What is the significance of the "geopolitical chessboard" in the Balkans, and how are external powers like Russia, China, and Turkey influencing the region's stability? The Balkans are significant as a "geopolitical chessboard" because of their strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This region, historically known as a "powder keg," serves as a crucial transit corridor for energy pipelines, trade routes, and military operations. Its instability and slow progress toward full integration with Western institutions like the European Union (EU) and NATO have created a vacuum that external powers are actively trying to fill to expand their own influence and counter Western interests. Influence of External Powers- External powers like Russia, China, and Turkey are leveraging a mix of economic, political, and cultural tools to project influence and shape the region's stability. Russia- Russia's influence in the Balkans is primarily based on historical and cultural ties, particularly with Slavic and Orthodox Christian populations in countries like Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Political and Diplomatic Support: Russia uses its position on the UN Security Council to support Serbia's stance on Kosovo's independence, a key issue that prevents regional stability. It also actively supports pro-Russian political factions and leaders, particularly in the Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to undermine Western-backed initiatives. Energy Leverage: Russia has used its control over energy supplies, especially natural gas, to gain political leverage in the region, although its economic influence has been declining in recent years. Disinformation Campaigns: Russian state-affiliated media outlets, like Sputnik, operate in the region to spread pro-Russian narratives, promote Euroscepticism, and exploit existing ethnic and political divisions. China- China's influence is largely economic, focused on its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Beijing's strategy is to establish a foothold in Europe through large-scale infrastructure projects. Infrastructure Investment: China has invested heavily in the region, funding major projects like highways and railways. These projects, such as the Bar-Boljare highway in Montenegro, are often financed through loans from Chinese state banks, raising concerns about debt trap diplomacy and long-term economic dependence. Access to Europe: By developing ports and railways in the Balkans, China aims to create a logistical gateway for its goods to enter the European market, bypassing traditional EU routes. Political Influence: China's investment comes with minimal political conditions regarding democracy or human rights, which is appealing to some governments in the region that are frustrated with the EU's strict accession requirements. Turkey- Turkey's engagement in the Balkans is driven by historical ties, cultural affinity, and economic ambitions. It aims to be a stabilizing force and a key partner in the region. Cultural and Religious Ties: Turkey's influence is strongest among the region's Muslim communities, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Kosovo, due to its shared Ottoman past. This allows Turkey to build strong cultural and religious ties. Economic Diplomacy: Turkey has free trade agreements with many Balkan states and invests in major infrastructure projects, like the Belgrade-Sarajevo motorway. It also provides military support and training. Geopolitical Balancing Act: Turkey's policy is often a balancing act, seeking good relations with all regional actors. While it is a NATO member and supports EU and NATO accession for Balkan countries, it also pursues its own interests, which can sometimes diverge from those of its Western allies.

What is the role of non-state actors, such as multinational corporations, terrorist organizations, or international NGOs, in shaping modern geopolitical landscapes? Non-state actors like multinational corporations (MNCs), terrorist organizations, and international NGOs play a crucial role in shaping modern geopolitics by operating outside of traditional government structures. They challenge the state-centric model of international relations by wielding significant economic, political, and social influence, often blurring the lines between domestic and international affairs. Their actions can either align with or oppose the interests of sovereign states, leading to both cooperation and conflict. Multinational Corporations (MNCs)- MNCs are powerful economic forces that influence geopolitics through their vast resources and global reach. Their primary role is driven by profit, but their operations have significant political consequences. Economic Leverage and Lobbying: MNCs use their immense financial power to lobby governments, shape trade agreements, and influence regulatory policies in both their home and host countries. Their investment and employment decisions can be critical to a nation's economy, giving them leverage over governments. For example, a corporation might threaten to pull a major factory out of a country to secure favorable tax laws or relaxed labor regulations. Corporate Diplomacy and Geopolitical Strategy: In an era of increasing geopolitical tension, MNCs engage in their own form of diplomacy, navigating sanctions, trade wars, and political instability. They can act as "diplomatic brokers" between nations or, conversely, become pawns in state-on-state rivalries, with their supply chains and assets used as leverage. Infrastructure and Technology: Many MNCs control critical global infrastructure, from telecommunications networks to energy pipelines, and dominate key technological sectors like social media and data services. This gives them power to influence information flows, set global standards, and even aid or hinder state security efforts. Terrorist Organizations- Terrorist organizations are non-state actors that use violence and fear to achieve political, ideological, or religious goals. Their impact on geopolitics is significant and often destabilizing. Challenging State Sovereignty: Terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS directly challenge the sovereignty of states by operating across borders, controlling territory, and imposing their will on local populations. This forces states to dedicate immense resources to counter-terrorism efforts, domestically and internationally. Shaping Foreign Policy: Terrorist attacks have been a major driver of foreign policy decisions for decades. The 9/11 attacks, for example, directly led to the US-led "War on Terror," which reshaped international alliances, led to military interventions in the Middle East, and resulted in a massive increase in global security cooperation. Catalyzing Regional Instability: By exploiting existing ethnic, religious, or political grievances, terrorist groups can exacerbate conflicts, destabilize entire regions, and create humanitarian crises. Their actions can draw external powers into regional conflicts, as seen in Syria and Yemen, complicating peace efforts and fueling proxy wars. International NGOs- International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) are often seen as a force for good, advocating for social and environmental causes. Their influence is rooted in their moral authority, expertise, and ability to mobilize public opinion. Advocacy and Norm-Setting: INGOs like Amnesty International or Greenpeace play a vital role in setting international norms and agendas on issues like human rights, climate change, and humanitarian aid. They can "name and shame" states for their actions, lobbying international bodies and mobilizing public campaigns to pressure governments into changing their policies. Service Provision and Information Gathering: Many NGOs, such as Doctors Without Borders or the Red Cross, provide essential services in conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas where state capacity is lacking. They also act as important sources of information, providing a ground-level perspective on crises that can challenge or complement official state narratives. Filling Governance Gaps: In a world with complex transnational problems, NGOs often fill governance gaps left by states. They create networks of experts, civil society groups, and citizens to tackle issues like poverty, public health, and environmental degradation, often working in partnership with, but also holding accountable, governments and international organizations.

How are shifting alliances and power dynamics between major global players (e.g., the US, China, Russia, and the EU) impacting regional stability in various parts of the world? The shifting alliances and power dynamics between major global players are having a profound and complex impact on regional stability around the world. The traditional post-Cold War international order, often characterized by US hegemony, is being challenged by the rise of new or resurgent powers, creating a more multipolar and contested environment. This has led to a reshaping of alliances, increased competition, and a heightened risk of conflict in various parts of the globe. Here's a breakdown of how these dynamics are affecting regional stability: 1. The Indo-Pacific: US-China Rivalry- The rivalry between the United States and China is arguably the most significant geopolitical dynamic shaping the world today, with its impact most acutely felt in the Indo-Pacific. Formation of new alliances: The US has been strengthening its alliances and forming new ones to counter China's growing military and economic influence. Examples include the AUKUS security pact (Australia, UK, US) and the Quad (US, Japan, India, Australia). These alliances are seen by some as a necessary measure for collective security, while others view them as a source of increased tension and a potential trigger for conflict. Southeast Asia's "hedging" strategy: Countries in Southeast Asia find themselves in a precarious position. They are heavily dependent on China for trade and investment, while relying on the US for security and as a counterweight to Chinese assertiveness in areas like the South China Sea. This has led many to adopt a "hedging" strategy, seeking to engage with both powers without aligning exclusively with either. However, this balancing act is becoming increasingly difficult as pressure from both sides mounts. Economic and technological competition: The US-China rivalry extends beyond military matters into the economic and technological spheres. US tariffs on Chinese goods and bans on certain technologies have prompted companies to relocate their supply chains, with Southeast Asian nations often benefiting from the shift. However, this also creates new dependencies and vulnerabilities for these countries. 2. Europe and Eurasia: The Russia-Ukraine War and its Aftermath- Russia's invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape in Europe, and its ripple effects are being felt globally. NATO expansion and a more unified EU: The invasion has revitalized and expanded NATO, with previously neutral countries like Finland and Sweden joining the alliance. This is a direct response to a perceived Russian threat. The European Union, once seen as struggling with a unified foreign policy, has also demonstrated greater cohesion in its response to Russia, imposing sanctions and providing support to Ukraine. Russia's alignment with China: In the face of Western sanctions and isolation, Russia has deepened its strategic partnership with China. This alignment, which includes economic and diplomatic cooperation, is a key component of the challenge to the US-led international order. For China, a strong relationship with Russia helps to divert US attention from the Indo-Pacific and provides a reliable source of energy. Impact on the Middle East: Russia has also expanded its influence in the Middle East, particularly through its military intervention in Syria. Moscow has cultivated relationships with a wide range of regional players, including Iran, Turkey, and Israel, often positioning itself as a pragmatic and non-ideological partner. This complicates US and EU foreign policy in the region and makes Russia an indispensable actor in addressing regional crises. 3. The Role of the European Union- The EU's role is complex, as it seeks to assert its own foreign policy while navigating its relationships with the other major powers. Seeking "strategic autonomy": The EU has been working to reduce its economic dependencies on both Russia (for energy) and China (for manufacturing and raw materials). This push for "strategic autonomy" is a direct response to the vulnerabilities exposed by the war in Ukraine and the growing US-China competition. Impact on its neighborhood: The EU's foreign policy is most evident in its "European Neighbourhood Policy," which aims to foster stability and prosperity in its neighboring regions to the east and south. This includes promoting democracy and human rights through trade agreements and financial aid. However, the effectiveness of this policy is often challenged by the competing influences of Russia and other regional actors. In summary, the shifting power dynamics between the US, China, Russia, and the EU are creating a more volatile and contested international environment. Regional stability is being impacted by the formation of new alliances, the intensification of great power competition, and the difficult balancing acts that smaller nations are forced to perform. This new era is marked by a heightened risk of interstate conflict and a reevaluation of the norms and institutions that have long underpinned the global order.

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Did You Know Ancient African Kingdoms Used Gold as Currency? Absolutely — ancient African kingdoms were pioneers in using gold as currency and a symbol of wealth and power. Ancient African kingdoms used gold as currency? Long before many parts of the world developed coinage, powerful African empires like Ghana, Mali, and Songhai thrived on the wealth of gold: -The Ghana Empire (circa 300–1200 AD) controlled major gold trade routes across West Africa. -Mansa Musa, the legendary ruler of the Mali Empire, was famed for his vast gold reserves and generosity. -Gold was used not only as money but also to facilitate trade with North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. These kingdoms shaped global economies centuries before European colonization. Gold was a source of power, prestige, and economic stability — foundational to Africa’s rich history. Quote for Thought “Africa’s gold did not just glitter — it built empires and shaped civilizations.” — Treasures of the Past

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Iranian and U.S. delegations wrapped up a fifth round of talks in Rome on Friday and signs of some limited progress emerged in the negotiations aimed at resolving a decades-long dispute over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Despite both Washington and Tehran taking a tough stance in public ahead of the talks on Iran's uranium enrichment, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said there was potential for progress after Oman made several proposals during the talks. "We have just completed one of the most professional rounds of talks ... We firmly stated Iran's position ... The fact that we are now on a reasonable path, in my view, is itself a sign of progress," Araqchi told state TV. "The proposals and solutions will be reviewed in respective capitals ... and the next round of talks will be scheduled accordingly." A senior U.S. official said the talks lasted more than two hours and were both direct and indirect with Omani mediators. "The talks continue to be constructive – we made further progress, but there is still work to be done. Both sides agreed to meet again in the near future. We are grateful to our Omani partners for their continued facilitation," the official said. The stakes are high for both sides. President Donald Trump wants to curtail Tehran's potential to produce a nuclear weapon that could trigger a regional nuclear arms race and perhaps threaten Israel. The Islamic Republic, for its part, wants to be rid of devastating sanctions on its oil-based economy. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said on X the talks between Araqchi and Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff had ended "with some but not conclusive progress". Ahead of the talks, Araqchi wrote on X: "Zero nuclear weapons = we Do have a deal. Zero enrichment = we do NOT have a deal. Time to decide." Among remaining stumbling blocks are Tehran's refusal to ship abroad its entire stockpile of highly enriched uranium - possible raw material for nuclear bombs - or engage in discussions over its ballistic missile programme. Diplomats have said reaching a concrete deal before the summer would technically be impossible given the complexities of an accord. In the meantime, a senior Iranian official involved in nuclear talks with the U.S. said "if Washington drops its 'zero enrichment' demand, a political agreement is feasible." STUMBLING BLOCKS U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that Washington was working to reach an accord that would allow Iran to have a civil nuclear energy programme but not enrich uranium, while acknowledging that this "will not be easy". Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the last say on matters of state, rejected demands to stop refining uranium as "excessive and outrageous", warning that such talks were unlikely to yield results. Iran says it is ready to accept some limits on enrichment, but needs watertight guarantees that Washington would not renege on a future nuclear accord. Trump in his first term in 2018 ditched a 2015 nuclear pact between major powers and Iran. Since returning to office this year, he has restored a "maximum pressure" campaign on Tehran and reimposed sweeping U.S. sanctions that continue to hobble the Iranian economy. Iran responded by escalating enrichment far beyond the 2015 pact's limits. Wendy Sherman, a former U.S. undersecretary who led the U.S. negotiating team that reached the 2015 agreement, earlier said that Tehran presents enrichment as a matter of sovereignty. "I don't think it is possible to get a deal with Iran where they literally dismantle their programme, give up their enrichment, even though that would be ideal," she told Reuters. The cost of failure of the talks could be high. Iran's arch-foe Israel sees Iran's nuclear programme as an existential threat and says it would never allow the clerical establishment to obtain nuclear weapons. Tehran says it has no such ambitions and the purposes are purely civilian. Israel's strategic affairs minister and the head of its foreign intelligence service, Mossad, were also due to be in Rome for talks with the U.S. negotiators. Araqchi said on Thursday that Washington would bear legal responsibility if Israel attacked Iranian nuclear installations, following a CNN report that Israel might be preparing strikes. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Iranian foreign minister said..... The United States would be held responsible in the event of an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear sites, Iran’s foreign minister has warned, after CNN reported that Israel could be preparing strikes. Iran and the US, Israel’s closest ally, will hold a fifth round of nuclear talks on Friday amid deep disagreement over uranium enrichment in Iran, which Washington says could lead to developing nuclear bombs. Tehran has consistently denied seeking a bomb and insisted its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes. “Iran strongly warns against any adventurism by the Zionist regime of Israel and will decisively respond to any threat or unlawful act by this regime,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a letter addressed to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. “I have called on the international community to take effective preventive measures against the continuation of Israeli threats, which if unchecked, will compel Iran to take special measures in defence of our nuclear facilities and materials,” Araghchi said. The minister said Tehran would view Washington as a “participant” in any such attack. “The nature, content, and extent of our actions will correspond and be proportionate to preventive measures taken by these international bodies in accordance with their statutory duties and obligations,” he added. Araghchi’s remarks follow a CNN report on Tuesday that described the US as having “new intelligence suggesting that Israel is making preparations to strike Iranian nuclear facilities”. Israel has not acknowledged any preparations, though officials up to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have repeatedly threatened to strike Iran’s nuclear sites to prevent it from being able to obtain a nuclear weapon, should it choose to pursue one. The US and Iran are due to hold indirect talks on Friday in Rome in what would be their fifth round of negotiations over a possible deal that could see Tehran limit or end its enrichment of uranium, in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. Israel has repeatedly opposed such an agreement between the US and Iran. Later on Thursday, Araghchi said in an interview carried by Iranian state TV that if the US aims to end uranium enrichment then there will be no nuclear deal. US officials have said “that they do not believe in enrichment in Iran … and it has to stop completely; if this is their goal there will be no deal”, Araqchi said. The foreign minister said the idea of a uranium enrichment consortium with the participation of other nations is not bad, but will not replace enrichment on Iranian soil. Earlier this week, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said US demands that Tehran stop enriching uranium were “excessive and outrageous”. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which reports directly to Khamenei, also warned on Thursday that Israel would receive a “devastating and decisive response” if it attacks Iran. “They are trying to frighten us with war, but are miscalculating as they are unaware of the powerful popular and military support the Islamic Republic can muster in war conditions,” IRGC spokesperson Alimohammad Naini was quoted by state media as saying. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Iran’s top diplomat insisted that Tehran will never stop enriching uranium, reinforcing the Islamic Republic’s hard line ahead of a new round of indirect talks with the United States over its fast-advancing nuclear program. Iran's foreign ministry later confirmed it has agreed to take part in the next round of talks Friday in Rome. The comments by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi come after multiple rounds of talks between the two nations, including at an expert level over the details of a possible deal. American officials including President Donald Trump, Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintain that Iran must give up enrichment — something it didn’t do in its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. “I have said it before, and I repeat it again: uranium enrichment in Iran will continue — with or without an agreement,” Araghchi said, according to state television. Araghchi added that Iran was “currently reviewing whether to participate in the next round and when to take part” in talks with the U.S. Negotiators previously met in Muscat, Oman, and Rome but Trump’s trip to the Mideast last week delayed any new meeting. Later Wednesday, Oman’s foreign minister announced that the fifth round of indirect talks will be Friday in Rome. The minister made the comment on social media. Oman has long served as a mediator, facilitating quiet diplomacy amid tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and regional security. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, in a post on X later confirmed that Tehran has agreed to take part in the new round of talks. Washington has not confirmed the meeting or announced whether it will attend. “We have never abandoned diplomacy. We will always be present at the negotiating table, and the main reason for our presence is to defend the rights of the Iranian people,” Araghchi said. “We stand against excessive demands and rhetoric at the table.” Araghchi’s remarks came a day after Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said he didn’t expect the negotiations to produce a deal. “I don’t think nuclear talks with the U.S. will bring results. I don’t know,” Khamenei said. The talks seek to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of some of the crushing economic sanctions the U.S. has imposed on the Islamic Republic, closing in on half a century of enmity. Trump has repeatedly threatened to unleash airstrikes targeting Iran’s program if a deal isn’t reached. Iranian officials increasingly warn that they could pursue a nuclear weapon with their stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. Meanwhile, Israel has threatened to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities on its own if it feels threatened, further worsening tensions in the Mideast already spiked by the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers capped Tehran’s enrichment level at 3.67% and reduced its uranium stockpile to 300 kilograms (661 pounds). That level is enough for nuclear power plants, but far below weapons-grade levels of 90%. Since the nuclear deal collapsed in 2018 with Trump’s unilateral withdrawal of the U.S. from the accord, Iran has abandoned all limits on its program and enriched uranium to up to 60% purity — a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels. There have also been a series of attacks at sea and on land in recent years, stemming from the tensions even before the Israel-Hamas war began. By Jo Ikeji-Uju https://afriprime.net/pages/Anything