The cyber-operation to infiltrate Iran’s nuclear plants to halt its progress by U.S intelligence presents us with a grim truth for the future. It can and it will happen again. The mere fact that the U.S had technical expertise to execute such a mission is beyond belief. Nonetheless it’s a scary look into the future of cyber warfare. Stuxnet is just the beginning.

One reason why we all should be worried about the developments of cyber warfare is because of the vast availability of sophisticated technology and high-speed Internet. Almost everyone has a smartphone and a laptop nowadays. Worldwide connectivity has been made possible. But does everyone use the Internet for good? No. There are millions of computer hackers out there can wreak havoc on cyberspace. They can damage reputation, destroy files and create damaging lies. And all it takes is for them to get on their smartphone or laptop. It is literally as simple as that. And, hacking is a knowledge that can be learned on the Internet itself. Operation Stuxnet is an example of how Iran’s nuclear power plant systems were hacked. It hindered the progress of nuclear development. Hackers, or people in general can cause a lot of harm on the Internet and cyberspace. Moreover, they can cover their tracks by hiding their identity or make fake ones. In the infinite realm of cyberspace, anything is possible. I believe that cyberspace is a perfect place is manifest malicious intent. When they are military applications of cyberspace, it makes it a lot more dangerous. Damage can be done at life-threatening levels, and might be the cause of wars.

Furthermore, I see cyberspace as a pool of resources for corrupted and ill-minded individuals to recruit other people. Often times, people behind the laptop screen are young and innocent, and hence are more susceptible to bad influences. Pornographic sites are nothing new. They poison the mind of the youths with explicit nudity and unprotected sex. And how about religious extremism? Cyberspace is the best place to recruit people, from all over the world, regardless of color, creed or circumstance. Religious extremists prey on the feeble minds that they can sway. It’s a new form of terrorism. And, I don’t think the modern world is ready for this. Terrorism is gaining new ground and exploring new options to further advance their ideology. This is where cyberspace can be deadly.

In conclusion, cyberspace needs to be highly regulated. The future of global peace depends on the safety of  cyberspace. Cyber security is the only way to stop the perils of cyberspace.

Shadow company is a movie/documentary about private security companies or PMCs for short, what they stand for, how they function and its importance in today’s world. It deals with a very different dimension of warfare. Furthermore, it provides a thorough explanation of the pros and cons of PMCs. I absolutely enjoyed this movie. Although the movie narration was rather cynical, nevertheless it dealt with some serious content. PMCs are the ‘hidden’ actors of war and their presence are proving to be more and more relevant, according to the movie. Some are for it and some are against it. I on the other hand, am for it.

I would argue that PMCs can be a legitimate use of force to help and assist peace-building efforts in countries that are beset with ethnic conflict, war, oppression and violent uprisings. The presence of PMCs adds a certain dynamic to warfare that can prove to be very beneficial to governments if their services are deployed under contracts and through legitimate means. How then can PMCs be beneficial to governments? Generally speaking, PMCs are able to add greater military support, provide enhanced security and protection, and deliver expert consultation on crisis management. These reasons, to me, are good enough to justify the employment of private security services.

When countries are at war or trying to deliver peace and autonomy via military intervention, occasionally government troops are not enough. Not enough in terms of number or capabilities. PMCs are that added bonus, and this is good for two reasons. Firstly, individuals employed by PMCs are often highly skilled and specialized. They often come with a variety of military and combat skills which can further improve the chances of a positive outcome in wars or ethnic conflict. Secondly, these individuals are considered to be company assets and don’t fight under a particular national flag. This is important because the general public ultimately despises the death of one of their own soldiers. Death of home-grown soldiers in war is ultimately disliked and can be avoided.This is where come PMCs in. They are not subjective to the aesthetic values of dying in combat. These men are working for a company and are bound to contracts instead of flags. This removes liability issues. PMCs generally function “under the radar” which makes them far more effective in making critical decisions that can save hundreds of lives.

In its physical sense, the Government has sovereign identity that needs to be safeguarded in buildings, power plants and public infrastructure. PMCs can deliver effective and long-term protection. Not only that, Government officials have the risk of losing their lives reduced to a bare minimum. The presence of PMCs heightens the security and safety of civilians. Enemy combatants are less likely to inflict more damage and hence, civilian casualties can be successfully be avoided. Although civilian casualties are inevitable in war-torn countries such as Syria and Iraq, PMCs can significantly reduce that. Moreover, critical infrastructure that are economic assets to a country such as oil plants and power plants have the option of added security. These infrastructure are often targeted by rebel groups and insurgents and so, PMCs can employ its services to ensure that these economic assets are fully functioning once the war or conflict is over.

Next, PMCs are experts on strategies and techniques on handling crisis management. They fill in the knowledge gap which is important because such a knowledge can save many lives, especially lives of important people such as top government officials, diplomats and high-ranked members of NGOs. They provide consultation as to how to achieve any objective at any given time whilst minimizing the need for weapon firing and casualty. These strategies and techniques can be applied in any condition, time or place. That’s the unique part about PMCs. They have a high degree of adaptability in combat situations or high-risk tactical operations that require the protection of individuals of political importance.

In conclusion, PMCs are in the business of ensuring safety and protection of “people, places and things”. Some people may argue that deploying individuals that serve under private security contracts are morally and ethically corruptable. I disagree because these individuals go through comprehensible background checks and are subjected to physical and emotional scrutiny prior to being employed. Furthermore, they are paid handsomely and so companies go to great lengths to ensure that the “company assets” are well taken care off. War and conflict has reached a new level of global threat. Domestic and international politics need not ignore the importance of PMCs. Bottom line is that we need PMCs to help rid the world of senseless violence and war declared by rogue states.

Africa, the birthplace of mankind is currently overwhelmed by civil unrest, interstate violence and bloodshed. One can’t help but

to wonder why. For me, conflicts in Africa stem from the years and years of Western colonialism. And, it still continues until today, a sort

of “neo-imperialism” if you will. Western societies, with their lavish lifestyle, are always eager to have more and more. And, one of the ways

they spend on their lifestyle is by buying diamonds, but these are in fact blood diamonds. Little do they that their appetite for “shiny” goods

are destroying lives, disrupting societies and causing deaths to thousands of Africans every year.

I would like to focus my attention to an example of how Western societies have a direct link to conflicts in Africa. And, I am referring to one

African nation in particular; Sierra Leone. The major issue I want express my opinion on are blood diamonds. We might be aware of this and

might have even seen the movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio. But the fact of the matter is that blood diamonds or conflict diamonds are a

huge economic, political and social problem in Africa. Why? This is because there is always sharp demands for diamonds in the global

market. As long as there is a buyer outside of Africa that is wiling to pay a hefty price, the supply and demand of blood diamonds continues.

According to CNN, blood diamonds are illegal traded diamonds that are used to fund war and conflict. Guess who wants these diamonds?

Yes, the West. The situation here is that you have a very valuable item like a diamond that needs to be extracted cheaply and government

rebels are in total control of the areas where diamonds are mined. These diamonds are then sold to buy weapons and ammunition. The

diamonds bought are then re-sold to the general public.

Western consumers have to face the harsh reality that these diamonds that they are purchasing may be extracted under gruesome and

torturous conditions where workers work long hours, rain or shine, and with no pay. These place always had and will continue to have

serious violations of human rights.This is modern slavery. Furthermore, many of these workers are children separated from their families

and forced to find diamonds. What’s worse is that these children are being indoctrinated by rebel leaders to carry on the legacy of violent

rebellion and oppression. This is the principal reason as to why African societies are just in a sorry state of affairs, especially those where

blood diamonds are being extracted.

In conclusion, I would like to plea to Western countries and to the general public to STOP buying diamonds that are from war-torn areas

like Sierra Leone. We can no longer be ignorant and foolish. Trading blood diamonds are reality and it effects us all because we are

connected in the “blood diamond” chain. Stop buying and they will stop supplying.

When one hears the two words, “free trade”, what immediately comes to mind? I think

reduction in tariff barriers and increased in economic productivity. However for Canada,

this is not necessarily the case. The Government insists that CETA will increase job

employment, improve overall economic activity in Canada and make Canada a North

American regional powerhouse for economic growth and prosperity. The

CETA deal with the E.U is set to be the biggest trade agreement in history (Wikipedia),

surpassing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). What does this mean

for the average and working class Canadians? Well, it is a threat. This is because we could be witnessing the rise of global corporate power

whereby maximizing profit is the single most important objective. In my opinion, this trade agreement is going to garner short-term benefits

but deteriorate the Canadian economy in the long-run. And here are a few reasons why.

With CETA in effect, 98% of the tariffs (Wikipedia) between Canada and the E.U will be reduced. Meaning, less duties are paid on imported

and exported goods. Large businesses would have more accessibility to the Canadian market. So, what happens when you have several local

Canadian businesses and firms going up against large and mighty global corporations? There is almost no way these small businesses can

compete. As a result, Canadians would lose jobs to pave the way for international corporations and their businesses. It’s not clear now

but bear in mind what happened after the U.S-Canada free trade agreements was signed in the late 1980’s. Around 200,00 jobs were

lost (BBC) because of competition with large corporations from the U.S. Something similar could happen to Canadians in the next 2 to 3

years if CETA goes through.

Furthermore, the trade agreement could signal the decline of Canadian sovereignty. How? Well, sections on CETA allow

European corporations to somehow override domestic Canadian laws (BBC) in favor of promoting profitable business opportunities.

I am slightly uncertain of what kind of domestic laws but Canadians ought to know that this is the most

dangerous aspect of the CETA deal. What maintains a nation to be sovereign are its laws. For Canada, this is not good because it would

mean that Canadian laws are at the mercy of global corporations. What’s worse, if the Canadian government gets in the way of international

companies doing business anywhere in Canada, these companies can effectively can sue the government (Globe and Mail). This is what

people mean when they mention “corporate takeover”.

Well, my position is that the Canadian government needs to consider both the political and economic repercussions of the CETA deal and

not be blinded by only the economic benefits that actually may be disproportionately distributed to the Canadian people. Who reaps the most

benefit if this deal goes through? That should be the main question. In Europe on the other hand, it still needs to be approved by the

European Parliament and European Council (Wikipedia), and that’s where further debate can be made. I suggest strongly that the Canadian

public pay close attention to the CETA deal as it is discussed in Europe as well, and not just here. While doing some reading on this CETA, I

came across a very intriguing phrase, “investor bill of rights”. Wow. It seems that when Canada deals with big corporations from abroad, it

as if they are dealing with a “sovereign nation”.

Hence in conclusion, I employ the Canadian population to further investigate the CETA deal and take action. We live in a democratic country

and that definitely has to count something, especially here in Canada. Take a stand and be fully aware of the short-term and long-term

economic effects of CETA. Remember, what is economical can be political. And what is political is personal.

GO CANADA!

The Crimean Crisis

The year 2014 did not start out well. As if the world is not already beset by dozens of regional conflicts across the globe, eastern Europe had to go through a sort state of affairs. What turned out to be a peaceful protest to oust a corrupt leader in Ukraine led to the culmination of events that resulted to the breaking up of sovereign Ukraine and the terribly unfortunate case of ‘being at the wrong place at the wrong time’ for a certain commercial airliner.

What has the world come to? I feel like we, the young generations (late teens into early adulthood), are thrust onto the world stage that is nearly falling apart. And, we are supposed to fix it when our time comes. What I fear the most is the fact that Russia and Western liberal democracies led by the U.S are picking where the Cold War left off. It is as if Russia and the U.S are reaching their tipping points once again. This could spell disaster. Ukraine, that is just the beginning. There is more to come. Eastern Europe will soon become a breeding ground for pro-Russian movements.

Naturally, when a corrupt government is in power, protest will ensue. The Ukrainian politician, Viktor Yanukovych is removed from power and ends up in Russian grounds. Hats off to the Ukrainians for upholding democratic principles during the Orange Revolution. Russia saw the protest as a defamation to the legitimacy of Yanukovych’s leadership. There was great political instability within Ukraine leading to the development of separatist and pro-Russian movements. Crimea was put immediately into the spotlight.

The annexation of Crimea into Russia sends red flags everywhere. This is something that hasn’t happen for a while now. Ukraine was torn almost in half. The reason I see this as very troubling is because Russia is very much aware of the economic, political and military might of the Western powers. But yet, it re-affirms and asserts its own dominance in their own way. Ukraine and the Crimea region were the first victim. Vladimir Putin saw an opportunity and took it. The U.S and its NATO allies are now faced with a Russian problem. Russia has been patient enough with the advancement of NATO closer to its borders. Will Russia retaliate if it got too close? Most definitely. Bear in mind that Russia has stockpiles of nuclear weapons. If someone went all up in your face, wouldn’t you retaliate and fight back? That’s why I think the U.S should let this one fly. Its pushing way past its limits. The Cold War is reaching high probabilities because Russia has about enough of the U.S’s “strategic” moves.

The reason I believe that this could be the return of the Cold War is because geopolitics play a huge role in today’s world. Crimea’s annexation into Russia would mean that Russia is quick in gaining ground in diminishing U.S’s military and political hegemony. U.S and NATO are well-equipped for sure but Russia on its own is a force to be reckon with. Some say that the Cold War has died down 20 years ago. But recent developments on eastern European geopolitics have revived the idea once again. And smacked right in the middle of it is Ukraine. The U.S can tolerate so much of Russian decision-making on foreign policies and I fear that the economic sanctions placed on Russia is agitating them to a point where it becomes necessary to retaliate. And, we all know that Vladimir Putin is more and well capable of retaliation. I feel like it’s just about Russian patriotism and U.S hegemonic tendencies.

It’s already end of September and regional conflicts such as the Islamic State is an even bigger threat. Which means that it is much easier for the U.S and Russia to set each other off. Everything is at a tipping point. The U.S sent airstrikes on Syria. Could the same thing happen in Ukraine? Perhaps. All I know it is not going to end well. As a realist, it is about bigger and powerful nations protecting their own and the smaller nations getting torn apart as a result. Military and diplomacy power goes a long way.

Either way, we shall see what happens at the end of this year. More conflicts to come? Unfortunately, yes. International relations is for in a world of hurt.

The map of Europe could potentially need to be redrawn. As only mere days approach for the results of the Scottish referendum to be released, I believe the eyes of the global community can’t help but to shift temporarily from the perils of elsewhere to Scotland. For a country to excuse itself from the U.K is certainly a bold feat. Bear in mind that the British Empire has stood strong for over 300 hundred years and now, it could all very well fall apart. Now, there are 2 sides of the coin, with each party presenting strong arguments. Latest news reports indicate that it is “too close to call”.

For me as a 22 year old, I practically came through the “British-styled” education system. And as I grew older, I became accustomed to the idea that the U.K or Great Britian is the pinnacle of political freedom and educational excellence. At the time, I thought to them as the most powerful nation in the world. Now, I feel that the U.K’s sphere of influence (language, political ideologies and etc.) is severely threatened. Can you imagine how the civilized world would react once word got out that the U.K is breaking up with Scotland leaving? It is a pretty scary notion.

So, I believe that the U.K is trying to avoid a massive embarrassment. Sure, the campaign for anti-separation calls upon such slogans like, “Better Together”. But, it seems that the British government is reluctant to let go of Scotland because it would defame and tarnish what the U.K symbolizes for, or literally the British Empire. There could be economic factors at play here but I guess that plays second fiddle to what the actual reason why Scotland shouldn’t leave.

Scotland is unsure as well. Separating from Great Britain and the British Empire would mean true political freedom and free from being subservient to an English monarch. But can the Scots survive on their own? Perhaps. We can’t know for sure but they have been a golden opportunity to prove to the world that it is possible. On the positive side at least, the British Government is paying a lot more attention to Scotland and that is what Scotland needs every now and then. Some say that Scotland could be in deep economic trouble because Scotland would need a new currency and their oil reserves up north wouldn’t help much. And what if Scotland wanted to join the European Union as an independent country? It’s all about the numbers some might argue but numbers don’t tell the whole story.

I would like to see how this pans out. Whether or not Scotland is free or not is not necessarily the case but what comes after that is much more worth pondering upon. These are troubling times for the U.K. Let’s hope for the best.

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