SCFR Online – Opinion: The acceleration of AI competition has shattered the boundaries of economic, military, intelligence, and cognitive power, turning this technology into a strategic component of national power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington and his meeting with Donald Trump on September 24 and 25, 2026, accompanied by a ceremonial welcome at Andrews Air Force Base, was more a diplomatic display for managing the level of tensions than an indication of a breakthrough achievement in relations between the two powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Israeli President Isaac Herzog traveled to Turkey on March 9, 2022, after 14 years since his last visit at this level, one of the main topics of which was the development of exploration of Turkish gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkish affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A researcher of Turkey affairs, commenting on the recent moves of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to prevent outbreak of a war between Ukraine and Russia said: Erdogan traveled to Kiev on February 3 to prevent outbreak of a military confrontation between the two sides by assuming the role of a mediator.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The abortive coup in Turkey in 2016 and Erdogan’s policies in the region have caused the consequences to affect the economy and livelihood of the Turkish people who, in recent months, have seen a 20 percent inflation rate and a record low devaluation of the lira. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan believes that keeping interest rates low could offset the 20% inflation rate, a view that has left its mark on the Turkish real estate market.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkey affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Turkey affairs commenting on Turkey’s role-playing in Afghanistan after the fall of the Kabul government and rise of the Taliban to power said: The fall of Kabul and domination of the Taliban over the political scene of Afghanistan has paved the way for a new round of regional rivalries.
Strategic Council Online – While the conflict between Hamas and the Zionist regime continued for days and more than 200 people of Gaza were martyred under the bombing of the Israeli army, the United Nations acted passively under the pressure of the United States. For the third time, the United States blocked the issuance of a joint UN Security Council statement on May 17; a statement which was prepared by China, Tunisia, and Norway on the ceasefire and the violation of international standards by Israel in the recent crisis.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on international relations
Strategic Council Online – Turkey is trying to use the leverage of its military presence in Libya to pave the way for political negotiations on political and economic interests, particularly on the sharing of Eastern Mediterranean energy resources.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkey’s affairs
SCFR Online – Opinion: The acceleration of AI competition has shattered the boundaries of economic, military, intelligence, and cognitive power, turning this technology into a strategic component of national power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington and his meeting with Donald Trump on September 24 and 25, 2026, accompanied by a ceremonial welcome at Andrews Air Force Base, was more a diplomatic display for managing the level of tensions than an indication of a breakthrough achievement in relations between the two powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Israeli President Isaac Herzog traveled to Turkey on March 9, 2022, after 14 years since his last visit at this level, one of the main topics of which was the development of exploration of Turkish gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkish affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A researcher of Turkey affairs, commenting on the recent moves of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to prevent outbreak of a war between Ukraine and Russia said: Erdogan traveled to Kiev on February 3 to prevent outbreak of a military confrontation between the two sides by assuming the role of a mediator.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The abortive coup in Turkey in 2016 and Erdogan’s policies in the region have caused the consequences to affect the economy and livelihood of the Turkish people who, in recent months, have seen a 20 percent inflation rate and a record low devaluation of the lira. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan believes that keeping interest rates low could offset the 20% inflation rate, a view that has left its mark on the Turkish real estate market.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkey affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Turkey affairs commenting on Turkey’s role-playing in Afghanistan after the fall of the Kabul government and rise of the Taliban to power said: The fall of Kabul and domination of the Taliban over the political scene of Afghanistan has paved the way for a new round of regional rivalries.
Strategic Council Online – While the conflict between Hamas and the Zionist regime continued for days and more than 200 people of Gaza were martyred under the bombing of the Israeli army, the United Nations acted passively under the pressure of the United States. For the third time, the United States blocked the issuance of a joint UN Security Council statement on May 17; a statement which was prepared by China, Tunisia, and Norway on the ceasefire and the violation of international standards by Israel in the recent crisis.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on international relations
Strategic Council Online – Turkey is trying to use the leverage of its military presence in Libya to pave the way for political negotiations on political and economic interests, particularly on the sharing of Eastern Mediterranean energy resources.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkey’s affairs
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Israeli President Isaac Herzog traveled to Turkey on March 9, 2022, after 14 years since his last visit at this level, one of the main topics of which was the development of exploration of Turkish gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkish affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A researcher of Turkey affairs, commenting on the recent moves of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to prevent outbreak of a war between Ukraine and Russia said: Erdogan traveled to Kiev on February 3 to prevent outbreak of a military confrontation between the two sides by assuming the role of a mediator.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The abortive coup in Turkey in 2016 and Erdogan’s policies in the region have caused the consequences to affect the economy and livelihood of the Turkish people who, in recent months, have seen a 20 percent inflation rate and a record low devaluation of the lira. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan believes that keeping interest rates low could offset the 20% inflation rate, a view that has left its mark on the Turkish real estate market.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkey affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Turkey affairs commenting on Turkey’s role-playing in Afghanistan after the fall of the Kabul government and rise of the Taliban to power said: The fall of Kabul and domination of the Taliban over the political scene of Afghanistan has paved the way for a new round of regional rivalries.
Strategic Council Online – While the conflict between Hamas and the Zionist regime continued for days and more than 200 people of Gaza were martyred under the bombing of the Israeli army, the United Nations acted passively under the pressure of the United States. For the third time, the United States blocked the issuance of a joint UN Security Council statement on May 17; a statement which was prepared by China, Tunisia, and Norway on the ceasefire and the violation of international standards by Israel in the recent crisis.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on international relations
Strategic Council Online – Turkey is trying to use the leverage of its military presence in Libya to pave the way for political negotiations on political and economic interests, particularly on the sharing of Eastern Mediterranean energy resources.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkey’s affairs
SCFR Online – Opinion: The acceleration of AI competition has shattered the boundaries of economic, military, intelligence, and cognitive power, turning this technology into a strategic component of national power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington and his meeting with Donald Trump on September 24 and 25, 2026, accompanied by a ceremonial welcome at Andrews Air Force Base, was more a diplomatic display for managing the level of tensions than an indication of a breakthrough achievement in relations between the two powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Israeli President Isaac Herzog traveled to Turkey on March 9, 2022, after 14 years since his last visit at this level, one of the main topics of which was the development of exploration of Turkish gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkish affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A researcher of Turkey affairs, commenting on the recent moves of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to prevent outbreak of a war between Ukraine and Russia said: Erdogan traveled to Kiev on February 3 to prevent outbreak of a military confrontation between the two sides by assuming the role of a mediator.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The abortive coup in Turkey in 2016 and Erdogan’s policies in the region have caused the consequences to affect the economy and livelihood of the Turkish people who, in recent months, have seen a 20 percent inflation rate and a record low devaluation of the lira. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan believes that keeping interest rates low could offset the 20% inflation rate, a view that has left its mark on the Turkish real estate market.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkey affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Turkey affairs commenting on Turkey’s role-playing in Afghanistan after the fall of the Kabul government and rise of the Taliban to power said: The fall of Kabul and domination of the Taliban over the political scene of Afghanistan has paved the way for a new round of regional rivalries.
Strategic Council Online – While the conflict between Hamas and the Zionist regime continued for days and more than 200 people of Gaza were martyred under the bombing of the Israeli army, the United Nations acted passively under the pressure of the United States. For the third time, the United States blocked the issuance of a joint UN Security Council statement on May 17; a statement which was prepared by China, Tunisia, and Norway on the ceasefire and the violation of international standards by Israel in the recent crisis.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on international relations
Strategic Council Online – Turkey is trying to use the leverage of its military presence in Libya to pave the way for political negotiations on political and economic interests, particularly on the sharing of Eastern Mediterranean energy resources.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkey’s affairs
SCFR Online – Opinion: The acceleration of AI competition has shattered the boundaries of economic, military, intelligence, and cognitive power, turning this technology into a strategic component of national power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington and his meeting with Donald Trump on September 24 and 25, 2026, accompanied by a ceremonial welcome at Andrews Air Force Base, was more a diplomatic display for managing the level of tensions than an indication of a breakthrough achievement in relations between the two powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Israeli President Isaac Herzog traveled to Turkey on March 9, 2022, after 14 years since his last visit at this level, one of the main topics of which was the development of exploration of Turkish gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkish affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A researcher of Turkey affairs, commenting on the recent moves of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to prevent outbreak of a war between Ukraine and Russia said: Erdogan traveled to Kiev on February 3 to prevent outbreak of a military confrontation between the two sides by assuming the role of a mediator.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The abortive coup in Turkey in 2016 and Erdogan’s policies in the region have caused the consequences to affect the economy and livelihood of the Turkish people who, in recent months, have seen a 20 percent inflation rate and a record low devaluation of the lira. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan believes that keeping interest rates low could offset the 20% inflation rate, a view that has left its mark on the Turkish real estate market.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkey affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Turkey affairs commenting on Turkey’s role-playing in Afghanistan after the fall of the Kabul government and rise of the Taliban to power said: The fall of Kabul and domination of the Taliban over the political scene of Afghanistan has paved the way for a new round of regional rivalries.
Strategic Council Online – While the conflict between Hamas and the Zionist regime continued for days and more than 200 people of Gaza were martyred under the bombing of the Israeli army, the United Nations acted passively under the pressure of the United States. For the third time, the United States blocked the issuance of a joint UN Security Council statement on May 17; a statement which was prepared by China, Tunisia, and Norway on the ceasefire and the violation of international standards by Israel in the recent crisis.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on international relations
Strategic Council Online – Turkey is trying to use the leverage of its military presence in Libya to pave the way for political negotiations on political and economic interests, particularly on the sharing of Eastern Mediterranean energy resources.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkey’s affairs
SCFR Online – Opinion: The acceleration of AI competition has shattered the boundaries of economic, military, intelligence, and cognitive power, turning this technology into a strategic component of national power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington and his meeting with Donald Trump on September 24 and 25, 2026, accompanied by a ceremonial welcome at Andrews Air Force Base, was more a diplomatic display for managing the level of tensions than an indication of a breakthrough achievement in relations between the two powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Israeli President Isaac Herzog traveled to Turkey on March 9, 2022, after 14 years since his last visit at this level, one of the main topics of which was the development of exploration of Turkish gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkish affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A researcher of Turkey affairs, commenting on the recent moves of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to prevent outbreak of a war between Ukraine and Russia said: Erdogan traveled to Kiev on February 3 to prevent outbreak of a military confrontation between the two sides by assuming the role of a mediator.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The abortive coup in Turkey in 2016 and Erdogan’s policies in the region have caused the consequences to affect the economy and livelihood of the Turkish people who, in recent months, have seen a 20 percent inflation rate and a record low devaluation of the lira. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan believes that keeping interest rates low could offset the 20% inflation rate, a view that has left its mark on the Turkish real estate market.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkey affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Turkey affairs commenting on Turkey’s role-playing in Afghanistan after the fall of the Kabul government and rise of the Taliban to power said: The fall of Kabul and domination of the Taliban over the political scene of Afghanistan has paved the way for a new round of regional rivalries.
Strategic Council Online – While the conflict between Hamas and the Zionist regime continued for days and more than 200 people of Gaza were martyred under the bombing of the Israeli army, the United Nations acted passively under the pressure of the United States. For the third time, the United States blocked the issuance of a joint UN Security Council statement on May 17; a statement which was prepared by China, Tunisia, and Norway on the ceasefire and the violation of international standards by Israel in the recent crisis.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on international relations
Strategic Council Online – Turkey is trying to use the leverage of its military presence in Libya to pave the way for political negotiations on political and economic interests, particularly on the sharing of Eastern Mediterranean energy resources.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkey’s affairs
SCFR Online – Opinion: The acceleration of AI competition has shattered the boundaries of economic, military, intelligence, and cognitive power, turning this technology into a strategic component of national power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington and his meeting with Donald Trump on September 24 and 25, 2026, accompanied by a ceremonial welcome at Andrews Air Force Base, was more a diplomatic display for managing the level of tensions than an indication of a breakthrough achievement in relations between the two powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Israeli President Isaac Herzog traveled to Turkey on March 9, 2022, after 14 years since his last visit at this level, one of the main topics of which was the development of exploration of Turkish gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkish affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A researcher of Turkey affairs, commenting on the recent moves of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to prevent outbreak of a war between Ukraine and Russia said: Erdogan traveled to Kiev on February 3 to prevent outbreak of a military confrontation between the two sides by assuming the role of a mediator.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The abortive coup in Turkey in 2016 and Erdogan’s policies in the region have caused the consequences to affect the economy and livelihood of the Turkish people who, in recent months, have seen a 20 percent inflation rate and a record low devaluation of the lira. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan believes that keeping interest rates low could offset the 20% inflation rate, a view that has left its mark on the Turkish real estate market.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkey affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Turkey affairs commenting on Turkey’s role-playing in Afghanistan after the fall of the Kabul government and rise of the Taliban to power said: The fall of Kabul and domination of the Taliban over the political scene of Afghanistan has paved the way for a new round of regional rivalries.
Strategic Council Online – While the conflict between Hamas and the Zionist regime continued for days and more than 200 people of Gaza were martyred under the bombing of the Israeli army, the United Nations acted passively under the pressure of the United States. For the third time, the United States blocked the issuance of a joint UN Security Council statement on May 17; a statement which was prepared by China, Tunisia, and Norway on the ceasefire and the violation of international standards by Israel in the recent crisis.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on international relations
Strategic Council Online – Turkey is trying to use the leverage of its military presence in Libya to pave the way for political negotiations on political and economic interests, particularly on the sharing of Eastern Mediterranean energy resources.
Hassan Ashrafi – Researcher on Turkey’s affairs
SCFR Online – Opinion: The acceleration of AI competition has shattered the boundaries of economic, military, intelligence, and cognitive power, turning this technology into a strategic component of national power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington and his meeting with Donald Trump on September 24 and 25, 2026, accompanied by a ceremonial welcome at Andrews Air Force Base, was more a diplomatic display for managing the level of tensions than an indication of a breakthrough achievement in relations between the two powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.