Essential Reading The North Korean Nuclear Challenge

Essential Reading 09-11-2017 Source: Stratfor Reports Iraqi Kurdistan: The Next Thirsty Nation? Iraqi Kurdistan is one step closer to achieving its dearest ambition of self-determination. In a historic (if not entirely unexpected) move, an overwhelming majority of voters in Iraqi Kurdistan recently opted to create an independent state. Since the Sept. 25 referendum, nationalist fervor has spread like wildfire through the regional capital of Arbil and the smaller towns surrounding it as Kurds celebrate the long-awaited step. But without proper planning, the region's dream of building a functional state may prove elusive.   When Foreign Fighters Come Home and Bring Terrorism With Them The threat posed by foreign fighters returning from Syria and Iraq has been the subject of a lot of discussion lately, but the concern isn't anything new. It's true that returning foreign fighters are a hazard, but their presence is mitigated by several factors — the most significant of which is the fact that the world has become aware of them. In our column On Security, we examine other elements that can help lessen the threat.  Stratfor Horizons: Hollywood Heads East China is now the world's second largest film market, which means you don't need to follow geopolitics to know that Hollywood's future is CGI spectacles and sci-fi sequels, but it helps. Space aliens, superheroes and giant monsters fighting giant robots for unclear reasons will stick around for one reason: You can understand and appreciate what is happening on screen even if you don't speak English. And an increasing share of the market doesn't.    Watch and Listen Podcast: Blockchain, Bitcoin and Digital Ledger Technology Stratfor senior analysts delve into the world of digital ledger technology in this episode of the podcast to better understand what bitcoin and blockchain mean for the future. Stratfor Senior Science and Technology Analyst Rebecca Keller helps explain what blockchain technology really is and how it's connected to the already well-known bitcoin. Then senior analysts Matthew Bey and Mark Fleming-Williams join the conversation to examine how individuals and organizations are using this technology now and what potential applications it promises in the years ahead.  Ukraine's Geographic Challenge In this short geographic primer, Stratfor analyzes Ukraine's "borderland" location and decentralized population centers as factors contributing to its primary geographic challenge.

Stratfor Store Reports The North Korean Nuclear Challenge With the North Korean government seemingly intent on developing deliverable nuclear weapons, many observers resort to calling Pyongyang deranged. This report goes beyond name-calling to understand what really motivates North Korea, and what options the United States has to eliminate the North's nuclear threat.  Enter The Dragon The rise of China is one of the most significant developments of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. This collection goes behind the headlines to understand these monumental changes to the global order.