Politics & Diplomacy

The state of great power competition in the Gulf

By Jonathan Fulton

This issue brief examines Gulf states' strategic positioning amid shifting global power dynamics, the opportunities and challenges of great power competition, and regional efforts toward de-escalation and development.

Will Nepal’s long-standing nonalignment survive the first election after its Gen Z uprising?

By Rudabeh Shahid

The country’s March 5 election might result in a government that could challenge Nepal’s hedging approach toward India, China, and the West.

In Munich, a reminder that economic security is national security

By Kimberly Donovan, Lize de Kruijf

Policymakers at this year's MSC raised economic security as an issue that they cannot cordon off separately from traditional security issues.

Ukrainians don’t want to be resilient. Putin has given them no other choice.

By Peter Dickinson

For the past four years, Ukrainians have been praised for their remarkable resilience, but in reality most recognize that Russia's genocidal invasion leaves them with no real choice but to fight on, writes Peter Dickinson.

In Guinea, the US has a rare opportunity to gain an edge over China

By Rose Keravuori, Maureen Farrell

Guinea’s democratic transition and mineral riches put it center stage in US-China competition. The United States now has a rare chance to align investment, security, and governance to secure strategic influence in West Africa.

What I told Israeli lawmakers about reviving regional integration

By Daniel B. Shapiro

Careful implementation of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan and expanded regional integration can be mutually reinforcing.

The US-Lithuania LNG partnership exposes the myth that there are ‘no alternatives’ to Russian gas

As US LNG exports grow, a Baltic ally that decided to break with Russia more than a decade ago shows the way forward for Europe.

Why Colombia’s veterans are going to war in Ukraine

By Erin K. McFee

A lack of economic opportunities and pathways to reintegration is leading Colombian veterans to fight for Ukraine.

The Sahel’s most acute crisis is unfolding in Burkina Faso

By Jordanna Yochai

While Mali draws headlines, Burkina Faso has become the Sahel’s true epicenter of extremist violence. As insecurity spreads, President Ibrahim Traoré has tightened his grip on power—

When growth outpaces accountability: Political volatility in the Philippines

By Cesi Cruz

Economic growth in the Philippines has largely taken place in the absence of sustained political stability. Political rights and accountability swing sharply with changes in leadership. The task ahead is to ensure that economic progress deepens democratic accountability.