FSLN’s Grandeur and Decadence

Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega during one of his rallies. Photo Credit: Confidencial (a Nicaraguan newspaper founded by the FSLN's former newspaper director) The Sandinista National Liberation Front or El Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional (FSLN) is a political and social movement, founded in 1962 by Carlos Fonseca. In 1979, FSLN efforts overthrew former President Anastasio Somoza, ending … Continue reading FSLN’s Grandeur and Decadence

Turkey at the Crossroads: Shaping Strategic Balance in an Era of Complex Interdependence

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gives a speech on economic policy amid the rapid depreciation of the Turkish lira. Photo Credit: Anadolu Ajansi Turkey is always at a crossroads. Today so is the world. The consequences of Turkey’s response to current crises leading up to national elections due to occur by June 2023 will determine … Continue reading Turkey at the Crossroads: Shaping Strategic Balance in an Era of Complex Interdependence

An Unlikely Pair: The Link Between the Uyghur Genocide and 9/11

Two people wearing masks showing colors of the Uighur heartland's flag with a hand painted with the Chinese Communist Party's colors over it. Photo Credit: Reuters/Lucy Nicholson As the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands, and other countries condemn China’s violence, internment, sterilization, and so-called re-education against its Uyghur population for the crime that it is—genocide—China’s actions … Continue reading An Unlikely Pair: The Link Between the Uyghur Genocide and 9/11

The US does not have an Africa strategy, but China does

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army attends the opening ceremony of China’s military base in Djibouti — its first overseas naval base — in August 2017. Photo Credit: AFP/Getty Images Washington’s interests on the African continent are poorly defined. This lack of strategic attention is illustrated by the Pentagon’s publication of regional strategies for Europe and … Continue reading The US does not have an Africa strategy, but China does

Transcending Rhetoric: The Wisdom of European “Strategic Autonomy”

“Now we are opening a new era where we have to put ourselves in a situation to clearly prepare, endorse our European defense. But I want to insist on the fact that we need the strong cooperation of the US.” — French President Emmanuel Macron[i] At the latest G-20 Summit, American President Biden and French … Continue reading Transcending Rhetoric: The Wisdom of European “Strategic Autonomy”

It’s the Politics, Stupid: US Public and Elite Opinion on Defending Taiwan

U.S., Japanese and Australian forces conduct trilateral military drilling exercises in the South China Sea. Photo Credit: U.S. Navy Analyzing the political trends makes one thing clear: if the United States chooses not to forcefully defend Taiwan, public or elite opinion won’t be the culprits standing in the way. The Status Quo: Strategic Ambiguity Joe … Continue reading It’s the Politics, Stupid: US Public and Elite Opinion on Defending Taiwan

To Succeed at “Strategic Competition,” Invest in Strategic Communications

Photo Credit: Mel Gurtov, “Testing Time for US-China Relations,” China-United States Exchange Foundation, May 4, 2020. “Just as water’s flow avoids the high ground and rushes to the low, so, too, the victor avoids the enemy’s strong points and strikes where he is weak”— Sun Tzu[i] Recently, the White House reframed its relationship with China … Continue reading To Succeed at “Strategic Competition,” Invest in Strategic Communications

Why The Biden Administration Should Take a Tougher Stance Towards Yemen

A Houthi rebel stands near the damaged presidential palace in Sana’a after Saudi airstrikes in December 2017. Photo Credit: DW News In February 2021, President Biden pledged to push for an end to the Yemeni Civil War; he also vowed to end offensive support for the Saudi Arabia-led bombing campaign in Yemen.[i] The U.S. … Continue reading Why The Biden Administration Should Take a Tougher Stance Towards Yemen

Iraq’s 2021 Parliamentary Elections: A Glimmer of Hope for the End of Sectarianism

Shi’ite Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is emerging as a kingmaker in the bitter contest to form a new governing coalition and select a new Prime Minister. Photo Credit: NYT. “No to America, and no to Iran. Iraq is for Iraqis” – So an unnamed protestor told a CNN reporter in January 2020, just one of hundreds … Continue reading Iraq’s 2021 Parliamentary Elections: A Glimmer of Hope for the End of Sectarianism

Boko Haram: Terrorist Endemic

Boko Haram, a terrorist organization that emerged in northern Nigeria in 2002, continues to pose a significant threat to Nigeria and the broader region, carrying out deadly attacks and engaging in criminal activity. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Boko Haram insurgency has displaced nearly 2.4 million people in the Lake … Continue reading Boko Haram: Terrorist Endemic