French flag
Information Warfare

Censorship of COVID-19 Demonstrations in France

by Antonios J. Bokas

Abstract: French protesters in anti-vaccine demonstrations from 2021 accused journalists of collaboration. However, an in-depth study of French internet news media revealed that journalists widely covered the events. Findings indicate that the internet continues to be a beachhead against oppressive censorship. Furthermore, strong support of unbiased journalism can reduce public distrust of the press and improve social discourse.

… Censorship of COVID-19 Demonstrations in France
Information Warfare

Mexican Information Operations: Restoring National Dignity

by Antonios J. Bokas

Abstract: Information operations have played an important role in the nation since insurgent efforts in the early 1990s. Mexico began a stark decline after the start of the drug-war in 2006, in which the government violently countered criminal cartels with military force. Since then, Mexico has executed information operations of varying complexity. To examine current Mexican information operations, a historical account of such operations was created and compared with present time activity via an in-depth study using structured analytic techniques.

… Mexican Information Operations: Restoring National Dignity
Smog in Shanghai
Economic Security

Environmental Protection and the China Advantage

by Antonios J. Bokas

Abstract: China has adhered to various types of Emissions Trading Systems since the late 20th century. However, in order to maximize their economic output, China has circumvented emissions restrictions by retaining its status as a developing nation. While China has made substantial progress in reducing intranational pollution, critics contend they are simply exporting pollution to other nations. The US must take charge of its bilateral relationship with China if it desires to maintain its status as the leader of international environmental protection efforts.

… Environmental Protection and the China Advantage
Circuit Board
Economic Security

Forced Labor in Imported Computers and Electronics

by Antonios J. Bokas

Abstract: Evidence from public reports and research indicates forced labor operations are used in China and Malaysia to manufacture computers and electronics, which are imported into the US. Further research reveals that mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for minerals essential to computers and electronics is influenced by militia gangs that also utilize forced labor. Recommendations for detecting and preventing forced labor situations in supply chains are therefore examined and provided.

… Forced Labor in Imported Computers and Electronics
Chinese Navy
Foreign Affairs

Chinese Activity in the South China Sea

by Antonios J. Bokas

Abstract: China has strong economic and military interests in the South China Sea. However, it demonstrably over-utilizes its military capability against nearby nations to the point of diplomatically and politically isolating itself from them. The US should build its alliances with nearby nations in the Indo-Pacific in order to counter Chinese aggression. US alliances that exploit China’s recklessness could force them to capitulate to accepted norms of the region or shift away from South China Sea dependency in the long-term.

… Chinese Activity in the South China Sea
Philippines
Foreign Affairs

Insurgency in the Philippines

by Antonios J. Bokas

Abstract: The Philippine counterinsurgency has made significant progress towards dismantling ethno-nationalist, Islamist, and communist insurgencies. These insurgencies began after foreign powers colonized the Filipino people and some communities rebelled in order to return government control to the populace. Insurgents born from these rebellions have also targeted civilians in order to accomplish their ideological and financial goals; therefore, people visiting the Philippines should take precautions to protect themselves from exploitation.

… Insurgency in the Philippines
US-Mexico Border
Domestic Security

The Three Greatest Dangers of Open Border Policies

by Antonios J. Bokas

Abstract: Open border policies are designed to erode the ability of law enforcement and justice officials to enforce immigration law. Current legislation in the House of Representatives, such as the New Way Forward Act, seeks to diminish penalties for felons who illegally reenter the US and remove penalties for immigration-related marriage fraud. If such modifications are passed, they will open the door for smugglers to further exploit illegal immigrants, many of which are already destitute and financially impoverished. Further, the negative effects of drug trafficking will be magnified by open border policies.

… The Three Greatest Dangers of Open Border Policies
Chinese flag
Economic Security

Chinese Intellectual Property Theft

by Antonios J. Bokas

Abstract: China uses disinformation and backdoor methods of intimidation to obtain US intellectual property in bad faith. They will continue to steal US intellectual property unless the US better enforces proprietary rights and counters Chinese disinformation in US media. The two largest factors that motivate China to comply with US intellectual property laws are fear of retaliation and economic dependency. If both of these factors are removed, China will further exploit US intellectual property to the point of harming the US economy permanently.

… Chinese Intellectual Property Theft