NATO to get more eyes on the Arctic, and other under–the–radar stories
Welcome to Under the Radar, Diplomatic Courier’s monthly geographic intelligence newsletter that brings you stories from around the world that we think are particularly impactful or interesting, but which you may not have seen. This month’s highlights include: the arrest and detention of children as political agitators in Venezuela, accusations of human rights abuses at EU–funded migration centers in Turkey, and NATO plans for a military satellite network in the Arctic.
This month’s newsletter is compiled by Diplomatic Courier staff writer Stephanie Gull , thanks Steph!
We hope you find these insights useful! As always, we welcome your comments or suggestions.
This newsletter is approximately a 7-min read.
Editor–in–Chief
Senegal seeks technological sovereignty with launch of first satellite
Senegal launched its first satellite—a CubeStat called GaindeSAT–1A—in August 2024, signaling a push toward “technological sovereignty” for the country. As Senegal continues to launch satellites, the country will reduce its dependence on international data sources and increase accessibility to critical data necessary amidst the climate crisis.?
Worst drought in 100 years triggers hunger crisis in South Africa
Five southern African countries declared national disasters caused by El Ni?o. The ongoing drought is the worst in 100 years, and the resulting hunger crisis is the worst in decades. The United Nations’ World Food Programme warns the crisis could become a “full–scale human catastrophe.”?
Sexual assaults and suicidal thoughts surge in war–torn DRC?
Sexual assaults and suicidal thoughts are drastically increasing among displaced people in the Democratic Republic of Congo. More than two victims an hour are treated for sexual assault, and reports of suicidal thoughts increased to 120 a month. Aid groups offer support, but the stigma around mental health remains a barrier.
Read the full writeup here.
Venezuelan mothers plead for minor children caught up in protest arrests
Venezuelan mothers demand the government release their minor children after they were arrested at protests for Venezuela’s highly–contested elections. While 80 teenagers were released, others remain under arrest, facing 10– to 30–year sentences. The mothers argue that their children could not even vote in the election.?
Nova Scotia’s infrastructure undergoes needed changes for climate change
As Nova Scotia’s government faces criticism for failing in their plan to mitigate climate change impacts, they are taking steps to improve infrastructure, especially to deal with the region’s flooding. Such plans include improving wastewater treatment plants, separating drainage pipes, and moving an iconic road further inland.?
911 transfers a huge success in Ottawa, with more to come
Ottawa’s improvements to their emergency services, allowing 911 calls to be transferred to other North American cities, are proving successful. However, some groups have filed for an extension to finish the update. Some argue that more funding would prevent the need for an extension.?
Read the full writeup here.
India prevents Pakistan’s blockbuster
Pakistan’s blockbuster film ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ was set to be the first Pakistani film released in India in a decade. Yet lingering tensions between the countries led to a political controversy in Dubai which, in turn, has indefinitely delayed the film’s release.?
South Korean feminist author wins Nobel Prize amid growing anti–feminism
South Korean author Han Kang received the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, celebrated for her works’ feminist themes. Yet South Korea is experiencing a rise in anti–feminism, with some blaming feminism for the country’s incredibly low birthrate. Kang believes authors are a “curious phenomenon” where critics tend to disregard gender.
Mount Everest is having a growth spurt
Mount Everest is experiencing a growth spurt compared to its average gradual increase in height. Scientists believe the unusually ‘quick’ growth can be attributed to river capture, with the Arun River eroding the base of Mount Everest. The isostatic rebound increases the height of Mount Everest, creating this temporary growth spurt.
Read the full writeup here.
Mistreatment of refugees in EU–financed migrant removal centers
Several European news outlets released a report exposing the EU–funded migrant centers in Turkey. Serving as detention facilities, the report detailed abuse—including murder—of Syrian and Afghan refugees. Amid accusations that the EU is aware of the wrongdoings, the European Commission responded by asking Turkey to investigate the allegations.?
Amid domestic unrest, Albania takes steps toward EU accession
Albania began formal talks to join the EU bloc. A cross–party consensus in Albania and many EU states’ desire to expand the bloc to the Western Balkans provide optimism for success. However, there is concern about Albania’s ongoing domestic protests and the possibility of political disputes complicating things.
A win for the LGBTQ community in Poland
A new draft law in Poland gives hope to LGBTQ couples. The draft would allow all couples—including same–sex couples—in a civil partnership to gain rights to inheritance and exchange medical information. While the Polish Catholic Church supports the draft, political hurdles remain before the draft can become law.?
Read the full writeup here.
Sudan’s health system is in a freefall
The World Health Organization warns that Sudan’s health system is in “freefall.” Matters are made worse by an outbreak of cholera in the country. Due to the famine, nonfunctional health facilities, and the rise of cholera cases and deaths, the WHO urges immediate action.
Islamic State member under arrest in The Netherlands
The Netherlands is the second–ever country to try an alleged Islamic State member for crimes against the Yazidi. Hasna Aarab faces charges of enslaving two Yazidi women, joining a terrorist organization, and bringing her son into a war zone when she lived in Syria with her former husband.?
Blind dog sees the best and worst of humanity
Blind and deaf dog Cieco made his way from the Israel–Lebanon border to Beirut through the kindness of strangers. Now Cieco is thriving at his new home, even as bombs have been dropped only 15 miles away. Cieco’s situation illustrates the impact geopolitical conflicts have on vulnerable communities.?
Read the full writeup here.
Thailand’s infrastructure challenged after horrific school bus deaths
The tragic death of 20 students and three teachers in Thailand is drawing attention to the country’s dangerous traffic infrastructure. Thailand is incorporating UN regulations around traffic infrastructure, but manufacturers haven’t yet been able to adapt. Thus, the National Assembly has launched a Parliamentary Advisory Group on Road Safety.?
New Zealand sets a world record for haka
New Zealand has reclaimed the world record for the largest haka performance from France. As haka originates from the M?ori—Indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand—reclaiming the world title was particularly special. 6,467 people showed up for the performance held at the New Zealand National Rugby team’s stadium.??
Australian museum genders (forged) art
The Museum of Old and New Art hung up Picasso artwork as part of a women–only installation, but after a gender discrimination lawsuit, the curator moved the pieces to the women’s restroom. The curator later revealed she had forged the art, exploring the fantasy of inclusion and exclusion.?
Read the full writeup here.
Flexing muscles in the Arctic, NATO plans military satellite network
NATO launched the Northlink Initiative, establishing military–grade satellite communications in the Arctic. The climate crisis opened sea lanes between Russia and the U.S., establishing the Arctic as a relatively new stage in global strategy. Russia has also shown increased interest in the Arctic.
A new fashion frontier beckons with designer space suits
Axiom Space partnered with fashion brand Prada to design new space suits for the Artemis III missions to the moon. Ongoing space missions, including those of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, also follow the legacy of space suits that have long been designed for both functionality and cutting edge fashion.
A new horizon for U.S. space tech companies under revamped export controls
The U.S. Department of Commerce released new regulations easing export controls of space technologies to limited U.S. allies, updating them for the first time since 2010. As the U.S.’ space businesses boom, the new regulations will improve U.S. allies' space efforts and trade.??
Read the full writeup here.
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