Security
Is US troop deployment Boko Haram’s downfall?
As part of broader regional efforts to stop the spread of Boko Haram and violent extremism in western Africa, President Barack Obama ordered 300 US troops to Cameroon on Wednesday,
Economics of the AK-47
In this era of modern technology and cutting edge military equipment, the Russian assault rifle remains ubiquitous in today’s war zones. What is the reason behind the AK-47’s continued use and economic impact
China divided: Beijing struggles for control
The 60th anniversary of the establishment of the autonomous region of Xinjiang has been saluted by Beijing as a great step toward a stronger national unity. However, rising tensions and
Three necessary reforms for UN Security Council legitimacy
The recent adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution to begin discussions on UN Security Council reform has revived hopes of progress on a long-pending issue. Reform will need to
Obama ups the ante in Syria with TOW missiles
While Obama has seemingly stood by his risk-averse approach to Middle East policy, the supply of TOW missiles to certain rebel factions has continued in response to Russia’s recent actions.
Kurdish groups are divided over Russian presence in Syria and Iraq
Russian airstrikes in Syria and military aid efforts in Iraq have placed Kurdish groups in both countries in an awkward position. As Russia and the U.S. pursue alternate strategies in
Is time ripe for a UN-brokered peace deal in Libya?
Four years after the removal of Gadhafi from power, Libya is still struggling with two competing governments, violence, and instability. A UN-brokered peace deal could be struck in late October.
Ankara bombing aftermath poses risks for Turkey’s election
What started as a peaceful protest ended up as one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in Turkish history. With around 100 people dead and more injured, this terrorist attack
Violence in Central African Republic hinders development
The Central African Republic (CAR) has endured multiple civil wars spawning many anti-government militias. Elections have been postponed indefinitely, as Bangui descends into ethno-religious violence. CAR’s long-running civil war can
Is Japan’s new military law really a radical policy shift?
In the wake of continued conflict over islands in the South China Sea and the need to better protect their interests abroad, the Japanese government has passed a law that
