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THE SILOVIKI: Russia's Dominant Power Figures and Potential Successors to Putin

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Since the recent alleged "coup" attempt in Russia, there has been significant curiosity surrounding the influential individuals within Kremlin circles. Many are questioning who holds sway over Putin and whether there are any potential future threats of a putsch against him. In this discussion, let's delve into Putin's inner circle, comprising of the "siloviki" and the "oligarchs". These individuals possess the levers of political power in present-day Russia. Who are they, and what roles do they play in relation to Putin? Could one of them potentially succeed Putin as the President of Russia when he is no longer considered indispensable? President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin WHO ARE THE "SILOVIKI"? The "siloviki" also known as "seurocrats" in political science, are individuals who have a background in security and military services (such as the former KGB, or current FSB) and have secured positions within ...

NORTH KOREA: The Tragic Tale of Otto Warmbier (PART 2)

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What led to the unfortunate situation of an exceptional young man, often described as the epitome of the "all-American boy," being arrested in North Korea and eventually returning home after seventeen months in a feeble and pitiable state? We delve deep into Otto Warmbier's story, examining the transition from a trip of a lifetime to an absolute nightmare. In the first part  of this harrowing account, we explored Warmbier's background, the reasons behind his visit to North Korea, and a comprehensive examination of his arrest. The government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) accused him of engaging in espionage on behalf of the United States of America. They subjected him to a farcical "kangaroo court," parading him in front of cameras as he pleaded for his life, only to then confine him in a harsh labor camp without any communication with his family for several months. What unfolded during Warmbier's time in captivity, and how did h...

NORTH KOREA: The Tragic Tale of Otto Warmbier (PART 1)

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In the shadows of the global stage, North Korea stands as a notorious symbol of a heartless regime, its brutal gulags, and the deplorable conditions endured by its prisoners. The haunting accounts of survivors from these harrowing "labour camps" expose a world where sadistic prison guards unleash torture, starvation, and unimaginable abuse upon helpless inmates day after day. Today, we delve into the devastating story of Otto Warmbier—a promising, young, and vibrant "All-American" college student with a future brimming with possibilities. Little did he know that his journey would take an unexpected turn when he embarked on a package tour to North Korea from China, where he was studying abroad. What transpired within the confines of the reclusive nation remains shrouded in mystery, but one undeniable truth remains: Otto returned home to Cincinnati, his beloved hometown, in a coma, tragically passing away on 19th June 2017. Did this young American student fall victim ...

HOW TIKTOK STEALS YOUR DATA: More than a social app?

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Social media has become an integral part of our daily routines, offering endless hours of entertainment and a convenient platform to connect with loved ones. However, behind the facade of viral videos and heartwarming posts, lies a murky world of data mining and exploitation that often goes unnoticed. TikTok, the wildly popular social media app, is no exception to this trend. With a questionable data distribution policy and a cloud of suspicion surrounding its ownership, many are beginning to question the motives behind the app's data collection practices. So, who exactly owns TikTok, and what is their relationship with China? Why are Western governments growing increasingly concerned about the potential use of this app for espionage? Join us as we take a deep dive into the inner workings of TikTok and explore the unsettling truth about the kind of user data that is being collected, and the sinister motives behind it all. Buckle up, this is going to be a wild ride! WHAT IS TIKTOK? ...

MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION

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Disinformation and misinformation are two related concepts that refer to false or misleading information. WHAT IS DISINFORMATION AND MISINFORMATION? Disinformation refers to false or misleading information that is intentionally spread with the goal of deceiving people or manipulating their beliefs or opinions. It is often spread by individuals or organizations with specific agendas, such as governments, political campaigns, or special interest groups. Disinformation can be distributed through a variety of channels, including social media, news media, and propaganda. Misinformation, on the other hand, refers to false or misleading information that is spread without the intention of deceiving people or manipulating their beliefs or opinions. Misinformation can be shared unintentionally through inaccurate reporting or through the sharing of rumors or urban legends. It can also be spread intentionally by people who are not aware that the information they are sharing is false or misleading....

UKRAINE: ANNIVERSARY OF INVASION

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The one year anniversary since the start of the Russian illegal invasion of Ukraine is approaching. The  statistics are very grim when it comes to the suffering of the war. There was just over an estimated 7,000 civilian casualties in the past year, with almost 12,000 civilians suffering injuries. This included 800 children injured and 430 dead.  The military casualties have been high on both sides. It's very hard to say how many deaths occurred, as keeping a record in an active war is difficult. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy , said in December 2022 that around 13,000 Ukrainian soldiers have lost their lives in this deadly war. On the Russian side, it has been a lot higher. It is estimated that the number of Russian troops killed or injured in Ukraine is approaching 200,000 .  A THREE-DAY WAR  At the beginning of the invasion, some parties such as Belarus, believed that the war would last three or four days. The belief was that Ukrainians will wel...

RUSSIA: Using Nuclear Energy as a Coercive Tool in Geopolitics

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Rosatom is one of the biggest nuclear energy companies in the world. It has building projects in many different international countries, but it is also owned by the Russian Federation. The same Russia that is responsible for the illegal invasion in Ukraine, and the overall political instability and fear in Europe.  In this post, we will explore what Rosatom is, and what ongoing projects they have with Hungary and Turkey. We find out if those deals can influence these two NATO outliers to make choices that are friendly to the Kremlin, but hurt the West.  WHAT IS ROSATOM? Rosatom, or in full Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation, is one of the largest companies in the nuclear energy industry in the world. It is a Russian state corporation with headquarters in Moscow. They specialize in high-tech products, nuclear energy, and nuclear non-energy goods. The Rosatom flag with the Russian Federation flag (Picture: Unknown)  It was established in 2007. It is an umbrella corpor...