Content

MENASource

Jul 23, 2025

Iran, China, Russia, and the collapse of deterrence in the Red Sea

By Fatima Abo Alasrar

Multiple powers now patrol with different mandates, different rules, and increasingly different interpretations of acceptable behavior.

China Iran

New Atlanticist

Jul 23, 2025

A terrorist designation should only be the start in weakening Mexican cartels

By Aaron Kolleda

The Trump administration’s designation of several Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations must be followed by actions that meaningfully weaken those groups.

Conflict Defense Policy

AfricaSource

Jul 23, 2025

The Sahel is pivoting toward Turkey. Here’s what that means for Washington.

By Jordanna Yochai

Washington will need to consider partnering with Turkey when it advances US interests—but it must approach any cooperation with clear eyes.

Defense Technologies Sahel

In the News

Jul 23, 2025

Yevgeniya Gaber quoted in a Wall Street Journal article on talks between Russia and Ukraine that took place in Istanbul.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jul 23, 2025

Rich Outzen was interviewed for a story on Syria in The New Arab

Conflict Middle East

In the News

Jul 22, 2025

Stephen Rodriguez in War on the Rocks on the defense industrial paradigm

On July 22, Stephen Rodriguez, senior advisor at Forward Defense, published a piece in War on the Rocks entitled “Titans, Trailblazers, and Translators: Forging a Unified Defense Industrial Paradigm”. Rodriguez, working at the intersection of the defense industrial base and technologies, identifies a growing tension between the two. To address this challenge to enduring national […]

Defense Industry Defense Technologies

MENASource

Jul 22, 2025

Why the violence in my hometown, Swaida, goes beyond ‘rivalry.’

By Majd AlGhatrif

US officials described the events as “a rivalry” between Syria's Druze and Bedouins. But this framing strips the crisis of its historical and political context.

Civil Society Conflict

TURKEYSource

Jul 22, 2025

How France and Turkey can renew their ties in a shifting strategic order

By Riccardo Gasco and Ulysse Fournillon

Both Paris and Ankara share incentives to pursue a more pragmatic and structured partnership.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

UkraineAlert

Jul 21, 2025

NATO is unprepared for the growing threat posed by Putin’s Russia

By Elena Davlikanova, Yevhenii Malik

NATO officials believe Russia could attack the alliance within five years but NATO members are still not ready to face the threat posed by Vladimir Putin's expansionist regime, write Elena Davlikanova and Yevhenii Malik.

Conflict Defense Policy

AfricaSource

Jul 21, 2025

At Trump’s recent summit, the US talked trade. But West Africa wants security first.

By Rose Keravuori

During a mini summit with five West African leaders, the Donald Trump administration prioritized “trade not aid,” strategic minerals, and deportation agreements. But security in the Sahel—now the world’s epicenter of terrorism—remained a blind spot.

Economy & Business North & West Africa

Experts

Events