Security & Defense

The West must back Ukraine and Turkey to counter Russia’s attempts to control the Black Sea

By Yevgeniya Gaber

Russia’s efforts to gain control in the Black Sea need to be challenged. Here’s how Ukraine and Turkey can push back with the West’s help.

Russian Orthodox leader Patriarch Kirill’s unholy war against Ukraine

By Borys Gudziak

Russia's Unholy War: Russian Orthodox Church leader Patriarch Kirill has provided the ideological justification for Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and Russian efforts to eliminate Ukrainian national identity.

The 5×5—Cyber conflict in international relations: A policymaker’s perspective

By Simon Handler

Current and former policymakers address cyber conflict’s fundamental place in international relations, their recommended readings, and ideas for how policymakers and scholars can more effectively engage one another.

State of the Order: Assessing July 2023

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

What Niger’s coup means for West Africa’s geopolitical contest

By Rama Yade

The ongoing coup in Niamey and others that have taken place in West Africa in recent years reflect significant geopolitical changes underway.

Congress should fund the nuclear sea-launched cruise missile

By Robert Soofer and Walter B. Slocombe

The deployment of SLCM-Ns would send a clear message to adversary and ally alike that the United States maintains the resolve and capabilities to respond to any foe’s nuclear use.

Egypt’s stability is the GCC’s top priority in the region. Here’s why. 

By H.A. Hellyer

After the 2011-2013 revolution in Egypt, the author discussed the GCC's relationship with Egypt with a senior minister, who emphasized the importance of Egypt's stability. This sentiment has been shared by most GCC leaders over the past decade, though the way it has been expressed may have evolved. Political nuances in Cairo were considered less crucial, while the focus remained on the pragmatic and straightforward need for stability in Egypt.