The authoritative text of the Convention on the Status of the Caspian Sea (Caspian Convention), signed August 12 in Aktau, Kazakhstan, is now available. After 23 years of negotiations, skepticism seems to be an influential trend in interpreting the Convention’s significance. It is easier for an expert to say, “Oh I didn’t expect such progress,” Read More…
From a local southern Lebanese guerrilla force to a huge regional player, Hezbollah has made many friends and foes. It’s implications for the Lebanese state, to states where similar replica are now emerging, the militia force has come to represent a rising theme and issue in the Middle East: the militia and it’s parallel state.
The future of the Middle East and the secret to ensuring a truly balanced power structure does not occur by simply breaking up the region into spheres of influence, or by turning it into a zero-sum game.
After more than 20 years of negotiation, and despite all the skepticism, there is every indication that five-party the Convention on the Status of the Caspian Sea will be signed in Aktau, Kazakhstan, on August 12. In fact, it was clear last December that it would be signed soon enough, when the Russian foreign minister Read More…
The Kurdish referendum takes place on September 25th. Despite widespread condemnation, President Barzani is continuing along the path towards independence and possibly renewed conflict.
This podcast is the fourth and final part in a series on “A Shifting Global Economy,” which engages our researchers in International Business and Economics on changes in the global economy driven by political, social, technological and other global trends. You can check out Part 1 here, Part 2 here, and Part 3 here. Listen as our analysts talk Read More…
This article is part one of a two-part series on the tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Aidan Simardone examines regional actors involved in the conflict and the potential effects a war would have for the security of the region.
Ryan Atkinson discusses the implications of cyber weapons for the future of warfare.
Afghanistan’s poppy fields have increased and the nation’s opium production has risen significantly since 2015. Nabil Bhatia breaks down the key transnational opioid trafficking routes, and analyzes joint counternarcotics initiatives aimed at curbing supply.
Experts often discuss Iran’s intention to continue pursuing a nuclear breakout strategy. However, a look through an Iranian perspective and its tenuous Islamic project says otherwise.