Did Biden have the authority to bomb Houthi targets in Yemen? Andrew Rudalevige - January 30, 2024 Let’s look at the Constitution, the War Powers Resolution, and what might authorize or constrain military action.
Violent deaths in Pakistan jumped last year. That’s a big worry. Christopher Clary - January 5, 2024 Outside powers may be unable to ignore the worsening turmoil in Pakistan.
Yale Law School pulled out of the U.S. News rankings. Here’s why. Henry Farrell - November 18, 2022 Law school deans have compared the rankings to a roach infestation and wished that al-Qaeda would target the company
Pakistan is seeking flood assistance — but not from foreign NGOs Rafeel Wasif and Aseem Prakash - September 12, 2022 For more than a decade, Pakistan has banned some international aid groups
Do armed drones reduce terrorism? Here’s the data. Matthew Fuhrmann and Joshua Schwartz - August 18, 2022 This research analyzes patterns of terrorism in the 18 countries that utilize drones
The U.S. killed al-Qaeda’s leader. That might boost terrorism. Jenna Jordan - August 9, 2022 ‘Leadership decapitation’ can inspire Islamist extremist groups and followers to carry out more attacks, my research finds
‘Islamic State in Africa’ explores nine militant Islamist groups Dan Eizenga - July 14, 2022 This book takes a comprehensive look at the rise of Islamic State affiliates operating on the continent
The Islamic State’s leader died this month. What type of leader might come next? Tricia L. Bacon and Elizabeth Grimm - February 16, 2022 Our book on terrorist leaders gives some clues
U.S. foreign policy was once all about race. If the U.S. isn’t careful, race may come back. Richard W. Maass - September 22, 2021 A new U.S. partnership with the U.K. and Australia could fuel risky notions of civilizational conflict
20 years later, America’s ‘War on Terror’ language has gone global Somdeep Sen and John Collins - September 9, 2021 Right-wing governments and movements often use these words to justify authoritarian and racist policies.
Groups like the Taliban have seized power elsewhere. Will the Taliban face similar difficulties governing? Raphael Lefevre - August 24, 2021 The research shows how hard it is to go from armed rebellion to leadership
Northern Afghanistan once kept out the Taliban. Why has it fallen so quickly this time? Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili - July 27, 2021 Political and ethnic tensions have fueled new discord — and the Taliban has capitalized on these grievances
The Taliban isn’t the only challenge for the Afghanistan government Dipali Mukhopadhyay - July 7, 2021 The U.S. withdrawal leaves these big questions for the Ghani administration
The Islamic State has ‘provinces’ in Africa. That doesn’t mean what you might think. Jason Warner - June 6, 2021 Africa’s militant groups retain considerable autonomy, research shows
Another coup in Mali? Here’s what you need to know. Susanna D. Wing - May 27, 2021 For the past decade, military officers and political leaders have been elbowing each other for political control and access to the spoils of power
What would persuade South Asians to get vaccinated against covid-19? Syeda ShahBano Ijaz - May 21, 2021 New research suggests a way to change minds.
Benin’s militant problem may worsen after last month’s election Christina Cottiero - May 3, 2021 The government focused on weeding out political opponents in recent years, rather than combating extremist and criminal groups
The U.S. is pulling out of Afghanistan. Don’t expect an al-Qaeda reboot. Daniel Byman - April 30, 2021 Here’s why the country won’t necessarily become a base for international terrorist attacks
Five things to watch as the U.S. prepares to exit Afghanistan Asfandyar Mir - April 25, 2021 For Afghans, the conflict enters a new phase
The Proud Boys and Oath Keepers allegedly teamed up for the Capitol invasion. Should we worry? Brian Phillips - April 4, 2021 Here’s what we know about what happens when armed militant groups collaborate
The assault on the U.S. Capitol opens a new chapter in domestic terrorism Daniel Byman - January 14, 2021 The counterterrorism manual doesn’t cover an insurrection egged on by one party’s leaders.
Some good news from 2020: So far, very few Americans have been killed in terrorist attacks. Daniel Byman - December 21, 2020 Despite alarming headlines, domestic terror attacks left fewer Americans dead than in 2019
What will America’s commitment to Afghanistan look like after the election? Asfandyar Mir - November 1, 2020 The peace negotiations are in flux, and the Taliban has ramped up the violence
Armed group allegedly plotted to kidnap Michigan’s governor. Here are 5 things to know about political kidnappings. Danielle Gilbert - October 13, 2020 Mobile phones have made terrorist kidnappings more dangerous.
U.S. school principals discriminate against Muslims and atheists, our study finds Steven Pfaff, John B. Holbein, Holger L. Kern, and Charles Crabtree - September 10, 2020 Nineteen years after the 9/11 attacks, anti-Muslim bias still operates widely
Malians have been protesting for weeks. Here’s what you need to know. Susanna D. Wing - July 20, 2020 Economic and security concerns have led to political upheaval.
Why didn’t the U.S. rebuke Russia for its Taliban bounty deal? Four things to know. Asfandyar Mir - July 1, 2020 The Trump administration’s response seems unusual, on a number of levels
The U.N. has appealed for a global coronavirus cease-fire Govinda Clayton - April 12, 2020 But is it possible to quarantine conflict?
In West Africa, trafficking brings human suffering. But removing it can set off instability. Hannah Armstrong - April 10, 2020 This complicates policymaking.
The U.S. may be close to a peace deal in Afghanistan. Here are 3 big takeaways. Asfandyar Mir - February 20, 2020 How can the U.S. prevent a civil war and international terrorism while getting out of its longest war?
Trump just de-escalated in the Middle East. Here’s why we shouldn’t be surprised. Andrew Payne - January 10, 2020 In an election year, presidents don’t want U.S. troops in harm’s way
Does Trump need Congress’s approval to go to war with Iran? Andrew Rudalevige - January 4, 2020 That depends on whether Congress wants to try to stop him.
Why has Italy avoided jihadist terrorist attacks? Our research helps explain. Stefano Bonino and Andrea Beccaro - December 24, 2019 Italy’s centralized intelligence and controversial deportation policy have made a difference.
The London Bridge knife attacker was a bad risk for release. Here’s why. Mary Beth Altier and Emma Leonard Boyle - December 20, 2019 Our research helps reveal which terrorists can be rehabilitated — and which might not be.
Don’t expect Afghanistan to have a Western-style government. This explains why. Romain Malejacq - December 17, 2019 It’s a delusion to think warlords will quietly fade away
Biden plans to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. Here’s what we learned about America’s longest war. Elizabeth N. Saunders - December 11, 2019 Here are experts’ key takeaways on the war in Afghanistan, drawn from the Afghanistan Papers.
When the Berlin Wall fell 30 years ago, it shook up U.S. politics. Here’s how. James Goldgeier - November 8, 2019 Republicans have been divided on foreign policy ever since the Cold War ended.
In Somalia, can al-Shabab be defeated? Here’s why a nonmilitary option might succeed. Christian Taylor - November 5, 2019 It’s critical to keep defectors from rejoining.
In Somalia, al-Shabab targeted U.S. and E.U. forces this week. Here’s what these troops are doing there. Paul Williams - October 3, 2019 U.S. airstrikes and al-Shabab attacks are on the rise.
Afghanistan holds elections Saturday. Here’s what to know about its democratic process. Dipali Mukhopadhyay - September 26, 2019 This election could enable the Afghan state to better serve its citizens and hold space against extremism for the international community.
U.S. military confrontation with Iran would be unpopular. Here’s why. Jason Brownlee - August 19, 2019 Survey data shows when Americans are – and aren’t – up for intervention.
Here’s how India’s decision to cut Kashmir’s autonomy will affect South Asia — and the world Asfandyar Mir - August 8, 2019 Watch these four key relationships.
Iran’s cooperation with the Taliban could affect talks on U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan Ariane M. Tabatabai - August 8, 2019 Here’s what’s motivating the recently publicized ties.
Why do Facebook and Twitter’s anti-extremist guidelines allow right-wingers more freedom than Islamists? Anna Meier - July 31, 2019 Relying on governments to designate organizations as terrorists means “de-platforming” is always political.
Pakistan’s leader Imran Khan meets President Trump this week. Here’s what to expect. Asfandyar Mir - July 21, 2019 Strained relations or not, there’s a lot at stake for both countries.
Oil probably won’t cause a war with Iran, but it certainly adds fuel to the blaze Jeff Colgan - July 20, 2019 Tensions are high, and liquid natural gas tankers are vulnerable to attack.
John Bolton is warning of a “Clash of Civilizations” with China. Here are the five things you need to know. Paul Musgrave - July 18, 2019 Academics and experts say that the “clash of civilizations” argument is misleading and destabilizing.
No, a downed drone does not give Trump the authority to start a war. He still needs congressional authorization. Andrew Rudalevige - June 22, 2019 Two articles of the Constitution and two statutes offer guidance.
What’s behind the escalating ethnic violence in Mali? Here’s what you need to know. Susanna D. Wing - June 12, 2019 The prime minister and his government resigned in April, signaling that official Mali has no effective response.
D-Day would be nearly impossible to pull off today. Here’s why. Danielle Lupton - June 5, 2019 ‘Loose lips sink ships’ — but so can social media
How is MBS’s consolidation of power affecting Saudi clerics in the opposition? Raihan Ismail - June 3, 2019 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Islamic Summit
Attempts to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization have failed before. Why is it returning now? Marc Lynch - May 1, 2019 Trump’s Middle East policy pattern shows disregard for the consequences.
Designating Iranian military unit a ‘terrorist organization’ will make U.S. relations with Iran more difficult. Here’s how. Afshon Ostovar - April 8, 2019 It’s a first for the United States to designate a foreign government entity as a terrorist organization.
Would Trump label Mexican cartels terrorist organizations? Brian Phillips - March 26, 2019 This type of shift could have serious policy implications.
The U.S. is now negotiating with the Taliban. Would negotiations work with al-Shabab? Peter Mackenzie and Joanne Crouch - February 8, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83536" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Kenya Red Cross personnel help a
As the U.S. withdraws from Syria and Afghanistan, here are lessons from the Iraq War Debora Han and Andrew Shaver - January 7, 2019 [caption id="attachment_82173" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President Trump speaks to members of
U.S. troop drawdown in Afghanistan raises big questions Asfandyar Mir - December 23, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81955" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A U.S. flag is seen at
The U.S. believes that kidnapped journalist Austin Tice is still alive. Here are 5 things to know about global kidnapping. Danielle Gilbert - December 4, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81014" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Debra Tice speaks about her son,
Mali’s elections saw some Islamist militant violence. Here’s what these patterns suggest. Alexander Thurston - September 7, 2018 [caption id="attachment_77454" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta stands
Why has the Syrian civil war lasted so long? Théodore McLauchlin - July 27, 2018 [caption id="attachment_76120" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The Syrian national flag flies amid
How educational programs in Africa can help counter violent extremism Beth Maclin and Beza Tesfaye - May 17, 2018 [caption id="attachment_73500" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Hundreds of al-Shabab fighters perform military
Did bin Laden’s death help the Islamic State? Tricia Bacon and Elizabeth Arsenault - May 2, 2018 [caption id="attachment_72869" align="aligncenter" width="960"] An undated photo shows al-Qaeda leader
Attacking Syria wasn’t legal a year ago. It’s still not. Andrew Rudalevige - April 13, 2018 [caption id="attachment_72115" align="aligncenter" width="960"] U.S. Navy sailors staff the Arleigh Burke-class
Malala is building more schools in Pakistan. That’s not likely to reduce support for extremism. Madiha Afzal - April 7, 2018 [caption id="attachment_71862" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai walks
Afghanistan’s road to peace won’t be an easy one Asfandyar Mir - March 30, 2018 Is there hope for an end to the long war
Why are Americans still so afraid of Islamist terrorism? Mark Stewart and John Mueller - March 23, 2018 [caption id="attachment_46093" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Smoke rises from the burning twin
How the Rohingya crisis is affecting Bangladesh — and why it matters Mayesha Alam - February 12, 2018 [caption id="attachment_69135" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A Rohingya child at the Kutupalong refugee camp
Could Trump be the president who finishes off the State of the Union address? Andrew Rudalevige - January 31, 2018 Last night, President Trump became the latest commander in chief to
What ‘The West Wing’ tells us about the West Wing Paul Musgrave and Furman Daniel, III - January 22, 2018 How do politics affect popular culture? A well-received speech by
In Yemen, 2018 looks like it will be another grim year Peter Salisbury - January 11, 2018 [caption id="attachment_67944" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Supporters of Shiite Houthi rebels attend
Will U.S. threats to Pakistan help crack down on terrorism? Not really. Paul Staniland and Asfandyar Mir - January 5, 2018 http://www.washingtonpost.com/video/world/trump-calls-on-pakistan-to-stop-harboring-terrorists/2017/08/21/92528b98-86dc-11e7-96a7-d178cf3524eb_video.html Editor's Note: Since we published this post in August
U.N. peacekeepers were killed in Congo. Here’s what we know. Christoph Vogel - December 8, 2017 [caption id="attachment_67135" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Armed groups on Thursday attacked this
Why moderate Muslims come to support extremist groups Barbara Walter - November 29, 2017 [caption id="attachment_66679" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Discarded shoes of victims remain Saturday
Here’s why the Trump administration may actually want Congress to pass a new authorization for military force Andrew Rudalevige - November 20, 2017 [caption id="attachment_66466" align="aligncenter" width="960"] In this photo from Nov. 6, U.S.
Survey research in the Middle East needs to be transparent. Here’s why. David Pollock - November 16, 2017 [caption id="attachment_66326" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A Qatari woman walks in front
The Islamic State is more like a street gang than like other terrorist groups Matthew Phillips and Matthew Valasik - November 15, 2017 [caption id="attachment_62026" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A member loyal to the Islamic
When did Congress authorize fighting in Niger? That’s an excellent question. Andrew Rudalevige - November 11, 2017 It’s Veterans Day – not a bad time to give
Boko Haram vs. al-Shabab: What do we know about their patterns of violence? Wendy Williams, Roudabeh Kishi, Olivia Russell, Joseph Siegle, and Clionadh Raleigh - October 2, 2017 The United Nations proclaimed Oct. 2 as the International Day
National security relies more and more on big data. Here’s why. Stephen Coulthart, Shahriar Hossain, and Van Puyvelde - September 27, 2017 [caption id="attachment_64125" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The headquarters of the National Security
How 9/11 created a feedback loop for international jihadism Martha Crenshaw and Lisa Blaydes - September 22, 2017 [caption id="attachment_63827" align="aligncenter" width="960"] U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilians pull
5 things you need to know about the Rohingya crisis — and how it could roil Southeast Asia Mayesha Alam - September 14, 2017 A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding along the Bangladesh-Burma border. More than 370,000
Trump says Pakistan ‘harbors terrorists.’ The real story isn’t so simple. Peter Henne - August 28, 2017 Announcing a new Afghanistan strategy on Aug. 21, President Trump
Half a million marched this weekend in Barcelona. Do terrorist attacks make people more politically engaged? Laia Balcells and Gerard Torrats - August 28, 2017 The Aug. 17, 2017 terrorist attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils,
Trump singled out India to do more in Afghanistan. That could easily backfire. Christopher Clary - August 24, 2017 In the middle of Monday night’s fairly orthodox speech on
Congress keeps quiet on U.S. drone policy — and that’s a big problem Sarah Kreps and Miles McCain - August 24, 2017 A day after President Trump’s prime-time speech on Aug. 21
Trump says ‘our troops will fight to win’ in Afghanistan. Here’s why peace and stability are so elusive. Geoffrey Swenson - August 22, 2017 Over 15 years ago, the United States first intervened in
This is why al-Shabab won’t be going away anytime soon Tricia Bacon - July 6, 2017 [caption id="attachment_60645" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Students in Nairobi protest an attack
What the Qatar crisis shows about the Middle East Gregory Gause - June 27, 2017 [caption id="attachment_60415" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A man walks past the Qatar
How the London attacks reveal a gateway to terrorism Assaf Moghadam - June 13, 2017 [caption id="attachment_59777" align="aligncenter" width="960"] People look on as a police close
The Internet is changing civil wars. Watch out for these five trends. Barbara Walter - June 8, 2017 [caption id="attachment_59494" align="aligncenter" width="960"] South Sudanese refugees shelter from the
Why key Arab countries have cut ties with Qatar — and what Trump had to do with it Michael Stephens - June 7, 2017 The decision by five Arab states to sever ties with
After the surprise of 2016, here’s how pollsters can do better in predicting election results Ville Satopää - May 31, 2017 [caption id="attachment_59108" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President-elect Donald Trump, alongside his wife,
Trump seeks greater collaboration with Saudi Arabia, but will this boost counterterrorism? Stephen Tankel - May 25, 2017 [caption id="attachment_58837" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President Trump meets with Saudi King
This is why Trump’s loose tongue has compromised U.S. security Stephen Tankel - May 16, 2017 On Monday night, The Washington Post reported that President Trump
Trump’s missile attack on Syria might be satisfying. But it’s not legal. Andrew Rudalevige - April 7, 2017 [caption id="attachment_56578" align="aligncenter" width="960"] This image released on April 7
Congress may give Trump legal authority to fight the Islamic State Andrew Rudalevige - March 27, 2017 [caption id="attachment_55840" align="alignnone" width="960"] U.S. forces drive armored vehicles near
The U.S. carried out extraordinary rendition flights from 2001-2005. Here are 15 more countries that helped. Rebecca Cordell - March 14, 2017 [caption id="attachment_55337" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A barbed wire fence surrounding a
Yes, the media do underreport some terrorist attacks. Just not the ones most people think of. Erin Kearns, Anthony Lemieux, and Allison Betus - March 13, 2017 [caption id="attachment_55253" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President Trump addresses a joint session
Why Trump’s focus on ‘Islamic terrorism’ misses the point entirely Ann Wainscott - February 3, 2017 [caption id="attachment_53566" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Donald Trump speaks at the CIA
Designating the Muslim Brotherhood a “terrorist organization” puts academic researchers at risk Andrew March - January 25, 2017 [caption id="attachment_52944" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Election posters in Jordan in 2016, including Muslim