In Geopolitics Today: Thursday, June 15th
Chemists Unlock Water-Splitting Catalysts for Clean Hydrogen, Indonesia Purchases Mirage 2000-5 Jets from Qatar, and other stories.
Chemists Unlock Water-Splitting Catalysts for Clean Hydrogen
In a significant breakthrough, chemists from the University of Kansas and Brookhaven National Laboratory have made progress in the pursuit of generating pure hydrogen without relying on fossil fuels. Through pulse radiolysis experiments, the researchers have uncovered the complete reaction mechanism for a group of catalysts used in water-splitting. This development brings scientists closer to producing clean hydrogen from renewable energy sources.
The study was based on the research led by James Blakemore, an associate professor of chemistry at the University of Kansas. Blakemore and his team collaborated with scientists at Brookhaven, utilizing specialized techniques such as pulse radiolysis at the Accelerator Center for Energy Research. The research focused on a catalyst composed of a pentamethylcyclopentadienyl rhodium complex. This breakthrough not only highlights the potential for clean hydrogen generation, but also serves as a stepping stone for advancements in catalysts and chemical systems. Going forward, the researchers aim to apply similar techniques to nuclear fuel recycling and actinide species handling, showcasing the wide-ranging impact of their work.
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Russia Shifts Dividend Payments for Oil Projects to Chinese Yuan
Russia has made a significant shift in its payment practices for oil projects, opting to pay dividends from the Sakhalin 1 and 2 oil projects in Chinese yuan instead of US dollars. The move comes as Russia seeks alternative payment methods following its exclusion from US dollar-dominated global payments systems. The decision to pay in yuan reflects the increasing popularity of the Chinese currency, with its share of foreign exchange transactions in Russia reaching a record high of 39% in March, surpassing the US dollar.
This shift to yuan payments presents both opportunities and challenges for Russia. While it allows Russia to bypass the restrictions imposed by Western sanctions, accumulating large amounts of yuan can pose difficulties in trading the currency, as India, for example, imports more from Russia than it exports. Nevertheless, the trend of increasing yuan transactions and Russia's adoption of the currency reflects the ongoing geopolitical and economic shifts in the international financial landscape, challenging the dominance of the US dollar as a reserve currency. As Russia and other countries explore alternative settlement currencies, the dollar's reserve currency status may face further challenges, potentially favouring China's influence in global financial transactions.
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Indonesia Purchases Mirage 2000-5 Jets from Qatar
Indonesia has officially confirmed its purchase of 12 Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from Qatar's armed forces. The $792 million deal was signed in January with Excalibur International, a unit of Czech defence company Czechoslovak Group acting as an agent for the jets. The purchase, funded by foreign loans, aims to address Indonesia's immediate security needs while preparing for the delivery of 42 new Rafale jet fighters in 2026. The acquisition marks a departure from Indonesia's historical reliance on Russian military equipment, as the planned purchase of Su-35 jets from Russia was complicated by US sanctions.
The Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets, manufactured by French company Dassault Aviation, were originally acquired by the Qatar Emiri Air Force in the late 1990s but have seen limited use. Previous attempts to sell the jets by Qatar to countries like Pakistan and India have been unsuccessful. With this purchase, Indonesia becomes the top client of French military equipment in Southeast Asia and one of the top clients in Asia, alongside India. The decision to diversify its defence equipment suppliers reflects Indonesia's concerns over Russia's political and military situation and the challenges posed by US sanctions. By opting for alternative suppliers, Indonesia is taking an alternative approach to modernizing its military and enhancing its air force capabilities.
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US Open to Expanding UN Security Council
The waning US hegemony in the international system has become increasingly evident, prompting discussions on the expansion and reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). While previous US administrations were hesitant, the Biden administration has shown willingness to potentially add new permanent members, with Japan and India being logical choices due to their economic and military power. Supporters argue that expanding the UNSC would better reflect global power dynamics and enhance the council's legitimacy and effectiveness. However, critics express concerns about decision-making processes and potential gridlock with a larger group of permanent members.
The Russo-Ukrainian War highlighted the diminishing influence of the United States, with other powers like Russia, China, and Brazil pursuing independent diplomatic initiatives despite US objections. Washington's freezing and seizing of Russian assets has prompted diversification of economic agreements and reduced reliance on the US dollar as the world's reserve currency. By initiating reforms that reflect present-day economic and military realities, the US aims to establish a modern concert of great powers and secure a favourable international environment. While the US openness to expanding the UN Security Council marks a significant shift, the ultimate outcome and impact of this potential reform remain uncertain. The complex dynamics of global governance and power relations, as well as the interests and positions of various countries, will continue to shape discussions and negotiations regarding the future of the Security Council.
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Israel's Rafael Unveils Hypersonic Missile Defence System
Israel’s Rafael has unveiled SkySonic, a hypersonic missile defence system. SkySonic's purported exceptional precision and manoeuvrability offer effective countermeasures against hypersonic threats. With hypersonic missiles posing significant challenges in detection and tracking, the interceptor's non-ballistic trajectory and advanced capabilities aim to swiftly neutralize targets. The system's debut at the Paris Air Show has attracted substantial global attention, reflected in orders surpassing $11.2 billion.
The SkySonic interceptor is anticipated to provide comprehensive defence against various hypersonic threats, including ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. While the Pentagon has reportedly already been briefed on its capabilities, the timing of its deployment by the Israeli military remains uncertain. Intercepting hypersonic missiles is a formidable task due to their speed and complex trajectories. Israel's announcement of SkySonic comes in the wake of Iran's unveiling of the domestically produced ballistic hypersonic missile, Fattah, reputedly capable of evading short-range defences such as Iron Dome. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed confidence in effectively implementing the system, albeit without divulging specifics.