The Front-Runners: Five Western Leaders in Waiting
Leadership is expected to turn over in key Western states, bringing new policies that will reverberate throughout the global order. This backgrounder examines five key figures poised to form governments in the near future.
Beijing Agreement Complicates “Day After” Planning in Gaza War
The Beijing Agreement represents a credible competing vision for what post-war Gaza will look like, backed by the diplomatic weight of China and Russia. But all best-laid plans are moot in the face of a new escalation in Lebanon.
Scottish Independence and the Risk of ‘Unenlightened Secession’
Scotland may wish to be independent, but does the rest of the world wish to deal with an independent Scotland?
Russian Constitutional Referendum Sets a Dangerous Precedent
Russia's recent constitutional referendum, peppered with fraud and manipulation, foreshadows an increasingly authoritarian Kremlin going forward.
Moldova: Foreign Successes, Domestic Challenges
President Sandu’s pro-Europe foreign policy has made strides despite a challenging geopolitical environment, but political troubles are brewing on the home front.
Qatar Defense Procurement Hits a Political Roadblock in Germany
Burgeoning German-Qatari defense cooperation is being derailed by domestic politics in Germany, posing no small number of uncertainties moving forward.
Is America’s Finger Back on the Nuclear Button?
US policymakers are struggling to find the right balance between nuclear non-proliferation and ensuring US strategic flexibility.
China Securing Access to Middle East Oil
Dubai recently announced its partnership with China in the creation of a billion dollar investment fund. Saudi Arabia recently announced its commitment to double oil exports to China by 2010.
Using Digital Democracy to Energize Thailand
A wealth of youthful activism is bubbling under the surface of Thailand’s establishment politics, and digitization remains the best way to give it a voice.
Neutrality for Taiwan? Why It Remains an Option
Taiwanese politicians have proposed neutrality to solve one of the world’s most intractable geopolitical conflicts. But the proposal is not without its pitfalls.