The Butterfly-Effect of Trump 2.0 on Geopolitics, Economy And Africa Security

Introduction: In a dramatic comeback as the first former United States president to be convicted of a felony (unprecedented 34 counts) and re-elected president, President Donald Trump has been firing from all cylinders and following through on his MAGA (Make America Great Again) campaign mantra. Like the proverbial bull in a China shop, his slew of executive orders and protectionist trade wars, imposing a hefty 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10% on imports from China, is causing panic and economic disruptions around the world. Canada and Mexico retaliated almost immediately while Beijing escalated the trade war by imposing a 15% tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG), including a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and certain vehicles from the United States. China also announced a wide range of measures targeting U.S. businesses and launched an anti-monopoly investigation against tech giant - Google (GOOGL.O).

United States Alarmed By China’s 10 DF-31 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles

The United States is concerned as China’s strategic missile force, or the Second Artillery Corps, has 10 DF-31 intercontinental ballistic missiles ready in service. Intelligence reports from the Pentagon revealed that while launch of the DF-31 missiles will not be able to hit the central U.S., the modified DF-31A, with a range of 11,200 kilometers, is capable of hitting key locations in the U.S.

Researchers Identify Sophisticated Chinese Cyber-espionage Group

A coalition of security researchers has identified a Chinese cyberespionage group that appears to be the most sophisticated of any publicly known Chinese hacker unit and targets not only U.S. and Western government agencies but also dissidents inside and outside China.

Falling Crude Oil Prices: Winners and Losers

Falling oil prices mean that some oil exporters are bracing themselves for significant revenue shortfalls, while some importing countries could benefit economically as consumers pay less for energy and have more to spend elsewhere.