The Institute of Strategic Risk Management (ISRM), has released a recording of its latest Global Crisis Watch, number 302. Topics included Donald Trump’s first moves in office, violence in Amsterdam as Israeli and Dutch soccer fans clash, the coalition government in Germany failing, and, finally, the Adre crossing which is staying open, boosting aid to famine-stricken Sudan. See a brief summary of the topics and watch the full recording, below.
Trump’s immigration crackdown, federal cuts, and pentagon shakeup: A Bold Start
On his first day as president-elect, Donald Trump unveiled an ambitious set of executive actions aimed at reshaping US immigration policy and reducing the size of the federal government. A central feature of his immigration reform plan is the appointment of Tom Homan as “border czar.” Homan will oversee a significant crackdown on illegal immigration, including restarting the construction of the US-Mexico border wall, deploying National Guard troops to assist with border security and expanding federal powers to arrest undocumented individuals. Trump’s plan prioritizes deportations, focusing on those with criminal charges or final deportation orders while granting immigration officers greater discretion in detaining other undocumented individuals. In a move to end Biden’s temporary parole programs, Trump also plans to reinstate the controversial “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their cases are processed in the US These changes are expected to face strong legal and political opposition, especially from Democratic states and immigrant advocacy groups.
Soccer match turns violent: Israeli and Dutch fans clash in Amsterdam
Violence erupted in Amsterdam following a Europa League match on November 7 between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, highlighting rising tensions linked to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. While the game itself went smoothly, tensions mounted in the city both before and after the match. Social media threats and pro-Palestinian graffiti appeared around the Johan Cruyff Arena and a group of Maccabi fans tore down a Palestinian flag, chanting anti-Arab slogans.
After the game, violence escalated when small groups of Maccabi fans committed acts of vandalism and confronted pro-Palestinian groups. Rioters, targeting Israeli supporters, carried out “hit-and-run” attacks, moving quickly through the streets to assault individuals before disappearing. Authorities struggled to contain the violence, with over 1,200 officers deployed. As clashes continued, video footage showed Maccabi fans chanting provocative slogans and engaging in physical altercations.
German government falls amid economic crisis and coalition rift
Germany’s coalition government has collapsed following Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s dismissal of Finance Minister Christian Lindner. Lindner responded by withdrawing his Free Democrats Party (FDP) from the coalition, leaving Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) in a minority government with the Greens. Scholz plans to call a confidence vote for January 15, which, if lost, could trigger snap elections as early as March 2025, well ahead of the scheduled elections in September 2025. The government crisis stems from prolonged disagreements over economic policy, particularly budget direction. Scholz’s push for increased public investment clashed with Lindner’s strict adherence to Germany’s “debt brake,” a constitutional rule limiting government borrowing. Scholz accused Lindner of stalling essential economic measures, while Lindner argued against excessive borrowing.
Adre crossing stays open, boosting aid to famine-stricken Sudan
Sudan’s sovereign council has extended the use of the Adre border crossing with Chad, a critical route for delivering aid to famine-threatened regions in Darfur and Kordofan. The initial reopening in August followed a closure ordered in February by Sudan’s army-controlled government. The extension of this corridor beyond its initial November 15 deadline is vital, as over 25 million Sudanese face acute hunger due to the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Some areas, especially in Darfur, are already experiencing famine conditions.
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