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Regional Directory

Thinking About the American Presidency

Dec. 30, 2015 To understand the American political system, it is important to grasp how little power the American president has at his disposal.

Russian Public Opinion Shifts

Dec. 30, 2015 A new poll shows a majority of Russians support an ongoing protest by truck drivers, indicating public support for the Russian regime may be waning.

Jihadists Central to Fight Against Islamic State

Dec. 30, 2015 As the Islamic State becomes the dominant force in the Middle East, anti-IS actors are increasingly relying on jihadist rebel groups to take on IS in Syria.

The State of Islamic State

Dec. 29, 2015 Without knowing the details of the Islamic State’s activities in the weeks and days before the Kurdish-led alliance took the Tishrin Dam in Syria, it isn’t clear whether this was a major defeat or even preparation by IS for a new offensive elsewhere.

The Limits of Saudi Arabia’s Budget Cuts

Dec. 29, 2015 Saudi Arabia will cut public spending in 2016, which may signal problems for a government that relies on public funds to maintain control at home and in the region.

China’s New Employment Plan

Dec. 29, 2015 After introducing reforms that will leave tens of thousands of soldiers unemployed, the Chinese government has ordered state-owned enterprises to offer preferential hiring to veterans.

Understanding Our Geopolitical Model

Dec. 28, 2015 The quiet of the past few days gives us an opportunity to explain how we decide whether or not an event is important.

Russia-Taliban Talks

Dec. 26, 2015 A Russian official said the country has had contact with the Taliban over the Islamic State, which would represent a shift in Russian policy.

The Azerbaijan Question Re-emerges

Dec. 24, 2015 Relations between Azerbaijan and the U.S. have recently deteriorated, which could have an impact on American interests in the Middle East and Russia.

The Battle for Ramadi

Dec. 23, 2015 The reality is that the Islamic State is retreating from a non-crucial town not integral to its current battle plans.

Destabilization in Central Asia

Dec. 23, 2015 Central Asian governments have been turning their attention to potential security threats and economic problems that could destabilize the region.

Spanish Election Highlights Italy’s EU Woes

Dec. 22, 2015 The most interesting response to the Spanish election results came from the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

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