Content

Blurred photo of a malware sample in the Ghidra reverse engineering

Report

Jun 25, 2025

Crash (exploit) and burn: Securing the offensive cyber supply chain to counter China in cyberspace 

By Winnona DeSombre Bernsen

If the United States wishes to compete in cyberspace, it must compete against China to secure its offensive cyber supply chain.

China
Cybersecurity

Report

Jun 23, 2025

2025 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes: How political freedom drives growth

By Ignacio Campomanes, Nina Dannaoui-Johnson, Annie (Yu-Lin) Lee, Joseph Lemoine

As the Freedom and Prosperity Indexes show political freedom declining worldwide for the twelfth straight year, new data analysis shows its importance for lasting prosperity: Though authoritarians promise economic rewards, democratizing countries gain an 8.8 percent GDP per capita boost over twenty years than their autocratic peers. With democracy on the ropes, what else can the Indexes tell us?

China
Civil Society

Report

Jun 23, 2025

Building electricity bridges: The critical role of high-voltage direct current lines

By Joseph Webster, Frank Willey

A report on the potential of long distance HVDC electric cables and their critical role in regional connectivity for a secure, affordable, and cleaner energy future.

Africa
Central Asia

Report

Jun 20, 2025

A guide to national security space trends in the GCC

By AzurX and Graham Brookie

AzurX provides a comprehensive picture of the innovative strategies, ambitious missions, and inspiring visions propelling GCC nation space programs to new heights.

Space
Space Security

Report

Jun 17, 2025

Great sea connections: Financing the Eastern Mediterranean’s energy transition

By Karim Elgendy

This report proposes frameworks for innovative financial mechanisms to simultaneously advance technological leapfrogging, economic development, and regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Africa
Energy & Environment
Cover image for Keeping China at bay and critical minerals stocked: The case for US-Africa defense collaboration

Report

Jun 6, 2025

Keeping China at bay and critical minerals stocked: The case for US-Africa defense collaboration

By Aleksandra Gadzala Tirziu

As Russia, China, and other authoritarian powers expand their global reach, US security is at stake. To stay competitive, the United States must turn to Africa—for both critical minerals and partnership in countering rising adversarial influence on the continent.

Africa
Critical Minerals

Report

Jun 2, 2025

Why the Middle Corridor matters amid a geopolitical resorting

By Karel Valansi

As an influence war is intensifying over transit routes, the West must immediately recognize the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor.

Central Asia
Economy & Business

Report

Jun 2, 2025

Turkish-American defense and energy partnerships suit the new transatlantic landscape

By Gregory Bloom

In the new transatlantic landscape, a stronger US-Turkey partnership in many ways has become a strategic necessity.

Europe & Eurasia
Middle East

Report

Jun 2, 2025

In Syria’s fragile transition there’s a glimmer of a more stable Middle East

By Charles Lister

Despite the risks and unknowns, prioritizing on shaping a stable and capable central government in Syria should be the only option on the table for the US and NATO.

Democratic Transitions
Middle East

Report

Jun 2, 2025

2024 in the rear view

By Rich Outzen

The developments and changes in the security and defense environment of 2024 carry significant implications for the US, Turkey, and their NATO partners in 2025.

Conflict
Defense Industry