Content

Issue Brief

Aug 11, 2025

Strategic energy realignment: Rethinking MDB policy for growth and global stability

By Samuel Buchan, Landon Derentz

Multilateral development banks (MDBs) have drifted from their original mission of maximizing economic growth. Instead, they prioritize climate-first lending that restricts hydrocarbon investments.

China Energy & Environment

Issue Brief

Aug 7, 2025

Regenerative farming in Iraq: Challenges, opportunities, and policy recommendations

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

Despite the challenges and limitations in the current agricultural policies in Iraq, there are significant opportunities for policy intervention to promote regenerative agriculture.

Climate Change & Climate Action Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Aug 6, 2025

How the US and Colombia can tackle crime, migration, and fallout from Venezuela’s crisis

By Lucie Kneip, Geoff Ramsey

Despite differences in priorities and political approaches, opportunities exist for the US and Colombia to coordinate policy that promotes stability in Venezuela and the broader region.

Colombia Corruption

Issue Brief

Aug 6, 2025

Surfing the Hallyu: What Taiwan can learn from South Korea’s cultural diplomacy

By Nik Foster

With sustained investment and strategic branding, Taiwan can increase global awareness, deepen international partnerships, and fortify its national identity through cultural diplomacy.

China Civil Society

Issue Brief

Jul 25, 2025

Transporting hydrogen: A global outlook on cross-border trade

By Joseph Webster

Hydrogen is crucial for many decarbonizing sectors, yet its transport over long distances causes a demanding problem. Focusing on regional transport should be the areas policymakers focus on.

China Energy & Environment

Issue Brief

Jul 24, 2025

Rethinking combined arms for modern warfare

By Edward Brady

To conduct all-domain operations, modern warfare requires a new approach to combined arms. The US military should reassess the future composition of its forces, integrating high-end manned platforms with low-end, attritable vehicles.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Issue Brief

Jul 24, 2025

Five pillars for deterring strategic attacks

By Mark J. Massa, Alyxandra Marine

As its highest priority, the Department of Defense must deter strategic attacks on the United States. A five-pillar strategy could guide efforts to prevent nuclear and nonnuclear threats while ensuring resilience and readiness against large-scale nuclear attacks on the US homeland.

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

Issue Brief

Jul 23, 2025

Invest in space or lose the high ground

By Edward Brady, Clementine G. Starling-Daniels

Space superiority underpins military dominance across all domains. To deter and win future conflicts, the United States must significantly invest in the capabilities of its Space Force—including space command and control, as well as domain awareness.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Issue Brief

Jul 21, 2025

Atlantic piracy, current threats, and maritime governance in the Gulf of Guinea

By Maisie Pigeon

A drop in attacks in the Gulf of Guinea does not necessarily mean piracy has been resolved. Pirates have adapted their tactics, and the potential for resurgence remains high; this issue remains a critical security and development concern. It is not just a regional priority—it is an international imperative.

Africa Economy & Business
21st Infantry Division guard post on the Korean Demilitarized Zone

Issue Brief

Jul 17, 2025

Collective security in the Indo-Pacific: Rethinking the United Nations Command

By Richard D. Butler, Shawn P. Creamer

Europe has NATO. The Indo-Pacific needs a similar mechanism. Enter the United Nations Command, a legacy of the Korean War ready to be refitted for the current threat landscape in the Pacific.

Indo-Pacific NATO