Waking up alone
Where does the fall of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad leave Iran? Vali Nasr on the swift and unexpected transformation of power in the Middle East.
Mutually assured
Why is the United States building up so much military capability? Adam Tooze on how America’s great-power rivalries with China and Russia are transforming U.S. priorities.
Mind the gap
Why are global greenhouse-gas emissions still rising? Rachel Cleetus on how the use of fossil fuels keeps growing—and outpacing renewable energy.
In Canada, of all places
Why would the Indian government be killing and harassing Sikh activists around the world? Omair Ahmad on assassinations, the rule of law, and Delhi’s shifting global alliances.
This way comes
Can Europe defend itself? John R. Deni on troop shortages, mismatched equipment, and the cost of security in a time of war.
Entanglements
Who actually runs U.S. foreign policy? Daniel Bessner on why elections come and go without major changes in American grand strategy.
Note: The most dangerous place in the world
The most dangerous place in the world. A month ago, a Chinese coast-guard ship rammed into one from the Philippines,
The Chinese armada
Why are so many military confrontations happening in the South China Sea? Isaac B. Kardon on Beijing’s offshore strategy for a new international order.
Note: A tough call in the Arctic
A tough call in the Arctic. For months, Norway’s Port of Kirkenes has been negotiating with the Chinese state-owned
Note: ‘The Contest Over National Security’
5 W Main: The Contest Over National Security. In April 2023, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan gave a
