JNIM. Islamic State Sahel Province. Boko Haram.

These are the groups driving a surge in violence across the Sahel—now the world’s deadliest region for terrorism.

Across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, attacks are escalating at a pace that outstrips every other region globally. Coups, foreign troop withdrawals, and weakening state control have created space for militant groups to expand, adapt, and entrench themselves across vast areas of the region.

In this episode of Conflicts of Interest, ACLED CEO Professor Clionadh Raleigh is joined by Sahel expert Heni Nsaibia to unpack how the Sahel became the global epicentre of terrorism. Drawing on ACLED data and regional expertise, they break down the strategies of these groups, the role of military-led governments, and the local dynamics fuelling the spread of violence.

The question isn’t just why the Sahel has become so deadly—but how far this instability could spread, and what it means for global security.

For more conversations like this, subscribe to Conflicts of Interest and watch the full episode on YouTube.

Conflicts of Interest: https://www.youtube.com/@ConflictsOfInterestACLED

📱 Did you know you can follow Conflicts of Interest on TikTok?

Six weeks into the Iran conflict, the tides are shifting rapidly—and the stakes could not be higher.

As the U.S. and Israel escalate their military posture, threatening to impose a naval blockade on Iran, a new chapter in regional power plays is unfolding—one that could redefine control over the Strait of Hormuz and the entire Persian Gulf.

In this episode of Conflict of Interest, ACLED CEO Professor Clionadh Raleigh and ACLED expert Bassel Doueik delve into the decisions fueling Iran’s vulnerability, the implications of the U.S. blockade, and Israel's asymmetric warfare tactics. Drawing on ACLED data and regional expertise, they break down the complex web of regional actors, from Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon to the Saudi and Gulf states' subtle balancing act, and the economic chokehold designed to weaken Iran from within.

The question isn't just what happens next, but how these strategic moves could tip the balance of power and reshape alliances for years to come.

For more conversations like this, subscribe to Conflicts of Interest and watch the full episode on YouTube.

Conflicts of Interest: https://www.youtube.com/@ConflictsOfInterestACLED

📱 Did you know you can follow Conflicts of Interest on TikTok?

A ceasefire has been announced in the Iran war — but is this really de-escalation, or a strategic defeat for the United States and its allies?

In this episode of Conflicts of Interest, ACLED CEO Professor Clionadh Raleigh and Bron Mills break down the fragile Iran ceasefire, the unanswered questions around the deal, and why control of the Strait of Hormuz could leave Tehran in a stronger position than before.

They unpack what the reported terms may mean for Iran’s nuclear programme, Gulf security, Israel’s position, Lebanon, Hezbollah, oil markets, and the wider regional balance of power. With details still unclear and violence still threatening to continue, the bigger question is whether this is peace or just the end of one phase of the war.

For more conversations like this, subscribe to Conflicts of Interest and watch the full episode on YouTube.

Conflicts of Interest: https://www.youtube.com/@ConflictsOfInterestACLED

📱 Did you know you can follow Conflicts of Interest on TikTok?