In Geopolitics Today: Wednesday, January 4th
NATO Algorithms Enhance Ukraine's Digital Kill Chain, Surveillance and AI to Offset Reduced US Presence in the Middle East, and other stories.
NATO Algorithms Enhance Ukraine's Digital Kill Chain
The Ukrainian military is utilizing data, technology, and artificial intelligence to gain knowledge in real time and anticipate future events on the battlefield. By using a digital model of the battlefield, NATO can quickly aid Ukraine in delivering precise enemy location information to Ukrainian commanders.
The use of these advanced algorithmic warfare systems is said to be equivalent to having tactical nuclear weapons against an adversary with only conventional weapons. In addition to the use of AI on the battlefield, the Ukrainian military is also using commercial satellites and drones to gather intelligence and confirm strikes. The use of technology is giving Ukraine a decisive advantage and is transforming the way wars are fought.
Read more about this story here.
France Pledges More Military Support for Lebanon
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu visited Lebanon on Tuesday to meet with Lebanese counterparts and offer support to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). He conveyed a message from French President Emmanuel Macron to create a program of military cooperation between the two countries and boost support to the LAF.
France has previously provided aid to the LAF, and Lecornu emphasized the importance of electing a president during his visit. He also visited the site of the port explosion in Beirut and met with the Lebanese Army Commander and the Speaker of Parliament. The visit came as Lebanon is experiencing a severe financial and political crisis, which has been exacerbated by a migration. Macron has previously called for a change in Lebanon’s political leadership in order to address these issues.
Read more about this story here.
Burkina Faso Requests France Withdraws Ambassador
The French foreign ministry has confirmed that it received a request from the Burkinabe authorities to expel France's ambassador from Burkina Faso. This move signals a further deterioration in relations between Burkina Faso and its former colonizer, France, which has strong economic and military ties with other former colonies in West Africa.
Protests against France's military presence in Burkina Faso surged in 2021, partly due to France's perceived inefficiency in tackling armed groups that have spread their influence in the region from neighbouring Mali. Burkina Faso’s interim President Ibrahim Traore appeared to be interested in maintaining a pragmatic security relationship with France in the first year of his tenure, but the recent expulsion of French officials indicates deteriorating relations.
Read more about this story here.
Surveillance and AI to Offset Reduced US Presence in the Middle East
A US Army sergeant has developed a computer program to train soldiers to respond to drone attacks using a laptop. Sgt. Mickey Reeve of the Massachusetts Army National Guard created the simulator to train soldiers in “battle drills” to effectively engage drones.
The simulator has been chosen by US Central Command’s (CENTOM’s) “Innovation Oasis” contest, and it is expected the project will be ready for military-wide distribution within six months. It will be tested at various sites in the Middle East as part of Red Sands, a new CENTCOM-led consortium aimed at testing counter-drone technology. Through this program, Washington hopes to limit its military footprint in the region by opting for cheap ways to safeguard US interests.
Read more about this story here.
The United States between Greece and Turkey
Turkey and Greece have a long history of conflict and tension, with the United States often acting as a mediator to prevent war. However, in recent years, relations between the US and both Turkey and Greece have changed and contemporary Turkish views of the US are negative.
The main point of contention between Turkey and Greece has been the issue of Cypriot sovereignty, with both countries threatening to turn to Moscow for support and the US attempting to prevent larger-scale conflict through mediation. In recent years, Turkey has become more assertive in its foreign policy, leading to increased tensions with Greece and the US. It is uncertain Washington will handle these tensions, and the US may need to be proactive in order to prevent a major crisis.