Category: Timely Commentary & Analysis

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the Biden record in the Middle East—and what comes next

At an Atlantic Council event, the US secretary of state delivered remarks on the Middle East and the future of US leadership.

A mercenary client collapses

By Alia Brahimi

Host Alia Brahimi sits down with acclaimed author and former CIA analyst, David McCloskey, to discuss the spectacular collapse of a major mercenary client in Syria.

In it to win it: Understanding cyber policy through a simulated crisis 

By Safa Shahwan Edwards and Emerson Johnston

Competitors and judges from the Cape Town Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge share their perspectives on the competition's impact on the African cybersecurity landscape.

Latin America and the Caribbean in 2025: Ten predictions to shape the year ahead

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

As we look to 2025, what will define the future of Latin America and the Caribbean? How will the region navigate the changing global economy and the challenges posed by climate change, migration and security? With new leadership in the US, how will Washington engage with the region moving forward? Join in and be a part of our ten-question poll on the future of LAC.

Guyana’s low-carbon model for resource-led development

By Liliana Diaz

Guyana has emerged as a model for balancing economic development with environmental stewardship. Showing how the two goals need not conflict, Guyana is both capitalizing on its recent oil discoveries while also being a pioneer in biodiversity credits, expanding protected areas, and using oil revenue to finance renewable energy projects.

The United States needs a durable national energy strategy

By Sara Vakhshouri

The United States lacks a comprehensive, long-term energy strategy that can persist through election cycles and aligns energy security with broader national interests. Congress should address this shortfall by mandating a “National Energy Strategy” that establishes a durable energy policy framework.

Ukraine faces its most perilous winter yet

By Haley Nelson

Ukraine faces its harshest winter yet as temperatures drop, gas stocks dwindle, and its already crumbling energy infrastructure continues to endure Russian missile attacks. Ukraine, with help from its partners, must urgently strengthen defenses of its energy infrastructure, or they risk international financial support being undermined by the continuous onslaught.

There’s a more effective way forward than “maximum pressure” for Venezuela

By David Voght and Patricia Ventura

Following the fraudulent outcome of Venezuela's July election, there is growing pressure on the United States to reintroduce sanctions to expel Western firms from the nation’s oil sector. However, preserving the existing policy, which restricts the regime’s financial access while promoting energy security and countering foreign influence, might prove more effective.

Air force for hire

By Alia Brahimi

Host Alia Brahimi chats with mercenaries expert Alessandro Arduino, a top China analyst.

Extend and expand the Nord Stream sanctions now

By Alan Riley

The US Senate is moving toward preserving sanctions on the Gazprom-owned Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which expire at the end of 2024. The Senate must press ahead and extend those sanctions to Nord Stream 1 as well. By doing so, the United States would strengthen Ukraine’s security and Europe’s energy independence. Sign up for PowerPlay, […]