Transnational Bodies

Suspected Chinese Spy Targeted California Politicians

December 11, 2020

As revealed by a yearlong investigation by Axios, a suspected Chinese intelligence operative developed extensive ties with local and national politicians, including a U.S. congressman between 2011 and 2015, in what U.S. officials believe was a political intelligence operation run by China’s main civilian spy agency.
China Declares Australia Potential Threat Over Weapon Development

December 08, 2020

China has declared Australia a "potential threat" and "provocation," as the Morrison government announced plans to build and test high-tech cruise missiles with the ability to travel five times the speed of sound and sink aircraft carriers, calling it a provocation.
Howe: When Can a U.S. Company Be Sued for Human Rights Abuses Abroad?

December 02, 2020

Writing for the SCOTUSblog, Amy Howe previews two pending cases in the Supreme Court of the United States that will consider whether foreigners may sue a U.S. company in U.S. courts for alleged violations of international human rights.
UNSC Report Reveals Turkey Remains Transit Hub for Foreign Terrorists

December 01, 2020

The 2020 report to the UN Security Council of the United Nations’ Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team regarding ISIL, al-Qaeda and associated individuals and entities revealed that Turkey continues to be an important transit hub for foreign terrorists and jihadists and a safe haven for Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) affiliated groups across the region.
NATO Needs to Adapt for Future Challenges

December 01, 2020

The New York Times writes that in the face of numerous challenges, including an aggressive Russia and a rising China, a report requested by the NATO secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, recommends significant changes to fortify the alliance’s cohesion and better coordination with democratic allies around the world.
China Runs Trials of Biometric Online ID Card

November 30, 2020

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has launched a trial of an online ID system based on biometrics, including facial scans and fingerprints, that has increased capabilities to track its citizens' online activities.
SCOTUS Strikes Down NY COVID Restrictions on Religious Freedom Grounds

November 30, 2020

In a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that Covid-19 restrictions put in place by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo limiting the number of people attending religious services violated the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment because the regulations treated the houses of worship more harshly than comparable secular facilities.
L.A. Mayor To Shut Down Power and Water for Those Who Don't Follow the Rules

November 25, 2020

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has authorized the city to shut off utility services, including water and power to properties where unauthorized large parties and gatherings are taking place.
The Hill: The U.S. has Officially Withdrawn from the Open Skies Treaty

November 24, 2020

The Trump administration has officially withdrawn from the Open Skies treaty with Russia, a post-Cold War agreement that allowed nations to conduct flyovers of other allies in an attempt to collect military data and other intelligence on neighboring foreign enemies.
Politico: Democratic Nations Urged to Work Together to Confront China

November 24, 2020

Top national security, foreign policy officials and activists attending the annual Halifax Security Forum issued a call for democratic nations to revitalize international institutions and pursue new ways for governments to work together to confront China’s economic and technological warfare as well as their aggressive military buildup.