Understanding the 3D-printed Guns Movement: A Surprising Mix of Identities and the Risk of Gender-based Violence

Submitted by Katie Lazaro on

'In the world of 3D-printed guns, one figure looms large: ‘JStark1809’. It is difficult to overstate his influence. He designed the FGC-9, one of the most popular 3D-printed guns in circulation. He also created Deterrence Dispensed, an influential network of gun designers. Since his death in 2021 he has been revered as a quasi-martyr for the right to bear arms, resulting in a cult-like following within the 3D-printed gun movement.'

Living with Lobong: Power, Gold, and the UPDF in Eastern Equatoria

Submitted by Katie Lazaro on

Situation Update: Eastern Equatoria

Louis Lobong Lojore has been the governor of Eastern Equatoria since 2010. He has entrenched his control of the state by building an elite coalition across ethnic lines and disbursing revenues related to the state’s gold-mining sector. Yet, Lobong’s reign in Eastern Equatoria is built on shaky foundations.

Improving Point of Injury Trauma Care for IED Victims

Submitted by Katie Lazaro on

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have become a key tool in asymmetric warfare, employed in the pursuit of many objectives, including destabilization of the state and governing authorities, exertion of control and influence, and creation of fear in a population. More than 80 per cent of civilian IED casualties occur in civilian spaces, and civilians are deliberately targeted, including vulnerable groups such as children.

Turkish Foreign Policy in Libya: Geopolitical Interests and Fragile Peace

Submitted by Katie Lazaro on

Libya’s troubled and divided political landscape, riddled with political uncertainty and the risk of violent escalation, renders the region one of the most volatile in the world and vulnerable to outside actors. Türkiye has been one of these actors, seeking influence through various interventions. 

Security over People: Tunisia’s Immigration Crisis

Submitted by Katie Lazaro on

Situation Update: Tunisia

Migrants have been a regular presence in Tunisia since around 2011, when they arrived in the country after fleeing instability in Libya. It is only in recent years, however, that they have become a political issue. With Tunisia’s economy in shambles and the rise of political repression, migrants within and transiting through the country have been demonized in an attempt to shift the focus and cast President Saïed as a populist hero.

A Critical Intersection: Private Security Companies, Gender-based Violence, and the Arms Trade

Submitted by Katie Lazaro on

'The globalization and expansion of the private security industry has led to concerns about whether the industry has adequate safeguards to prevent sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and other human rights abuses, by its personnel.'

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Locked but Loaded: Firearms Possession Dynamics in Ukraine

Submitted by Katie Lazaro on

Situation Update: Ukraine

Although overall crime victimization in Ukraine has remained relatively stable following Russia’s full-scale invasion, firearms are increasingly more likely to be used in crime. In late 2023, 11 per cent of surveyed victims of crime said a firearm was used in the crime incidents they experienced during the previous 12 months, up from 6 per cent a year earlier. 

Realities, Challenges, and Opportunities: The Arms Trade Treaty in the Indo-Pacific region

Submitted by Katie Lazaro on

The Indo-Pacific region, in all its vastness and diversity, presents many international security challenges. It is also a region with, thus far, limited engagement with the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). Only 11 Indo-Pacific countries are currently states parties to the ATT, and nine states from the region have signed the Treaty but not yet ratified it.

Keeping the Oil Flowing: Sudan’s Oil Sector During the 2023–24 War

Submitted by Katie Lazaro on

Since the outbreak of civil war in Sudan in April 2023, there have been rising concerns about the physical
security of oil infrastructure and the sector’s overall operational capacity. Control of the country’s oil infrastructure has been split among different armed groups. The national military, Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), has retained control of the export terminal in the Red Sea port of Port Sudan. At the same time, a rival armed group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), seized—and now maintain—command of Sudan’s primary refinery in Khartoum and at least one pumping station.