Editorial paper at Robert Lansing Institute

Securing a Third Term: Strategies, Risks, and Implications for Zimbabwe’s Democracy

There has been significant resistance to extending the term of President Emmerson Mnangagwa beyond 2028 within Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu PF party. Mnangagwa, who has said repeatedly that he does not intend to extend…

December 20, 2024Zimbabwe

Democracy Governance

How Ortega’s Constitutional Changes Threaten Stability and Governance

Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega proposed a constitutional reform that would officially make him and his wife, current Vice President Rosario Murillo, “copresidents” of the Central American nation. While the initiative has to…

December 18, 2024Nicaragua

Intelligence ops National Security Terrorism

Havana Syndrome Revisited: Foreign Actors, Microwave Weapons, and the Attack on U.S. Institutions

A recent interim report by the House Permanent Select Subcommittee on the CIA suggests that a foreign adversary is "increasingly likely" responsible for the mysterious health incidents known as Havana…

December 17, 2024China, Havana Syndrome, Russia, USA

Terrorism

How the Islamic State Could Leverage Syria’s Political Transition

Syrian opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overran Syria’s main cities, including the capital, in less than two weeks, finally ending the brutal regime of President Bashar Al-Assad over the…

December 16, 2024ISIS, Syria

Intelligence ops National Security Propaganda and Disinformation Psyops

Russia’s Campaign to Undermine the New U.S. Administration: A Strategic Disinformation Effort

Russia has launched an operation aimed at discrediting the new U.S. administration. We reaffirm our previous conclusions that the Kremlin seeks to project its war in Ukraine as a conflict…

December 13, 2024Russia, USA

Conflict Geopolitics Governance

Implications of Assad’s Fall for Regional Stability in the Middle East

The fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria could profoundly impact the Middle East, influencing geopolitical alliances, regional stability, and the balance of power among global actors. Here's an overview…

December 12, 2024Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria

Geopolitics National Security Nonproliferation

Assessing the Likelihood of a Repeat Deployment of the “Oreshnik” ICBM

Russia's deployment of the "Oreshnik" intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in Belarus is poised to heighten political and informational tensions across Europe. For Lukashenko, this marks a raising of the stakes…

December 10, 2024Belarus, nuclear weapons, Russia

Conflict Warfare

Russia Prepares to Transfer Remaining Equipment and Ammunition from Syria to Ukraine

In the aftermath of the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the rapid advance of rebel forces deep into Syrian territory, Russia is grappling with the challenge of evacuating military…

December 10, 2024Russia, Syria, Turkiye, Ukraine

Intelligence ops Propaganda and Disinformation Psyops

Russia Draws Egypt into Violations of International Law and UN Resolutions

Russia continues its aggressive propaganda efforts to portray the annexation of Crimea as a "legitimate" act, in stark defiance of international law and UN resolutions. A Propaganda Tour for Egyptian…

December 9, 2024Egypt, Russia, Ukraine

Geopolitics Intelligence ops Terrorism

Assessing Russia’s Strategic Gamble with Houthi Cooperation

Since the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel, the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah, or 'Partisans of God') has emerged as one of the most active and capable members of Iran's so-called 'Axis of…

December 6, 2024GRU, Houthis, Iran, Russia, Yemen

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