Portside

We should expect an intensification of Russian economic involvement and arms exports to African nations struggling with conflict, many dealing with wars that have their roots in Western colonial partition and displacement.

The problem of mercenary operations seems unlikely to be solved without a substantial strengthening of international security institutions, among them the United Nations. Are the nations of the world willing to take this step?

Neoliberal counterinsurgency, an extreme form of waging repression through private means and for private interests, is subtler than judicial repression, and more difficult to trace and hold accountable.