Tishrin Dam, MMA in Asia and the Paleo Diet Myth

Outriders Magazine #345

International Competition for Chips, Antarctica, and the Panama Canal

Seven nations have territorial claims over Antarctica: Chile, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, and France. These overlapping claims receive limited recognition under international law; notably, the United States and most other countries do not officially acknowledge them. The 1959 Antarctic Treaty successfully froze these territorial disputes and prohibited resource extraction and military activities, prioritizing scientific research instead. However, this critical treaty is set to be reviewed in 2048, which raises important questions about the future governance of this untouched continent.

Since 1977, Panama has managed the U.S.-built Panama Canal, a vital artery for global trade. The primary users of the canal include the United States, China, and Japan, with an impressive 72% of cargo moving to or from American ports. Recently, the canal authority has had to reduce the number of crossings due to ongoing drought conditions and implement higher fees, severely affecting American shipping operations. Although there is no confirmed Chinese military presence in the area, U.S. authorities are rightfully concerned about two ports operated by a Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings subsidiary, especially regarding potential data security issues.

In the fast-evolving landscape of technology, semiconductor chips have become a battleground of international competition. The United States has enacted numerous restrictions to curb China’s ambitions and preserve its technological superiority. The high demands of chip production have led to a significant decrease in the number of companies capable of manufacturing them—leaving just three key players: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), South Korea’s Samsung Electronics, and the U.S.-based Intel Corporation. Notably, TSMC and Samsung operate primarily as foundries, providing essential outsourced production services to many other companies. In this high-stakes environment, supporting and investing in domestic chip manufacturing is more critical than ever for maintaining a competitive edge.

Environment: The Recovering North Sea and the Decline of Freshwater Animals

Is the North Sea returning to its former glory? Centuries of overfishing, pollution, oil and gas extraction, and the climate crisis have severely damaged the seas between Britain, Scandinavia, and Western Europe, leading to declining wildlife populations. However, thanks to concerted conservation efforts, minke whales, humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, and bluefin tuna are becoming more visible in the North Sea, while grey seal populations are thriving. This offers a glimmer of hope for the recovery of this once beautiful ecosystem.

The lack of interest in drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is reassuring for environmentalists. This refuge in Alaska, home to migrating caribou, polar bears, musk oxen, and millions of birds, has not seen a bid in its second auction over four years. This disinterest is a significant setback for one of President-elect Donald Trump’s major initiatives, which was promoted with the slogan: "Drill, baby, drill." Oil companies are hesitant to jeopardize the unique and sacred nature of the reserve, especially since the financial returns may not justify the risks.

The threat to freshwater species is also a cause for concern. Research by scientists from the Federal University of Ceará in Brazil has revealed that nearly a quarter of the animals living in rivers, lakes, and other freshwater environments are at risk of extinction. The study, which focused on about 23,500 species of dragonflies, fish, crabs, and other organisms that depend exclusively on freshwater ecosystems, identified pollution, habitat modification, dam construction, water and material extraction, agriculture, deforestation, invasive species, and climate change as the primary threats to these animals.

Unrest and Conflict in Taiwan, Syria, and Pakistan

As tensions between Taiwan and China continue to escalate, Taiwan is taking crucial steps to fortify its naval defences against a potential invasion. Recently, the Taiwanese navy showcased its readiness by conducting manoeuvres using missile boats and corvettes near Kaohsiung, the island’s most vital port. This international trade hub is essential for Taiwan's economy and critical for safeguarding against supply lines that could benefit Chinese forces seeking to establish control over the island. Taiwan has made strides in developing its domestic defence capabilities but still relies significantly on American technology to ensure its security.

In northern Syria, the Tishrin Dam along the Euphrates River in Aleppo province has emerged as a contentious battleground between Kurdish forces and Turkish-backed armed groups. This conflict has intensified notably since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, leading to destabilization and violence in the region. The Syrian National Army, operating under the Turkish Armed Forces, has launched aggressive attacks to assert control over Kurdish territories near the border. The Tishrin Dam is not just a strategic military target; it is essential for providing electricity and water to the local population, making it a focal point for conflict and humanitarian concerns.

In recent months, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan have witnessed a troubling increase in militant violence, primarily linked to the Balochistan army and the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). With deep historical ties to the Afghan Taliban, the TTP's leadership and fighters have found refuge in Afghanistan, further complicating the security landscape. Balochistan, rich in oil and minerals, is Pakistan's largest province. Yet, it remains the least populated, highlighting the urgent need for effective governance and stability in a region with significant economic potential.

Seagrass, Lemon Juice, Robots, and a Collaborative Backpack

ReefGen’s Grasshopper is a groundbreaking robotic solution designed to combat the alarming loss of seagrass, which is diminishing at a staggering rate of around 7% each year. This vital ecosystem component supports seagrass essential in aquatic habitats and ocean carbon storage. The compact Grasshopper can sow up to 60 seeds per minute, injecting a carefully prepared mix of seagrass seeds and mud directly into the seafloor sediments. This innovative approach promises to restore crucial marine habitats effectively.

At China’s Harbin Institute of Technology, researchers have introduced advanced backpack prototypes that revolutionize how we carry loads. These backpacks nearly eliminate the vertical inertial forces on the payload inside, making it easier and more energy-efficient for users. With a sophisticated electromagnetic damper to stabilize the payload and a cutting-edge machine-learning algorithm that adaptively counters inertial forces as users walk, these backpacks enhance comfort and reduce energy expenditure by over 11% compared to traditional designs. This technology represents a significant step forward in load-carrying efficiency.

In California, Chick-fil-A is leveraging robotic technology to transform lemon juice production, significantly boosting worker efficiency and minimizing waste. Their California plant processes up to 35 truckloads of lemons daily, utilizing autonomous forklifts and robots to handle unloading, sorting, squeezing, and packing. This intelligent automation allows them to utilize nearly 100% of the lemons—vastly improved from just 40% when manually squeezed—while saving an incredible 10,000 hours of labour daily. By embracing these innovations, Chick-fil-A enhances productivity and champions sustainability in their operations.

BRICS Expansion, the Malaysia-Singapore Initiative and China's Reforms

Indonesia has made a significant move by officially joining the BRICS emerging market bloc, which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. This coalition is increasingly seen as a vital counterbalance to Western dominance, with its central aim being the "de-dollarization" of global trade. In a bold response, President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose a staggering 100 per cent tariff on BRICS nations if they successfully replace the dollar in international transactions.

In an exciting development for the region, the leaders of Malaysia and Singapore have forged an agreement to create a special economic zone designed to attract global investment while facilitating the seamless flow of goods and people across borders. This zone will be strategically located in Malaysia’s southernmost state of Johor and provide enticing tax incentives. Covering diverse sectors such as manufacturing, aviation, tourism, energy, and healthcare, this initiative aims to attract 50 economic projects within the first five years, generating an impressive 20,000 skilled jobs.

In a parallel effort, Chinese authorities are pressing local officials to implement a plan to establish a unified national market. This initiative seeks to elevate the standards of fair competition, dismantle local protectionism, eliminate barriers to accessing local markets, and utilize excess production capacity more effectively. Additionally, the Chinese government plans to enhance transport network connections, reducing logistics costs and local government business fees. This strategic push is essential for bolstering domestic consumption in light of rising trade tensions with the United States, positioning China for a more resilient economic future.

Mexico's Water Shortage and Australia's Water Crisis

In San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, and across Mexico, the dire shortage of water is a pressing issue exacerbated by climate change and the exploitative practices of multinational corporations. San Cristóbal hosts a bottling plant operated by Femsa, the parent company of Coca-Cola, which has been granted permission to extract over 1.1 million litres of water daily from the Huitepec volcano basin. While Chiapas is touted for having the highest per capita water availability in Mexico, the grim reality is that over one in three people in rural areas lack running water, and urban centres face strict water rationing. The situation is further compounded by the frequent tap water contamination, forcing Chiapas residents to consume nearly 700 litres of Coca-Cola per person yearly—an alarming contrast to the roughly 100 litres per capita in the United States—primarily due to the unavailability of safe drinking water.

Similarly, Australia, the driest inhabited continent, is confronted with an impending water crisis, as Sustainable Population Australia (SPA) highlighted. With population growth primarily driven by immigration, state capitals will require an additional 850 to 1,450 gigalitres of water annually in the coming decades. In perspective, a gigalitre equals one billion litres of water—enough to fill 400 Olympic-sized swimming pools. About 85 per cent of urban water supplies stem from rainfall, with the remaining 15 per cent sourced from energy-intensive seawater desalination processes. Alarmingly, Infrastructure Australia forecasts that household water and sewerage bills will soar 2.5 times by 2040 and an astonishing six times by 2067. The time to prioritize sustainable water management is now, for our future depends on it.

The Myth of the Paleo Diet and the Decline of Cognitive Abilities in the Ancient European Population

Recent research by Israeli scientists has overturned the long-held assumption that ancient hunter-gatherer societies thrived primarily on a meat-based Paleo diet. Instead, these communities primarily depended on various plant foods, particularly starchy ones, as their essential energy source. Their diet also encompassed acorns, grains, legumes, and aquatic plants. By studying a 780,000-year-old settlement near Lake Hula and analyzing fossilized remains of both animals and plants—like starch, seeds, and fruits—experts highlighted a rich diversity in plant resource types. This remarkable variety demonstrates the inhabitants' advanced knowledge of their environment, reflecting a sophistication comparable to modern humans.

In a compelling parallel study, scientists from the Desert Research Institute have traced atmospheric lead pollution in Europe during the ancient Roman period using Arctic ice core samples. Their findings reveal that this contamination likely triggered a notable decline in the IQ of the Empire’s population. Focusing on the approximately 200 years of the Pax Romana—a time marked by relative peace—the research team identified mining and smelting activities as significant contributors to lead exposure. Through innovative computer modeling, they mapped the levels of lead contamination in the atmosphere across Europe. Coupled with evidence linking lead exposure to cognitive decline, the researchers estimated a potential drop in IQ levels of at least 2 to 3 points. This intersection of environmental factors and human intelligence warrants serious consideration and further exploration.

How Ethnic Minorities Cope with MMA and Forced Relocation in Asia

Representatives of the Yi, an ethnic group recognized as one of China’s minorities, shine in Chinese Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Their astonishing victories are capturing the public’s attention, fostering a renewed interest in ethnic minority cultures, and instilling pride within their communities. Alongside the Yi, Kazakhs and Tibetans also make their mark in this sport. A shared history of wrestling and roots in impoverished, mountainous regions unites these groups, making their triumphs in the octagon particularly poignant. These achievements take on even greater significance given the harsh repression directed at them by the Chinese government, which has subjected nearly 3 million Tibetans to forced urban labour under the pretence of "poverty alleviation." Meanwhile, the Uyghurs and Kazakhs face draconian extrajudicial measures, labour camps, and attempts at forced cultural assimilation—all of which underscore the importance of celebrating their successes.

In South Asia, however, a troubling trend is emerging. Countries are implementing policies that characterize settler colonialism by relocating their citizens into disputed territories historically inhabited by ethnic minorities. This strategy seeks to weaken the demographic influence of these minorities, severing their ties to ancestral lands and stifling their demands for autonomy. In a significant move, the Indian government in 2019 allowed non-Kashmiris to settle in Indian-administered Kashmir. Similarly, Sri Lanka is strategically relocating Sinhalese into Tamil regions, while Paharis in Bangladesh and Nepal, as well as Lhotshampa in Bhutan, face similar resettlement pressures. While the stated goals of these relocations include economic advancement and inter-ethnic harmony, the reality is far more damaging, undermining ethnic cohesion, solidarity, and the collective rights of the affected communities. It is vital to recognize the implications of these actions and advocate for genuine respect and support for the diverse cultural legacies that enrich our societies.