International Affairs

Two cargo container ships at sea in stormy weather with rough waves and dark clouds

Strategic Risks of the South China Sea for Global Trade

The South China Sea is a critical area for global trade, with a third of maritime commerce passing through it, creating significant business risks. CEOs must address this persistent geopolitical tension, as disruptions can severely impact supply chains and enterprise value. Organizations should invest in resilience and prepare for potential crises to mitigate these risks effectively.

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Air Force drone flying over a city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings

LAWS: Analyzing AI-Driven Autonomous Weapons in Modern Warfare

Lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) are actively deployed in conflicts, presenting significant governance challenges. This article analyzes their technology, legal implications, and international governance efforts. It highlights the need for a binding treaty to ensure ethical accountability and compliance with international humanitarian law to address gaps in existing frameworks and prevent misuse.

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Map of West Africa at night showing country borders illuminated with glowing fiery lines

JNIM Transformation: Threat to Global Security in the Sahel

The security architecture of the Sahel is undergoing a fundamental transformation. In 2024, West Africa accounted for more than half of all terrorism-related deaths globally. Central to this destabilization is the rapid expansion of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). As I recently discussed in an interview with Sky News Arabia, the group is transitioning from

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Mastering Government Consultations: A Strategic Guide

Governments often seek public input on proposed policies through formal consultations, crucial in shaping effective regulations. Success hinges on timely engagement during the formulation stage, adherence to the Gunning Principles for fair participation, and presenting well-structured, evidence-driven submissions. Collaboration and transparency enhance influence, enabling stakeholders to navigate policy processes effectively.

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Naval ships escorting several large commercial oil tankers through a narrow sea passage flanked by rocky brown hills.

Geopolitical Shifts in the Wake of the Gulf Conflict

The 2026 war reshaped the Middle East’s security landscape, highlighting the complex dynamics between Israel, Iran, and the Gulf states. While Israel achieved military objectives against Iran’s nuclear capabilities and proxies, the regime adapted rather than collapsed. The conflict’s ramifications rippled globally, affecting economies beyond the region and revealing the limits of military force in engendering political change.

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Digital vortex of social media icons and hashtags over Middle East map representing conflict and protests

Influence : The Real Iran-US Conflict Isn’t the One You’re Watching

This article explores the long-standing rivalry between the United States and Iran, emphasizing the crucial competition for narrative control in shaping perceptions among international audiences. It highlights how both nations utilize strategic communications to influence legitimacy, morphing diplomatic discourse and propaganda to sway third-party governments and global public opinion amidst evolving information landscapes.

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Political Intelligence as Organizational Capability: Strategic Implications for Firms in Contested Policy Environments

This article explores political intelligence as a crucial organizational capability that aids firms in navigating regulated environments. Through various case studies, it demonstrates how systematic political analysis fosters strategic advantages by creating lead time for proactive engagement. Institutionalizing political intelligence enhances decision-making and organization-wide preparedness against policy shifts.

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Two freight trains with containers traveling on parallel tracks through a desert towards a coastal shipping port and city skyline.

La bataille se joue sur la carte

Il existe un péril singulier dans l’instant où chacun soupire d’aise en même temps. Ce moment précède presque toujours la faute suivante. Et il est en train d’advenir. Dans une douzaine de capitales, la même conclusion confortable durcit : l’Iran est brisé, l’axe est épuisé, la longue épreuve s’achève. La tentation se comprend. Après des

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Two freight trains with containers traveling on parallel tracks through a desert towards a coastal shipping port and city skyline.

The Map After the Missiles

Why Iran’s Decline Will Be Decided by Trade Routes, Not Air Strikes The temptation after a successful military campaign is to mistake damage for resolution. That temptation is now shaping how Western governments think about Iran. After the strikes of 2026, a familiar conclusion has hardened across allied capitals: Tehran is broken, its network of

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