The armed forces are taking steps towards embracing the energy transition, despite initial skepticism about the feasibility of electrifying military vehicles. The US Army is now designing a light vehicle that would weigh five tons and be hybrid or electric, following Ukraine’s demonstration of the risks associated with traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. However, the Marines are hesitant to discuss electrification.
In other news, the Panguna copper mine in Papua New Guinea, which sparked a brutal war resulting in 20,000 deaths between 1989 and 1998, could potentially reopen and bring prosperity to the region. The mine, previously exploited by the Anglo-Australian multinational Rio Tinto, may benefit from the increasing global demand for copper due to the energy transition.
Chinese monetary policy remains a topic of speculation and scrutiny, with President Xi Jinping’s recent comments suggesting potential changes. The opaque nature of China’s central bank actions raises questions about the country’s approach to economic policies.
On the international front, the United States and the United Kingdom have signed a landmark agreement on Artificial Intelligence, signaling a new era of collaboration in this technology-driven field. The alliance builds on existing intelligence-sharing frameworks and underscores the growing significance of AI in national security.
Lastly, the controversial practice of selling citizenship in Caribbean countries for economic gain has come under scrutiny for potential misuse by criminals. Despite efforts to increase the price of these “golden passports” to deter illicit activities, concerns persist about the impact of these practices on security and transparency.