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Dr. Henne contends that while Israel’s post-October 7 campaign in Gaza has achieved tactical successes — destroying roughly 80% of Hamas’s Rafah tunnel network, carrying out decapitation strikes against key leaders, and securing the release of over 100 hostages — it has failed to meet its strategic objectives, as evidenced by remaining hostages, new fronts opening with Hezbollah and Iran, and the IDF’s repeated need to re-clear contested areas in what critics term an “endless war." He argues that shifting the debate from moral and legal questions to the strategic efficacy of Israel’s actions could promote a more restrained or diplomatic approach to resolving the conflict.

Following Putin’s June 2024 visit to Pyongyang — and the signing of a “comprehensive strategic partnership” featuring mutual‑defense guarantees — North Korea has deepened its support for Russia, supplying ammunition, missiles, and potentially special operations troops. This alliance marks a major shift for Moscow, which will no longer support UN sanctions on North Korea, and could embolden Pyongyang to escalate provocations against South Korea, risking a broader conflict. For Beijing, the challenge is managing this growing Russia-North Korea alignment: China must navigate between its leverage over both nations and the need to avoid being pulled into aggressive moves that could destabilize the region and strengthen U.S.-South Korea-Japan security cooperation.

The piece explores how the U.S. Congress exhibits a clear duality on the Israel–Palestine issue: while it consistently provides strong military and political support to Israel, it also expresses concern over humanitarian conditions for Palestinians. Lawmakers largely reaffirm Israel’s security needs, yet some voices within Congress maintain pressure for accountability regarding civilian suffering and human rights in Gaza. This dual stance reflects the challenge of balancing strategic alliances with ethical considerations, ultimately shaping U.S. policy toward a narrowly focused approach.

This piece presents a provocative perspective on nuclear weapons proliferation. Tchantouridze argues that the traditional approach of non-proliferation, which aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, may no longer be effective or realistic in the current global landscape. He suggests that a controlled proliferation strategy, where more nations possess nuclear capabilities under regulated conditions, could potentially enhance global stability by deterring aggressive actions and promoting a balance of power. This approach challenges conventional wisdom and invites readers to reconsider the dynamics of nuclear diplomacy and security in the modern era.

This article discusses the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran following a series of Iranian missile attacks on Israeli territory. Iran launched at least 180 missiles into Israel, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing hostilities. This barrage was reportedly in retaliation for Israel's recent strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, an Iran-backed militant group. The article examines the potential implications of this escalation, considering Israel's possible military responses and the broader regional security dynamics. The situation underscores the fragile security environment in the Middle East and the risks of further escalation into a wider regional conflict.

This article delves into the complexities of the current international system and the challenges in interpreting Russia's actions. Dusseault argues that Western nations often misinterpret Russia's motivations by focusing on superficial justifications for its invasion of Ukraine, rather than understanding President Vladimir Putin's deeper concerns about perceived Western threats. He suggests that Putin views Ukraine not merely as a territorial dispute but as a symbol of a broader ideological and geopolitical struggle. The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing the intricate and interconnected nature of global politics to better comprehend and address the underlying causes of international conflicts.

This article examines the complexities of policy decision-making in international relations. Dusseault reflects on his personal experiences in the Soviet Union and Russia during the late 1980s and early 1990s, observing the end of the Cold War and the subsequent socio-economic challenges. He discusses the gap between policy intentions and outcomes, highlighting instances where decisions, despite being well-intentioned, led to unintended consequences. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the long-term effects of policy decisions and the need for careful consideration in international relations.

This article discusses the implications of the evolving alliance between Russia and North Korea. The piece highlights that this pact is not merely a bilateral agreement but part of a broader strategic alignment involving Moscow, Beijing, and Pyongyang, united by a common interest in countering U.S. influence and reshaping the security architecture in Eurasia. The article argues that the United States must recognize the full extent of this alliance's strategic significance, as it could alter the balance of power in the region and challenge existing international norms. It emphasizes the need for the U.S. to adapt its foreign policy to address this emerging geopolitical reality effectively.

The article highlights the dire conditions and profound human rights abuses in the al‑Hol and Roj camps in northeastern Syria, where tens of thousands — primarily women and children linked to ISIS — are held in unsanitary, overcrowded, and arbitrary detention, facing malnutrition, disease, gender‑based violence, trauma, and separation from their families. It warns that these camps serve as breeding grounds for radicalization, with ISIS sleeper cells actively recruiting youth amid chronic neglect. The piece strongly advocates for urgent repatriation and accountability, condemning prolonged detainment without due process and emphasizing the responsibility of home countries to bring back and rehabilitate detainees, especially vulnerable children, to prevent further destabilization.

This article discusses the significant and growing global movement led by students advocating for Palestinian rights and urging universities to divest from companies supporting Israeli military actions in Gaza. Beginning in April 2024 at Columbia University, this movement has expanded to over 140 universities worldwide, including institutions in the U.S., U.K., and Europe. Students are demanding universities sever financial and academic ties with entities involved in the conflict, and their efforts have led to notable successes, such as divestment votes and policy changes at various institutions. Jackson highlights that, despite facing challenges and opposition, these student-led protests are achieving tangible outcomes, reflecting a shift in public discourse and institutional accountability regarding the Gaza conflict.