Recent Posts

Iran: Heroic Flexibility Returns

[“Supreme Guide” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei] has decided to perform what he calls “heroic flexibility” in foreign policy in the hope of focusing on a slow but steady suppression of dissent at home. In a speech last week, he said he was applying the tactic of “taqiyeh” (dissimulation), a theological concept, …

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Biden Is Not Serious about Ukraine Defeating Russia

[G]iven the unconscionable delays that have affected other commitments by the Biden administration to provide Kyiv with advanced weapons, concerns remain about whether the aircraft will actually arrive in time to make a material difference to Ukraine’s war effort. Procrastination and equivocation have been the key watchwords of Biden’s response …

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Just War and Just War Theory

One of the most disputed topics with regard to the concept of war is the idea of a Just War – a war held to be founded on the principles of justice in principle caused and conducted in the name of humanity like, for instance, self-defense or protection of minority …

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The Politics of Erdogan and Western Anxieties

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has become the longest-serving leader in the history of the Turkish Republic. He has been a controversial yet dominant figure in Turkish politics since 2003 holding various positions including prime minister and president. In the runoff election held on May 15, neither Erdogan nor his opponent, Kemal …

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Overcoming the Challenges of Transitional Mobilization

Nonviolent action can be a powerful way to bring about peaceful transitions from autocratic rule to democracy. But even when initially successful, movement leaders often face significant challenges, from frustrations that grievances are not addressed quickly enough to counterrevolutions aimed at restoring the authoritarian status quo. This report examines two …

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Dislodging Putin’s Foothold in the Balkans

With the West focused on Ukraine, Russia is taking the opportunity to nibble away at NATO’s borders and to sow discord. The impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the Balkans can only be understood by considering Moscow’s malign influence in the region from a broader perspective. While Russia has …

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Egypt’s cautious approach to rapprochement with Iran

Over the past three months, observers have speculated about the restoration of ties between Egypt and Iran. For many, it seemed logical for the Egyptian regime of President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi to follow the Saudi example and restore ties with Tehran. In March, Riyadh resumed ties with Iran after a seven-year …

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