The Institute of Strategic Risk Management (ISRM) has announced its latest Global Crisis Watch episodes, #345, which focuses on global politics and events, and #346. The webinars will take place on Friday, June 13, at 10:00 BST and 17:00 BST / 12:00 EDT, respectively. All details of each of the topics, can be found below.
California sues White House as immigration raids spark nationwide unrest
Protests erupted across Los Angeles on 6th June 2025 following a series of aggressive immigration raids carried out by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in predominantly Latino neighborhoods. Demonstrations began peacefully but quickly escalated, with incidents of looting, vandalism and clashes with law enforcement. More than one hundred people were arrested in LA over the following days, and similar protests spread to over two dozen cities nationwide, including New York, Dallas, Chicago and San Francisco.
In a controversial move, President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to the city against the wishes of California Governor Gavin Newsom, later doubling the figure and authorising the deployment of seven hundred US Marines. The federal response, including the use of rubber bullets,stun grenades and tear gas, drew condemnation from California officials, who filed a lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of overstepping its constitutional authority.
Maternity ward hit in Odesa as Ukraine endures heavy strikes
In the early hours of June 11th, 2025, Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults on Ukraine to date, firing 315 drones and multiple missiles, including ballistic and cruise types. The attacks targeted multiple regions, with the capital Kyiv and the southern port city of Odesa suffering significant damage.
In Kyiv, seven of the city’s ten districts were struck. Residents spent the night in shelters as air raid sirens blared and explosions echoed across the city. Falling debris from intercepted drones caused fires in high-rise buildings, warehouses and homes. One person was killed and at least four were injured, according to local officials.
Further south, in Odesa, a maternity ward was hit during the overnight strikes. Two people were killed, thirteen injured and several medical facilities and residential buildings were damaged. Despite the devastation, staff and patients managed to evacuate safely. Video footage showed shattered glass across hospital corridors, and eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and destruction.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes as “terrorism” and “one of the largest attacks on Kyiv.” He also accused Russia of using North Korean-made ballistic missiles and attempting to overshadow international peace efforts.
Activists detained as Israel blocks Gaza-bound aid vessel in international waters
Greta Thunberg has been deported from Israel after taking part in a symbolic aid mission to Gaza that was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters. The Swedish climate activist was among twelve people aboard the Madleen, a British- flagged yacht organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which sought to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade and draw global attention to Gaza’s deepening humanitarian crisis.
The boat, which set sail from Italy carrying a small amount of medicine and baby formula, was intercepted about 185 km west of Gaza. Activists reported being surrounded by drones, sprayed with irritants and having their communications jammed before being forcibly redirected to Ashdod port. Israel dismissed the operation as a “selfie yacht” stunt and insisted its actions were legal under international law, citing the risk of weapons smuggling to Hamas.
Thunberg agreed to be deported and flew to France on Tuesday. Speaking in Paris, she accused Israel of kidnapping the group in international waters and detaining them in harsh conditions. She added that the real issue was not the interception itself but the ongoing “genocide” and systematic deprivation of food, water and medicine in Gaza under Israel’s blockade.
Beijing accuses Washington of undermining global trade rules
At a World Trade Organisation (WTO) policy review in Geneva, China sharply criticized the United States for undermining the multilateral trade system. Beijing accused Washington of adopting unilateral measures that violate WTO rules and erode trust in global trade institutions. These include tariffs, export controls and investment restrictions, particularly in high-tech sectors like semiconductors. China argued that the US has “weaponized” trade, using national security as a pretext to contain China’s economic development. Beijing warned that such actions are damaging global supply chains and weakening the WTO’s authority. It presented itself as a defender of the rules-based order and called for fair competition and mutual respect.
The US rejected the criticism, arguing that its trade policies are a necessary response to long-standing concerns over China’s economic practices. These include state subsidies, forced technology transfers and intellectual property violations. Washington claimed the WTO’s existing framework is ill-equipped to handle the challenges posed by China’s state-led model, which it says distorts global markets.
Register for #345, here
ISRM’s Global Crisis Watch, #346 will also include California suing the White House as immigration raids spark nationwide unrest, as well as the following topics:
Kennedy Jr. ousts vaccine committee, citing pharma ties and public distrust
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his vaccine scepticism, has removed all seventeen members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises the government on vaccine recommendations. Kennedy stated the decision aimed to restore public trust, accusing the committee of conflicts of interest and of being a “rubber stamp” for pharmaceutical companies. Most removed members were medical experts appointed during the Biden administration.
ACIP plays a crucial role in recommending which vaccines should be given, to whom and when – guidance that influences insurance coverage. The committee’s decisions are based on thorough review of vaccine safety and efficacy, following FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approvals. Members disclose potential conflicts of interest publicly and recuse themselves when necessary.
Canada fast-tracks NATO spending amid push for defence independence
Canada will meet NATO’s 2% defense spending target this fiscal year – five years ahead of schedule – Prime Minister Mark Carney announced, citing urgent needs to modernise the country’s military and reduce its dependency on the United States. The move reflects a major shift in Canadian defense policy, emphasizing strategic autonomy and deeper cooperation with Europe.
Carney said that Canada’s military infrastructure is outdated, with only one operational submarine and less than half of its maritime and land fleets functional. To address this, an additional C$9 billion (US$6.6 billion) will be invested in recruitment, equipment repairs and procurement of new submarines, aircraft, ships and surveillance technology. He also confirmed that the Canadian Coast Guard will be integrated into military operations.
Carney emphasized that the US is no longer the world’s predominant power and accused it of “monetizing its hegemony,” noting that Canada should not send 75% of its defense procurement budget to the US. His government is now exploring European alternatives to American-made F-35 fighter jets.
This announcement comes ahead of a G7 summit in Alberta and a NATO summit where allies are considering defense spending targets beyond 2%. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has referenced proposals to raise spending to 3.5% of GDP, with an additional 1.5% for broader security.
Record 1.3 million displaced as gang violence overwhelms Haiti
Haiti is facing a deepening humanitarian and human rights crisis as gang violence drives record levels of displacement and devastates public services. According to the UN’s International Organization for Migration, 1.3 million people – half of them children – have been displaced, a 24% increase since December 2023, marking the highest figure ever recorded in the country.
Gangs, heavily armed with weapons trafficked largely from the United States, now control 85% of Port-au-Prince, with violence spreading to other regions. In Centre Department alone, the number of displaced people more than doubled in towns like Mirebalais and Saut-d’Eau.
The violence has overwhelmed already fragile institutions. Hospitals and clinics are shutting down as healthcare workers face murder and kidnapping. Over 5.4 million Haitians now live in acute hunger, and cholera remains a threat due to collapsed health systems. Makeshift shelters lack clean water, sanitation and schooling, especially for children and people with disabilities.
All these, plus all the stories that are catching our attention wherever we live in the world, will be on the table for conversation.
Register for #346, here
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