International Affairs

Promoting the core values of the United States requires clear communication to our allies and adversaries, along with the will to support the implementation of those values.

National security concerns driven by Iranian ambitions are driving new security considerations within the Gulf. Preventing a hegemonic Iranian regime requires support for our allies within the region.

The rising challenge posed by China’s active and expansionary foreign policy requires careful study and rebuttal. Its threat to long-standing norms of the liberal order are leading to pushback across the globe.

Fellows address the consequences of Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine, the presence of Russian forces in Syria, Moscow’s position at the center of great-power politics, and nuclear disarmament negotiations between leaders in the Kremlin and in the White House.

Fellows analyze the geopolitics of the Middle East, including issues related to energy security, sectarian violence, peace prospects between Israelis and Palestinians, and power rivalries in the Persian Gulf region. Fellows also assess the issue of nuclear proliferation, especially Iran’s ambitions for nuclear weapons and the West’s revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with leaders in Tehran.

Fellows examine major political, economic, and security challenges involving the European Union and the NATO alliance. Issues include the strength of NATO in the face of threats posed by Russia; the struggle to absorb millions of migrants fleeing conflict zones and poor living conditions in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia; and debates within the EU on how to deal with challenges such as economic relief from the pandemic crisis, and access to affordable and reliable energy sources.