In Geopolitics Today: Monday, April 10th
Israel Signs $400m Deal to Sell Anti-tank Missiles to Greece, World's Largest LNG Buyers Sign MOU to Collaborate on Gas Purchases, and other stories.
Israel Signs $400m Deal to Sell Anti-tank Missiles to Greece
Israel has signed a deal to sell anti-tank missiles to Greece for $400 million, which will strengthen the Greek army's portfolio of operational tools, according to Yoav Har-Even, CEO of state-owned defence contractor Rafael. This comes after a similar deal with newly-inducted NATO member Finland, which agreed to a $345 million deal with Israel and Rafael for the advanced air defense system, David's Sling.
The sales are expected to boost Israel's defence exports and foster strategic collaborations with Greece and Finland, respectively. The purchases come amid growing demand for advanced military technology in Europe, particularly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Greece has also committed €19 million in military aid to Ukraine. The deals highlight the geopolitical significance of Israel's growing defence industry and its role in bolstering the military capabilities of other nations. At the same time, the replacement of Soviet-era weapons systems for Greece will allow them to be transferred to Ukraine in greater number.
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Lack of International Standards for Deep-Sea Mining
The mining of valuable minerals from the ocean floor has been a topic of concern for many years, with worries over the environmental impact and lack of scientific research. However, the potential for deep-sea mining has continued to grow, driven by the global demand for metals such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese, which are essential for clean energy infrastructure and the production of electric vehicles. As the International Seabed Authority (ISA) considers applications for deep-sea mining, concerns are growing over the lack of international standards and the geopolitical implications of the industry.
The industry is currently dominated by a few powerful countries, including China, Russia, and Norway, and the competition for control over maritime boundaries and resource rights could exacerbate existing geopolitical tensions. Beyond its impact on great power competition, deep-sea mining is also likely to increase the geopolitical relevance of island nations, which have traditionally been on the periphery of international politics. While some island nations support the harnessing of their mineral wealth, others are concerned about the potential impact on the environment and the vulnerability of their governments to external pressures. The expansion of deep-sea mining is likely to give rise to geopolitical conflicts, making it essential that international standards and regulations are established to prevent the industry from becoming a source of tension between countries.
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US Military and Mongolia Strengthen Partnership
The United States military has been strengthening its partnership with Mongolia through consistent support from its army advisors. Two advisor teams from the 2nd Battalion of the 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade have partnered with the Mongolian Land Forces Command since early 2021, and this partnership has persisted and evolved. The teams are focused on providing strategic support for Mongolia's peacekeeping operations and the development of non-commissioned officer (NCO) training programs.
In addition to small unit leadership, interoperability and NCO development, the advisors have also been provided with basic and advanced training for cold weather operations in the extreme weather conditions of Mongolia. The partnership has also been geared towards developing mutual understanding of each other's political and military cultures while strengthening ties between the two nations. The continuity of this partnership for Washington promises greater influence over Mongolia, allowing it to affect outcomes in a strategic location between China and Russia.
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World's Largest LNG Buyers Sign MOU to Collaborate on Gas Purchases
Korea Gas Corp. (KOGAS) and Japan's JERA have reached an understanding to collaborate in the LNG industry. The two companies are the world's largest buyers of liquified natural gas (LNG) in recent years, and the memorandum of understanding could bring them closer together for discussions on LNG purchases. The move is part of a broader regional goal of increased intra-Asian coordination on LNG purchases.
With changes in the global LNG market and concerns about the availability of LNG supplies in the future, the joint purchase of gas is a potential outcome of this collaboration. In Europe, discussions on potential joint purchases of natural gas are also underway. These talks come after a significant increase in natural gas prices in 2022, in part due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As countries seek to reduce their reliance on Russia, there is a growing need for coordination and cooperation in the natural gas market. The South Korea-Japan MoU is a step towards that goal, and it could lead to further cooperation in the LNG market in the future. The collaboration between these two major buyers could also have implications for natural gas producers around the world.
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Pakistan Plans New Anti-Terrorism Operation
Pakistan's National Security Committee has announced plans to launch an extensive operation against terrorism with the support of the entire nation and government. This move follows the government's decision to rebuke opposition leader former Prime Minister Imran Khan for prior negotiations with militant group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan. The operation is expected to create an increase in violence, with a focus on remote border areas, and could have a range of implications for Pakistan's politics, economy, and relations with Afghanistan.
The operation is likely to result in a delay or suppression of the upcoming provincial elections in Punjab and could distract authorities from necessary economic reforms, potentially worsening the country's dire economic situation. Additionally, the scope of the operation could have significant implications for Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan, with the possibility of further airstrikes and tensions with the Taliban. While the 2014 operation improved security, it also resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people and the displacement of nearly one million others.