National Security Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

Boakai’s Ties With Russia Threaten Liberia’s Stability and U.S. Relations

The Liberian opposition could attempt to counter Russian expansion through legislative action, public advocacy, alliances with Western countries, and media campaigns. However, their success would depend on a range of…

November 14, 2024Liberia, Russia, USA

Governance National Security Terrorism

Who is the New Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem?

In a leadership transition amid the ongoing wars in Lebanon and Gaza, Hezbollah’s Shura Council elected Shia cleric Naim Qassem as its new Secretary-General. The appointment follows the assassination by Israel of former…

November 6, 2024Hezbollah, Iran, Israel, Lebanon

Geopolitics National Security Propaganda and Disinformation Psyops

Hungarian Prime Minister Joins Russian Efforts to Interfere in U.S. Elections

Moscow is once again attempting to sway the outcome of U.S. elections, this time employing information operations with the help of allied leaders. The Kremlin's narrative warns that a loss…

November 5, 2024Hungary, nuclear weapons, Russia, USA

National Security Nonproliferation Warfare

Investigation Reveals Russia’s Ongoing Viral Research and Activity in Africa

The Washington Post has published a report corroborating the 2022 findings from the RLI, which highlighted Russia’s efforts to develop biological weapons using Cold War-era laboratory facilities. The report asserts…

October 28, 2024Russia

Conflict Geopolitics National Security Nonproliferation

Russia Challenges China’s Influence Over North Korea, Raising the Risk of Global Conflict

Russia is actively working to reduce China’s influence over North Korea, a move that has heightened concerns about the potential for a broader geopolitical confrontation. By expanding its cooperation with…

October 17, 2024China, DPRK, NATO, Russia, South Korea, USA

Geopolitics Governance Intelligence ops National Security

NATO Faces Urgent Call for Reform Amid Russian Infiltration and Growing Doubts About Member States’ Commitment

There are legitimate concerns about Hungary's continued membership in NATO. Recent statements and actions by the Hungarian government suggest that, in the event of a military conflict in Europe, Hungary…

October 7, 2024Hungary, Russia

Geopolitics National Security Nonproliferation Psyops

Failed Satan II Missile Test Heightens Concerns About Russia’s Nuclear Arsenal

The unsuccessful test of Russia’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) "Sarmat" (also known as Satan II) in September of this year underscores earlier assessments that the state of Russia's nuclear arsenal…

September 27, 2024nuclear weapons, Russia, Ukraine

National Security Warfare

China: Supplying Components for Russian Drones in the War Against Ukraine

Chinese companies are supplying components for Russian military drones, which may shed light on Beijing's interests in prolonging the war in Ukraine and avoiding pressure on the Kremlin to end…

September 17, 2024China, Russia

Conflict Geopolitics National Security Warfare

Kremlin’s Efforts to Incite a Larger War in the Middle East Involving Iran and Israel

Following an unsuccessful attempt to provoke a full-scale conflict in the Middle East through an attack on Israel from Palestinian territories in 2023, the Kremlin is now striving to incite…

August 5, 2024Iran, Israel, Russia

Conflict Geopolitics National Security

Israel wants to drag the US into a wider conflict in the Middle East

The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on 31 July, which came one day after the killing of Hezbollah’s commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, leaves Iran’s leadership dishonored. That the Israeli assassination…

August 1, 2024Iran, Israel, USA

National Security