Security
What’s behind the upcoming western military intervention in Syria?
With a new intervention into the Syrian conflict set to unfold, strategic interests meet political ones for presidents Trump and Macron.
Is the U.S. relying too much on Special Operations Forces?
Many Western military commanders consider Special Operations Forces (SOF) to be the perfect tool for almost any job. But are we using them effectively?
Chapter Review: Russian military reform and lessons learned in Ukraine
In a chapter of the Jamestown Foundation’s upcoming book on Russia’s Armed Forces, Roger McDermott argues that the ongoing process of military reform in Russia is closely informed by the conflict in eastern Ukraine. While the Kremlin still denies its direct involvement, McDermott argues that publicly available information is sufficient to decipher the lessons that Russia’s Armed Forces have learned in Donbass.
Russia’s privatised military: a move away from Statism?
Benjamin Marsh considers the extent to which private contractor encroachment into a previously protected strategic sector is indicative of a broader shift away from statism in Russia.
50 years after the Battle of Karameh, Jordan faces new uncertainty
Fifty years ago, an armed confrontation between Israel, Jordan, and Palestinian guerrillas created a new phase of Middle East diplomacy and conflicts. What does the battle’s legacy tell us about Jordan and its place in the troubled region today?
The firing of Rex Tillerson and the future of US diplomacy
After Rex Tillerson was abruptly fired last week, all eyes are on new appointee Mike Pompeo. Trump and Pompeo are aligned on many issues, and the Iran deal in particular is at risk under the new Secretary of State. But there is still scope for Pompeo to assert himself on North Korea and Trump’s unconventional diplomacy.
On Russia, Theresa May’s options are limited and ineffective at best
Theresa May’s demands for an explanation of the nerve gas incident are almost certain to be ignored by the Kremlin, but the real risks would lie in pursuing an escalation.
Israel and Iran on the path to escalation
Tensions have been simmering since an Iranian drone and an Israeli F-16 were shot down at the Syria-Israel border. More incidents and additional quarrels over the Iran Nuclear Deal could lead to more grievous confrontations between the parties involved.
The state of Germany’s military readiness
The German military is dramatically under equipped to meet pressing international security challenges per a recent watchdog report.
The U.N. hits another wall in Syria, but a resolution remains possible
The U.N. has continually failed to influence a political resolution in Syria. This does not mean that a political resolution is not possible, but shows that states in the ‘East’ are confident enough to challenge the Security Council’s authority and work together to bring stability.
