What's the history of Chinese engagement with Africa? What do Beijing's growing relationships on the continent look like today? And how do African countries view the potential benefits and risks of engaging with China? A new RAND report summarizes China-Africa relations, breaking down China's economic, political, and security interests. The authors highlight that China has succeeded in part because it presents African countries with a credible alternative to a Western-led rules-based order. They also outline implications and recommendations for Western countries as China continues to seek greater influence in Africa.

European countries rely on cables and pipes under the sea for their energy and communications. In fact, this underwater network supports about $9 trillion of trade per day. That’s why a disruptive attack by a bad actor would be catastrophic. Fortunately, according to RAND Europe's John Aitken, a coordinated attack would not be an easy feat. Still, the threat to Europe's critical undersea infrastructure should be taken seriously, he says: “Vigilance, investment, and realism—not alarmism—will be the foundation of a credible undersea defense.”