It’s been a great nine years for TMC political science analysis Kim Yi Dionne, John Sides, and Henry Farrell - December 31, 2022 We’ve published thousands of articles. Here are some of our editors’ favorites.
It’s International Migrants Day. These are three must-read books. Laura Seay and Kim Yi Dionne - December 18, 2022 What shapes the policies and approach of host-country governments?
Is it time to rethink how we study politics? Lahra Smith and Ankushi Mitra - September 11, 2022 ‘Decolonizing Politics’ and ‘Reconsidering Reparations’ are books that will inspire a wide range of readers.
Two new books take different roads to understand South Africa Carolyn E. Holmes - August 25, 2022 South Africa’s government changed after 1994. So did the social order.
Presidents can’t declassify documents with Green Lantern superpowers Andrew Rudalevige and Kenneth Mayer - August 18, 2022 Let’s look at the many, many holes in Donald Trump’s theory of executive power.
What does it take to build up women’s rights after war? Miriam J. Anderson - August 18, 2022 This nuanced compilation looks at women’s empowerment after Sierra Leone’s civil war, from different perspectives
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
No, Batman didn’t save the Congo, and other book reviews Laura Seay - August 4, 2022 Three new books set the record straight on the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nigeria’s harsh police culture grew from colonial abuses Travis B. Curtice - July 28, 2022 Akali Omeni’s new book ‘Policing and Politics in Nigeria: A Comprehensive History’ explains why this culture persists
The Proud Boys and the Base are now illegal in New Zealand Brian Phillips - July 25, 2022 Designating these two white-supremacist groups as terrorist organizations will have global consequences
Sri Lanka’s multiple crises just came to a head Zachariah Mampilly and Fathima Cader - July 22, 2022 The pandemic and past war debts have left the economy in tatters
‘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
Iraq’s populist leader quit parliament. What happens now? Renad Mansour and Benedict Robin-D’Cruz - June 21, 2022 Rallying anti-establishment protests strengthened Muqtada al-Sadr’s hand in the past. It might not work now.
What’s so funny about a Russian invasion? Chonlawit Sirikupt - April 6, 2022 Here’s how Kyiv is wielding humor in its information war against Moscow
Putin’s invasion of Ukraine didn’t rely on cyberwarfare. Here’s why. Shawn W. Lonergan, Erica D. Lonergan, Brandon Valeriano, and Benjamin Jensen - March 7, 2022 Cyber operations don’t win wars, our research finds.
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
Thousands of men, women and children remain in detention because of their former ties to ISIS Devorah Margolin and Austin Doctor - February 2, 2022 Our research identifies what’s blocking repatriation
Why aren’t Americans more alarmed by white-supremacist violence? Victoria Gurevich and Christopher Gelpi - January 18, 2022 Here’s what our research found
Biden promises to fight transnational corruption. But will the U.S. target friends as well as foes? Victor Peskin and Mieczysław Boduszyński - December 20, 2021 Washington tends to avoid confronting allies, this research shows
The Belarus border crisis shows it’s getting easier to ‘weaponize’ refugees Sigrid Lupieri - November 21, 2021 Countries like Belarus are counting on E.U. governments to see refugees as a security threat
What happens now to U.S. counterterrorism efforts in Afghanistan? Sarah Kreps and Paul Lushenko - September 21, 2021 The lack of accountability for civilian casualties in drone strikes isn’t likely to change
Fear of ‘terrorism’ shaped U.S. foreign policy after 9/11. Will the U.S. make China the next big obsession? Ronald Krebs - September 11, 2021 An overarching narrative can lead to fewer foreign policy choices.
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.
20 years after 9/11, the U.S. is again in a great power confrontation James Goldgeier - September 9, 2021 The end of the Cold War scrambled U.S. foreign policy — and then 9/11 scrambled it again. Here’s what remains the same.
Afghanistan’s security forces unraveled this month. What broke their seven-year stalemate with the Taliban? Yuri M. Zhukov and Stephen Biddle - August 31, 2021 The dynamics behind this kind of collapse are more common than you might think
Mozambique’s Islamist insurgents are on the run. Integrating former rebel fighters could help usher in peace. Kai M. Thaler - August 26, 2021 Bringing ex-insurgents into a government’s security forces can win over locals and improve intelligence — but only if it is done well.
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
Hobby Lobby’s owner returned thousands of artifacts to Iraq. How did he get them in the first place? Daniel Klerman and Anja Shortland - August 9, 2021 Once it was easy to collect gray-market antiquities. Things have tightened up.
Congo officials claim that a rebel group is tied to the Islamic State. That could backfire. Lindsay Scorgie and Mallory Dunlop - July 7, 2021 A local armed group claimed responsibility for recent attacks.
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
As refugee numbers rise, many countries want to shut them out for security concerns Sara M.T. Polo and Julian Wucherpfennig - June 21, 2021 What the data reveal on the link between hosting refugees and risks of terrorist attacks from foreign groups
5 things to know about the instability in eastern Congo Robert U. Nagel and Kate Fin - June 10, 2021 Young Congolese want the government to step up against the increasing militant violence.
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
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
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
Biden may be getting rid of the Authorizations for the Use of Military Force. That deserves a ‘Whoa.’ Andrew Rudalevige - March 6, 2021 The possibility of addressing the legal framework for the war on terror is big news.
The International Criminal Court just elected a new chief prosecutor. Here’s what you need to know. Nastaran Far, Hailey Robertson, and Kelebogile Zvobgo - February 16, 2021 The ICC’s future will rest on the new prosecutor’s success in opening, trying and closing cases — and being fair
Biden announced a major policy shift on Yemen. What happens now? Alexandra Stark - February 7, 2021 U.S. diplomacy, not U.S. military support, will shorten the war in Yemen
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.
Ten years in, Tunisian democracy remains a work in progress Sharan Grewal - January 14, 2021 Despite the country’s initial success, these three factors stand in the way of democratic consolidation.
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
A special Kosovo war crimes court will try its ex-president. So how do ‘hybrid’ courts work? Dennis R. Schmidt - November 22, 2020 Courts that are simultaneously domestic and international can help overcome suspicions about fairness
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
Does covid-19 raise the risk of violent conflict? Not everywhere. Colette Salemi - October 15, 2020 New research shows conflicts rose in some countries but fell in others.
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.
How do newspapers cover racial and religious minorities? Here’s the data. Joshua Tucker - October 2, 2020 Notably, coverage of Muslims was markedly negative in 2019.
A closer look at Congo’s Islamist rebels Judith Verweijen and Daniel Fahey - September 28, 2020 Claims about links to the Islamic State may hamper civilian protection
What the new ‘Mulan’ movie gets right about women in combat Jessica Trisko Darden - September 10, 2020 Women can be bad guys, too.
The military has ousted Mali’s president. That raises questions about the country’s ongoing security challenges. William G. Nomikos, Rob Williams, Patrick Hunnicutt, and Melanie Sauter - August 25, 2020 How will the new government and U.N. peacekeepers work together?
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
Prosecutors claim that a ‘boogaloo’ killed two cops. What’s a boogaloo? Yonatan Lupu, Rhys Leahy, and Nicolás Velásquez Hernandez - June 16, 2020 The loosely organized far-right movement is associated with a distinctive look and discordant politics
No, Trump probably can’t list antifa as a ‘terrorist group.’ Here’s what he’s really doing. Brian Phillips - June 11, 2020 U.S. security services are getting the message about where to focus
U.S. officials are talking about urban warfare. Here’s what urban warfare really involves. Margarita Konaev and Kirstin J.H. Brathwaite - June 4, 2020 How do you ‘mass and dominate the battlespace’ in a U.S. city?
The U.S. labeled a white supremacist group as ‘terrorists’ for the first time. It’s less significant than you think. Anna Meier - April 29, 2020 Why pick an obscure group that’s not yet linked to an attack?
Iraq is trying yet again to form a government. Why is it so hard? Renad Mansour - April 15, 2020 Mustafa al-Kadhimi has emerged as the compromise prime minister designate
In West Africa, trafficking brings human suffering. But removing it can set off instability. Hannah Armstrong - April 10, 2020 This complicates policymaking.
Saudi Arabia is launching an oil price war. That’s risky. Jim Krane - March 22, 2020 Without oil revenues, the monarchy could be in trouble
What will happen to Iraqi Shiite militias after one key leader’s death? Ranj Alaaldin - February 28, 2020 This won’t help U.S.-Iran tensions
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
Will Soleimani’s death change Iran’s relationship with the Revolutionary Guard? Dina Esfandiary - January 8, 2020 Soleimani’s heavy-handed approach of using armed militias and proxies turned local opinion against Iran.
Iraqis have been holding peaceful mass protests. The U.S. strike and its aftermath are undermining that. Zahra Ali - January 7, 2020 Here’s what Iraqi protesters want.
When tensions rise, retaliation isn’t the same as all-out war Michael Horowitz and Elizabeth N. Saunders - January 7, 2020 "Powder keg" situations rarely explode into war by accident.
Trump threatens ‘sanctions like they’ve never seen’ if Iraq evicts U.S. forces. Can Iraq do it? Stacie L. Pettyjohn - January 6, 2020 It’s likely that Iraq will expel U.S. forces.
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.
How terrorism helps — and hurts — Iran Daniel Byman - January 3, 2020 Why Iran supports terrorist groups — and what the consequences can be.
How did the U.S. get to the brink of war with Iran? Afshon Ostovar - January 3, 2020 The assassination of Soleimani will provoke Iran to act
Expect a tumultuous 2020 in the Middle East Marc Lynch - December 31, 2019 The embassy assault in Baghdad is just the beginning. Here are 3 trends to watch.
Looking back at the Middle East’s 2019: Surprises from Trump, Saudi power moves, protests and more Stephanie Dahle - December 29, 2019 Here are 5 takeaways.
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.
Iraqi protesters are mostly Shiite. And this identity is shaping how they protest. Marsin Alshamary - December 13, 2019 They are using religious symbolism to oppose the government.
Trump said the Navy can’t take away Eddie Gallagher’s SEAL qualification. That could be a problem. Doyle Hodges - November 22, 2019 The U.S. military is supposed to set its own high professional standards.
These Iraqi militias are attacking protesters and getting away with it. Here’s why. Thanassis Cambanis, Renad Mansour, and Michael Hanna - November 17, 2019 They’re supported by the Iraqi government — and by Iran.
What radicalized ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi? Samuel Helfont - November 11, 2019 Iraq’s post-2003 chaos is actually to blame, not Saddam Hussein.
The death of Baghdadi isn’t the end of ISIS Jenna Jordan - November 5, 2019 Research shows eliminating the leader of a terrorist group is not enough
Trump’s mismanagement of the withdrawal from Syria hurt alliances — not the withdrawal itself Ronald Krebs and Jennifer Spindel - October 29, 2019 Our research suggests that withdrawals can hearten allies if handled properly.
Worried about an Islamic State comeback? Here’s why that’s unlikely. Daniel Byman - October 28, 2019 Yes, Trump pulled U.S. troops out of northern Syria, but many other factors will probably keep ISIS down.
Iraqis plan to continue protests Friday. Here’s what might happen. Haley Bobseine - October 24, 2019 After state crackdowns on anti-government protests this month, many fear more violence.
Trump once talked of a ‘beautiful safe zone’ in Syria. But safe zones aren’t actually safe. Lionel Beehner - October 21, 2019 They can escalate conflicts, research shows.
Republicans’ advantage on national security has faded — and Democratic candidates are responding Michael Robinson - October 20, 2019 The Trump administration keeps moving further from what Americans say they want.
No, Trump probably won’t start a war to distract from his difficulties. Here’s what he’ll do instead. Valerie Morkevičius and Danielle Lupton - October 16, 2019 Expect an even more chaotic foreign policy
Now that Trump has abandoned the Kurds, will other countries ever trust the U.S.? Marina E. Henke - October 16, 2019 Alliances are based on trust, not just U.S. assistance
Trump’s Syria announcement is a change of speed — not a change of direction Morgan Kaplan - October 8, 2019 The decision to remove U.S. troops from northern Syria may drive Kurds further from America’s political sphere, harm broader U.S. credibility in the region and lead to a resurgence of the Islamic State.
In Iraq, demonstrators demand change — and the government fights back Zahra Ali and Safaa Khalaf - October 7, 2019 Initially described as protests over the economy, they have become a call for revolution.
Are cyber-operations a U.S. retaliatory option for the Saudi oil field strikes? Would such action deter Iran? Jacquelyn Schneider - October 1, 2019 This strategic response can have complicated trade-offs
Here’s why the Taliban might still want to negotiate with the U.S. Rebecca Best and Navin Bapat - September 12, 2019 It’s riven by factions and losing loyalists to the Islamic State
Six things we’ve learned about terrorism since 9/11 Todd Sandler and Khusrav Gaibulloev - September 11, 2019 There’s been a lot of research in the past 18 years. Here’s what we know.
Here’s how pop culture woke Turkey’s disillusioned opposition on Friday Lisel Hintz - September 10, 2019 How rap is shaping protest in Turkey.
Here’s how airstrikes targeting Iranian-backed paramilitary groups in Iraq threaten post-ISIS stability Renad Mansour - September 8, 2019 What a rift in the understanding between formal and de facto armed groups could mean for Iraq
Trump canceled his secret meeting with the Taliban. The negotiations were in trouble anyway. Jason Lyall - September 8, 2019 Four big obstacles to peace remain
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.
Did El Paso show us that white supremacists are a serious threat? Few Republicans think so. Michael Tesler - August 7, 2019 Republicans see the news media as a much greater threat than white supremacists.
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.
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.
As the U.S. and Tunisian delegations meet, anti-Americanism is on the rise Sarah Yerkes - July 12, 2019 Can the U.S. keep its close relationship with Tunisia amidst changing public opinion?