Analysis

Analysis offers a new angle on a contemporary or historical issue. These articles are policy-oriented and cover current developments around the globe that impinge upon American foreign policy and national security priorities.

Which Alternative Future Should Sánchez and Trump Pursue for US-Spain Relations?

The bilateral relationship between Spain and the United States appears to be approaching a strategic crossroads. Since the September 11th attacks, both governments have often had to muddle through their political divergences to sustain strategic cooperation. This has taken...

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Reimagining Irregular Warfare: The Case for a Modernized OSS 2.0

A rebuttal to J.R. Seeger’s “A New Office of Strategic Services?” published by FPRI in May 2025. A recent piece in the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) penned by a retired Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer argues against proposals...

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Secretary Hegseth’s First Shangri-La Dialogue Speech: Why It Matters—and What to Watch For

For years, the main stage at the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) has given US defense secretaries an annual opportunity to describe US strategy in the Indo-Pacific, highlight important initiatives with allies and partners, and call out emerging challenges to regional...

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Why Trump Won’t Sacrifice Taiwan

Introduction The basic contours of President Donald Trump’s China policy and its implications for Taiwan remain uncertain. Many express concern Trump will sacrifice Taiwan for a grand bargain with Beijing. Rear Admiral Mike Studeman (Ret.), for example, suggests that...

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Will ECOWAS Survive Until 2030?

The West African geopolitical landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) inability to effectively address the region’s political and security challenges has eroded faith in its vision. The institution has lost its...

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The Wrong Russia-Ukraine Deal Could Undermine US Security

As of the writing of this article, American efforts to end the Russo-Ukrainian War remain stalemated like the fighting itself. None of the parties involved, Russia, Ukraine, or the United States, have the power to force their will upon...

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US Anti-Terrorism Cases Against MTN Group Put Multinationals in Peril

In April 2025, legal scholars raised concerns about the ongoing Iran-related terrorism cases against the MTN Group in the US court system. Professor Jeffrey Breinholt of George Washington University even went so far as to express his belief that...

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Navigating Political Crisis and Conflict in Mozambique: Quad’s Interest and Strategy

Introduction: A Brief History of Conflict in Mozambique The situation in Mozambique remains tense amidst an ongoing political crisis following last October’s contested election results. For months, violence and unrest have escalated as opposition-led protests challenge the outcome, which...

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Navigating Turbulent Waters: Does Zimbabwe Have a Future?

Zimbabwe, once hailed as the breadbasket of Africa, is now grappling with profound political and economic challenges. Recent efforts by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to reset relations with the United States and the internal political rift that seems to be...

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The Return to Strategic Ambiguity: Assessing Trump’s Taiwan Stance

Would the United States come to the defense of Taiwan if the People’s Republic of China (PRC) invaded? Would the US Navy break a PRC blockade of Taiwan? How would the US military respond to a limited missile strike...

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