Current global affairs graduate student Ibrahima Diallo recently had his short story, The Ghost’s Signal, published in Small Wars Journal earlier this month after winning their inaugural Horizon 2040 competition. Diallo was inspired to write The Ghost’s Signal due to the ever-evolving nature of warfare, particularly the use of drones in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the growing reliance on hybrid tactics, such as disinformation campaigns, covert influence, and psychological operations. He explained, “As technological advancements continue to shape modern conflicts, I wanted to emphasize that—despite advancements in AI, automation, and the incredible resources at the U.S. warfighting apparatus’ disposal—there remains an irreplaceable human element in warfare.”
As a French-born Guinean-American, Diallo’s interest in global security dynamics stems from both academic and personal experiences. Having just graduated from undergrad in May of 2021, Diallo observed the Guinean coup that September, which ultimately deepened his interest in international security and further pushed him to pursue a Master’s in Global Affairs with a focus on Global Conflict and Security, particularly in asymmetric and hybrid warfare, intelligence analysis, and geopolitical risk assessment in West Africa and the Sahel. Having these personal connections to a region that has been shaped by political instability and foreign influence, he was naturally drawn to analyzing power dynamics, sovereignty, and security challenges in the region.
Diallo first became aware of Horizon 2040 through a LinkedIn connection’s post advertising the competition. He had recently watched Land of Bad (2024), which reinforced the idea that even with cutting-edge technology, human determination and ingenuity remain decisive factors in combat, and this insight inspired him to write The Ghost’s Signal. Having spent much of his academic career writing within a strict scholarly structure, he had to approach the story from a more creative, personal, and speculative perspective. Drawing from contemporary security trends and maintaining the central question, “What might Guinea’s role look like in the future of great power competition?” he crafted a compelling narrative that is relevant to today’s geopolitical and security challenges as well as their potential evolution.
Reflecting on his academic journey thus far, Diallo credits the Global Affairs program at George Mason University for refining his analytical approach and providing opportunities to apply theoretical concepts to real-world security challenges. Through coursework and research with mentors like Prof. Danoy, Dr. Ukata, and Dr. Hultin, he has been able to deepen his understanding of intelligence methodologies, geopolitical risk assessment, and the roles of state and non-state actors in modern conflicts. “These insights have certainly influenced my writing, allowing me to craft narratives that are informed by current geopolitical realities and grounded in rigorous analysis,” Diallo says.
As of now, Diallo is currently working on several pieces for publication. One examines West Africa as a potential front in a new Cold War between the U.S., China, and Russia, while another focuses on the specific tactics and strategies these powers are using to expand their influence in the region. When asked if creative writing will be part of his long-term career, Diallo expressed that he sees it as an extension of his broader interests but not as a primary pursuit. “However, writing will undoubtedly remain a core part of my career, whether in intelligence analysis, speechwriting, or preparing strategic briefs,” he says.
February 28, 2025