THE STRATEGY WEEKLY
By Practitioners, For Practitioners
This Week’s Curated Articles
July 22 – 28, 2024
THE BIG PICTURE
In a week marked by significant global events, U.S. President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race, with Vice President Kamala Harris emerging as the new Democratic hopeful. Concurrently, a faulty software update from CrowdStrike caused widespread disruptions. In international airspace near Alaska, U.S. and Canadian jets intercepted Russian and Chinese military aircraft. Meanwhile, France faced coordinated arson attacks on its high-speed train network just before the Paris Olympics. During China's CCP Third Plenum, the struggling real estate sector was notably ignored, signaling potential economic concerns. Additionally, the likelihood of a full-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah increased, adding to the geopolitical tensions of the week.
U.S. President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race. Kamala Harris the new Democratic hopeful.
A faulty software update from CrowdStrike caused widespread disruptions.
Russian and Chinese military aircraft were intercepted by US and Canadian jets after they were detected in international airspace near Alaska.
Coordinated arson attacks on France's high-speed train network just before the Paris Olympics.
China's struggling real estate sector was ignored during the CCP Third Plenum, a major economic policy meeting in Beijing.
Increasing likelihood of a full-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
NATIONS MAKING HEADLINES
THE USA
"How the World Is Reacting to Biden Ending His Reelection Bid" by Anusha Rathi was published by Foreign Policy on July 22, 2024. This article details the global response to U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the presidential race, highlighting reactions from allies and adversaries alike. (https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/07/22/biden-ends-reelection-bid-world-reactions-response-harris-netanyahu-visit/).
"What We Know About CrowdStrike’s Update Fail That’s Causing Global Outages and Travel Chaos" by Zack Whittaker and Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai was published by TechCrunch on July 19, 2024. This article covers the widespread disruptions caused by a faulty software update from CrowdStrike, affecting various sectors worldwide. (https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/19/what-we-know-about-crowdstrikes-update-fail-thats-causing-global-outages-and-travel-chaos/).
"China and the U.S. Are Careening Toward a South China Sea Crisis" by Craig Singleton was published by Foreign Policy on July 23, 2024. This article examines the increasing tensions between the U.S., China, and the Philippines in the South China Sea, highlighting the risks of escalating conflict due to a failure of deterrence. https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/07/23/us-south-china-sea-philippines-crisis-military-alliance-deterrence/).
"How NYC Cyber Command Reacted to the Microsoft Outage Caused by CrowdStrike" by Jennifer Bisram and Mark Prussin was published by CBS New York on July 19, 2024. This article details the rapid response of New York City Cyber Command to a global Microsoft outage triggered by a faulty update from CrowdStrike, and the subsequent impact on the city's vital systems. (https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-cyber-command-microsoft-outage-crowdstrike-update/).
"US, Canadian Jets Intercept Joint Russian-Chinese Air Patrol" by Military Times was published on July 25, 2024. This article reports on the interception of Russian and Chinese military aircraft by US and Canadian jets after they were detected in international airspace near Alaska. (https://www.militarytimes.com/video/2024/07/25/us-canadian-jets-intercept-joint-russian-chinese-air-patrol/).
"The Trump/Vance Unilateralist Delusion" by Stephen M. Walt was published by Foreign Policy on July 24, 2024. This article critiques the foreign policy vision of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, highlighting the unrealistic expectations and potential dangers of their unilateralist approach. (https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/07/24/trump-vance-project-2025-foreign-policy-unilateralism-realism-restraint/).
"How Harris Found Her Foreign-Policy Footing" by Aaron Mannes was published by Foreign Policy on July 22, 2024. This article explores how Vice President Kamala Harris has developed her approach to foreign policy, highlighting her successes and challenges as she navigates international affairs. (https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/07/22/kamala-harris-foreign-policy-experience-united-states-presidential-election/).
"US to Revamp Its Command in Japan Amid Renaissance in Defense Ties" by Noah Robertson was published by Defense News on July 27, 2024. This article discusses the U.S. plans to enhance its military command in Japan to better coordinate with Japanese forces, reflecting the deepening defense cooperation between the two nations. The full article can be accessed [here](https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2024/07/27/us-to-revamp-its-command-in-japan-amid-renaissance-in-defense-ties/).
EUROPE
"How the West Misunderstood Moscow in Ukraine," written by Julia Kazdobina, Jakob Hedenskog, and Andreas Umland, was published on July 17, 2024, by Foreign Policy. This article explores the reasons behind the West's failure to accurately diagnose Russia's actions in Ukraine from 2014 to 2022, emphasizing the lack of understanding of Russian hybrid warfare and the impact of Western misconceptions on the conflict. (https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/07/17/ukraine-russia-war-2014-donbas-crimea-west/?tpcc=recirc062921).
"The Uncomfortable Reality of Russia and Iran’s New Defense Relationship," written by Hanna Notte and Jim Lamson, was published by War on the Rocks on July 24, 2024. This article explores the deepening military-technical cooperation between Russia and Iran since 2022, highlighting the strategic implications for the West and the challenges in countering this alliance. (https://warontherocks.com/2024/07/the-uncomfortable-reality-of-russia-and-irans-new-defense-relationship).
"Paris Olympics: Security Intrudes on Macron’s Break From Politics," written by Samy Adghirni, was published by Bloomberg on July 26, 2024. This article discusses the challenges faced by French President Emmanuel Macron as security issues and political instability overshadow the Paris Olympics, which he had hoped would provide a respite from the political turmoil following recent snap elections. (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-26/paris-olympics-security-intrudes-on-macron-s-break-from-politics).
"France vs. Arson: Security Intrudes on Macron’s Break From Politics," written by Alexandra Sharp, was published by Foreign Policy on July 26, 2024. This article details the coordinated arson attacks on France's high-speed train network just before the Paris Olympics, highlighting the security challenges and political implications for President Emmanuel Macron amidst the ongoing political instability in France. (https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/07/26/france-vs-arson-security-intrudes-on-macrons-break-from-politics).
CHINA
"China's Third Plenum Economic Policy Meeting Mostly Avoided Housing Woes," written by Katia Dmitrieva, was published by Bloomberg on July 25, 2024. This article discusses the limited attention given to China's struggling real estate sector during the Third Plenum, a major economic policy meeting in Beijing, highlighting the focus on high-tech manufacturing, security, and trade instead. (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-25/china-s-third-plenum-economic-policy-meeting-mostly-avoided-housing-woes).
"NORAD intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers operating together near Alaska in first such flight," written by Oren Liebermann and Natasha Bertrand, was published by CNN on July 25, 2024. This article details the interception of two Russian TU-95 Bear and two Chinese H-6 bombers by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) while they were operating near Alaska. This marks the first time the two countries have conducted a joint flight in the region, staying in international airspace and not posing an immediate threat. (https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/24/politics/norad-russian-chinese-bombers-alaska/index.html).
"Countering Chinese Aggression in the South China Sea," written by Simon Weiss and Michael Beckley, was published by War on the Rocks on July 23, 2024. This article examines the escalating military coercion by China in the South China Sea, particularly targeting the Philippines, and the strategic implications for U.S. alliances in Asia. It argues for a robust response to counter China's aggressive tactics and prevent further destabilization in the region. (https://warontherocks.com/2024/07/countering-chinese-aggression-in-the-south-china-sea).
"North Korean charged in cyberattacks on US bases, defense firms," written by Nick Ingram, Michael Goldberg, and Heather Hollingsworth, was published by Military Times on July 26, 2024. This article details the indictment of a North Korean military intelligence operative involved in hacking U.S. health care providers, military bases, NASA, and international entities, stealing sensitive information and installing ransomware. (https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2024/07/26/north-korean-charged-in-cyberattacks-on-us-bases-defense-firms).
ISRAEL & THE MIDDLE EAST
"Israel’s Next War: The Mounting Pressure to Fight Hezbollah in Lebanon—and Why That Is So Dangerous," written by Amos Harel, was published by Foreign Affairs on July 23, 2024. This article examines the increasing likelihood of a full-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, highlighting the significant risks and potential regional destabilization that such a war could bring. (https://www.foreignaffairs.com/israel/israels-next-war-hezbollah-lebanon).
"The UAE tries to pull off an ‘Abraham Redux’ in Gaza," written by David Ignatius, was published by The Washington Post on July 23, 2024. This article discusses the United Arab Emirates' efforts to develop a peace plan for Gaza involving a reformed Palestinian Authority and international security support, drawing parallels to the Abraham Accords. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/07/23/uae-israel-hamas-palestinian-authority-gaza-ceasefire-plan).
"Israeli Strike on Port of Hudaydah in Yemen Will Harm Civilians, Not Houthis, Experts Say," written by Vivian Nereim and Shuaib Almosawa, was published by The New York Times on July 21, 2024. This article discusses the repercussions of an Israeli bombing on the port city of Hudaydah in Yemen, highlighting how the strike is likely to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen rather than deter the Houthi militia. (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/21/world/middleeast/israeli-strike-hudaydah-yemen-civilians-houthis.html).
"Who Are the Houthis? What to Know as Red Sea Attacks Continue," written by James Hookway, was published by The Wall Street Journal on January 18, 2024. This article provides an in-depth look at the Houthi rebel group in Yemen, their origins, motivations, and recent escalations in attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea, posing significant threats to global trade and security. (https://www.wsj.com/articles/who-are-the-houthis-red-sea-attacks-continue-75697f9c).
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