Content

In the News

Aug 10, 2020

Ashutosh Varshney in the Boston Review: What we can learn from India’s improbable democracy

By Atlantic Council

India Politics & Diplomacy

BelarusAlert

Aug 10, 2020

Lukashenka vs. democracy: Where is Belarus heading?

By Peter Dickinson

Belarusian dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka is facing the biggest crisis of his 26-year reign as protests erupt over attempts to falsify the country's August 9 presidential election. Can he cling on to power?

Belarus Democratic Transitions

EnergySource

Aug 10, 2020

Beirut’s port explosion reveals underlying problems in energy supply

By Aki Peritz

The cataclysmic explosion at Beirut’s port on August 4th could not have come at a worse time. The nation was already reeling from multiple catastrophes such as a collapsing currency, an environmental disaster on its shores, 1.5 million refugees from Syria, and a healthcare system pushed to the brink by the COVID-19 pandemic. The explosion has only exacerbated one of Lebanon’s core calamities: the lack of stable electricity.

Energy Markets & Governance Lebanon

MENASource

Aug 10, 2020

For Lebanon, the only way out is either revolution or reform

By Nabeel Khoury

The ingredients for Lebanese reform are there. However, it remains a cause that awaits the right champion.

Lebanon Middle East

In the News

Aug 10, 2020

Cole featured on podcast from The World

By Atlantic Council

On August 10, Forward Defense non-resident senior fellow August Cole was featured in the “Things That Go Boom” podcast from The World, in an episode titled “Future Wars.”

Media National Security

Elections 2020

Aug 10, 2020

What we’re forgetting about the Cold War

By Mathew Burrows

As President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden each accuse the other of going soft on China, we have forgotten the tense moments, close calls, and widespread suffering of that first Cold War and somehow grown fond of it instead.

China Conflict

In the News

Aug 9, 2020

Slavin quoted in The Hill on the arms embargo on Iran

Economic Sanctions Iran

BelarusAlert

Aug 9, 2020

Europe’s last dictator: The rise and (possible) fall of Alyaksandr Lukashenka

By Anders Åslund

Alexander Lukashenko has ruled Belarus for 26 years and earned the dubious title of "Europe's last dictator" but his country has experienced a pro-democracy awakening during this year's presidential election campaign.

Belarus Democratic Transitions

In the News

Aug 9, 2020

Riaz in the Daily Star: Three challenges to the 2020 US election

By Atlantic Council

Elections United States and Canada

New Atlanticist

Aug 7, 2020

Soldier, scholar, statesman: Remembering General Brent Scowcroft

By Barry Pavel and Matthew Kroenig

Many have walked the halls of power, but few are deserving of the title of statesman. General Brent Scowcroft embodied statesmanship and leaves a legacy that will survive his passing to shape US foreign and national security strategy and policy for generations to come. Indeed, the country and the world have lost an historic force for stability and security, a legendary strategist who ended the decades-long Cold War without a shot.

Defense Policy National Security

Experts