Warfare 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

Drug trafficking Warfare

Chemical Endurance: Pharmacological Stimulation in the Russian Army

The Use of Stimulants in Russian Armed Forces Units The Main Military Medical Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense has issued methodological guidelines on the pharmacological adjustment of servicemen’s performance. These guidelines…

March 3, 2026Russia

Conflict Economy Governance Warfare

War in Iran: Power Transition, Regime Stability, Regional Consequences, and the Oil Shock

Iran is fighting on two fronts at once: an external war (U.S.–Israel strikes and ensuing Iranian retaliation) and an internal succession crisis triggered by the killing of Supreme Leader Ali…

March 2, 2026Iran, Russia, USA

Conflict Warfare

Recent Afghanistan–Pakistan border clashes: reasons, foreign actors, consequences, perspectives

The latest Afghanistan–Pakistan clashes are the product of three reinforcing drivers: militant sanctuary and cross-border violence (especially Pakistan’s accusations that anti-Pakistan militants operate from Afghan soil), a chronic border/sovereignty dispute along the Durand Line…

February 27, 2026Afghanistan, Pakistan

Conflict Estimates Warfare

Strengthening Iran’s Air Defenses: Strategic Implications of a Secret Russia–Iran Arms Contract

A secret contract between Russia and Iran strengthens Tehran’s air defenses and threatens U.S. influence in the Middle East. A secret agreement has been concluded between Iran and Russia. Under…

February 24, 2026Iran, Israel, Russia, USA

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

Intelligence ops Terrorism Warfare

Rails at Risk: NATO’s Most Exposed States and the Logic of Sabotage

Russia’s approach to rail sabotage in NATO states is indirect, deniable, and layered. Rather than deploying uniformed operatives, Moscow outsources risk through criminal proxies, extremist milieus, and information operations, while retaining plausible deniability. The…

February 17, 2026railroads, Russia

Intelligence ops Warfare

From Hybrid Influence to Coercive Presence: Wagner’s Alleged Footprint in Bulgaria and the Escalation of Russian Interference in the EU

In Bulgaria, near the village of Kladnitsa (Pernik Region), a facility linked to the Russian private military company Wagner was discovered. The site was identified by the civic organization BOEC.…

February 11, 2026Bulgaria, Wagner Group

Warfare