The Chinese Application of the Security Law in Hong Kong—Why Now?

In 1997, after 156 years of British rule, the United Kingdom transferred responsibility for the city-state of Hong Kong to China. Twenty-three years later, in 2020, China enacted a security law that extends its powers over Hong Kong in contravention of the terms of that transfer. In doing so, Beijing is signaling its determination to expand its area of control and influence even in the face of international criticism.

The Chinese Media’s Take on US Unrest

The state-controlled Chinese media enthusiastically covered the protests and rioting attending the George Floyd killing. It compared the American protests to the protests in Hong Kong and used the rioting and violence in the US as evidence that the democratic system is hypocritical and morally bankrupt.

Israeli Sovereignty and Its Unlikely Benefactors

Dr. Alex Joffe
July 13, 2020
Paper No. 1641

PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s enthusiasm for the idea of applying Israeli sovereignty to parts of the West Bank can be explained by the desire to seize the historic opportunity created by President Trump’s uniquely favorable attitude to Israel. There is another element, however, that warrants close attention: Netanyahu’s reaction to the Obama administration’s relentless hostility.

The Attacks on the Uniqueness of the Holocaust

The last decade has seen an explosion of attacks on the memory of the Holocaust. This expresses itself in many ways, including the casting of doubt on the Holocaust’s uniqueness. This version was aired in recent public debates in Germany and can also be found in historical manipulations by academic scholars.

The Rise of the Indo-Pacific

Emil Avdaliani
July 12, 2020
Paper No. 1639

The world is witnessing the rise of a new geopolitical concept: the Indo-Pacific. The shift of American attention toward the Indo-Pacific could create more room for maneuver for Russia and Iran in their respective neighborhoods over the long term.

Iran’s Lawfare in Europe Normalizes Its Geopolitical Strategy

Iran has shifted away from political assassinations of Ahwazi Arab and Kurdish opposition figures in Europe. It is now trying to normalize its ethnocentric, Khomeinist revolutionary agenda abroad by using lawfare and playing politics. This new approach is a more “diplomatic” and “acceptable” means of asserting hard and soft power, and poses a danger to the prospects for effective US sanctions enforcement.

Turkey’s Demographics Defy Erdoğan’s Designs

Burak Bekdil
July 10, 2020
Paper No. 1636

Only 12% of Turks say they trust Islamic clerics, and more and more young Turks are unhappy at religious school. As high a proportion as 60.5% of pro-Erdoğan youths say they would rather live in Switzerland with half the salary they could have earned in Saudi Arabia. The fertility rate has fallen to 1.99—below the 2.1 rate required to sustain existing population figures. Despite Erdoğan’s unchallenged popularity, power, and authoritarian rule, Turkey is evolving demographically in a way that defies the dictates of Islamist social engineering.

Hamas Views Application of Sovereignty as a Potential Opportunity

Yaakov Lappin
July 9, 2020
Paper No. 1634

As Hamas weighs its response to the application of Israeli sovereignty to parts of the West Bank, it continues to raise a terror army, build up its rocket arsenal, and plot to increase its presence in the West Bank.

Sovereignty in the Face of International Pressure

At critical junctures a national leadership should be expected to uphold its country’s sovereign right to pursue its own vital interests, even in the face of heavy international pressure.

Palestinians See Major Threat in UAE Aid Shipment Via Israel

Dr. Edy Cohen
July 8, 2020
Paper No. 1631

Is the UAE beginning to open relations with Israel at the expense of the Palestinians? The PA thinks so, and is willing to deny its own people urgently needed humanitarian aid during a global health crisis to make their point.

Perspectives Papers