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Annette Idler

@annetteidler.bsky.social
317 followers 547 following 34 posts

Professor of Global Security at ETH Zurich & Director, Global Security Programme at Pembroke College, University of Oxford, former Visiting Scholar @Harvard, #globalsecurity #armedconflict #illiciteconomy author #BorderlandBattles www.annetteidler.com

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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Delighted to share: I've taken up the Chair of Global Security @ethz.ch & from 2029 directing @css.ethz.ch. Thxs to new colleagues for warm welcome! Grateful to colleagues @blavatnikschool.bsky.social & beyond. Still directing @oxfordgsp.bsky.social @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social, UniOxford @ox.ac.uk
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Modern organized crime is a financial enterprise. As I told Bloomberg: "Successful illicit entrepreneurs depend on legal markets, financial professionals, logistics companies, and corporate structures to conceal illicit proceeds." Fantastic piece by @donalgriffin.bsky.social : tinyurl.com/mrtuaud6
bloomberg.com
A Cocaine Bust in Spain Leads All the Way to Wall Street
The case, whose details are now unfolding from court documents, has all the ingredients of a Hollywood crime movie.
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Joined BBC News to discuss geopolitical implications of the devastating #earthquake in #Venezuela. My thoughts are w/everyone affected by this tragedy. We discussed how the earthquake is testing VEN's political transition, state legitimacy & its relationship w/US. Watch here: tinyurl.com/2rya4fh6
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Delighted to contribute w/interview to @aljazeera.com on Colombia's presidential election & its implications for security, governance & US-Colombia relations. The result marks a shift to the right, but the narrow margin also underscores how divided the country remains. tinyurl.com/3yp5m8x5
aljazeera.com
Trump-endorsed far-right candidate elected Colombia president: What’s next?
Election results show Trump-endorsed millionaire Abelardo de la Espriella wins by razor-thin margin.
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Spoke with @BBCNews about escalating US–Cuba tensions following the indictment of R. Castro. My argument: this is not only about the 1996 case, but to increase pressure on Cuba amid a severe humanitarian crisis & growing geopolitical confrontation. Watch @2:53 here: www.linkedin.com/posts/dr-ann...
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
Had the opportunity to join BBC WorldService Weekend today to discuss a range of current issues ranging from US–Iran tensions, energy markets, and illicit flows to platform risks! Listen here in these 3 links: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w... www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w... www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w...
bbc.co.uk
BBC World Service - Weekend, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis vow to continue strikes on Israel
Israel activates air defences as Iranian missiles detected
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CLAS Cambridge @clascam.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
🔔 CLAS & @camgeopolitics.bsky.social presents: Colombia’s Armed Conflict in Regional and Global Context: Peace Prospects, Venezuela Spillover, and Geopolitics Ahead of Elections Dr @annetteidler.bsky.social (University of Oxford) 📆 Wednesday 18 March | 5:00pm 📍 Room S1, ARB 🔗 bit.ly/4qVgSY2
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Very much looking forward to discussing "The Trump Effect" with fellow panelists Maryhen Jiménez, @tomlongphd.bsky.social & David Doyle later at St Antony's College, @ox.ac.uk today! www.lac.ox.ac.uk/event/main-s...
lac.ox.ac.uk
Joint Seminar: The Trump Effect: What Next For Venezuela?
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
In this @aljazeera.com explainer, I discuss how Mexican cartels obtain weapons & why most firearms seized in Mexico originate in the US. Addressing the problem requires treating southbound gun trafficking as seriously as northbound flows of drugs & people.Read more: www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/03...
aljazeera.com
Is the US arming Mexican cartels?
Eighty percent of weapons seized from Mexican cartels come from the US, according to Mexico’s defence minister.
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Spoke with France 24 on El Mencho. Decapitation strategies can weaken organisations but also trigger fragmentation and renewed violence while trafficking networks remain resilient. Long-term impact depends on addressing demand. Here's the article: www.france24.com/fr/am%C3%A9r...
france24.com
Mort d'El Mencho : la "décapitation" des cartels de la drogue, stratégie à double tranchant
La mort dimanche du puissant narcotrafiquant mexicain Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias El Mencho, peut être perçue comme une victoire pour le gouvernement de la présidente Claudia Sheinbaum et pour…
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Oxford Global Security Programme @oxfordgsp.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Hybrid Event Join us for a field-based discussion on the Sinjar Peace Agreement & the challenges facing Iraq’s Yazidi community. Speaker: Giorgi Gigauri, Visiting Fellow 🗓 3 March 2026, 5 PM 📍 Allen & Overy Room, Pembroke College & Online Register: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Spoke w/ BBC News on El Mencho. Removing leaders doesn't dismantle broader crime systems. These groups are embedded in transnational supply chains that adapt to disruption. Without addressing demand and structural drivers, violence and trafficking will persist. Read here: www.bbc.com/portuguese/a...
bbc.com
México: Por que a morte de chefão do tráfico 'El Mencho' não vai acabar com a violência dos cartéis - BBC News Brasil
Morte de Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes é vista como triunfo do governo no combate à influência e ao poder de seus cartéis de drogas, mas como isso afetará o império criminoso que ele deixa para trás?
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
I was interviewed by @aljazeera.com on El Mencho's killing in #Mexico. My key message: Kingpin arrests matter symbolically, but globally networked illicit supply chains are built to withstand leadership loss. @socsci.ox.ac.uk Article: www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/...
aljazeera.com
Who was ‘El Mencho’? What drug lord’s killing means for Mexico
The US-backed operation that killed 'El Mencho' sparks a wave of violence across the country.
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Centre for Geopolitics @camgeopolitics.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
NEW EVENT! Colombia’s armed conflict in regional and global context What are the prospects & obstacles for peace in Colombia? Dr @annetteidler.bsky.social explores security challenges and what to expect from the upcoming election 🗓️ Mar 18, 5-6.30 PM 🗺️ Cambridge, CB3 9DP 🔗 bit.ly/4qVgSY2
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Spoke w/ @channel4news.bsky.social about El Mencho’s capture & unsettling retaliatory violence. The arrest is important, but global drug supply chains are resilient to leadership losses. Without reducing demand, underlying structures remain. Interview (watch @3:40): www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW4G...
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Looking fwd to launching our webinar series tmw! @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
I wrote for @ox.ac.uk on the US–Venezuela situation. One overlooked paradox: actions justified as fighting drug trafficking are likely to benefit it, by fragmenting authority and deepening instability. Read here: www.ox.ac.uk/news/2026-01... #GlobalSecurity #Venezuela #LatinAmerica
ox.ac.uk
Expert Comment: What US action in Venezuela could unleash —
Dr Annette Idler, Associate Professor in Global Security at the Blavatnik School of Government and Director of the Global Security Programme at Oxford’s Pembroke College, explores US actions in
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Blavatnik School of Government @blavatnikschool.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
"It is so important that the international community really makes clear that we can't have unilaterial military action without any consent from others." Listen to Prof Annette Idler speaks on US-Venezuela from 11:48 👇 ow.ly/bkhW50XSVzH
ow.ly
Radio Wales Breakfast - With Dot Davies and Catrin Heledd - BBC Sounds
Everything you need to know as you wake up.
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Shared further analysis on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast on US intervention in VEN. Key contradiction: Rubio says this was a limited law-enforcement operation. Reality: 15,000 troops, 150 aircraft, major military build-up. Listen (11:48 - 16:29): www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... #Venezuela #GlobalSecurity
bbc.co.uk
Radio Wales Breakfast - With Dot Davies and Catrin Heledd - BBC Sounds
Everything you need to know as you wake up.
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Blavatnik School of Government @blavatnikschool.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Associate Prof @annetteidler.bsky.social explores the potential impact of US interventons in #Venezuela on stability in the region and worldwide. 👇
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
I spoke with BBC News Brazil about #Venezuela. Removing Maduro may be welcomed by many, but the method sets a dangerous precedent. It blurs the line between law enforcement and military aggression and risks a return to unilateral interventionism. www.bbc.com/portuguese/a...
bbc.com
EUA 'governarem' a Venezuela não tem respaldo legal, a era das tutelas terminou com a descolonização, diz professora de Oxford - BBC News Brasil
Avaliação é da professora Annette Idler, professora da Universidade de Oxford, que viu na ação do fim de semana uma "escalada extraordinária" e que cria precedente perigoso no mundo.
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
I spoke with BBC World News about the rapidly evolving situation in Venezuela. Removing an illegitimate ruler does not automatically produce stability, and coercion without legitimacy risks turning crisis into prolonged insecurity. #Venezuela #GlobalSecurity Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACzO...
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Blavatnik School of Government @blavatnikschool.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
"The era of protectorates and trustees ended with decolonisation". Professor Annette Idler provides an assessment of the US military's operation in Venezuela.👇 ow.ly/OyqU50XRXWx
ow.ly
EUA 'governarem' a Venezuela não tem respaldo legal, a era das tutelas terminou com a descolonização, diz professora de Oxford - BBC News Brasil
Avaliação é da professora Annette Idler, professora da Universidade de Oxford, que viu na ação do fim de semana uma "escalada extraordinária" e que cria precedente perigoso no mundo.
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Blavatnik School of Government @blavatnikschool.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
“The removal of Maduro creates not clarity but a dangerous power vacuum." -- Prof @annetteidler.bsky.social talked to @theipaper.com "Without Venezuelan ownership and regional backing, any attempt at US-led governance risks rapid destabilisation rather than transition.” inews.co.uk/news/explosi...
inews.co.uk
We're not at war with Venezuela but Cuba has a 'huge problem'
Maduro and his wife have been charged with 'narco-terrorism' after being captured in a night time raid by US forces
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
On LBC discussing the shocking US military intervention in #Venezuela. This goes far beyond Venezuela: it raises major legal and security risks, sets dangerous precedents, and lacks a clear plan for what comes next. #GlobalSecurity #InternationalLaw #USForeignPolicy www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDX2...
youtube.com
Do you trust Donald Trump with Venezuela?
YouTube video by LBC
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Weatherhead Center for International Affairs @weatherheadcenter.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
Will the US invade Venezuela? We ask @annetteidler.bsky.social, @stevelevitsky.bsky.social, and Boris Muñoz to look beyond the pretext of drug trafficking to puzzle out US motivations and weigh the pros and cons of invasion. loom.ly/5AiSOs4
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Blavatnik School of Government @blavatnikschool.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
"Trump claimed at some point that Maduro is emptying prisons and asylums. There's no evidence that this is true." Associate Prof Annette Idler examines US policy towards Venezuela, questioning security claims and highlighting the risks of escalation.👇 ow.ly/nri450XN3Kp
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 21/12/2025
Why is the US escalating pressure on Venezuela now? In my interview for @harvard.edu @weatherheadcenter.bsky.social ’s Epicenter, I discuss why the threat is constructed, how US politics intersects with geopolitics, and why a drug war won’t yield stability epicenter.wcfia.harvard.edu/articles/why...
epicenter.wcfia.harvard.edu
Why Venezuela? | Epicenter
The last time the US invaded a Latin American country was in 1989, in Panama; will Venezuela be next?
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
Spoke with BBC News about the U.S. carrier strike group now off Venezuela — the biggest deployment in the region in decades. What’s driving it? Pressure on Maduro. War-on-drugs politics. Oil + great-power competition. Rising regional tensions. Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4Qn...
youtube.com
Annette Idler spoke to BBC News about her assessment of the socio-economic crisis in Venezuela.
YouTube video by Blavatnik School of Government
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Blavatnik School of Government @blavatnikschool.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
"Global trade and digital connectivity is what turned these Brazilian factions into networked global organisations." Associate Prof Annette Idler explains Brazil's role in global drug trafficking. 👇 ow.ly/ghjp50XuI4l
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Spoke w/ Estadão on Brazil’s role in global cocaine routes. Rio’s violence is tied to EU demand, West African transit, and record Andean production. The war on drugs has failed — we need smarter, networked solutions. Article: tinyurl.com/2a9z5fxx Watch: tinyurl.com/va93dx37
tinyurl.com
Universidade de Oxford - Tudo Sobre - Estadão
Veja as reportagens especias sobre Universidade de Oxford no canal de tópicos do Estadão.
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
We’ve launched the CONPEACE Report—a decade of research on turning conflict actors into architects of peace. Featured in El País: “So much is at stake—lives, wellbeing, progress, trust in the future. [This report] must be taken seriously.” Report: tinyurl.com/CONPEACE El País: tinyurl.com/bdxdb5cj
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 09/11/2025
🎙️ I joined #BBC #Radio4’s Briefing Room to discuss the U.S. military build-up near #Venezuela — a move that could reshape regional security and global power dynamics. @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social @socsci.ox.ac.uk 🎧 Listen here @ 15:52: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
bbc.co.uk
The Briefing Room - What's happening in Venezuela? - BBC Sounds
Why is there a military build-up off the coast of Venezuela?
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Blavatnik School of Government @blavatnikschool.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
“What we see here is largely performative, it’s a show of power.” Associate Prof Annette Idler explores the motives of US involvement in Venezuela on BBC Radio 4's Briefing room. Listen here 👇 ow.ly/vU3750Xok0p
ow.ly
The Briefing Room - What's happening in Venezuela? - BBC Sounds
Why is there a military build-up off the coast of Venezuela?
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Blavatnik School of Government @blavatnikschool.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
"These recommendations are not only valid in the case of Colombia, but are also relevant for other countries seeking to transition from armed conflict to peace effectively and sustainably." Read about Assoc Prof Annette Idler's report outlining 10 years of research👇 ow.ly/S4bL50XnCBw
ow.ly
Arquitectos de paz ll
Es que es mucho lo que hay en juego, vidas, tranquilidad, progreso, bienestar y confianza en el futuro, como para que no se tomen muy en serio estas recomendaciones.
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
I was interviewed by @france24.com on Trump’s new not-so-covert CIA operations in Venezuela. Turning covert ops into public theatre is about signalling toughness, not strategy—it risks cycles of retaliation. @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social @blavatnikschool.bsky.social www.france24.com/en/americas/...
france24.com
Not-so-covert ops: Has Trump set his sights on Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro?
A recent investigation by the Associated Press found that the CIA allegedly tried to recruit the trusted pilot of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to help overthrow him. The revelations were publis...
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
⚠️ U.S.–Venezuela tensions are rising — and the risks extend far beyond Caracas. In my interview w/ @newsweek.com, I discussed why military escalation won’t fix the problem. Re-engagement, not confrontation, is key for regional stability. @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social www.newsweek.com/us-could-fir...
newsweek.com
US could fire Tomahawks into Venezuela: Former ambassador
The U.S. this week confirmed a string of strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Pacific.
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Blavatnik School of Government @blavatnikschool.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
"What really needs to be done is to transform the war on drugs into something focused on public health issues." Associate Professor Annette Idler explains how rising cocaine use worldwide is strengthening Brazil’s criminal factions.👇 ow.ly/nXkk50Xkeb0
ow.ly
O aumento do consumo de cocaína no mundo que está dando mais poder a facções brasileiras - BBC News Brasil
Segundo a ONU e especialistas da área, demanda pela droga cresceu globalmente e especialmente no continente europeu, para onde facções brasileiras enviam o produto
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Spoke w/ @bbcbrazil.bsky.social about how record global cocaine use empowers transnational groups like Brazil’s Comando Vermelho. Brazil is transit hub & market where violence & demand feed each other. We must move from crackdowns to smarter, prevention-based strategies. www.bbc.com/portuguese/a...
bbc.com
O aumento do consumo de cocaína no mundo que está dando mais poder a facções brasileiras - BBC News Brasil
Segundo a ONU e especialistas da área, demanda pela droga cresceu globalmente e especialmente no continente europeu, para onde facções brasileiras enviam o produto
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Closing tomorrow! Come and work with us at the Global Security Programme @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social @ox.ac.uk as postdoc: www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/vacancy/post...
pmb.ox.ac.uk
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Global Security
Pembroke College wishes to appoint a Postdoctoral Junior Research Fellow in Global Security. The appointment will be from November 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter for one year.
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Blavatnik School of Government @blavatnikschool.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
"Trump is signalling that Washington is prepared to move beyond sanctions and rhetoric." Assosicate Professor Annette Idler spoke to Channel 4 News as President Donald Trump sends US warships towards Venezuela. 👇 ow.ly/4VIs50XitrW
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Spoke with @channel4news.bsky.social on U.S. pressure on Venezuela. We need to move from coercion to cooperation — militarising complex crises only fuels instability. @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social @socsci.ox.ac.uk #GlobalSecurity #Venezuela #WarOnDrugs Watch at 3:56min: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQoQ...
youtube.com
Why is the US sending warships towards Venezuela?
YouTube video by Channel 4 News
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Oxford Global Security Programme @oxfordgsp.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Professor @annetteidler.bsky.social spoke on #LBC about how phone thefts are part of wider networks of illicit flows—from local street crimes to global supply chains. 🎧 Listen from minute 26:30: 🔗 www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yqlt... #IllicitFlows #OrganisedCrime #Security #LBC #Oxford
youtube.com
Starmer calls Palestine protests on October 7th anniversary 'un-British' | Tonight with Andrew Marr
YouTube video by LBC
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Blavatnik School of Government @blavatnikschool.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
"They have a portfolio approach to different types of organised crime." Annette Idler speaks to Andrew Marr on LBC on the importance of looking at the bigger networks of organised crime – rather than individual gangs. From 26:36👇 ow.ly/cwZI50X8lal
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
🌍 Hiring!Join me @pembrokeoxford.bsky.social @ox.ac.uk as Postdoc in Global Security—working on Contested Cross-border Spaces,Illicit Flows&Order. If you think across borders&disciplines, this is for you! 🕘 Deadline: 31/10/2025 🔗 pmb.ox.ac.uk/vacancy/postdoctoral-research-fellowship-global-security
pmb.ox.ac.uk
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Great to speak w/ Andrew Marr on @lbc.co.uk about how phone theft isn’t street crime, it’s part of global illicit supply chains, linked to routes, logistics & financial systems used e.g. for drugs, weapons & human trafficking. Watch @ 27:01: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yqlt...
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Annette Idler @annetteidler.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Spoke to LBC on Sunday about the UK gov’s crackdown on ads promoting migrant smuggling. A good idea in theory—but without real enforcement & focus on big players, it risks missing the mark. It’s a global illicit economy, not just a local PR problem. 🎥 tinyurl.com/9pxztc6p
tinyurl.com
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Blavatnik School of Government @blavatnikschool.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
"We need to think about how to actually target the big, the large intermediaries, the brokers, the heads of those gangs." Prof @annetteidler.bsky.social speaks to LBC as the UK gov. announces plans to make it illegal to promote Channel crossings on social media. ⬇️
lbc.co.uk
Home Office crackdown on social media adverts for Channel crossings only targets 'small players', experts warn
The government's crackdown on social media adverts promoting illegal Channel crossings will only target the 'small players' in a 'huge illicit economy', a migration expert has warned.
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Rhodes Trust @rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk · 18/06/2025
We recently hosted the Rhodes Symposium on International Security at Rhodes House. The event was organised and moderated by #RhodesScholars Jupneet Singh and Fahad Abdulrazzaq and the panel featured alumnus Admiral Stuart Munsch, alumna Jen Easterly and Professor @annetteidler.bsky.social.
The 5 speakers and Rick Trainor standing in row of front of Rhodes branded slides4 speakers sitting in chairs. 1 is holding a microphoneJupneet speaking at a lecternFahad holding a notebook
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Blavatnik School of Government @blavatnikschool.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
🌍 What does peacebuilding look like in an age of illicit flows? Dr @annetteidler.bsky.social‬ shares her field insights from Colombia to Myanmar, and how research can shape real-world UN practice. 🔎 Read the UNSSC spotlight:
unssc.org
Redefining security and peacebuilding in the age of illicit flows: A spotlight interview with Dr. Annette Idler | UNSSC | United Nations System Staff College
Since 2015, the partnership between UNSSC and Oxford University has evolved into a dynamic collaboration, resulting in the development of training modules designed to assist UN personnel in…
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