Putin’s Unclenching Fist

by Eldar Mamedov When Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation in his annual state of the union speech on December 1, he mostly focused on internal economic and social issues. But he also sent several important messages to the… Continue Reading →

“Mad Dog” Mattis: Trump’s Least Belligerent Foreign Policy Advisor?

by Derek Davison During a surreal, post-election “campaign rally” in Cincinnati on Thursday night, President-elect Donald Trump announced (or, to be completely accurate, announced that he would be announcing) that he’s selected retired Marine General James “Mad Dog” Mattis as… Continue Reading →

Egypt and Saudi Arabia: Marriage on the Rocks?

by Cinzia Bianco and Giorgio Cafiero For several decades, the alliance between Egypt and Saudi Arabia has served as an anchor of a pro-Western geopolitical order in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Dating back to the 1970s, Cairo… Continue Reading →

Trump, Sisi and a Nationalist World

by Rana Allam After a presidential campaign drenched in racism, fear-mongering, division, and ultra-nationalistic rhetoric, he won. His people woke up the morning after the election divided and driven by anger. Right away, his supporters began to engage in hate… Continue Reading →

Trump: An Opportunity for Russia?

by Hannah Gais On Monday, news of president-elect Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin’s first telephone chat set the political world ablaze for a few hours or so. The two emphasized “mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s domestic… Continue Reading →