جدیدترین مطالب

Europe’s Enduring Dependence on Persian Gulf Energy

Europe’s Enduring Dependence on Persian Gulf Energy

2026/05/28

SCFR Online – Opinion: The dominant discourse in the field of European energy security over the past two decades has revolved around diversification of supply sources and the gradual reduction of dependence on fossil fuels. This narrative, which gained particular momentum after the Ukraine gas crisis in 2006 and its intensification in 2014 and 2022, was based on the assumption that Europe could free itself from the geopolitical vulnerabilities arising from dependence on specific suppliers through investment in renewable energy, imports of liquefied natural gas from diversified sources, and the establishment of new infrastructure. However, a closer analysis of energy trade data and the structure of the global oil and gas supply chain presents a different picture. Europe has not only failed to meaningfully reduce its dependence on the Persian Gulf, but in some sectors — particularly in liquefied natural gas imports — this dependence has deepened. This reality, which is often overlooked in public discourse, raises fundamental questions about the sustainability of Europe’s energy security strategies and their impact on regional power equations.

The Challenge of Hezbollah’s Low-Cost “FPV” Drones for the Zionist Regime

The Challenge of Hezbollah’s Low-Cost “FPV” Drones for the Zionist Regime

2026/05/27

SCFR Online – Opinion: In modern warfare, it has always been assumed that the more expensive, and advanced the weapon—particularly from well-known companies—the more certain the victory will be. However, developments on the northern front of occupied Palestine in recent months have challenged this long-held belief. Here, the Zionist regime’s military, despite possessing the most advanced defense systems such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow, as well as fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, Merkava tanks, and other modern equipment found in few countries worldwide, has effectively been rendered helpless against Hezbollah Lebanon’s few-hundred-dollar drones. Benjamin Netanyahu’s bitter admission regarding the inability to counter this threat, and his order to allocate an unlimited budget to find a solution, underscores the reality that the era of pure superiority through expensive technologies has come to an end.

The Impact of West Asian Developments on the Ukraine War

The Impact of West Asian Developments on the Ukraine War

2026/05/25

SCFR Online – Note: Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, recently announced—more than four years after the commencement of military aggression against Ukraine—that he believes the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is drawing to a close.

Temporary China–U.S. Trade Truce in the Shadow of Fundamental Distrust

Temporary China–U.S. Trade Truce in the Shadow of Fundamental Distrust

2026/05/23

SCFR Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the President of the United States to China is significant from various aspects; because China is recognized as the world’s second-largest economic power and a growing economy. The Chinese are also advancing in various fields, including the space sector, artificial intelligence, and military industries; to the extent that in the military sector, whereas they previously lacked an aircraft carrier, they now possess their third aircraft carrier. On the other hand, the United States, as a superpower, has always regarded China as its rival and continues to view it as such today.

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China

Inefficiency of the West’s Economic Lever for Ending the Ukraine War

Inefficiency of the West’s Economic Lever for Ending the Ukraine War

2025/09/28

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international economics expert stated that sanctions, as discussed in political and economic literature, are tools used to force countries to change their behavior in foreign or domestic policies. However, the fundamental question is whether these tools consistently achieve the expected results. The European Union, which has intensified its sanctions policy against Russia since 2014, especially after the Ukraine war in 2022, now faces the question of to what extent these sanctions have been able to halt Moscow’s economic machine. Although more than 50 sanction packages have been imposed against Russia since 2014, statistics and analyses show that Russia has been able to overcome the pressures in many cases and even gain more profit in some areas. Experts believe that the lack of unity in European decision-making, the conflict of economic interests among member states, and the historical dependence of some on Russian energy have all combined to cause Europe’s sanctions policy not only to fail to achieve its ultimate goal but, in some cases, to yield opposite results. Meanwhile, the debate over “secondary sanctions” and the change in the European Union’s strategies after the Ukraine war marks a turning point in the future path of Moscow-Brussels relations.

Efforts to Retake Bagram Airbase Complete America’s Unfinished Scenario in the Region

Efforts to Retake Bagram Airbase Complete America’s Unfinished Scenario in the Region

2025/09/26

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.

Growing U.S.-China Competition in Space

Growing U.S.-China Competition in Space

2025/09/24

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recently, the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has barred Chinese citizens from accessing its systems and facilities, a prohibition that even includes Chinese citizens possessing U.S. visas. This move can be interpreted as a sign of space competition between the United States and China.

Differences in the Perspectives of Europe and America Regarding the Tariff War against China and India

Differences in the Perspectives of Europe and America Regarding the Tariff War against China and India

2025/09/23

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A strategic affairs expert stated that recently, the United States has asked its allies in the G7 and its partners in the European Union to impose a new round of “significant tariffs” on China and India for purchasing Russian oil. Trump’s tariff demands reveal a clear gap in strategy between Washington and Brussels. While the Trump administration prefers to weaken the Kremlin’s economy by imposing tariffs on third countries, Europe seeks official sanctions against Moscow’s trade and financial partners.

U.S. Economic Recession and Its Domestic and Global Consequences

U.S. Economic Recession and Its Domestic and Global Consequences

2025/09/21

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of U.S. affairs stated that while Donald Trump promised to revive the U.S. economy and restore the country’s industrial glory upon his return to the White House, the latest economic data indicate otherwise. The unemployment rate, which was 3.8% at the beginning of the new administration, has now risen to 4.3%, and factories and construction companies have laid off thousands of workers. Even revised statistics show that in June of this year alone, 13,000 jobs were lost. These developments highlight the gap between Trump’s campaign promises and the economic reality in the U.S.. This divide has overshadowed not only domestic politics but also the country’s economic and geopolitical future.
At the same time, Trump is attempting to shift pressures outward by leveraging geopolitical tools; an example is his threat to the European Union following the fines imposed on Google, an action many observers see as an effort to shift the agenda from domestic recession to external challenges. The question is whether these policies can pull the U.S. economy out of recession or if their consequences will ultimately spill over into the global economy.

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

2025/09/17

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat stated that India will keep its differences with the United States limited and at the bilateral level, and will not join any power bloc against other powers.

Prospect of a Multipolar Order and the Future of Beijing-Washington Confrontation

Prospect of a Multipolar Order and the Future of Beijing-Washington Confrontation

2025/09/17

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on South Asian affairs stated that China’s grand military parade on September 3, 2025, was not merely a display of power; instead, it will mark the beginning of a new chapter in global geopolitical equations. The simultaneous presence of the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea before the cameras, especially against the backdrop of Beijing’s “nuclear strategic triangle” unveiling, sent a clear message to Washington and its allies that the past unipolar order is collapsing and the world is moving toward multipolarity. China’s new land-based, sea-based, and air-launched missile systems have elevated its nuclear deterrent capability to an unprecedented level, and the sharp reactions from the United States—from Donald Trump’s sarcastic remarks to the Pentagon’s alert—indicate that Washington views these developments as a strategic threat. Many analysts believe that this event, beyond its military dimension, symbolizes the formation of new alliances among Eastern powers against the West. Simultaneously, the arms race and diplomatic pressures in the Asia-Pacific region have accelerated, and security equations in Taiwan and beyond have entered a new phase. It seems that the Beijing parade was not just a military ceremony but the beginning of an era in which the redefinition of power in the twenty-first century will accelerate.

Positive Implications of the Recent SCO Summit on the Belt and Road Initiative

Positive Implications of the Recent SCO Summit on the Belt and Road Initiative

2025/09/15

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as the new and modern Silk Road, was launched in 2013 to connect Asia with Africa and Europe through land and maritime networks. Its purpose is to improve regional integration, revive land-based trade over sea and air, and foster economic growth. The project’s name was chosen by Chinese President Xi Jinping, inspired by the Silk Road, which was created 2,000 years ago during the Han dynasty. The Silk Road was, in fact, a vast ancient network of communication that included diverse trade routes connecting China through Eurasia to the Mediterranean Sea for centuries.

Objectives and Messages of China’s Military Drill Concurrent with the SCO Summit

Objectives and Messages of China’s Military Drill Concurrent with the SCO Summit

2025/09/04

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Chinese affairs stated that China’s major military drill on September 3, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, is far more than a simple military event; it carries immense importance in today’s geopolitical equations. The presence of Vladimir Putin, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Kim Jong-un alongside Xi Jinping not only reflects the convergence of non-Western powers against pressure from the United States and NATO but also demonstrates Beijing’s efforts to consolidate its position as a decisive player in the global order. Among the 26 foreign leaders participating in this parade, none of the Western leaders are present except for Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia. Also attending are Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus; Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia; Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia; and Woo Won-sik, Speaker of South Korea’s National Assembly. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of the UN, will also be present on behalf of the organization.
This drill—considered one of the largest military maneuvers in China’s modern history—focuses on showcasing the latest defensive and offensive technologies, including hypersonic weapon systems and advanced communication networks whose capabilities could alter the balance of power in East Asia and even globally. This event is not merely a show of military force but also serves as a tool of deterrence and diplomacy. Under growing economic and diplomatic pressure, China is demonstrating through such drills that it possesses the ability to manage crises and reshape regional equations. In fact, Beijing is seizing this opportunity both to reassure its allies and to warn its rivals that East Asia is no longer under American dominance.

Objectives and Consequences of the South Caucasus Trilateral Agreement

Objectives and Consequences of the South Caucasus Trilateral Agreement

2025/09/02

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior Eurasian affairs analyst stated that the trilateral agreement between Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the United States on August 8, 2025, known as the “Trump Route,” is a turning point in the geopolitical equations of the South Caucasus. This agreement, ostensibly signed for peace and the establishment of a transit corridor between Baku and Nakhchivan, carries serious concerns. From the perspective of analysts, this plan is not merely an economic project but part of the U.S. strategy to enhance its influence in the region and contain regional powers such as Iran and Russia.

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Europe’s Enduring Dependence on Persian Gulf Energy

Europe’s Enduring Dependence on Persian Gulf Energy

2026/05/28

SCFR Online – Opinion: The dominant discourse in the field of European energy security over the past two decades has revolved around diversification of supply sources and the gradual reduction of dependence on fossil fuels. This narrative, which gained particular momentum after the Ukraine gas crisis in 2006 and its intensification in 2014 and 2022, was based on the assumption that Europe could free itself from the geopolitical vulnerabilities arising from dependence on specific suppliers through investment in renewable energy, imports of liquefied natural gas from diversified sources, and the establishment of new infrastructure. However, a closer analysis of energy trade data and the structure of the global oil and gas supply chain presents a different picture. Europe has not only failed to meaningfully reduce its dependence on the Persian Gulf, but in some sectors — particularly in liquefied natural gas imports — this dependence has deepened. This reality, which is often overlooked in public discourse, raises fundamental questions about the sustainability of Europe’s energy security strategies and their impact on regional power equations.

The Challenge of Hezbollah’s Low-Cost “FPV” Drones for the Zionist Regime

The Challenge of Hezbollah’s Low-Cost “FPV” Drones for the Zionist Regime

2026/05/27

SCFR Online – Opinion: In modern warfare, it has always been assumed that the more expensive, and advanced the weapon—particularly from well-known companies—the more certain the victory will be. However, developments on the northern front of occupied Palestine in recent months have challenged this long-held belief. Here, the Zionist regime’s military, despite possessing the most advanced defense systems such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow, as well as fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, Merkava tanks, and other modern equipment found in few countries worldwide, has effectively been rendered helpless against Hezbollah Lebanon’s few-hundred-dollar drones. Benjamin Netanyahu’s bitter admission regarding the inability to counter this threat, and his order to allocate an unlimited budget to find a solution, underscores the reality that the era of pure superiority through expensive technologies has come to an end.

The Impact of West Asian Developments on the Ukraine War

The Impact of West Asian Developments on the Ukraine War

2026/05/25

SCFR Online – Note: Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, recently announced—more than four years after the commencement of military aggression against Ukraine—that he believes the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is drawing to a close.

Temporary China–U.S. Trade Truce in the Shadow of Fundamental Distrust

Temporary China–U.S. Trade Truce in the Shadow of Fundamental Distrust

2026/05/23

SCFR Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the President of the United States to China is significant from various aspects; because China is recognized as the world’s second-largest economic power and a growing economy. The Chinese are also advancing in various fields, including the space sector, artificial intelligence, and military industries; to the extent that in the military sector, whereas they previously lacked an aircraft carrier, they now possess their third aircraft carrier. On the other hand, the United States, as a superpower, has always regarded China as its rival and continues to view it as such today.

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China

Inefficiency of the West’s Economic Lever for Ending the Ukraine War

Inefficiency of the West’s Economic Lever for Ending the Ukraine War

2025/09/28

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international economics expert stated that sanctions, as discussed in political and economic literature, are tools used to force countries to change their behavior in foreign or domestic policies. However, the fundamental question is whether these tools consistently achieve the expected results. The European Union, which has intensified its sanctions policy against Russia since 2014, especially after the Ukraine war in 2022, now faces the question of to what extent these sanctions have been able to halt Moscow’s economic machine. Although more than 50 sanction packages have been imposed against Russia since 2014, statistics and analyses show that Russia has been able to overcome the pressures in many cases and even gain more profit in some areas. Experts believe that the lack of unity in European decision-making, the conflict of economic interests among member states, and the historical dependence of some on Russian energy have all combined to cause Europe’s sanctions policy not only to fail to achieve its ultimate goal but, in some cases, to yield opposite results. Meanwhile, the debate over “secondary sanctions” and the change in the European Union’s strategies after the Ukraine war marks a turning point in the future path of Moscow-Brussels relations.

Efforts to Retake Bagram Airbase Complete America’s Unfinished Scenario in the Region

Efforts to Retake Bagram Airbase Complete America’s Unfinished Scenario in the Region

2025/09/26

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.

Growing U.S.-China Competition in Space

Growing U.S.-China Competition in Space

2025/09/24

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recently, the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has barred Chinese citizens from accessing its systems and facilities, a prohibition that even includes Chinese citizens possessing U.S. visas. This move can be interpreted as a sign of space competition between the United States and China.

Differences in the Perspectives of Europe and America Regarding the Tariff War against China and India

Differences in the Perspectives of Europe and America Regarding the Tariff War against China and India

2025/09/23

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A strategic affairs expert stated that recently, the United States has asked its allies in the G7 and its partners in the European Union to impose a new round of “significant tariffs” on China and India for purchasing Russian oil. Trump’s tariff demands reveal a clear gap in strategy between Washington and Brussels. While the Trump administration prefers to weaken the Kremlin’s economy by imposing tariffs on third countries, Europe seeks official sanctions against Moscow’s trade and financial partners.

U.S. Economic Recession and Its Domestic and Global Consequences

U.S. Economic Recession and Its Domestic and Global Consequences

2025/09/21

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of U.S. affairs stated that while Donald Trump promised to revive the U.S. economy and restore the country’s industrial glory upon his return to the White House, the latest economic data indicate otherwise. The unemployment rate, which was 3.8% at the beginning of the new administration, has now risen to 4.3%, and factories and construction companies have laid off thousands of workers. Even revised statistics show that in June of this year alone, 13,000 jobs were lost. These developments highlight the gap between Trump’s campaign promises and the economic reality in the U.S.. This divide has overshadowed not only domestic politics but also the country’s economic and geopolitical future.
At the same time, Trump is attempting to shift pressures outward by leveraging geopolitical tools; an example is his threat to the European Union following the fines imposed on Google, an action many observers see as an effort to shift the agenda from domestic recession to external challenges. The question is whether these policies can pull the U.S. economy out of recession or if their consequences will ultimately spill over into the global economy.

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

2025/09/17

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat stated that India will keep its differences with the United States limited and at the bilateral level, and will not join any power bloc against other powers.

Prospect of a Multipolar Order and the Future of Beijing-Washington Confrontation

Prospect of a Multipolar Order and the Future of Beijing-Washington Confrontation

2025/09/17

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on South Asian affairs stated that China’s grand military parade on September 3, 2025, was not merely a display of power; instead, it will mark the beginning of a new chapter in global geopolitical equations. The simultaneous presence of the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea before the cameras, especially against the backdrop of Beijing’s “nuclear strategic triangle” unveiling, sent a clear message to Washington and its allies that the past unipolar order is collapsing and the world is moving toward multipolarity. China’s new land-based, sea-based, and air-launched missile systems have elevated its nuclear deterrent capability to an unprecedented level, and the sharp reactions from the United States—from Donald Trump’s sarcastic remarks to the Pentagon’s alert—indicate that Washington views these developments as a strategic threat. Many analysts believe that this event, beyond its military dimension, symbolizes the formation of new alliances among Eastern powers against the West. Simultaneously, the arms race and diplomatic pressures in the Asia-Pacific region have accelerated, and security equations in Taiwan and beyond have entered a new phase. It seems that the Beijing parade was not just a military ceremony but the beginning of an era in which the redefinition of power in the twenty-first century will accelerate.

Positive Implications of the Recent SCO Summit on the Belt and Road Initiative

Positive Implications of the Recent SCO Summit on the Belt and Road Initiative

2025/09/15

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as the new and modern Silk Road, was launched in 2013 to connect Asia with Africa and Europe through land and maritime networks. Its purpose is to improve regional integration, revive land-based trade over sea and air, and foster economic growth. The project’s name was chosen by Chinese President Xi Jinping, inspired by the Silk Road, which was created 2,000 years ago during the Han dynasty. The Silk Road was, in fact, a vast ancient network of communication that included diverse trade routes connecting China through Eurasia to the Mediterranean Sea for centuries.

Objectives and Messages of China’s Military Drill Concurrent with the SCO Summit

Objectives and Messages of China’s Military Drill Concurrent with the SCO Summit

2025/09/04

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Chinese affairs stated that China’s major military drill on September 3, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, is far more than a simple military event; it carries immense importance in today’s geopolitical equations. The presence of Vladimir Putin, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Kim Jong-un alongside Xi Jinping not only reflects the convergence of non-Western powers against pressure from the United States and NATO but also demonstrates Beijing’s efforts to consolidate its position as a decisive player in the global order. Among the 26 foreign leaders participating in this parade, none of the Western leaders are present except for Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia. Also attending are Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus; Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia; Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia; and Woo Won-sik, Speaker of South Korea’s National Assembly. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of the UN, will also be present on behalf of the organization.
This drill—considered one of the largest military maneuvers in China’s modern history—focuses on showcasing the latest defensive and offensive technologies, including hypersonic weapon systems and advanced communication networks whose capabilities could alter the balance of power in East Asia and even globally. This event is not merely a show of military force but also serves as a tool of deterrence and diplomacy. Under growing economic and diplomatic pressure, China is demonstrating through such drills that it possesses the ability to manage crises and reshape regional equations. In fact, Beijing is seizing this opportunity both to reassure its allies and to warn its rivals that East Asia is no longer under American dominance.

Objectives and Consequences of the South Caucasus Trilateral Agreement

Objectives and Consequences of the South Caucasus Trilateral Agreement

2025/09/02

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior Eurasian affairs analyst stated that the trilateral agreement between Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the United States on August 8, 2025, known as the “Trump Route,” is a turning point in the geopolitical equations of the South Caucasus. This agreement, ostensibly signed for peace and the establishment of a transit corridor between Baku and Nakhchivan, carries serious concerns. From the perspective of analysts, this plan is not merely an economic project but part of the U.S. strategy to enhance its influence in the region and contain regional powers such as Iran and Russia.

China

Inefficiency of the West’s Economic Lever for Ending the Ukraine War

Inefficiency of the West’s Economic Lever for Ending the Ukraine War

2025/09/28

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international economics expert stated that sanctions, as discussed in political and economic literature, are tools used to force countries to change their behavior in foreign or domestic policies. However, the fundamental question is whether these tools consistently achieve the expected results. The European Union, which has intensified its sanctions policy against Russia since 2014, especially after the Ukraine war in 2022, now faces the question of to what extent these sanctions have been able to halt Moscow’s economic machine. Although more than 50 sanction packages have been imposed against Russia since 2014, statistics and analyses show that Russia has been able to overcome the pressures in many cases and even gain more profit in some areas. Experts believe that the lack of unity in European decision-making, the conflict of economic interests among member states, and the historical dependence of some on Russian energy have all combined to cause Europe’s sanctions policy not only to fail to achieve its ultimate goal but, in some cases, to yield opposite results. Meanwhile, the debate over “secondary sanctions” and the change in the European Union’s strategies after the Ukraine war marks a turning point in the future path of Moscow-Brussels relations.

Efforts to Retake Bagram Airbase Complete America’s Unfinished Scenario in the Region

Efforts to Retake Bagram Airbase Complete America’s Unfinished Scenario in the Region

2025/09/26

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.

Growing U.S.-China Competition in Space

Growing U.S.-China Competition in Space

2025/09/24

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recently, the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has barred Chinese citizens from accessing its systems and facilities, a prohibition that even includes Chinese citizens possessing U.S. visas. This move can be interpreted as a sign of space competition between the United States and China.

Differences in the Perspectives of Europe and America Regarding the Tariff War against China and India

Differences in the Perspectives of Europe and America Regarding the Tariff War against China and India

2025/09/23

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A strategic affairs expert stated that recently, the United States has asked its allies in the G7 and its partners in the European Union to impose a new round of “significant tariffs” on China and India for purchasing Russian oil. Trump’s tariff demands reveal a clear gap in strategy between Washington and Brussels. While the Trump administration prefers to weaken the Kremlin’s economy by imposing tariffs on third countries, Europe seeks official sanctions against Moscow’s trade and financial partners.

U.S. Economic Recession and Its Domestic and Global Consequences

U.S. Economic Recession and Its Domestic and Global Consequences

2025/09/21

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of U.S. affairs stated that while Donald Trump promised to revive the U.S. economy and restore the country’s industrial glory upon his return to the White House, the latest economic data indicate otherwise. The unemployment rate, which was 3.8% at the beginning of the new administration, has now risen to 4.3%, and factories and construction companies have laid off thousands of workers. Even revised statistics show that in June of this year alone, 13,000 jobs were lost. These developments highlight the gap between Trump’s campaign promises and the economic reality in the U.S.. This divide has overshadowed not only domestic politics but also the country’s economic and geopolitical future.
At the same time, Trump is attempting to shift pressures outward by leveraging geopolitical tools; an example is his threat to the European Union following the fines imposed on Google, an action many observers see as an effort to shift the agenda from domestic recession to external challenges. The question is whether these policies can pull the U.S. economy out of recession or if their consequences will ultimately spill over into the global economy.

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

2025/09/17

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat stated that India will keep its differences with the United States limited and at the bilateral level, and will not join any power bloc against other powers.

Prospect of a Multipolar Order and the Future of Beijing-Washington Confrontation

Prospect of a Multipolar Order and the Future of Beijing-Washington Confrontation

2025/09/17

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on South Asian affairs stated that China’s grand military parade on September 3, 2025, was not merely a display of power; instead, it will mark the beginning of a new chapter in global geopolitical equations. The simultaneous presence of the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea before the cameras, especially against the backdrop of Beijing’s “nuclear strategic triangle” unveiling, sent a clear message to Washington and its allies that the past unipolar order is collapsing and the world is moving toward multipolarity. China’s new land-based, sea-based, and air-launched missile systems have elevated its nuclear deterrent capability to an unprecedented level, and the sharp reactions from the United States—from Donald Trump’s sarcastic remarks to the Pentagon’s alert—indicate that Washington views these developments as a strategic threat. Many analysts believe that this event, beyond its military dimension, symbolizes the formation of new alliances among Eastern powers against the West. Simultaneously, the arms race and diplomatic pressures in the Asia-Pacific region have accelerated, and security equations in Taiwan and beyond have entered a new phase. It seems that the Beijing parade was not just a military ceremony but the beginning of an era in which the redefinition of power in the twenty-first century will accelerate.

Positive Implications of the Recent SCO Summit on the Belt and Road Initiative

Positive Implications of the Recent SCO Summit on the Belt and Road Initiative

2025/09/15

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as the new and modern Silk Road, was launched in 2013 to connect Asia with Africa and Europe through land and maritime networks. Its purpose is to improve regional integration, revive land-based trade over sea and air, and foster economic growth. The project’s name was chosen by Chinese President Xi Jinping, inspired by the Silk Road, which was created 2,000 years ago during the Han dynasty. The Silk Road was, in fact, a vast ancient network of communication that included diverse trade routes connecting China through Eurasia to the Mediterranean Sea for centuries.

Objectives and Messages of China’s Military Drill Concurrent with the SCO Summit

Objectives and Messages of China’s Military Drill Concurrent with the SCO Summit

2025/09/04

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Chinese affairs stated that China’s major military drill on September 3, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, is far more than a simple military event; it carries immense importance in today’s geopolitical equations. The presence of Vladimir Putin, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Kim Jong-un alongside Xi Jinping not only reflects the convergence of non-Western powers against pressure from the United States and NATO but also demonstrates Beijing’s efforts to consolidate its position as a decisive player in the global order. Among the 26 foreign leaders participating in this parade, none of the Western leaders are present except for Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia. Also attending are Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus; Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia; Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia; and Woo Won-sik, Speaker of South Korea’s National Assembly. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of the UN, will also be present on behalf of the organization.
This drill—considered one of the largest military maneuvers in China’s modern history—focuses on showcasing the latest defensive and offensive technologies, including hypersonic weapon systems and advanced communication networks whose capabilities could alter the balance of power in East Asia and even globally. This event is not merely a show of military force but also serves as a tool of deterrence and diplomacy. Under growing economic and diplomatic pressure, China is demonstrating through such drills that it possesses the ability to manage crises and reshape regional equations. In fact, Beijing is seizing this opportunity both to reassure its allies and to warn its rivals that East Asia is no longer under American dominance.

Objectives and Consequences of the South Caucasus Trilateral Agreement

Objectives and Consequences of the South Caucasus Trilateral Agreement

2025/09/02

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior Eurasian affairs analyst stated that the trilateral agreement between Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the United States on August 8, 2025, known as the “Trump Route,” is a turning point in the geopolitical equations of the South Caucasus. This agreement, ostensibly signed for peace and the establishment of a transit corridor between Baku and Nakhchivan, carries serious concerns. From the perspective of analysts, this plan is not merely an economic project but part of the U.S. strategy to enhance its influence in the region and contain regional powers such as Iran and Russia.

LATEST CONTENT

Europe’s Enduring Dependence on Persian Gulf Energy

Europe’s Enduring Dependence on Persian Gulf Energy

2026/05/28

SCFR Online – Opinion: The dominant discourse in the field of European energy security over the past two decades has revolved around diversification of supply sources and the gradual reduction of dependence on fossil fuels. This narrative, which gained particular momentum after the Ukraine gas crisis in 2006 and its intensification in 2014 and 2022, was based on the assumption that Europe could free itself from the geopolitical vulnerabilities arising from dependence on specific suppliers through investment in renewable energy, imports of liquefied natural gas from diversified sources, and the establishment of new infrastructure. However, a closer analysis of energy trade data and the structure of the global oil and gas supply chain presents a different picture. Europe has not only failed to meaningfully reduce its dependence on the Persian Gulf, but in some sectors — particularly in liquefied natural gas imports — this dependence has deepened. This reality, which is often overlooked in public discourse, raises fundamental questions about the sustainability of Europe’s energy security strategies and their impact on regional power equations.

The Challenge of Hezbollah’s Low-Cost “FPV” Drones for the Zionist Regime

The Challenge of Hezbollah’s Low-Cost “FPV” Drones for the Zionist Regime

2026/05/27

SCFR Online – Opinion: In modern warfare, it has always been assumed that the more expensive, and advanced the weapon—particularly from well-known companies—the more certain the victory will be. However, developments on the northern front of occupied Palestine in recent months have challenged this long-held belief. Here, the Zionist regime’s military, despite possessing the most advanced defense systems such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow, as well as fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, Merkava tanks, and other modern equipment found in few countries worldwide, has effectively been rendered helpless against Hezbollah Lebanon’s few-hundred-dollar drones. Benjamin Netanyahu’s bitter admission regarding the inability to counter this threat, and his order to allocate an unlimited budget to find a solution, underscores the reality that the era of pure superiority through expensive technologies has come to an end.

The Impact of West Asian Developments on the Ukraine War

The Impact of West Asian Developments on the Ukraine War

2026/05/25

SCFR Online – Note: Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, recently announced—more than four years after the commencement of military aggression against Ukraine—that he believes the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is drawing to a close.

Temporary China–U.S. Trade Truce in the Shadow of Fundamental Distrust

Temporary China–U.S. Trade Truce in the Shadow of Fundamental Distrust

2026/05/23

SCFR Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the President of the United States to China is significant from various aspects; because China is recognized as the world’s second-largest economic power and a growing economy. The Chinese are also advancing in various fields, including the space sector, artificial intelligence, and military industries; to the extent that in the military sector, whereas they previously lacked an aircraft carrier, they now possess their third aircraft carrier. On the other hand, the United States, as a superpower, has always regarded China as its rival and continues to view it as such today.

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China

Inefficiency of the West’s Economic Lever for Ending the Ukraine War

Inefficiency of the West’s Economic Lever for Ending the Ukraine War

2025/09/28

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international economics expert stated that sanctions, as discussed in political and economic literature, are tools used to force countries to change their behavior in foreign or domestic policies. However, the fundamental question is whether these tools consistently achieve the expected results. The European Union, which has intensified its sanctions policy against Russia since 2014, especially after the Ukraine war in 2022, now faces the question of to what extent these sanctions have been able to halt Moscow’s economic machine. Although more than 50 sanction packages have been imposed against Russia since 2014, statistics and analyses show that Russia has been able to overcome the pressures in many cases and even gain more profit in some areas. Experts believe that the lack of unity in European decision-making, the conflict of economic interests among member states, and the historical dependence of some on Russian energy have all combined to cause Europe’s sanctions policy not only to fail to achieve its ultimate goal but, in some cases, to yield opposite results. Meanwhile, the debate over “secondary sanctions” and the change in the European Union’s strategies after the Ukraine war marks a turning point in the future path of Moscow-Brussels relations.

Efforts to Retake Bagram Airbase Complete America’s Unfinished Scenario in the Region

Efforts to Retake Bagram Airbase Complete America’s Unfinished Scenario in the Region

2025/09/26

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.

Growing U.S.-China Competition in Space

Growing U.S.-China Competition in Space

2025/09/24

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recently, the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has barred Chinese citizens from accessing its systems and facilities, a prohibition that even includes Chinese citizens possessing U.S. visas. This move can be interpreted as a sign of space competition between the United States and China.

Differences in the Perspectives of Europe and America Regarding the Tariff War against China and India

Differences in the Perspectives of Europe and America Regarding the Tariff War against China and India

2025/09/23

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A strategic affairs expert stated that recently, the United States has asked its allies in the G7 and its partners in the European Union to impose a new round of “significant tariffs” on China and India for purchasing Russian oil. Trump’s tariff demands reveal a clear gap in strategy between Washington and Brussels. While the Trump administration prefers to weaken the Kremlin’s economy by imposing tariffs on third countries, Europe seeks official sanctions against Moscow’s trade and financial partners.

U.S. Economic Recession and Its Domestic and Global Consequences

U.S. Economic Recession and Its Domestic and Global Consequences

2025/09/21

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of U.S. affairs stated that while Donald Trump promised to revive the U.S. economy and restore the country’s industrial glory upon his return to the White House, the latest economic data indicate otherwise. The unemployment rate, which was 3.8% at the beginning of the new administration, has now risen to 4.3%, and factories and construction companies have laid off thousands of workers. Even revised statistics show that in June of this year alone, 13,000 jobs were lost. These developments highlight the gap between Trump’s campaign promises and the economic reality in the U.S.. This divide has overshadowed not only domestic politics but also the country’s economic and geopolitical future.
At the same time, Trump is attempting to shift pressures outward by leveraging geopolitical tools; an example is his threat to the European Union following the fines imposed on Google, an action many observers see as an effort to shift the agenda from domestic recession to external challenges. The question is whether these policies can pull the U.S. economy out of recession or if their consequences will ultimately spill over into the global economy.

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

2025/09/17

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat stated that India will keep its differences with the United States limited and at the bilateral level, and will not join any power bloc against other powers.

Prospect of a Multipolar Order and the Future of Beijing-Washington Confrontation

Prospect of a Multipolar Order and the Future of Beijing-Washington Confrontation

2025/09/17

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on South Asian affairs stated that China’s grand military parade on September 3, 2025, was not merely a display of power; instead, it will mark the beginning of a new chapter in global geopolitical equations. The simultaneous presence of the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea before the cameras, especially against the backdrop of Beijing’s “nuclear strategic triangle” unveiling, sent a clear message to Washington and its allies that the past unipolar order is collapsing and the world is moving toward multipolarity. China’s new land-based, sea-based, and air-launched missile systems have elevated its nuclear deterrent capability to an unprecedented level, and the sharp reactions from the United States—from Donald Trump’s sarcastic remarks to the Pentagon’s alert—indicate that Washington views these developments as a strategic threat. Many analysts believe that this event, beyond its military dimension, symbolizes the formation of new alliances among Eastern powers against the West. Simultaneously, the arms race and diplomatic pressures in the Asia-Pacific region have accelerated, and security equations in Taiwan and beyond have entered a new phase. It seems that the Beijing parade was not just a military ceremony but the beginning of an era in which the redefinition of power in the twenty-first century will accelerate.

Positive Implications of the Recent SCO Summit on the Belt and Road Initiative

Positive Implications of the Recent SCO Summit on the Belt and Road Initiative

2025/09/15

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as the new and modern Silk Road, was launched in 2013 to connect Asia with Africa and Europe through land and maritime networks. Its purpose is to improve regional integration, revive land-based trade over sea and air, and foster economic growth. The project’s name was chosen by Chinese President Xi Jinping, inspired by the Silk Road, which was created 2,000 years ago during the Han dynasty. The Silk Road was, in fact, a vast ancient network of communication that included diverse trade routes connecting China through Eurasia to the Mediterranean Sea for centuries.

Objectives and Messages of China’s Military Drill Concurrent with the SCO Summit

Objectives and Messages of China’s Military Drill Concurrent with the SCO Summit

2025/09/04

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Chinese affairs stated that China’s major military drill on September 3, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, is far more than a simple military event; it carries immense importance in today’s geopolitical equations. The presence of Vladimir Putin, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Kim Jong-un alongside Xi Jinping not only reflects the convergence of non-Western powers against pressure from the United States and NATO but also demonstrates Beijing’s efforts to consolidate its position as a decisive player in the global order. Among the 26 foreign leaders participating in this parade, none of the Western leaders are present except for Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia. Also attending are Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus; Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia; Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia; and Woo Won-sik, Speaker of South Korea’s National Assembly. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of the UN, will also be present on behalf of the organization.
This drill—considered one of the largest military maneuvers in China’s modern history—focuses on showcasing the latest defensive and offensive technologies, including hypersonic weapon systems and advanced communication networks whose capabilities could alter the balance of power in East Asia and even globally. This event is not merely a show of military force but also serves as a tool of deterrence and diplomacy. Under growing economic and diplomatic pressure, China is demonstrating through such drills that it possesses the ability to manage crises and reshape regional equations. In fact, Beijing is seizing this opportunity both to reassure its allies and to warn its rivals that East Asia is no longer under American dominance.

Objectives and Consequences of the South Caucasus Trilateral Agreement

Objectives and Consequences of the South Caucasus Trilateral Agreement

2025/09/02

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior Eurasian affairs analyst stated that the trilateral agreement between Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the United States on August 8, 2025, known as the “Trump Route,” is a turning point in the geopolitical equations of the South Caucasus. This agreement, ostensibly signed for peace and the establishment of a transit corridor between Baku and Nakhchivan, carries serious concerns. From the perspective of analysts, this plan is not merely an economic project but part of the U.S. strategy to enhance its influence in the region and contain regional powers such as Iran and Russia.

ÚLTIMAS PUBLICACIONES

Europe’s Enduring Dependence on Persian Gulf Energy

Europe’s Enduring Dependence on Persian Gulf Energy

2026/05/28

SCFR Online – Opinion: The dominant discourse in the field of European energy security over the past two decades has revolved around diversification of supply sources and the gradual reduction of dependence on fossil fuels. This narrative, which gained particular momentum after the Ukraine gas crisis in 2006 and its intensification in 2014 and 2022, was based on the assumption that Europe could free itself from the geopolitical vulnerabilities arising from dependence on specific suppliers through investment in renewable energy, imports of liquefied natural gas from diversified sources, and the establishment of new infrastructure. However, a closer analysis of energy trade data and the structure of the global oil and gas supply chain presents a different picture. Europe has not only failed to meaningfully reduce its dependence on the Persian Gulf, but in some sectors — particularly in liquefied natural gas imports — this dependence has deepened. This reality, which is often overlooked in public discourse, raises fundamental questions about the sustainability of Europe’s energy security strategies and their impact on regional power equations.

The Challenge of Hezbollah’s Low-Cost “FPV” Drones for the Zionist Regime

The Challenge of Hezbollah’s Low-Cost “FPV” Drones for the Zionist Regime

2026/05/27

SCFR Online – Opinion: In modern warfare, it has always been assumed that the more expensive, and advanced the weapon—particularly from well-known companies—the more certain the victory will be. However, developments on the northern front of occupied Palestine in recent months have challenged this long-held belief. Here, the Zionist regime’s military, despite possessing the most advanced defense systems such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow, as well as fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, Merkava tanks, and other modern equipment found in few countries worldwide, has effectively been rendered helpless against Hezbollah Lebanon’s few-hundred-dollar drones. Benjamin Netanyahu’s bitter admission regarding the inability to counter this threat, and his order to allocate an unlimited budget to find a solution, underscores the reality that the era of pure superiority through expensive technologies has come to an end.

The Impact of West Asian Developments on the Ukraine War

The Impact of West Asian Developments on the Ukraine War

2026/05/25

SCFR Online – Note: Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, recently announced—more than four years after the commencement of military aggression against Ukraine—that he believes the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is drawing to a close.

Temporary China–U.S. Trade Truce in the Shadow of Fundamental Distrust

Temporary China–U.S. Trade Truce in the Shadow of Fundamental Distrust

2026/05/23

SCFR Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the President of the United States to China is significant from various aspects; because China is recognized as the world’s second-largest economic power and a growing economy. The Chinese are also advancing in various fields, including the space sector, artificial intelligence, and military industries; to the extent that in the military sector, whereas they previously lacked an aircraft carrier, they now possess their third aircraft carrier. On the other hand, the United States, as a superpower, has always regarded China as its rival and continues to view it as such today.

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China

Inefficiency of the West’s Economic Lever for Ending the Ukraine War

Inefficiency of the West’s Economic Lever for Ending the Ukraine War

2025/09/28

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international economics expert stated that sanctions, as discussed in political and economic literature, are tools used to force countries to change their behavior in foreign or domestic policies. However, the fundamental question is whether these tools consistently achieve the expected results. The European Union, which has intensified its sanctions policy against Russia since 2014, especially after the Ukraine war in 2022, now faces the question of to what extent these sanctions have been able to halt Moscow’s economic machine. Although more than 50 sanction packages have been imposed against Russia since 2014, statistics and analyses show that Russia has been able to overcome the pressures in many cases and even gain more profit in some areas. Experts believe that the lack of unity in European decision-making, the conflict of economic interests among member states, and the historical dependence of some on Russian energy have all combined to cause Europe’s sanctions policy not only to fail to achieve its ultimate goal but, in some cases, to yield opposite results. Meanwhile, the debate over “secondary sanctions” and the change in the European Union’s strategies after the Ukraine war marks a turning point in the future path of Moscow-Brussels relations.

Efforts to Retake Bagram Airbase Complete America’s Unfinished Scenario in the Region

Efforts to Retake Bagram Airbase Complete America’s Unfinished Scenario in the Region

2025/09/26

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.

Growing U.S.-China Competition in Space

Growing U.S.-China Competition in Space

2025/09/24

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recently, the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has barred Chinese citizens from accessing its systems and facilities, a prohibition that even includes Chinese citizens possessing U.S. visas. This move can be interpreted as a sign of space competition between the United States and China.

Differences in the Perspectives of Europe and America Regarding the Tariff War against China and India

Differences in the Perspectives of Europe and America Regarding the Tariff War against China and India

2025/09/23

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A strategic affairs expert stated that recently, the United States has asked its allies in the G7 and its partners in the European Union to impose a new round of “significant tariffs” on China and India for purchasing Russian oil. Trump’s tariff demands reveal a clear gap in strategy between Washington and Brussels. While the Trump administration prefers to weaken the Kremlin’s economy by imposing tariffs on third countries, Europe seeks official sanctions against Moscow’s trade and financial partners.

U.S. Economic Recession and Its Domestic and Global Consequences

U.S. Economic Recession and Its Domestic and Global Consequences

2025/09/21

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of U.S. affairs stated that while Donald Trump promised to revive the U.S. economy and restore the country’s industrial glory upon his return to the White House, the latest economic data indicate otherwise. The unemployment rate, which was 3.8% at the beginning of the new administration, has now risen to 4.3%, and factories and construction companies have laid off thousands of workers. Even revised statistics show that in June of this year alone, 13,000 jobs were lost. These developments highlight the gap between Trump’s campaign promises and the economic reality in the U.S.. This divide has overshadowed not only domestic politics but also the country’s economic and geopolitical future.
At the same time, Trump is attempting to shift pressures outward by leveraging geopolitical tools; an example is his threat to the European Union following the fines imposed on Google, an action many observers see as an effort to shift the agenda from domestic recession to external challenges. The question is whether these policies can pull the U.S. economy out of recession or if their consequences will ultimately spill over into the global economy.

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

2025/09/17

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat stated that India will keep its differences with the United States limited and at the bilateral level, and will not join any power bloc against other powers.

Prospect of a Multipolar Order and the Future of Beijing-Washington Confrontation

Prospect of a Multipolar Order and the Future of Beijing-Washington Confrontation

2025/09/17

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on South Asian affairs stated that China’s grand military parade on September 3, 2025, was not merely a display of power; instead, it will mark the beginning of a new chapter in global geopolitical equations. The simultaneous presence of the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea before the cameras, especially against the backdrop of Beijing’s “nuclear strategic triangle” unveiling, sent a clear message to Washington and its allies that the past unipolar order is collapsing and the world is moving toward multipolarity. China’s new land-based, sea-based, and air-launched missile systems have elevated its nuclear deterrent capability to an unprecedented level, and the sharp reactions from the United States—from Donald Trump’s sarcastic remarks to the Pentagon’s alert—indicate that Washington views these developments as a strategic threat. Many analysts believe that this event, beyond its military dimension, symbolizes the formation of new alliances among Eastern powers against the West. Simultaneously, the arms race and diplomatic pressures in the Asia-Pacific region have accelerated, and security equations in Taiwan and beyond have entered a new phase. It seems that the Beijing parade was not just a military ceremony but the beginning of an era in which the redefinition of power in the twenty-first century will accelerate.

Positive Implications of the Recent SCO Summit on the Belt and Road Initiative

Positive Implications of the Recent SCO Summit on the Belt and Road Initiative

2025/09/15

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as the new and modern Silk Road, was launched in 2013 to connect Asia with Africa and Europe through land and maritime networks. Its purpose is to improve regional integration, revive land-based trade over sea and air, and foster economic growth. The project’s name was chosen by Chinese President Xi Jinping, inspired by the Silk Road, which was created 2,000 years ago during the Han dynasty. The Silk Road was, in fact, a vast ancient network of communication that included diverse trade routes connecting China through Eurasia to the Mediterranean Sea for centuries.

Objectives and Messages of China’s Military Drill Concurrent with the SCO Summit

Objectives and Messages of China’s Military Drill Concurrent with the SCO Summit

2025/09/04

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Chinese affairs stated that China’s major military drill on September 3, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, is far more than a simple military event; it carries immense importance in today’s geopolitical equations. The presence of Vladimir Putin, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Kim Jong-un alongside Xi Jinping not only reflects the convergence of non-Western powers against pressure from the United States and NATO but also demonstrates Beijing’s efforts to consolidate its position as a decisive player in the global order. Among the 26 foreign leaders participating in this parade, none of the Western leaders are present except for Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia. Also attending are Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus; Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia; Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia; and Woo Won-sik, Speaker of South Korea’s National Assembly. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of the UN, will also be present on behalf of the organization.
This drill—considered one of the largest military maneuvers in China’s modern history—focuses on showcasing the latest defensive and offensive technologies, including hypersonic weapon systems and advanced communication networks whose capabilities could alter the balance of power in East Asia and even globally. This event is not merely a show of military force but also serves as a tool of deterrence and diplomacy. Under growing economic and diplomatic pressure, China is demonstrating through such drills that it possesses the ability to manage crises and reshape regional equations. In fact, Beijing is seizing this opportunity both to reassure its allies and to warn its rivals that East Asia is no longer under American dominance.

Objectives and Consequences of the South Caucasus Trilateral Agreement

Objectives and Consequences of the South Caucasus Trilateral Agreement

2025/09/02

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior Eurasian affairs analyst stated that the trilateral agreement between Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the United States on August 8, 2025, known as the “Trump Route,” is a turning point in the geopolitical equations of the South Caucasus. This agreement, ostensibly signed for peace and the establishment of a transit corridor between Baku and Nakhchivan, carries serious concerns. From the perspective of analysts, this plan is not merely an economic project but part of the U.S. strategy to enhance its influence in the region and contain regional powers such as Iran and Russia.

ÚLTIMAS PUBLICACIONES

Europe’s Enduring Dependence on Persian Gulf Energy

Europe’s Enduring Dependence on Persian Gulf Energy

2026/05/28

SCFR Online – Opinion: The dominant discourse in the field of European energy security over the past two decades has revolved around diversification of supply sources and the gradual reduction of dependence on fossil fuels. This narrative, which gained particular momentum after the Ukraine gas crisis in 2006 and its intensification in 2014 and 2022, was based on the assumption that Europe could free itself from the geopolitical vulnerabilities arising from dependence on specific suppliers through investment in renewable energy, imports of liquefied natural gas from diversified sources, and the establishment of new infrastructure. However, a closer analysis of energy trade data and the structure of the global oil and gas supply chain presents a different picture. Europe has not only failed to meaningfully reduce its dependence on the Persian Gulf, but in some sectors — particularly in liquefied natural gas imports — this dependence has deepened. This reality, which is often overlooked in public discourse, raises fundamental questions about the sustainability of Europe’s energy security strategies and their impact on regional power equations.

The Challenge of Hezbollah’s Low-Cost “FPV” Drones for the Zionist Regime

The Challenge of Hezbollah’s Low-Cost “FPV” Drones for the Zionist Regime

2026/05/27

SCFR Online – Opinion: In modern warfare, it has always been assumed that the more expensive, and advanced the weapon—particularly from well-known companies—the more certain the victory will be. However, developments on the northern front of occupied Palestine in recent months have challenged this long-held belief. Here, the Zionist regime’s military, despite possessing the most advanced defense systems such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow, as well as fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, Merkava tanks, and other modern equipment found in few countries worldwide, has effectively been rendered helpless against Hezbollah Lebanon’s few-hundred-dollar drones. Benjamin Netanyahu’s bitter admission regarding the inability to counter this threat, and his order to allocate an unlimited budget to find a solution, underscores the reality that the era of pure superiority through expensive technologies has come to an end.

The Impact of West Asian Developments on the Ukraine War

The Impact of West Asian Developments on the Ukraine War

2026/05/25

SCFR Online – Note: Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, recently announced—more than four years after the commencement of military aggression against Ukraine—that he believes the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is drawing to a close.

Temporary China–U.S. Trade Truce in the Shadow of Fundamental Distrust

Temporary China–U.S. Trade Truce in the Shadow of Fundamental Distrust

2026/05/23

SCFR Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the President of the United States to China is significant from various aspects; because China is recognized as the world’s second-largest economic power and a growing economy. The Chinese are also advancing in various fields, including the space sector, artificial intelligence, and military industries; to the extent that in the military sector, whereas they previously lacked an aircraft carrier, they now possess their third aircraft carrier. On the other hand, the United States, as a superpower, has always regarded China as its rival and continues to view it as such today.

Loading

China

Inefficiency of the West’s Economic Lever for Ending the Ukraine War

Inefficiency of the West’s Economic Lever for Ending the Ukraine War

2025/09/28

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international economics expert stated that sanctions, as discussed in political and economic literature, are tools used to force countries to change their behavior in foreign or domestic policies. However, the fundamental question is whether these tools consistently achieve the expected results. The European Union, which has intensified its sanctions policy against Russia since 2014, especially after the Ukraine war in 2022, now faces the question of to what extent these sanctions have been able to halt Moscow’s economic machine. Although more than 50 sanction packages have been imposed against Russia since 2014, statistics and analyses show that Russia has been able to overcome the pressures in many cases and even gain more profit in some areas. Experts believe that the lack of unity in European decision-making, the conflict of economic interests among member states, and the historical dependence of some on Russian energy have all combined to cause Europe’s sanctions policy not only to fail to achieve its ultimate goal but, in some cases, to yield opposite results. Meanwhile, the debate over “secondary sanctions” and the change in the European Union’s strategies after the Ukraine war marks a turning point in the future path of Moscow-Brussels relations.

Efforts to Retake Bagram Airbase Complete America’s Unfinished Scenario in the Region

Efforts to Retake Bagram Airbase Complete America’s Unfinished Scenario in the Region

2025/09/26

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.

Growing U.S.-China Competition in Space

Growing U.S.-China Competition in Space

2025/09/24

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recently, the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has barred Chinese citizens from accessing its systems and facilities, a prohibition that even includes Chinese citizens possessing U.S. visas. This move can be interpreted as a sign of space competition between the United States and China.

Differences in the Perspectives of Europe and America Regarding the Tariff War against China and India

Differences in the Perspectives of Europe and America Regarding the Tariff War against China and India

2025/09/23

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A strategic affairs expert stated that recently, the United States has asked its allies in the G7 and its partners in the European Union to impose a new round of “significant tariffs” on China and India for purchasing Russian oil. Trump’s tariff demands reveal a clear gap in strategy between Washington and Brussels. While the Trump administration prefers to weaken the Kremlin’s economy by imposing tariffs on third countries, Europe seeks official sanctions against Moscow’s trade and financial partners.

U.S. Economic Recession and Its Domestic and Global Consequences

U.S. Economic Recession and Its Domestic and Global Consequences

2025/09/21

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of U.S. affairs stated that while Donald Trump promised to revive the U.S. economy and restore the country’s industrial glory upon his return to the White House, the latest economic data indicate otherwise. The unemployment rate, which was 3.8% at the beginning of the new administration, has now risen to 4.3%, and factories and construction companies have laid off thousands of workers. Even revised statistics show that in June of this year alone, 13,000 jobs were lost. These developments highlight the gap between Trump’s campaign promises and the economic reality in the U.S.. This divide has overshadowed not only domestic politics but also the country’s economic and geopolitical future.
At the same time, Trump is attempting to shift pressures outward by leveraging geopolitical tools; an example is his threat to the European Union following the fines imposed on Google, an action many observers see as an effort to shift the agenda from domestic recession to external challenges. The question is whether these policies can pull the U.S. economy out of recession or if their consequences will ultimately spill over into the global economy.

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

2025/09/17

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat stated that India will keep its differences with the United States limited and at the bilateral level, and will not join any power bloc against other powers.

Prospect of a Multipolar Order and the Future of Beijing-Washington Confrontation

Prospect of a Multipolar Order and the Future of Beijing-Washington Confrontation

2025/09/17

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on South Asian affairs stated that China’s grand military parade on September 3, 2025, was not merely a display of power; instead, it will mark the beginning of a new chapter in global geopolitical equations. The simultaneous presence of the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea before the cameras, especially against the backdrop of Beijing’s “nuclear strategic triangle” unveiling, sent a clear message to Washington and its allies that the past unipolar order is collapsing and the world is moving toward multipolarity. China’s new land-based, sea-based, and air-launched missile systems have elevated its nuclear deterrent capability to an unprecedented level, and the sharp reactions from the United States—from Donald Trump’s sarcastic remarks to the Pentagon’s alert—indicate that Washington views these developments as a strategic threat. Many analysts believe that this event, beyond its military dimension, symbolizes the formation of new alliances among Eastern powers against the West. Simultaneously, the arms race and diplomatic pressures in the Asia-Pacific region have accelerated, and security equations in Taiwan and beyond have entered a new phase. It seems that the Beijing parade was not just a military ceremony but the beginning of an era in which the redefinition of power in the twenty-first century will accelerate.

Positive Implications of the Recent SCO Summit on the Belt and Road Initiative

Positive Implications of the Recent SCO Summit on the Belt and Road Initiative

2025/09/15

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as the new and modern Silk Road, was launched in 2013 to connect Asia with Africa and Europe through land and maritime networks. Its purpose is to improve regional integration, revive land-based trade over sea and air, and foster economic growth. The project’s name was chosen by Chinese President Xi Jinping, inspired by the Silk Road, which was created 2,000 years ago during the Han dynasty. The Silk Road was, in fact, a vast ancient network of communication that included diverse trade routes connecting China through Eurasia to the Mediterranean Sea for centuries.

Objectives and Messages of China’s Military Drill Concurrent with the SCO Summit

Objectives and Messages of China’s Military Drill Concurrent with the SCO Summit

2025/09/04

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Chinese affairs stated that China’s major military drill on September 3, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, is far more than a simple military event; it carries immense importance in today’s geopolitical equations. The presence of Vladimir Putin, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Kim Jong-un alongside Xi Jinping not only reflects the convergence of non-Western powers against pressure from the United States and NATO but also demonstrates Beijing’s efforts to consolidate its position as a decisive player in the global order. Among the 26 foreign leaders participating in this parade, none of the Western leaders are present except for Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia. Also attending are Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus; Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia; Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia; and Woo Won-sik, Speaker of South Korea’s National Assembly. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of the UN, will also be present on behalf of the organization.
This drill—considered one of the largest military maneuvers in China’s modern history—focuses on showcasing the latest defensive and offensive technologies, including hypersonic weapon systems and advanced communication networks whose capabilities could alter the balance of power in East Asia and even globally. This event is not merely a show of military force but also serves as a tool of deterrence and diplomacy. Under growing economic and diplomatic pressure, China is demonstrating through such drills that it possesses the ability to manage crises and reshape regional equations. In fact, Beijing is seizing this opportunity both to reassure its allies and to warn its rivals that East Asia is no longer under American dominance.

Objectives and Consequences of the South Caucasus Trilateral Agreement

Objectives and Consequences of the South Caucasus Trilateral Agreement

2025/09/02

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior Eurasian affairs analyst stated that the trilateral agreement between Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the United States on August 8, 2025, known as the “Trump Route,” is a turning point in the geopolitical equations of the South Caucasus. This agreement, ostensibly signed for peace and the establishment of a transit corridor between Baku and Nakhchivan, carries serious concerns. From the perspective of analysts, this plan is not merely an economic project but part of the U.S. strategy to enhance its influence in the region and contain regional powers such as Iran and Russia.

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Europe’s Enduring Dependence on Persian Gulf Energy

Europe’s Enduring Dependence on Persian Gulf Energy

2026/05/28

SCFR Online – Opinion: The dominant discourse in the field of European energy security over the past two decades has revolved around diversification of supply sources and the gradual reduction of dependence on fossil fuels. This narrative, which gained particular momentum after the Ukraine gas crisis in 2006 and its intensification in 2014 and 2022, was based on the assumption that Europe could free itself from the geopolitical vulnerabilities arising from dependence on specific suppliers through investment in renewable energy, imports of liquefied natural gas from diversified sources, and the establishment of new infrastructure. However, a closer analysis of energy trade data and the structure of the global oil and gas supply chain presents a different picture. Europe has not only failed to meaningfully reduce its dependence on the Persian Gulf, but in some sectors — particularly in liquefied natural gas imports — this dependence has deepened. This reality, which is often overlooked in public discourse, raises fundamental questions about the sustainability of Europe’s energy security strategies and their impact on regional power equations.

The Challenge of Hezbollah’s Low-Cost “FPV” Drones for the Zionist Regime

The Challenge of Hezbollah’s Low-Cost “FPV” Drones for the Zionist Regime

2026/05/27

SCFR Online – Opinion: In modern warfare, it has always been assumed that the more expensive, and advanced the weapon—particularly from well-known companies—the more certain the victory will be. However, developments on the northern front of occupied Palestine in recent months have challenged this long-held belief. Here, the Zionist regime’s military, despite possessing the most advanced defense systems such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow, as well as fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, Merkava tanks, and other modern equipment found in few countries worldwide, has effectively been rendered helpless against Hezbollah Lebanon’s few-hundred-dollar drones. Benjamin Netanyahu’s bitter admission regarding the inability to counter this threat, and his order to allocate an unlimited budget to find a solution, underscores the reality that the era of pure superiority through expensive technologies has come to an end.

The Impact of West Asian Developments on the Ukraine War

The Impact of West Asian Developments on the Ukraine War

2026/05/25

SCFR Online – Note: Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, recently announced—more than four years after the commencement of military aggression against Ukraine—that he believes the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is drawing to a close.

Temporary China–U.S. Trade Truce in the Shadow of Fundamental Distrust

Temporary China–U.S. Trade Truce in the Shadow of Fundamental Distrust

2026/05/23

SCFR Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the President of the United States to China is significant from various aspects; because China is recognized as the world’s second-largest economic power and a growing economy. The Chinese are also advancing in various fields, including the space sector, artificial intelligence, and military industries; to the extent that in the military sector, whereas they previously lacked an aircraft carrier, they now possess their third aircraft carrier. On the other hand, the United States, as a superpower, has always regarded China as its rival and continues to view it as such today.

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China

Inefficiency of the West’s Economic Lever for Ending the Ukraine War

Inefficiency of the West’s Economic Lever for Ending the Ukraine War

2025/09/28

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international economics expert stated that sanctions, as discussed in political and economic literature, are tools used to force countries to change their behavior in foreign or domestic policies. However, the fundamental question is whether these tools consistently achieve the expected results. The European Union, which has intensified its sanctions policy against Russia since 2014, especially after the Ukraine war in 2022, now faces the question of to what extent these sanctions have been able to halt Moscow’s economic machine. Although more than 50 sanction packages have been imposed against Russia since 2014, statistics and analyses show that Russia has been able to overcome the pressures in many cases and even gain more profit in some areas. Experts believe that the lack of unity in European decision-making, the conflict of economic interests among member states, and the historical dependence of some on Russian energy have all combined to cause Europe’s sanctions policy not only to fail to achieve its ultimate goal but, in some cases, to yield opposite results. Meanwhile, the debate over “secondary sanctions” and the change in the European Union’s strategies after the Ukraine war marks a turning point in the future path of Moscow-Brussels relations.

Efforts to Retake Bagram Airbase Complete America’s Unfinished Scenario in the Region

Efforts to Retake Bagram Airbase Complete America’s Unfinished Scenario in the Region

2025/09/26

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.

Growing U.S.-China Competition in Space

Growing U.S.-China Competition in Space

2025/09/24

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recently, the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has barred Chinese citizens from accessing its systems and facilities, a prohibition that even includes Chinese citizens possessing U.S. visas. This move can be interpreted as a sign of space competition between the United States and China.

Differences in the Perspectives of Europe and America Regarding the Tariff War against China and India

Differences in the Perspectives of Europe and America Regarding the Tariff War against China and India

2025/09/23

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A strategic affairs expert stated that recently, the United States has asked its allies in the G7 and its partners in the European Union to impose a new round of “significant tariffs” on China and India for purchasing Russian oil. Trump’s tariff demands reveal a clear gap in strategy between Washington and Brussels. While the Trump administration prefers to weaken the Kremlin’s economy by imposing tariffs on third countries, Europe seeks official sanctions against Moscow’s trade and financial partners.

U.S. Economic Recession and Its Domestic and Global Consequences

U.S. Economic Recession and Its Domestic and Global Consequences

2025/09/21

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of U.S. affairs stated that while Donald Trump promised to revive the U.S. economy and restore the country’s industrial glory upon his return to the White House, the latest economic data indicate otherwise. The unemployment rate, which was 3.8% at the beginning of the new administration, has now risen to 4.3%, and factories and construction companies have laid off thousands of workers. Even revised statistics show that in June of this year alone, 13,000 jobs were lost. These developments highlight the gap between Trump’s campaign promises and the economic reality in the U.S.. This divide has overshadowed not only domestic politics but also the country’s economic and geopolitical future.
At the same time, Trump is attempting to shift pressures outward by leveraging geopolitical tools; an example is his threat to the European Union following the fines imposed on Google, an action many observers see as an effort to shift the agenda from domestic recession to external challenges. The question is whether these policies can pull the U.S. economy out of recession or if their consequences will ultimately spill over into the global economy.

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

2025/09/17

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat stated that India will keep its differences with the United States limited and at the bilateral level, and will not join any power bloc against other powers.

Prospect of a Multipolar Order and the Future of Beijing-Washington Confrontation

Prospect of a Multipolar Order and the Future of Beijing-Washington Confrontation

2025/09/17

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on South Asian affairs stated that China’s grand military parade on September 3, 2025, was not merely a display of power; instead, it will mark the beginning of a new chapter in global geopolitical equations. The simultaneous presence of the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea before the cameras, especially against the backdrop of Beijing’s “nuclear strategic triangle” unveiling, sent a clear message to Washington and its allies that the past unipolar order is collapsing and the world is moving toward multipolarity. China’s new land-based, sea-based, and air-launched missile systems have elevated its nuclear deterrent capability to an unprecedented level, and the sharp reactions from the United States—from Donald Trump’s sarcastic remarks to the Pentagon’s alert—indicate that Washington views these developments as a strategic threat. Many analysts believe that this event, beyond its military dimension, symbolizes the formation of new alliances among Eastern powers against the West. Simultaneously, the arms race and diplomatic pressures in the Asia-Pacific region have accelerated, and security equations in Taiwan and beyond have entered a new phase. It seems that the Beijing parade was not just a military ceremony but the beginning of an era in which the redefinition of power in the twenty-first century will accelerate.

Positive Implications of the Recent SCO Summit on the Belt and Road Initiative

Positive Implications of the Recent SCO Summit on the Belt and Road Initiative

2025/09/15

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as the new and modern Silk Road, was launched in 2013 to connect Asia with Africa and Europe through land and maritime networks. Its purpose is to improve regional integration, revive land-based trade over sea and air, and foster economic growth. The project’s name was chosen by Chinese President Xi Jinping, inspired by the Silk Road, which was created 2,000 years ago during the Han dynasty. The Silk Road was, in fact, a vast ancient network of communication that included diverse trade routes connecting China through Eurasia to the Mediterranean Sea for centuries.

Objectives and Messages of China’s Military Drill Concurrent with the SCO Summit

Objectives and Messages of China’s Military Drill Concurrent with the SCO Summit

2025/09/04

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Chinese affairs stated that China’s major military drill on September 3, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, is far more than a simple military event; it carries immense importance in today’s geopolitical equations. The presence of Vladimir Putin, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Kim Jong-un alongside Xi Jinping not only reflects the convergence of non-Western powers against pressure from the United States and NATO but also demonstrates Beijing’s efforts to consolidate its position as a decisive player in the global order. Among the 26 foreign leaders participating in this parade, none of the Western leaders are present except for Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia. Also attending are Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus; Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia; Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia; and Woo Won-sik, Speaker of South Korea’s National Assembly. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of the UN, will also be present on behalf of the organization.
This drill—considered one of the largest military maneuvers in China’s modern history—focuses on showcasing the latest defensive and offensive technologies, including hypersonic weapon systems and advanced communication networks whose capabilities could alter the balance of power in East Asia and even globally. This event is not merely a show of military force but also serves as a tool of deterrence and diplomacy. Under growing economic and diplomatic pressure, China is demonstrating through such drills that it possesses the ability to manage crises and reshape regional equations. In fact, Beijing is seizing this opportunity both to reassure its allies and to warn its rivals that East Asia is no longer under American dominance.

Objectives and Consequences of the South Caucasus Trilateral Agreement

Objectives and Consequences of the South Caucasus Trilateral Agreement

2025/09/02

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior Eurasian affairs analyst stated that the trilateral agreement between Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the United States on August 8, 2025, known as the “Trump Route,” is a turning point in the geopolitical equations of the South Caucasus. This agreement, ostensibly signed for peace and the establishment of a transit corridor between Baku and Nakhchivan, carries serious concerns. From the perspective of analysts, this plan is not merely an economic project but part of the U.S. strategy to enhance its influence in the region and contain regional powers such as Iran and Russia.

ÚLTIMAS PUBLICACIONES

Europe’s Enduring Dependence on Persian Gulf Energy

Europe’s Enduring Dependence on Persian Gulf Energy

2026/05/28

SCFR Online – Opinion: The dominant discourse in the field of European energy security over the past two decades has revolved around diversification of supply sources and the gradual reduction of dependence on fossil fuels. This narrative, which gained particular momentum after the Ukraine gas crisis in 2006 and its intensification in 2014 and 2022, was based on the assumption that Europe could free itself from the geopolitical vulnerabilities arising from dependence on specific suppliers through investment in renewable energy, imports of liquefied natural gas from diversified sources, and the establishment of new infrastructure. However, a closer analysis of energy trade data and the structure of the global oil and gas supply chain presents a different picture. Europe has not only failed to meaningfully reduce its dependence on the Persian Gulf, but in some sectors — particularly in liquefied natural gas imports — this dependence has deepened. This reality, which is often overlooked in public discourse, raises fundamental questions about the sustainability of Europe’s energy security strategies and their impact on regional power equations.

The Challenge of Hezbollah’s Low-Cost “FPV” Drones for the Zionist Regime

The Challenge of Hezbollah’s Low-Cost “FPV” Drones for the Zionist Regime

2026/05/27

SCFR Online – Opinion: In modern warfare, it has always been assumed that the more expensive, and advanced the weapon—particularly from well-known companies—the more certain the victory will be. However, developments on the northern front of occupied Palestine in recent months have challenged this long-held belief. Here, the Zionist regime’s military, despite possessing the most advanced defense systems such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow, as well as fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, Merkava tanks, and other modern equipment found in few countries worldwide, has effectively been rendered helpless against Hezbollah Lebanon’s few-hundred-dollar drones. Benjamin Netanyahu’s bitter admission regarding the inability to counter this threat, and his order to allocate an unlimited budget to find a solution, underscores the reality that the era of pure superiority through expensive technologies has come to an end.

The Impact of West Asian Developments on the Ukraine War

The Impact of West Asian Developments on the Ukraine War

2026/05/25

SCFR Online – Note: Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, recently announced—more than four years after the commencement of military aggression against Ukraine—that he believes the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is drawing to a close.

Temporary China–U.S. Trade Truce in the Shadow of Fundamental Distrust

Temporary China–U.S. Trade Truce in the Shadow of Fundamental Distrust

2026/05/23

SCFR Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the President of the United States to China is significant from various aspects; because China is recognized as the world’s second-largest economic power and a growing economy. The Chinese are also advancing in various fields, including the space sector, artificial intelligence, and military industries; to the extent that in the military sector, whereas they previously lacked an aircraft carrier, they now possess their third aircraft carrier. On the other hand, the United States, as a superpower, has always regarded China as its rival and continues to view it as such today.

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