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International Labor Day 2025 - TorchStone Global

International Labor Day: Protests, Unrest, and Business Continuity 2025

InternationalApril 15, 2025

While the United States observes Labor Day in September, many countries—and many U.S.-based activists—recognize May 1 as International Labor Day or “May Day.” This date often sees widespread demonstrations, labor strikes, and activist-led protests. Though typically peaceful, May Day actions can escalate into violence.

Economics of Crime

InternationalJanuary 21, 2025

While political will and law enforcement initiatives can have some influence on crime trends, they are simply not as powerful a force as the economic factors that serve as the true drivers of criminality. When it comes to regulating the illicit flows of goods and people, to quote political consultant and commentator James Carville, “It’s…

Security Update: 2024 Olympic Games Paris, France

International, Traveling AbroadJuly 16, 2024

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games present a high-value target for a variety of threat actors seeking to undermine the event through actions ranging from disruptive protests, cyberattacks, and even physical attacks. While French authorities are planning to deploy tens of thousands of additional security personnel to protect the games, unwanted incidents are still very likely.

China's Relentless Pursuit - TorchStone Global

China’s Relentless Pursuit of Western Technologies

Corporate Security, InternationalApril 30, 2024

The Chinese Communist Party has devoted a large amount of effort and resources toward obtaining the technologies required to achieve these ambitious goals. Many of their efforts are above board, such as government-funded research programs, joint ventures and partnerships, foreign acquisitions, and talent recruitment. However, the party is determined to achieve these goals by any…

International Labor Day 2024 - TorchStone Global

International Labor Day: Protests, Unrest, and Business Continuity 2024

InternationalApril 16, 2024

May 1 has been associated with large gatherings to celebrate the return of warm weather in the northern hemisphere for thousands of years. However, it began taking on a more confrontational tone in the late 19th century following the Haymarket incident in Chicago, IL. In the modern era, May Day rallies still promote workers’ rights,…

Waiting for Iran’s Revenge

InternationalApril 5, 2024

Iran has expressed outrage over the attack on its consular facility and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed revenge. Threats of retribution made by the Iranian Supreme Leader and other senior Iranian officials have generated considerable conjecture about when and where such attacks may occur.

Disruptions Associated with Upcoming Elections Part 2

Corporate Security, InternationalApril 2, 2024

More than half of the world’s population is scheduled to vote in elections across nearly 40 countries in 2024. Protests or conflicts in the lead-up to and response to contentious elections have the potential to threaten employees, physical assets, and supply chains around the world. TorchStone has identified eight election flashpoints that corporate security offices…

Disruptions Associated with Upcoming Elections Part 1

Corporate Security, InternationalMarch 26, 2024

More than half of the world’s population is scheduled to vote in elections across nearly 40 countries in 2024. Protests or conflicts in the lead-up to and response to contentious elections have the potential to threaten employees, physical assets, and supply chains around the world. TorchStone has identified eight election flashpoints that corporate security offices…

Terrorist Tradecraft Jihadist Threat - TorchStone Global

Terrorist Tradecraft and the Jihadist Threat to the West

InternationalOctober 17, 2023

Charles Lister’s excellent piece in Foreign Policy notes, “The Biden Administration is dangerously downplaying the global terrorism threat.” I agree with Lister’s premise that it is dangerous to ignore the simmering threat posed by jihadism. As the history of the Islamic State illustrates, it is dangerous to underestimate the ability of jihadist militants to rebound…

Threats to Organizations - TorchStone Global

Russia Conflict Part 3: Threats to Organizations and Individuals

InternationalMay 2, 2023

Western countries expelled more than 570 Russian diplomats in 2022, mainly for unauthorized spying activities. As countries reduce Russia’s ability to use diplomatic cover for its spies, operatives are likely to exploit foreign companies to pursue their targets. In response, Russia may increase its reliance on non-official cover intelligence operatives, which use business, academic, or…

International Labor Day - TorchStone Global

International Labor Day: Protests, Unrest, and Business Continuity

InternationalApril 25, 2023

International Labor Day is celebrated worldwide on May 1 to promote workers’ rights, including the right to unionize, and has expanded to include issues associated with the political left. However, protests can turn violent, and some groups that employ Black Bloc protest tactics are known to infiltrate peaceful protests with the aim of instigating violence.…

National Localized Threats - TorchStone Global

Russia Conflict Part 2: National and Localized Threats

InternationalApril 11, 2023

Russia’s indirect tactics against Western neighbors include the promotion and engagement in terrorist activities, the use of intelligence services to carry out disinformation campaigns and cyber-attacks against its adversaries, and the destabilization of Ukraine’s neighbors and supporters.