Russia

U.S.-Turkiye Track II Talks

On 9–10 October 2023, the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies in partnership with the Middle East Institute (MEI) held track II talks between the United States and Türkiye in Ankara. The U.S. delegation included Randa Slim (MEI), Robert Ford (former Ambassador to Algeria and Syria), David Hale (former Ambassador to Jordan, Lebanon, Read More >

Is CENTCOM Prescribing the ‘Suitable Medicine’ to Deter Iran?

CSAG INFORMATION PAPER By: Lt Col Kashif Ehtisham, Pakistan Army (CSAG/CCJ5)   29 September 2023 Subject: Is CENTCOM Prescribing the ‘Suitable Medicine’ to Deter Iran? Purpose: To present CSAG analysis of the recent deployment of additional US troops and assets in the Middle East (ME) to deter Iran, within the context of the current strategic Read More >

Deir ez-Zor: Critical Juncture in the Process Towards Syria’s Normalization

CSAG INFORMATION PAPER By: Lt Col Richard Pecinka, CZE AF (CSAG/CCJ5), LTC René Berendsen, NLD Army (CSAG/CCJ5), and MAJ Felix Badut, ROU Army (CSAG/CCJ5) 12 September 2023 Subject: Deir ez-Zor: Critical Juncture in the Process Towards Syria’s Normalization Purpose: To present CSAG’s analysis of the strategic significance of Deir ez-Zor in shaping the future of Read More >

The Russian War’s Impact on Global Order

CSAG STRATEGY PAPER By: CDR Hubert Mróz, POL Navy (CSAG/CCJ5) 15 August  2023   Overview: The Russian invasion of Ukraine has challenged established international norms and principles. The annexation of Crimea and subsequent full invasion of Ukraine violated Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which are fundamental principles of international law. The conflict has tested the Read More >

April–May 2023 NESA Center Update Report

View the NESA Center April – May 2023  Update focused on Central and South Asia region trends. The update also highlights April through May NESA Center programs and events, faculty and staff engagements, alumni contributions, and a calendar with upcoming events. Central & South Asia Trends: A recent SIGAR report asserts that foreign armed groups Read More >

Connecting Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Beyond

From 9–12 July 2023, the NESA Center hosted the 10th annual Strategic Studies Network (SSN) Central Asia Working Group meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan. The NESA Center partnered with the Caspian Policy Center (CPC) and the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA) to manage the workshop that gathered experts from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, India, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Read More >

A Look into the Origins of Russian Strategic Culture

CSAG STRATEGY PAPER By: LTC Jussi Puustinen, FIN A (CSAG/CCJ5) 11 July 2023   Overview: Russia’s worldview is shaped by its strategic culture. Certain periods in history have a significant meaning in forming its strategic culture. These periods have influenced how Russians think about strong leaders, why autocracy is seen as a better option over Read More >

2023 Air War College International Officer Seminar

On 23 June 2023, the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA Center) hosted 54 international fellows and faculty from the Air War College. The students were briefed at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. by NESA Center Academic Dean Dr. Roger Kangas on the Security Implications of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine and NESA Read More >

The Soviet-sounding New Foreign Policy of Russia

CSAG STRATEGY PAPER By: CDR Hubert MRÓZ, POL NAVY (CSAG/CCJ5) 22 June 2023   Overview: On March 31, President Putin announced an updated concept of Russian foreign policy. The previous document has been in effect since November 30, 2016. The Russian government is adapting its foreign policy assumptions to the changed situation due to the ongoing Read More >