Since 2017, Russia has become increasingly involved in the affairs of the Central African Republic (CAR). A recent agreement between the two countries granted the Russian mining company "Lobaye Invest" exclusive mineral rights to ore deposits throughout the country. Activity in these sites has resulted in observable environmental degradation in the mining permit areas.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine presents potential environmental consequences. Since early 2022, Russian forces have attacked multiple oil refineries across the country. Watershed analysis indicates that contamination from these attacks could pollute lands, groundwater, and seep into nearby surface waters.
The water crisis in Afghanistan highlights the importance of Taliban management of Afghan dams. Our analysis of open source data and commercial satellite imagery reveals that, as a gesture towards improved relations, the Taliban has begun to release water into Iran with greater frequency than the former Afghan government.
In 2017, a Chinese national security law mandated citizens and business entities comply with requests for information by Chinese intelligence agencies. With this law, the presence of Chinese telecommunications companies in South America poses potential security threats.