CONFLICTED 2025 Year in Review
20 snips
Dec 30, 2025 As 2025 wraps up, the hosts dive into the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States and its implications for regional unity. They explore the chaotic dynamics of Sudan's civil war, dissecting international influences and support. The conversation shifts to the EU's renewed interest in Central Asia and the Turkic bloc's rising influence. Bangladesh's pivot away from India toward China is also highlighted. Finally, the ongoing Malay-Muslim insurgency in Thailand receives much-needed attention, showcasing the complexities of state authority in tumultuous regions.
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Sahel Bloc Moves From Alliance To Proto‑State
- Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger formed the Alliance of Sahel States and pushed concrete integration like a biometric passport and common customs.
- They shifted security ties away from France toward Russia and private military actors, creating a new sovereignist bloc.
Geopolitics In West Africa Is Triangular
- Russia and the Gulf deepen influence in West Africa to access minerals and trade crossroads, challenging France and the West.
- The region becomes a three-way battleground between Russia, France and Islamist groups for strategic routes and resources.
Sudan's War Expanded To Strategic Coastal Targets
- The Sudan war escalated as the RSF used drones to strike the Red Sea coast, disrupting ports and humanitarian routes.
- Capture of Al-Fashir worsened displacement and atrocity reports, raising risks of regional spillover.