12 July 2021 – In the newest iteration of the NESA Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Digital Series, NESA Professor Jeffrey Payne is joined by Professor Shahab Enam Khan to discuss the emergence of Bangladesh as a middle power in the IOR. The conversation covers not only how states like Bangladesh navigate competition among larger powers, Read More >
Impact of Turkey’s Space Program on the Security Environment in CENTCOM’s AOR
By: CDR Azamat Murzabekov, Kazakhstan Armed Forces, CSAG CCJ5 13 July 2021 Introduction: Over the last decade, Turkey has invested in its space ambitions, resulting in the strengthening of its space-related know-how and strengthening its position within the global arena. In 2011, RASAT, and 2012, Gokturk 2, were launched into orbit. The two Earth Observation Read More >
Are We Facing a Shift in KSA-US Relations or is it Only a Temporary Weakening?
By: LTC Dusan Borak, CZE Air Force, CSAG CCJ5 13 July 2021 Introduction: Despite all the ideological differences between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA or the Kingdom), their partnership has so far been considered very strong, even though it was not based on a common foundation. The stopping support for Read More >
Effects of Climate Change to Balance of Power in the AOR
By: LTC Arto Hirvela, FIN Army, CSAG CCJ5 13 July 2021 Introduction: Climate change is the long-term change of temperature and typical weather patterns in a region. The climate of an area includes seasonal temperature and rainfall averages, and wind patterns. Approximately 74% of natural disasters between 2001 and 2018 were water related. These events Read More >
Maritime Security and Technology Applications Workshop
From 14 to 17 June, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies conducted a workshop that explored the trends existing between the maritime domain and developments in technology. Focusing on the components relevant to the Indo-Pacific region, the workshop discussed operational options available to littoral states, strategic concerns shaping the policies of Read More >
After Normalization, Why Does the Middle East Peace Process Still Matter?
By: Col Emad Elganzory, EGY Army, CSAG CCJ5 25 June 2021 Introduction: The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has been described as the mother of all issues in the Middle East. It is one of the most protracted and potentially dangerous conflicts in the world. After more than seven decades, resolving the conflict remains a distant dream. It Read More >
Security Issues Related to (Sea) Lines of Communication
By: LTC Arjen Wassink, NLD Army, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 25 June 2021 Introduction: The recent Container Ship EVER GIVEN incident in the Suez Canal shows just how vulnerable global sea transport chains are. The temporary inability to travel through the canal has disrupted all supply chains Read More >
The Implications of Low Oil Prices and Economic Diversification in the Middle-East
By: LTC Meteb Almarri, QAT Air Force, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 21 June 2021 Introduction: The Middle East is a global producer and exporter of oil. The region enjoys high returns from oil sales to many countries around the world. The Middle East has relied heavily on Read More >
Syria Next
By: Matthew Wollen, F GS-13 USAF AFSOC OC/SPDP 14 June 2021 Introduction Throughout the decades following WWII, the U.S. was the dominant economic, political, and military influencer in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran all benefitted from one form of U.S. assistance or another. No other Read More >
Counterterrorism in Afghanistan After US Reduces Footprint
By: LTC Arto Hirvela, FIN Army, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 02 June 2021 Introduction: After the US reduces presence in the AOR, especially in Afghanistan, as directed by the President Biden, the US will lose Access Basing and Overflight (ABO) and agile counterterrorism capability in the region. Read More >