering key aspects such as trade settlement and clearing, securities issuance and trading, identity verification, and compliance management. Through detailed case studies, it powerfully demonstrates its significant reduction in settlement cycles and intermediate links, thereby improving trade efficiency; its substantial reduction in operational costs and additional expenditures due to human errors, thereby lowering costs; and its effective resistance to cyber-attacks through data encryption and tamper-proof characteristics, thereby enhancing security. At the same time, it explores the positive role of blockchain technology in improving market trust by offering transparent transaction records and reducing information asymmetry. The paper further analyzes the challenges faced by blockchain technology in the global securities trading market, including issues with technology maturity such as performance scaling and interoperability, regulatory and compliance issues such as incomplete legal frameworks and policy uncertainties, industry acceptance issues such as conservative attitudes from traditional institutions and insufficient technology popularization education, and security risks such as emerging vulnerabilities and private key management risks. On this basis, it provides a forward-looking outlook on the potential and development trends of blockchain technology in the global securities trading market in the future, including integration trends with other emerging technologies, its role in promoting cross-border transactions and financial market integration, the possibility of innovative financial products and services, and the resulting changes in market patterns. In summary, this paper provides a comprehensive and systematic study of the current status, advantages, challenges, and future development of blockchain technology in the global securities trading market, offering valuable references and insights for further development in this field.