National Security Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

Bypassing the System: Russia’s Crypto Networks in Africa and the Erosion of U.S. Sanctions Power

Moscow is using Africa as a space in which it can reduce the effectiveness of U.S. sanctions pressure by shifting external transactions into crypto-based payment channels operating outside the traditional…

April 8, 2026Niger, Nigeria, Russia, USA, Zimbabwe

Drug trafficking Geopolitics National Security

From Narcos to Networks: How CJNG Is Tapping Global Arms Supply Chains

Federal prosecutors in Virginia have charged a group that attempted to supply the Mexican cartel CJNG with an arsenal worth €53.7 million. U.S. investigators have linked the central figure, Peter…

March 25, 2026CJNG, Mexico, Russia, USA

Intelligence ops National Security Psyops Terrorism

Risk Assessment: Threats Against the U.S. Vice President During a Visit to Hungary

The risk of a politically motivated hostile act against the U.S. Vice President during a visit to Hungary should be assessed as elevated in terms of political sensitivity, but constrained by a…

March 23, 2026Hungary, Russia, USA

Geopolitics National Security

Blame and Buildup: How Moscow Frames Arctic Tensions

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, speaking at a media briefing, accused the West of creating security threats to Russia in the Arctic and increasing its military activity in the region,…

March 19, 2026Arctic, Russia

National Security Nonproliferation

Russia’s Nuclear Shield for Iran: How Rosatom Is Undermining U.S. Pressure on Tehran

Russia is embedding itself deeply in Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.Through its state nuclear corporation Rosatom, Moscow is consolidating a long-term presence at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, including personnel deployment, reactor construction, fuel…

March 13, 2026Iran, Russia, USA

Democracy Governance National Security

Beyond Decapitation: Why Iran’s Political System Is Built to Survive War

A recent classified assessment by the National Intelligence Council concludes that even a large-scale interstate war against Iran would be unlikely to remove or fundamentally transform the country’s ruling system. According to…

March 11, 2026Iran, USA

Geopolitics Intelligence ops National Security Warfare

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

Intelligence ops National Security Propaganda and Disinformation Psyops

Manufacturing Nuclear Panic: Russia’s “Dirty Bomb” Claims as Information Warfare

The press service of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) published a press release accusing the United Kingdom and France of intending to covertly supply Ukraine with nuclear weapons and their…

February 25, 2026Russia, SVR, Ukraine

Intelligence ops National Security

Russian Espionage Targeting NATO Unmanned Systems in Europe

In Portugal, a 23-year-old man has been charged with espionage and attempting to sell stolen information from NATO military computer equipment to the Russian Embassy in Lisbon. The incident occurred…

February 20, 2026GRU, NATO, Russia, SVR

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

National Security