It’s me again
How did Afghanistan turn into a global security problem again? Nilofar Sakhi on the Taliban, al-Qaeda, and the expanding “web of militancy” within the country and beyond.
Shocks from underground
What’s driving the terrible conflict in Congo? The 2025 Oscar-nominee Johan Grimonprez on a history of violence and the costs of global competition over critical minerals.
It’s a sabotage
What’s behind the wave of clandestine Russian attacks in Europe? Darrell Driver on the psychological campaign to change European hearts and minds about Ukraine.
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.
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.
Coming home to roost
How much is Iran driving the conflict in the Middle East? Alex Vatanka on the Islamic Republic’s relationship with Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis—and the tension between its ideology of revolution and instinct for self-preservation.
Note: Friends like these
Friends like these. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, don’t usually issue
Legion of doom
Why is collaboration intensifying among the world’s most powerful autocracies? Lucan Way on what unites and divides China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.
Entanglements
Who actually runs U.S. foreign policy? Daniel Bessner on why elections come and go without major changes in American grand strategy.
