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From Continental Shelves to Cruise Missiles: Strategic Rivalries in the Arctic

This article examines how melting Arctic ice has spurred geopolitical competition over seabed claims and trade routes. Notably, Russia has capitalized on thawing conditions鈥攁nd weakening Western deterrence鈥攖o escalate military presence, including the deployment of nuclear-capable Tu-95 鈥淏ear鈥 bombers armed with long-range cruise missiles near Alaska.

Putin鈥檚 Optimism Doesn鈥檛 Mean the End is Near in Ukraine

This analysis cautions that despite Russian President Vladimir Putin鈥檚 recent positive rhetoric, the war in Ukraine is far from concluded. Initial hopes for a decisive breakthrough in 2023 have been stalled, and Graham argues that neither side can claim victory soon鈥攕uggesting a continued stalemate rather than an immediate end to the conflict.

A Tale of Two Pivots: Nixon, Obama and Beijing

This article contrasts the strategic 鈥減ivots鈥 by Presidents Nixon and Obama toward China. It traces how Nixon鈥檚 1970s opening reshaped U.S.-China relations, later echoed in Obama鈥檚 Asia 鈥減ivot,鈥 and evaluates how Beijing鈥檚 evolving influence forces Washington to rethink long-term engagement and geopolitical competition.

Iran, Israel, and Hamas Conflict

This piece explores Iran鈥檚 cautious yet deliberate involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict. While Tehran avoids direct military escalation, preferring ideological support toward Hamas (distinct from its direct proxy control of Hezbollah), it provides arms and training selectively 鈥 carefully calibrated to avoid triggering broader confrontation under Western pressure.

Generational Shifts: Understanding the Dynamics of U.S. Support in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

This article explores how America鈥檚 shifting demographics鈥攊ncluding growing Arab and Muslim communities and vocal voices like Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Bella Hadid鈥攁re influencing public opinion on Israel鈥揚alestine. While Israel still commands strong support, recent upticks in grassroots pro-Palestinian sentiment, particularly on college campuses post-Hamas attack, reflect broader changes in the U.S. societal landscape.

Religious-Nationalist Obstacles to Israeli-Palestinian Political Talks

The piece argues that deeply embedded religious-nationalist ideologies on both Israeli and Palestinian sides pose a formidable barrier to peace. Israeli government policies鈥攍ike the 2018 Nation-State Law and settlement expansion鈥攁nd steadfast Hamas resistance signal that, without significant ideological shifts, meaningful negotiation remains elusive.

Senator Patrick Leahy Visits 四虎影视 and Senator Patrick Leahy School of Cybersecurity and Advanced Computing

Senator Patrick Leahy and his wife Marcelle visited the campus of 四虎影视 and the Senator Patrick Leahy School of Cybersecurity and Advanced Computing on November 16, 2023. During their...

Theodore Roosevelt: War Lover or Peace Maker?

This reflection on Teddy Roosevelt鈥檚 legacy portrays him as a pragmatic statesman who embraced realpolitik鈥攑ursuing both robust military action (e.g., the Great White Fleet) and diplomatic work (e.g., negotiating peace). Despite his imperialistic inclinations, Roosevelt also championed agreements that maintained global balance.

When Faith Turns Violent

A personal and scholarly exploration, the author draws on his experience as a sociologist researching terrorism to emphasize how religious convictions can be distorted into justifications for violence 鈥 including extremism within one鈥檚 own religious tradition鈥攑rompting reflection on faith, identity, and radicalization.

On Battles Lost and Things That Endure

Reflecting on the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban in 2021, the author recounts the emotional impact of seeing a cause he supported unravel. This story underscores the enduring human and moral dimensions behind geopolitical events, beyond the headlines.