The 2023 Week In One Song mixtape: recap + remix ▶️ Christopher Federico - December 28, 2023 From climate change to George Santos, in song.
How should we think about a mass exodus of Palestinians from Gaza? Elizabeth N. Saunders and Kelly M. Greenhill - October 20, 2023 Governments and non-state actors use mass migration as a tool of war.
What the arrest warrant for Putin really means Kelebogile Zvobgo - October 3, 2023 He may never stand trial, but that’s not all that matters.
Why does Biden want Saudi-Israeli normalization so badly? Marc Lynch - September 20, 2023 The Abraham Accords may define a new regional order.
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?
In the Middle East and North Africa, people are worrying about food Michael Robbins and Amaney Jamal - October 6, 2022 Five things to know from Arab Barometer’s latest survey
Russia wants to put Syria back in control of humanitarian aid Jesse Marks / Managing Editor - August 30, 2022 Abandoning the U.N.-established cross-border aid routes could put millions of Syrians at risk
‘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
How the Ukraine crisis could make the Syrian civil war worse Tiina Hyyppä and Aaron Pilkington - May 23, 2022 Shifting Russian troops away from Syria risks opening up new threats
Ukraine’s Eurovision victory was political. So is Eurovision itself. Lauren Gilbert - May 16, 2022 Eurovision songs and voting are sometimes war by other means
The U.K. wants to send refugees to Rwanda. That’s become a trend. Beatty Riedl, Eleanor Paynter, and Christa Kuntzelman - April 20, 2022 Similar plans in other countries suggest the U.K. program will endanger migrants, not protect them.
Putin is discovering that overwhelming military power can be a curse Todd Sechser - March 29, 2022 As Stalin learned in Finland, small countries can inflict serious damage on invading superpowers
Russia’s allies have been pretty quiet on Ukraine Martin Binder and Autumn Lockwood Payton - March 25, 2022 Here’s what might happen next within the ‘BRICS’ bloc
Biden called Putin a ‘war criminal.’ That’s risky. Daniel Krcmaric and Alexander Downes - March 24, 2022 Here’s the downside to prosecuting former leaders
European countries are welcoming Ukrainian refugees. It was a different story in 2015. Lamis Abdelaaty - March 23, 2022 It’s not merely a shared ‘Europeanness,’ this research finds
Calling Ukrainian refugees more ‘civilized’ than Syrians requires willful amnesia Oumar Ba, Lina Benabdallah, and Elif Kalaycioglu - March 21, 2022 The history of the West suggests something else entirely
The West has hit Russia with tough sanctions. They could be tougher still. Daniel McDowell - March 2, 2022 If Putin escalates the war in Ukraine, here’s what could be next
It’s not just a Putin problem. ‘Personalists’ like him are behind much of the world’s bad behavior. Joseph Wright and Erica Frantz - March 1, 2022 Here’s why this style of autocracy is on the rise.
Turkey announced it would regulate warship access to the Black Sea. Does that change Russia’s strategy? Howard Eissenstat - March 1, 2022 Turkey’s diplomatic balancing act may be behind this move
There’s a reason Putin can be so aggressive: Oil. Jeff D. Colgan and Jessica Weeks - February 27, 2022 Putin’s personalist rule leaves few domestic checks on his power.
Does Putin really want regime change in Ukraine? Alexander Downes - February 9, 2022 The research suggests this rarely works. But countries keep trying anyway.
Are coups really contagious? Salah Ben Hammou and Jonathan Powell - November 21, 2021 The international reaction to a coup attempt may matter more than you think
Many Libyans already dismiss next month’s elections as illegitimate Wolfram Lacher and Emadeddin Badi - November 16, 2021 No prominent candidates appear to have support across Libya’s regional and political divisions.
What 9/11 taught us about the president, Congress and who makes war and peace Douglas Kriner - September 11, 2021 It’s more complicated than it appears.
The E.U. is furious that Belarus allowed more than 4,000 migrants to cross into Europe Gerasimos Tsourapas - August 12, 2021 As countries in the global north outsource refugee management to the global south, expect more poor countries to ‘weaponize’ migration.
A Florida security company is entangled in the assassination of Haiti’s president. How is that possible? Deborah Avant - July 19, 2021 An increasing number of clients and providers in the private security market are dodging the rules
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
Morocco ‘weaponized’ migration to punish Spain. That’s more common than you think. Kelly M. Greenhill - June 1, 2021 My research identified four different approaches to creating ‘weapons of mass migration’
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
How can the world hold Belarus accountable? Alexander Cooley - May 25, 2021 Technology has become the ‘long arm’ of authoritarians
Thai protesters don’t like what the king and government are doing. Can they make them change? Kana Inata - May 17, 2021 Yes, citizens can hold even unelected leaders accountable
Chad’s president lived and died by the gun. Will the country shift away from militarized rule? Marielle Debos - May 7, 2021 Chad has a long history of armed conflicts. That doesn’t mean it’s a country of warriors.
Biden reversed Trump’s sanctions on International Criminal Court officials. What happens now? Kyle Rapp and Kelebogile Zvobgo - April 4, 2021 Past U.S. administrations supported the court’s work — when it aligned with U.S. interests
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
After a violent election, Uganda’s government faces three big challenges Kristof Titeca and Anna Reuss - February 15, 2021 President Yoweri Museveni’s recent criticism of ‘Western elements’ could complicate his reliance on foreign donors
It’s been 10 years since the Arab Spring. Why did people protest then — and not now? Stephanie Dornschneider - February 15, 2021 Egyptians are facing much the same conditions: military rule, harsh repression and economic difficulties. Here’s what makes the difference.
Iran and Turkey have become drone powers James Rogers - January 27, 2021 Drones have become the weapon of choice around the world.
Members of Congress want a commission to investigate the Capitol invasion. Here’s when these work. Jordan Tama / Managing Editor - January 19, 2021 Some commissions kick the can down the road. Some prompt real change.
Saudi Arabia just lifted Qatar’s 43-month blockade. How did this rift end? Coates Ulrichsen - January 8, 2021 A new agreement appears to cover these three points
Why Ethiopia’s conflict could spill beyond its borders David Kampf - November 30, 2020 Civil wars rarely remain purely domestic affairs
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.
Only Congress has the authority to declare war. Can it take that power back from the presidency? Saikrishna Prakash - September 30, 2020 Here are some possible courses of action — if the legislature wants to do more than signal its displeasure.
Greek and Turkish ships are playing chicken at sea. There’s already been one crash. Rachel Esplin Odell and Annelle Sheline - September 12, 2020 Here’s why international law doesn’t offer clear-cut solutions
Why was Mali hit with another coup? Joe Gazeley - August 20, 2020 A bloated military makes the country particularly vulnerable
At the heart of Trump’s Taliban bounty crisis are questions about the President’s Daily Brief Michael Poznansky - July 2, 2020 Presidential decision making relies on good intel
Libya’s Gen. Hifter declared military rule last month. That hasn’t happened. Tim Eaton and Emadeddin Badi - May 22, 2020 The civil war continues.
In West Africa, trafficking brings human suffering. But removing it can set off instability. Hannah Armstrong - April 10, 2020 This complicates policymaking.
Europe has relied on Turkey to stem another migration crisis. That plan backfired. Virginie Guiraudon - March 25, 2020 This is the story behind the clashes at the Greek border
Ireland and Britain aren’t part of Trump’s coronavirus travel ban. This is why. Henry Farrell - March 12, 2020 Trump’s travel ban applies only to countries within the “Schengen area”
Armed rebel groups lobby in D.C., just like governments. How does that influence U.S. policy? Reyko Huang - February 6, 2020 They push for funding and recognition, and often get it
Russia and Turkey failed to mediate peace in Libya. What happens now? Tim Eaton - January 15, 2020 Will Western countries play a leading role in future talks?
Could U.S. actions topple Iran’s government? Alexander Downes - January 11, 2020 Here’s why it would be extremely difficult.
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.
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.
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 ‘skinny’ articles of impeachment mean more than you may think Sarah Burns - December 13, 2019 Here’s how they’re like — and unlike — past impeachment charges.
Russia wants more influence in Africa. It’s using disinformation to get there. Shelby Grossman - December 2, 2019 Facebook says the oligarch behind the Internet Research Agency is involved.
Barr blames lawyers for undermining the president’s power. Actually, they helped build it. Amanda Hollis-Brusky - November 18, 2019 Federalist Society lawyers are the architects in chief of the “imperial presidency.”
Is the impeachment inquiry really ‘unconstitutional’? Andrew Rudalevige - October 10, 2019 There’s a long history of White House lawyers saying what the boss wants to hear.
Is China’s influence at the United Nations all it’s cracked up to be? Courtney J. Fung - October 6, 2019 Here are five things to know
Trump’s travel ban really was a Muslim ban, data suggests Vahid Niayesh - September 25, 2019 What the Trump administration’s data can and can’t tell us about the true effect of the travel ban
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.
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.
Assad’s control over Syria’s security apparatus is limited Katherine Nazemi and Alexander Decina - July 29, 2019 Beneath an image of centralized authority is a divided system of competing security actors.
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.
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?
Constitutional reform is important in Algeria and Sudan. Here’s why. Al Ali - June 26, 2019 Protesters are demanding change in Sudan and Algeria. But what are the prospects for meaningful reform?
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.
In North Africa’s borderlands, smuggling has helped keep a fragile peace. Now it’s under threat. Max Gallien - June 18, 2019 States play an important role in the region’s smuggling economies.
Syrian refugees have become pawns in their host nations’ politics Gerasimos Tsourapas - June 14, 2019 Certain states are using their position to secure unearned external income — refugee rent.
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
No, Americans don’t support airstrikes that kill civilians, even when they target terrorists. Shannon Golden, James Ron, and Howard Lavine - May 6, 2019 Polls that show Americans support airstrikes against suspected terrorists ignore some very large caveats.
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.
How do you create a better asylum policy? We asked the asylum seekers. Margaret Peters - April 11, 2019 They want work, dignity, a chance to rebuild their lives and the possibility of a safe return home.
Think Libya’s warring factions are only in it for the money? Think again. Wolfram Lacher - April 10, 2019 Why Khalifa Hifter (and Western governments) misjudged the reaction Hifter’s grab at Tripoli would provoke in western Libya
Sorry, President Trump. Here’s why American Jews aren’t abandoning the Democratic Party. Michael Tesler - March 21, 2019 These three factors mean a “Jexodus” is unlikely any time soon.
Does the decline of U.S. power matter for the Middle East? Marc Lynch - March 19, 2019 Perceived or not, declining American primacy has real effects.
Can an increase in repression stop a new series of protests in the Arab world? Adria Lawrence - March 6, 2019 Conditions are ripe for the spread of authoritarian tactics.
In Canada, two of Justin Trudeau’s ministers resigned. Let’s catch up on this scandal. Tyler Kustra - March 6, 2019 Jody Wilson-Raybould, pictured with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in
Are nuclear weapons keeping the India-Pakistan crisis from escalating — or making it more dangerous? Caitlin Talmadge - March 4, 2019 Here’s what the research tells us.
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.
Is the next Arab uprising happening in plain sight? Marc Lynch - February 26, 2019 Popular protests are on the rise across the Middle East again. What does it mean?
Four reasons it’ll be hard to offer Maduro a golden parachute (and one reason to try anyway) Zacc Ritter, Daniel Krcmaric, Ariya Hagh, and Andrew Bennett - January 26, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83142" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A Venezuelan opposition supporter holds a
Trump wants a safe zone in Syria. Is that even possible? Sara Plana - January 24, 2019 [caption id="attachment_82984" align="aligncenter" width="960"] U.S. military vehicles in Syria's northern
These were our top 10 most popular posts of 2018 E.J. Graff - December 31, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81973" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President Trump speaks in Fargo, N.D.
Is protest a safety valve against ISIS in Tunisia? Neil Ketchley and Christopher Barrie - December 10, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81311" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Tunisian army troops patrol the streets
Why is the Senate challenging Trump on Yemen? Jordan Tama - November 30, 2018 Here’s what you need to know.
What the UAE’s arrest of Matthew Hedges means for political science research in the Middle East Marc Lynch - November 29, 2018 [caption id="attachment_80799" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Jaber al Lamki, executive director of
With a lack of progress in Libya’s transition, what would a national conference in 2019 mean? Al Ali and Sumit Bisarya - November 21, 2018 [caption id="attachment_80535" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Ghassan Salame, U.N. special representative for
Is Trump’s refugee policy really so extraordinary? The walk isn’t, but the talk is. Michael Barnett - October 26, 2018 From its controversial separation of migrant families at the southern
Côte d’Ivoire’s president announced an amnesty program. Is this the end of a ‘victor’s peace’? Giulia Piccolino - August 15, 2018 [caption id="attachment_76742" align="alignleft" width="982"] Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara addresses
Hundreds of scholars have signed a statement defending the international institutions that Trump has attacked Peter Gourevitch and David Lake - August 14, 2018 [caption id="attachment_76696" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President Trump poses with Germany's Chancellor
Anti-immigrant forces won a victory at the E.U. This is how immigrants will respond. Melissa Carlson, Laura Jakli, and Katerina Linos - August 14, 2018 [caption id="attachment_76669" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A migrant walks past camp beds
Congress has three tools to counter Trump on Russia Douglas Kriner - July 20, 2018 [caption id="attachment_75955" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President Trump and Russian President Vladimir
Why the prospects for democracy are so much better in Tunisia than Egypt or Libya Sabina Henneberg and Mieczysław Boduszyński - July 20, 2018 [caption id="attachment_75910" align="aligncenter" width="960"] From left, Libyan Field Marshal Khalifa
The U.S. military is trying to manage foreign conflicts — not resolve them. Here’s why. Paul Staniland - July 16, 2018 [caption id="attachment_75692" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A U.S. soldier assigned to provide
How authoritarian regimes use migration to exert ‘soft power’ in foreign policy Gerasimos Tsourapas - July 6, 2018 [caption id="attachment_75407" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has
How cheap oil hurts sub-Saharan Africa Emily Meierding - June 21, 2018 [caption id="attachment_74773" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Cranes line the skyline of downtown
The Singapore summit’s three big takeaways Mira Rapp-Hooper - June 12, 2018 [caption id="attachment_74419" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President Trump and North Korean leader