Global Commons
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Contemplations
Aquafarming Now Main Global Source for Fish, U.N. Food Agency Says
REUTERS | Photos by AFP/Getty Images For the first time, farmed aquatic production has exceeded the catch from traditional fisheries, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said in mid-2024, underscoring hopes that aquaculture can meet growing global demand for seafood. In its latest biennial report on the state of world fisheries, the Rome-based FAO said global fisheries and…
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Features
Island Security
FORUM Staff Papua New Guinea (PNG) celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence from Australia on September 16, 2025. Buildings will be draped in the national colors of red, black and gold and expect a ceremonial flag-raising; parades; sporting events; and cultural festivals with music, dances and costumes. Rehearsals began in 2023 when the country’s Department of Personnel Management urged…
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Features
Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction
FORUM STAFF The first case of COVID-19 reported outside the People’s Republic of China (PRC) involved a Chinese citizen who flew to Thailand on January 8, 2020. Days earlier, Thai health officials had begun screening arriving passengers after reports of an atypical pneumonia surfaced in China. The Chinese passenger tested positive for the new virus, called severe acute respiratory syndrome…
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Features
Arctic Aggression
FORUM Staff The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is not an Arctic nation. Its northern border is nearly 1,500 kilometers from the Arctic Circle and even farther from the Arctic Ocean. Yet the PRC is encroaching upon the frozen region to control its vast resources and exploit the strategic location for economic and potentially military purposes. The PRC arbitrarily declared…
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Features
Generating an Edge
FORUM Staff The autonomous vehicles navigated the unforgiving terrain of the 2,000-square-kilometer Cultana Training Area in South Australia, conducting simulated long-range precision fires and other missions. Defense scientists, meanwhile, sought to disrupt the uncrewed jeeps and trucks with electronic warfare and electro-optical laser attacks on their position, navigation and timing systems. The Trusted Operation of Robotic Vehicles in a Contested…
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Across The Region
U.N. backs AI safeguards
The United Nations General Assembly approved its first resolution on artificial intelligence (AI) in March 2024, giving global support to an effort to ensure the powerful technology benefits all nations, respects human rights and is “safe, secure and trustworthy.” The resolution, sponsored by the United States and co-sponsored by 123 countries, was adopted by consensus, meaning it has the support…
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Across The Region
South Korea Summit Warns of AI Risks to Democracy
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol called fake news and information manipulation based on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology threats to democracy, as attendees at a March 2024 global summit accused the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia of conducting malicious propaganda campaigns. Countries have a duty to share experiences and knowledge so that AI and other technologies…
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Contemplations
Climate-driven calculation
REUTERS India is testing artificial intelligence (AI) to build climate models that improve weather forecasting as torrential rains, floods and droughts proliferate across the vast country. Climate change has triggered more intense weather events in India in recent years, resulting in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people in 2023, the independent Centre for Science and Environment estimated. Accurate forecasting is…
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Departments
On Target
Forum Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. became the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in July 2023. He was previously the 65th commanding general of the Philippine Army, a role for which he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Degree of Commander, for his exceptional service. A highly decorated officer, he has held key posts…
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Features
Cobra Gold 2024
FORUM Staff Cobra Gold 2024 took multilateral cooperation to new heights with 30 nations engaging in or observing key training activities ranging from land, maritime and air drills to space and cyber exercises, humanitarian efforts and cultural exchanges. “We have expanded the scope of military operations to address the full spectrum of threats across all domains,” Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee, defense…
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