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.
Gaza and Israel: Five things to watch Marc Lynch - October 9, 2023 Here’s what you need to know following Saturday’s attack by Hamas.
Are Iran’s hijab protests different from past protest waves? Ali Kadivar - September 22, 2022 Broader and broader swaths of society are showing that they’re outraged, with grievances that won’t soon go away.
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
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
‘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.
How this wave of African coups differs from previous ones Maggie Dwyer and Erica De Bruin - February 25, 2022 To maintain power, military leaders are likely to turn to elections
What happens to childhood vaccine rates in conflict zones? This analysis found some surprises. Olga Shemyakina, Marijke Verpoorten, Henrik Urdal, Gudrun Østby, and Andreas Forø Tollefsen - February 2, 2022 We examined more than 200,000 records in 15 African countries
Burkina Faso’s coup makers capitalized on wider grievances within the ranks Maggie Dwyer - January 28, 2022 But the new military leadership may find it difficult to meet soldiers’ demands for more support in the fight against Islamist militants
Why aren’t Americans more alarmed by white-supremacist violence? Victoria Gurevich and Christopher Gelpi - January 18, 2022 Here’s what our research found
Iran passed restrictions on contraception and abortion. Will that distract protesters from the economy? Pardis Mahdavi - December 21, 2021 Controlling women’s bodies may not work as well this round
People wrote off France’s center right. But Valérie Pécresse’s presidential run may be another story. Andrew Glencross - December 12, 2021 How does Pécresse rank among the other presidential candidates for 2022?
Morocco’s Islamist party just lost power. So why is it turning to its old leader? Patrick S. Snyder - November 14, 2021 The king had dismissed Abdelilah Benkirane, who had mastered the art of blaming the king for his government’s failures
Why Somalia won its claim to a disputed maritime zone in the Indian Ocean Bridget Coggins - October 19, 2021 Kenya also claimed this area, and had parceled out oil and gas exploration rights
Tunisia has its first-ever female prime minister. That’s not as good for democracy as it sounds. Sivan Hirsch-Hoefler, Lihi Ben Shitrit, and Julia Elad-Strenger - October 12, 2021 Around the world, would-be authoritarians have been ‘pinkwashing’ policies that undermine democracy. Our research finds that it works.
Academic experts believe that Middle East politics are actually getting worse Shibley Telhami and Marc Lynch - September 16, 2021 Nearly two-thirds of our recent survey group think the Israeli-Palestinian situation is akin to apartheid
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.
Do Tunisians still want democracy? Nate Grubman - September 1, 2021 They support their president’s emergency measures, which seem to undermine that goal
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
5 ways the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan will hurt Pakistan Fahd Humayun - August 16, 2021 Pakistan’s relationship with its own religious groups — and with Washington — just got more complicated
Tunisia’s president launched a political crisis. Is it a coup? Nicholas J. Lotito - July 28, 2021 Sunday’s move started a fight for public approval and control of government institutions
Catholic clerics struggle to avoid partisan politics. Evangelical leaders dive right in. Why the difference? L. Felipe Mantilla - July 20, 2021 It’s all about hierarchy and its absence.
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.
Israeli extremists are attacking Palestinians. But are these mobs or pro-government militias? Hannah Bagdanov - June 28, 2021 Who’s behind the violence?
Kenya might expel refugees to their home countries Kristin Michelitch and Jeremy Horowitz - June 24, 2021 How do Kenyans view refugees — and what would boost public support for letting them stay?
Do cease-fires in Syria work? We checked the data. Sunniva Unn Hustad and Siri Aas Rustad - June 17, 2021 Our research looks at 10 years of truces in Syria.
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
An Islamist party is part of Israel’s new coalition government. How did that happen? Guy Grossman and Devorah Manekin - June 6, 2021 Israel has marginalized Arab parties and Arab voters for decades
What would bring stability after the death of Chad’s president? Daniel Eizenga - June 1, 2021 Neighboring countries have successfully managed political change without the military stepping in
Hamas wasn’t behind the Jerusalem protests. So why is it fighting? Somdeep Sen - May 17, 2021 This confrontation with Israel overshadows the fundamental question of Palestinian liberation.
Israel’s Iron Dome defense protects lives – but there’s an unexpected effect Yagil Levy - May 14, 2021 The defense system may leave Israel fewer incentives for a political solution to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Why do some Muslim-majority countries support China’s crackdown on Muslims? Jonathan Hoffman - May 3, 2021 Western countries have condemned the repression in Xinjiang, but Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt praised China’s efforts to restore ‘safety and security’
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
Did the Boulder shooting count as White male violence? Depends on how you define White. Amanda Sahar d’Urso - April 7, 2021 Here’s the history behind why U.S. law classifies people from the Middle East as White.
Germany has banned political parties in the past. Can it credibly condemn Turkey for doing the same? Mika Hackner - April 7, 2021 Trying to protect democracy from anti-democratic parties can give anti-democratic governments cover if they use the same tactics
Jordan detained a prince. The government’s determined to squash political dissent. Jillian Schwedler - April 5, 2021 Criticizing the king is considered an act of terrorism
Will the pandemic spark a religious revival in the Muslim world? Tarek Masoud, Peter Mandaville, and A.Kadir Yildirim - April 1, 2021 A new survey measures economic stress and religiosity levels in five countries
Paramilitary groups helped storm the Capitol. Here’s what we know about armed groups and politics. Aila Matanock - January 23, 2021 Breaking the ties between politicians and armed groups can prove difficult.
There’s a long, troubling history behind the Capitol attack Kathleen Klaus and Aditi Malik - January 22, 2021 Although the siege surprised almost everyone, it did not emerge randomly
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.
Why the Taliban agreed to let more girls in Afghanistan go to school Jori Breslawski - January 5, 2021 Afghan girls outside a temporary shelter in Kabul last month.
Why the Nashville bomber warned people to evacuate Joseph M. Brown - December 30, 2020 Terrorists often want to persuade civilians to their side — while luring police into danger
Kuwait voted this weekend. Who won? Daniel L. Tavana and Abdullah al-Khonaini - December 8, 2020 Incumbents fared poorly, but the balance of power between the government and parliament is unlikely to change
The pandemic compromised Jordan’s parliamentary elections Kristen Kao and E.J. Karmel - November 19, 2020 This was one of the least democratic elections in the country’s recent history.
The massive protests in Nigeria, explained Tarila Ebiede - October 25, 2020 What is the SARS unit, and why do Nigerians want to #EndSARS?
Kuwait’s leader has died. The royals are now fighting over who will be crown prince. Sean Yom - September 30, 2020 The next-generation leaders have a history of feuding among themselves
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
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
Many Malians welcomed last week’s coup, but most still prefer democracy over military rule Massa Coulibaly, E. Gyimah-Boadi, and Carolyn Logan - August 28, 2020 The 2020 Afrobarometer survey gives important insights.
Sudan’s government seems to be shifting away from Islamic law. Not everyone supports these moves. Michael Robbins and Lawrence Rubin - August 26, 2020 A survey conducted by Arab Barometer reveals some surprises.
Why was Mali hit with another coup? Joe Gazeley - August 20, 2020 A bloated military makes the country particularly vulnerable
India revoked Kashmir’s autonomy a year ago. What has happened since then? Sameer Lalwani - August 5, 2020 The government claimed it needed to clean up the region’s separatism and radicalization
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.
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?
In West Africa, trafficking brings human suffering. But removing it can set off instability. Hannah Armstrong - April 10, 2020 This complicates policymaking.
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.
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.
Protests in Pakistan could shake prime minister’s mandate Madiha Afzal - November 14, 2019 Why street power is particularly effective in the country.
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.
Iraqi protesters demand constitutional change. Can they make it happen? Safwan Al-Amin and Marsin Alshamary - November 6, 2019 Learning from past mistakes is key.
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.
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
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.
Mozambique’s elections saw violence, vote rigging and a landslide victory for the Frelimo party Anne Pitcher - October 23, 2019 The contested results could jeopardize an August peace deal.
Winners and losers of Tunisia’s parliamentary elections Sharan Grewal - October 7, 2019 Exit polls suggest a narrow victory for the moderate Islamist party Ennahda, followed closely by newcomer Qalb Tounes
Is there a way out of the Iran crisis? Mohammad Tabaar - October 2, 2019 Yes, research provides insight into Iran’s foreign policy — and a possible way to stop the escalation between Iran and United States.
Protests continue in Algeria. Why? Michael Robbins - September 18, 2019 New survey data shows economic challenges are one of Algerians’ main concerns.
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.
Who’s a terrorist and who’s mentally ill? We looked at 10 years of news coverage to find out. Erin M. Kearns, Anthony Lemieux, and Allison Betus - August 8, 2019 When a perpetrator is Muslim, there’s a 488 percent greater chance an attack will be called terrorism.
How Algeria’s military rules the country Dalia Ghanem - August 7, 2019 And why that’s unlikely to change — despite protests.
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.
In Turkey, the latest elections had over 80 percent voter turnout. Here’s why. Sebnem Gumuscu - June 28, 2019 Elections are hardly free or fair in Turkey. So why do voters keep turning up in high numbers?
Mali’s government collapsed. Here’s what that tells us about parliamentary coalitions in Africa. Molly Ariotti - June 13, 2019 Our findings will surprise many who follow African politics.
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.
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
Why the Tunisian military ignored orders and sided with protesters Sharan Grewal - May 20, 2019 Interviews with retired senior officers point to two critical factors.
Spain finally has a radical-right party in parliament. Why did it take so long? Sergi Pardos-Prado - May 9, 2019 Vox’s platform isn’t much like that of Europe’s right-wing populist wave.
Trump changed U.S. policy toward Libya. This is why it matters. Mieczysław P. Boduszyński and Christopher K. Lamont - May 2, 2019 The Trump administration’s about-face on Libya leaves few options in the face of a dramatic escalation of violence.
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.
These three groups are pushing Algeria to change Jessica Mecellem - April 25, 2019 They have a common denominator: A call for the rule of law.
Will Turkey’s president accept the country’s election results? Murat Somer - April 17, 2019 Opposition parties won local elections — but Erdogan is demanding ballot recounts.
Sudan ousted two autocrats in three days. Here’s what’s next. Mai Hassan and Ahmed Kodouda - April 15, 2019 Protesters want a civilian transition government. That hasn’t happened.
Right-wing terrorism and violence may actually have declined Jacob Aasland Ravndal - April 1, 2019 Here’s why the way it’s measured matters.
Christchurch and the rise of the far right Peter R. Neumann - March 18, 2019 Here are some factors fueling far-right terrorism.
Here’s another way Trump is different: Flip-flopping doesn’t affect his public approval. Sarah E. Croco, Jared McDonald, and Candace Turitto - March 11, 2019 When leaders vacillate, citizens usually consider them weak and indecisive. Not with Trump.
Women are deeply involved in the Algerian protests — on International Women’s Day, and all the time Aili Tripp - March 8, 2019 They might be the reason these protests have remained peaceful.
Why India and Pakistan are fighting again — and the risks that remain Asfandyar Mir - March 6, 2019 Rumors and misinformation add a new challenge.
Protests are growing in Algeria. Are these seeds of a real change? Yuree Noh and Caroline Abadeer - March 1, 2019 Algerians continue to mobilize against Bouteflika’s projected fifth term.
After terrorist attack in Kashmir, will India seek vengeance or de-escalation? Christopher Clary - February 25, 2019 Let’s examine Modi’s rhetoric for clues.
Trump says Hoda Muthana can’t come back to the U.S. after leaving to join the Islamic State. Should we think of her as a child soldier? Alexis Henshaw - February 22, 2019 Women who are ex-combatants get treated differently from those who are men.
Why are Iraq’s paramilitaries turning on their own ranks? Renad Mansour - February 18, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83855" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Shiite fighters from the Popular Mobilization
The Kashmir attack could prompt a crisis in South Asia. Here’s why. Asfandyar Mir - February 15, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83837" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Protesters decry Thursday's attack on a
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
The role of Iraq’s influential Shiite clerics is changing. Here’s how. Marsin Alshamary - February 4, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83379" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Qais al-Khazali, the leader of the