Videos

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  Collateral Damage? Central Asia and the South Caucasus in the Israel-Iran Conflict

  Both Central Asian and South Caucasian states border Iran and rely on key transit routes as well as economic and political ties with Tehran as they seek to bolster their sovereignty through multi-vector regional foreign policies. To what extent are these goals compromised by U.S. and Israeli efforts to isolate Iran? On July 28, 2025,

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  Russia Courts North Korea: Implications for Europe and the Indo-Pacific

  The deepening partnership between Russia and North Korea—fueled by Moscow’s global search for troops and weapons to sustain its invasion of Ukraine—carries profound security implications for both Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. Although Pyongyang has contributed relatively few soldiers compared to Russia’s large military force, their presence on Europe’s frontiers has raised alarm among policymakers

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  Can Afghanistan Improve American and Regional Prosperity?

  The Trump administration has been clear that its America First foreign policy prioritizes making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. However, it has not articulated how those objectives apply to Afghanistan policy beyond expressing priority interests in countering terrorism and securing the release of American detainees. But is there a viable way for Afghanistan to

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  Central Asian Fighters and Global Jihad

  Central Asian fighters have been active on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as in various military conflicts across the Greater Middle East and beyond. How are these individuals recruited, financed, and organized? One critical node is the Afghan border with the Central Asian states of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Has their role

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  Rising Lion, Falling Order? The Israel-Iran Conflict and What’s Next

  Following Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion”—a series of coordinated strikes targeting Iranian military installations, nuclear facilities, and leadership—the Middle East has once again been plunged into turmoil. How likely is direct U.S. involvement, including a potential bombing campaign? What are the implications for global oil markets? Could this conflict open the door to renewed diplomacy over

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