Content

Report

Oct 15, 2025

How the US and Europe can deter and respond to Russia’s chemical, biological, and nuclear threats

By Philippe Dickinson, Ryan Arick, Natasha Lander Finch

A willingness to use chemical weapons has long been a feature of Russian aggression, on the battlefield in Ukraine and on the streets of Europe. Will Russia escalate to the use of biological weapons? And what about the country’s nuclear saber-rattling? An in-depth study of how Russia uses these threats calls for a strong NATO response.

Conflict
Crisis Management

Report

Oct 14, 2025

Responsible stewardship models can transform Africa’s mineral wealth into prosperity

By Mamadou Fall Kane

As investors race to secure access to Africa’s supplies of critical minerals, African nations should invest some of the proceeds in sovereign wealth funds that can manage mineral revenue transparently, protect African economies from price volatility, and secure the benefits of finite resources in a sustainable way.

Africa
Critical Minerals

Report

Oct 9, 2025

The imperative for hypersonic strike weapons and counterhypersonic defenses

By Michael E. White

A new report based on dozens of discussions with defense policymakers and industry representatives takes stock of how the United States military should handle the challenge posed by missiles capable of flying more than five times the speed of sound.

Defense Industry
Defense Technologies

Issue Brief

Oct 9, 2025

Critical minerals in crisis: Stress testing US supply chains against shocks

By Reed Blakemore, Alexis Harmon, Peter Engelke

How can policymakers prepare for shocks to critical mineral supply chains and create mineral security amid a wide range of threats and challenges?

Critical Minerals
Energy & Environment

Issue Brief

Oct 6, 2025

Chinese mining in West Africa: Responding to the environmental and social impacts

By Abosede Omowumi Babatunde, Richard Asante, Joseph Asunka, Joshua Eisenman, Fancies Egu Lansana, Sanusha Naidu, Igwe Ogbonnaya, Youmanli Ouoba, and Boukary Sangare

Chinese entities are expanding legal and illegal mining for minerals in West Africa.

Africa
China

Issue Brief

Oct 6, 2025

Chinese demand for timber and wildlife in West Africa: Responding to the environmental and social impacts

By Ebagnerin Jérôme Tondoh, Roland Balgah, Caroline Costello, Moses Fayiah, Jean-Luc Kouassi, and Christine A. I. Nougbodé Ouinsavi

West Africa’s forests are vital for climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, poverty alleviation, and economic growth.

China
Climate Change & Climate Action

Issue Brief

Oct 6, 2025

Chinese fishing in West Africa: Responding to the environmental and social impacts

By Ebimboere Seiyafa, Awa Niang Fall, Ellis Adjei Adams, Kadidia Kane, Isa Elegbebe Olalekan, Kodjo N’Souvi, and Salamatu Joana Tannor

Chinese companies have rapidly expanded into West Africa’s fishing sector, often operating illegally in prohibited coastal waters.

China
Climate Change & Climate Action

Issue Brief

Oct 3, 2025

Enhancing NATO’s operational readiness through energy interoperability

By Jason Knapp, Christopher Olson, Chamai Shahim

NATO forces are facing significant energy-related constraints that put interoperability at risk. The recent Hague Declaration committing 1.5 percent of GDP for infrastructure offers a way to address this.

Energy & Environment
Energy Transitions

Issue Brief

Oct 3, 2025

Dissolving the fence: Improving utility privatization for defense installations’ resiliency

By Benjamin Byboth, Ariel Coreth, Travis Nels

US bases depend on increasingly vulnerable electricity systems. Utility privatization offers a key tool to ensure military installations' energy resilience.

Energy & Environment
Renewables & Advanced Energy

Report

Sep 30, 2025

Turkey in the changing transatlantic trade environment

By Charles Lichfield

Exploring Turkey's position in the changing global trade order and analysis of the opportunities and challenges facing the country.

Economy & Business
European Union