Conflict

Violent conflict within and between nations has been a consistent feature throughout humanity’s history, and although it has seen a considerable decline in recent decades, it remains a challenge. Conflict destroys lives, wrecks economies, and can destabilize entire regions. The international community has a responsibility to seek peaceful ends to conflicts and to avoid measures that unnecessarily extend or promote the violence.

Content

MENASource

Dec 19, 2024

2024: A year in the Middle East

By Leila Ouhri, Kate Springs, and Yaseen Rashed

2024 was a year of consequence for the Middle East and North Africa, with metastasizing conflict, human tragedies, and major elections across the region.

Conflict Crisis Management

UkraineAlert

Dec 19, 2024

Ukraine seeks further progress toward EU membership in 2025

By Kateryna Odarchenko

With little prospect of an invitation to join NATO while the war with Russia continues, Ukraine will be hoping to advance further on the road toward EU integration in 2025, writes Kateryna Odarchenko.

Civil Society Conflict

MENASource

Dec 18, 2024

What the fall of the Assad regime really means for China

By Jonathan Fulton

Assad’s fall makes the Middle East more complicated for Beijing but does not threaten China’s most important relationships in the region.

China Conflict

MENASource

Dec 18, 2024

Will Russia be able to keep its bases in Syria?  

By Mark N. Katz

It would be in the United States’ and Israel’s interests not to give the new Syrian government reasons to let Russia keep those bases.  

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Dec 18, 2024

Rich Outzen joins Vandenberg Flash Focus podcast to discuss the US reaction to events in Syria

Conflict Middle East

UkraineAlert

Dec 17, 2024

Putin’s quiet Syrian surrender reveals the weakness behind his intimidation tactics

By Peter Dickinson

Vladimir Putin’s inability to save his Syrian ally Bashar Assad is a timely reminder that Russia is far weaker than many appreciate and Western fears of Kremlin escalation are wildly exaggerated, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Dec 17, 2024

Sudan is caught in a web of external interference. So why is an international response still lacking?

By Emadeddin Badi

Sudan needs a unified international strategy, combining economic, political, and diplomatic pressure.

Africa Conflict

New Atlanticist

Dec 17, 2024

Dispatch from Damascus: Celebrations and concerns as a new Syria takes shape

By Ömer Özkizilcik

Syrians in Damascus are celebrating the fall of the Assad regime, but that joy is mixed with concern for how the country’s new leaders will govern.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Dec 13, 2024

To advance Saudi-Israeli relations, let the private sector lead

By Mark Donig and Tally Zingher

With the right policies in place, the US private sector can play a critical role in advancing US-Saudi-Israeli economic relations, creating a reality that will make normalization more achievable in the coming years.

Conflict Economy & Business

UkraineAlert

Dec 12, 2024

Why Finland thinks Finlandization is a bad idea for Ukraine

By Minna Ålander

Some believe the Finlandization of Ukraine is the most realistic option to end Russia's invasion, but any attempt to impose neutrality would leave Ukraine in a precarious position, writes Minna Ålander.

Conflict Defense Policy

Experts