Geopolitics Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

Iran Signals Deeper Support from Russia and China in War with the U.S. and Israel

In an interview published by NBC News, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated (timestamp 14:07–14:57) that Russia and China are providing Iran with political and other forms of assistance in its confrontation with the United States and Israel. His remarks…

March 6, 2026

Geopolitics Governance Warfare

Russia’s Recruitment Policy Shift in Africa: Strategic Motives and Implications for Military Recruitment

Recent revelations that Russia introduced a blacklist” of countries where recruitment for the Russian military is prohibited—while leaving several African states outside the ban—indicate a recalibration rather than a retreat…

March 5, 2026Africa, Russia

Conflict Geopolitics Warfare

U.S.–Israel Ground Operation Using Kurdish Forces: Probability, Effectiveness, Aims, and Consequences (March 2026)

A large-scale U.S.–Israel ground invasion of Iran is unlikely in the near term. What is plausible—and already being signaled in open reporting—is a limited “ground-enabled” campaign: air/missile strikes combined with Kurdish (and potentially other peripheral) armed groups opening…

March 5, 2026Iran, Kurdistan, USA

Geopolitics Propaganda and Disinformation

From Soft Power to Strategic Leverage: Russia’s Academic Footprint in Kenya

The opening of the African Centre for the Study of Russia (ACSR) at the University of Nairobi gives Moscow direct access to the training of Kenya’s future diplomats, journalists, and…

February 27, 2026Kenya, Russia

Corruption Energy Geopolitics

Energy Infrastructure, Disinformation, and Alliance Risk in Europe

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, following a meeting of the National Defence Council, stated that Ukraine allegedly “plans new actions” aimed at damaging Hungary’s energy system, in addition to the…

February 26, 2026Hungary, Russia, Ukraine

Conflict Geopolitics

Eritrea–Ethiopia Tensions: Causes, History, Risks, and Future Scenarios

Relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia have deteriorated sharply, with both countries publicly signaling possible preparation for war. Longstanding territorial disputes, mistrust borne of multiple past conflicts, and renewed military mobilization…

February 24, 2026Eritrea, Ethiopia

Conflict Geopolitics National Security Warfare

Russia and Iran Challenge U.S. Naval Dominance Near the Strait of Hormuz

Planned joint naval exercises between Iran and Russia are set to take place in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean. The maneuver area lies close to strategically…

February 19, 2026Iran, Russia, USA

Democracy Geopolitics Governance Propaganda and Disinformation

Budapest Beyond Its Borders: Hungary’s Expanding Influence Among the Csángó Minority in Romania

The Hungarian government is actively investing state funds in the development of the Csángó Hungarian ethnic group located in eastern Romania, within the Romanian region of Moldavia. Official Budapest supports the Csángó…

February 18, 2026Hungary, Romania

Geoeconomics Geopolitics Governance

Analysis: Why Viktor Orbán Is Framing the EU as a Greater Threat Than Russia — and What It Means

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has escalated his anti-EU rhetoric by claiming that Hungary should fear the European Union more than Russia, dismissing concerns about Vladimir Putin as “primitive and unserious.” He has portrayed upcoming parliamentary elections…

February 16, 2026EU, Hungary

Conflict Geopolitics

Manufactured Enemies: The Strategic Logic Behind Niger’s War Talk with France”

A member of Niger's ruling junta has urged his country's citizens to prepare for "war" with France, as relations with the former colonial power hit new lows. Why Now: Strategic…

February 13, 2026France, Niger, Russia

Geopolitics