SCFRonline – Opinion: The increase in public distrust of the French judicial system, which in recent surveys has reached approximately two-thirds of citizens, should be analyzed within a framework broader than temporary dissatisfaction or an emotional reaction to a particular criminal case.
SCFRonline– Opinion: Iran’s geopolitical power is not limited solely to oil and the Strait of Hormuz; the unintended emergence of disruptions in the future global food and energy security chains can also demonstrate Iran’s strategic importance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Competition among great powers is no longer solely about oil; rather, control over rare minerals has now become the most important geopolitical arena for the global economy and technology.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The confrontation between Iran and the West has moved beyond traditional military arenas and now continues in the realm of perception, data, and artificial intelligence.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s display of power in the recent imposed war and Washington’s turning away from its traditional allies have pushed Persian Gulf countries toward new partners in the East.
SCFR Online–Opinion: By providing an extensive network of social, healthcare, educational, and post-war reconstruction services, Hezbollah has established a strong social base for itself among Lebanon’s Shiites and Sunnis, and even beyond that, among other segments of Lebanese society, including Christians. Hezbollah has never been an external actor imposed upon Lebanon; rather, it is a phenomenon fundamentally born out of the occupation and crimes of the Zionist regime and itself influenced by popular resistance.
SCFR Online– Opinion: Security and military developments in the region over recent months indicate that the ongoing crises and wars in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and parts of Syrian territory encompass broader dimensions of geopolitical and geostrategic transformations. In this context, the increased military presence and control of the Zionist regime over parts of the territories of these areas, along with proposals regarding the creation of buffer zones or even the expansion of security borders, have raised serious questions about the future of the regional order and its consequences for the countries of West Asia.
SCFR Online – Note: Articles from Western think tanks confirm that, contrary to Western assumptions, the war has failed to cause Iran’s economy to collapse, and this situation has led Washington to seek a pathway for exiting the quagmire.
Online Strategic Council – Memo: The dispatch of three French Rafale fighter jets to Poland as part of NATO’s “Enhanced Forward Presence” operation carries a political and strategic message more than it is a tactical move to strengthen air defense.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Eurasian and Russian affairs stated that the West’s reaction to Russia’s threats regarding any deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine, whether under NATO or as an independent force, will be a combination of caution and deterrence. He said: Despite the desire of Europe and America to deploy military forces in Ukraine, they emphasize indirect support for Ukraine, including economic sanctions and increased diplomatic pressure on Moscow, and at best propose deploying neutral observers in Ukraine.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Europe today, more than ever, needs a unified strategy; without such a strategy, not only will peace be unachievable, but Europe itself will become the main stage for the consequences of this war.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Trump’s deal-oriented and authoritarian diplomacy, disregarding the complexities of a multipolar world, is doomed to failure. Lasting peace in Ukraine will only be possible through cooperation with Europe and respect for international law. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, with a deal-oriented approach aimed at quickly ending the war in Ukraine, has increased pressure on Europe to accept primary responsibility for that country’s security guarantees. According to a Politico report, senior Pentagon officials, in meetings with European defense ministers, emphasized that the U.S. would play a minimal role in this regard, with the main burden falling on Europe. This approach, evident at the August 18 meeting in Washington with European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlights a deep rift in transatlantic relations. Europe, concerned about the diminishing U.S. commitments to NATO and the fragility of the peace, is seeking security independence and strengthening its own diplomacy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
SCFRonline – Opinion: The increase in public distrust of the French judicial system, which in recent surveys has reached approximately two-thirds of citizens, should be analyzed within a framework broader than temporary dissatisfaction or an emotional reaction to a particular criminal case.
SCFRonline– Opinion: Iran’s geopolitical power is not limited solely to oil and the Strait of Hormuz; the unintended emergence of disruptions in the future global food and energy security chains can also demonstrate Iran’s strategic importance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Competition among great powers is no longer solely about oil; rather, control over rare minerals has now become the most important geopolitical arena for the global economy and technology.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The confrontation between Iran and the West has moved beyond traditional military arenas and now continues in the realm of perception, data, and artificial intelligence.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s display of power in the recent imposed war and Washington’s turning away from its traditional allies have pushed Persian Gulf countries toward new partners in the East.
SCFR Online–Opinion: By providing an extensive network of social, healthcare, educational, and post-war reconstruction services, Hezbollah has established a strong social base for itself among Lebanon’s Shiites and Sunnis, and even beyond that, among other segments of Lebanese society, including Christians. Hezbollah has never been an external actor imposed upon Lebanon; rather, it is a phenomenon fundamentally born out of the occupation and crimes of the Zionist regime and itself influenced by popular resistance.
SCFR Online– Opinion: Security and military developments in the region over recent months indicate that the ongoing crises and wars in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and parts of Syrian territory encompass broader dimensions of geopolitical and geostrategic transformations. In this context, the increased military presence and control of the Zionist regime over parts of the territories of these areas, along with proposals regarding the creation of buffer zones or even the expansion of security borders, have raised serious questions about the future of the regional order and its consequences for the countries of West Asia.
SCFR Online – Note: Articles from Western think tanks confirm that, contrary to Western assumptions, the war has failed to cause Iran’s economy to collapse, and this situation has led Washington to seek a pathway for exiting the quagmire.
Online Strategic Council – Memo: The dispatch of three French Rafale fighter jets to Poland as part of NATO’s “Enhanced Forward Presence” operation carries a political and strategic message more than it is a tactical move to strengthen air defense.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Eurasian and Russian affairs stated that the West’s reaction to Russia’s threats regarding any deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine, whether under NATO or as an independent force, will be a combination of caution and deterrence. He said: Despite the desire of Europe and America to deploy military forces in Ukraine, they emphasize indirect support for Ukraine, including economic sanctions and increased diplomatic pressure on Moscow, and at best propose deploying neutral observers in Ukraine.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Europe today, more than ever, needs a unified strategy; without such a strategy, not only will peace be unachievable, but Europe itself will become the main stage for the consequences of this war.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Trump’s deal-oriented and authoritarian diplomacy, disregarding the complexities of a multipolar world, is doomed to failure. Lasting peace in Ukraine will only be possible through cooperation with Europe and respect for international law. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, with a deal-oriented approach aimed at quickly ending the war in Ukraine, has increased pressure on Europe to accept primary responsibility for that country’s security guarantees. According to a Politico report, senior Pentagon officials, in meetings with European defense ministers, emphasized that the U.S. would play a minimal role in this regard, with the main burden falling on Europe. This approach, evident at the August 18 meeting in Washington with European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlights a deep rift in transatlantic relations. Europe, concerned about the diminishing U.S. commitments to NATO and the fragility of the peace, is seeking security independence and strengthening its own diplomacy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
Online Strategic Council – Memo: The dispatch of three French Rafale fighter jets to Poland as part of NATO’s “Enhanced Forward Presence” operation carries a political and strategic message more than it is a tactical move to strengthen air defense.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Eurasian and Russian affairs stated that the West’s reaction to Russia’s threats regarding any deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine, whether under NATO or as an independent force, will be a combination of caution and deterrence. He said: Despite the desire of Europe and America to deploy military forces in Ukraine, they emphasize indirect support for Ukraine, including economic sanctions and increased diplomatic pressure on Moscow, and at best propose deploying neutral observers in Ukraine.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Europe today, more than ever, needs a unified strategy; without such a strategy, not only will peace be unachievable, but Europe itself will become the main stage for the consequences of this war.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Trump’s deal-oriented and authoritarian diplomacy, disregarding the complexities of a multipolar world, is doomed to failure. Lasting peace in Ukraine will only be possible through cooperation with Europe and respect for international law. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, with a deal-oriented approach aimed at quickly ending the war in Ukraine, has increased pressure on Europe to accept primary responsibility for that country’s security guarantees. According to a Politico report, senior Pentagon officials, in meetings with European defense ministers, emphasized that the U.S. would play a minimal role in this regard, with the main burden falling on Europe. This approach, evident at the August 18 meeting in Washington with European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlights a deep rift in transatlantic relations. Europe, concerned about the diminishing U.S. commitments to NATO and the fragility of the peace, is seeking security independence and strengthening its own diplomacy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
SCFRonline – Opinion: The increase in public distrust of the French judicial system, which in recent surveys has reached approximately two-thirds of citizens, should be analyzed within a framework broader than temporary dissatisfaction or an emotional reaction to a particular criminal case.
SCFRonline– Opinion: Iran’s geopolitical power is not limited solely to oil and the Strait of Hormuz; the unintended emergence of disruptions in the future global food and energy security chains can also demonstrate Iran’s strategic importance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Competition among great powers is no longer solely about oil; rather, control over rare minerals has now become the most important geopolitical arena for the global economy and technology.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The confrontation between Iran and the West has moved beyond traditional military arenas and now continues in the realm of perception, data, and artificial intelligence.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s display of power in the recent imposed war and Washington’s turning away from its traditional allies have pushed Persian Gulf countries toward new partners in the East.
SCFR Online–Opinion: By providing an extensive network of social, healthcare, educational, and post-war reconstruction services, Hezbollah has established a strong social base for itself among Lebanon’s Shiites and Sunnis, and even beyond that, among other segments of Lebanese society, including Christians. Hezbollah has never been an external actor imposed upon Lebanon; rather, it is a phenomenon fundamentally born out of the occupation and crimes of the Zionist regime and itself influenced by popular resistance.
SCFR Online– Opinion: Security and military developments in the region over recent months indicate that the ongoing crises and wars in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and parts of Syrian territory encompass broader dimensions of geopolitical and geostrategic transformations. In this context, the increased military presence and control of the Zionist regime over parts of the territories of these areas, along with proposals regarding the creation of buffer zones or even the expansion of security borders, have raised serious questions about the future of the regional order and its consequences for the countries of West Asia.
SCFR Online – Note: Articles from Western think tanks confirm that, contrary to Western assumptions, the war has failed to cause Iran’s economy to collapse, and this situation has led Washington to seek a pathway for exiting the quagmire.
Online Strategic Council – Memo: The dispatch of three French Rafale fighter jets to Poland as part of NATO’s “Enhanced Forward Presence” operation carries a political and strategic message more than it is a tactical move to strengthen air defense.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Eurasian and Russian affairs stated that the West’s reaction to Russia’s threats regarding any deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine, whether under NATO or as an independent force, will be a combination of caution and deterrence. He said: Despite the desire of Europe and America to deploy military forces in Ukraine, they emphasize indirect support for Ukraine, including economic sanctions and increased diplomatic pressure on Moscow, and at best propose deploying neutral observers in Ukraine.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Europe today, more than ever, needs a unified strategy; without such a strategy, not only will peace be unachievable, but Europe itself will become the main stage for the consequences of this war.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Trump’s deal-oriented and authoritarian diplomacy, disregarding the complexities of a multipolar world, is doomed to failure. Lasting peace in Ukraine will only be possible through cooperation with Europe and respect for international law. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, with a deal-oriented approach aimed at quickly ending the war in Ukraine, has increased pressure on Europe to accept primary responsibility for that country’s security guarantees. According to a Politico report, senior Pentagon officials, in meetings with European defense ministers, emphasized that the U.S. would play a minimal role in this regard, with the main burden falling on Europe. This approach, evident at the August 18 meeting in Washington with European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlights a deep rift in transatlantic relations. Europe, concerned about the diminishing U.S. commitments to NATO and the fragility of the peace, is seeking security independence and strengthening its own diplomacy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
SCFRonline – Opinion: The increase in public distrust of the French judicial system, which in recent surveys has reached approximately two-thirds of citizens, should be analyzed within a framework broader than temporary dissatisfaction or an emotional reaction to a particular criminal case.
SCFRonline– Opinion: Iran’s geopolitical power is not limited solely to oil and the Strait of Hormuz; the unintended emergence of disruptions in the future global food and energy security chains can also demonstrate Iran’s strategic importance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Competition among great powers is no longer solely about oil; rather, control over rare minerals has now become the most important geopolitical arena for the global economy and technology.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The confrontation between Iran and the West has moved beyond traditional military arenas and now continues in the realm of perception, data, and artificial intelligence.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s display of power in the recent imposed war and Washington’s turning away from its traditional allies have pushed Persian Gulf countries toward new partners in the East.
SCFR Online–Opinion: By providing an extensive network of social, healthcare, educational, and post-war reconstruction services, Hezbollah has established a strong social base for itself among Lebanon’s Shiites and Sunnis, and even beyond that, among other segments of Lebanese society, including Christians. Hezbollah has never been an external actor imposed upon Lebanon; rather, it is a phenomenon fundamentally born out of the occupation and crimes of the Zionist regime and itself influenced by popular resistance.
SCFR Online– Opinion: Security and military developments in the region over recent months indicate that the ongoing crises and wars in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and parts of Syrian territory encompass broader dimensions of geopolitical and geostrategic transformations. In this context, the increased military presence and control of the Zionist regime over parts of the territories of these areas, along with proposals regarding the creation of buffer zones or even the expansion of security borders, have raised serious questions about the future of the regional order and its consequences for the countries of West Asia.
SCFR Online – Note: Articles from Western think tanks confirm that, contrary to Western assumptions, the war has failed to cause Iran’s economy to collapse, and this situation has led Washington to seek a pathway for exiting the quagmire.
Online Strategic Council – Memo: The dispatch of three French Rafale fighter jets to Poland as part of NATO’s “Enhanced Forward Presence” operation carries a political and strategic message more than it is a tactical move to strengthen air defense.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Eurasian and Russian affairs stated that the West’s reaction to Russia’s threats regarding any deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine, whether under NATO or as an independent force, will be a combination of caution and deterrence. He said: Despite the desire of Europe and America to deploy military forces in Ukraine, they emphasize indirect support for Ukraine, including economic sanctions and increased diplomatic pressure on Moscow, and at best propose deploying neutral observers in Ukraine.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Europe today, more than ever, needs a unified strategy; without such a strategy, not only will peace be unachievable, but Europe itself will become the main stage for the consequences of this war.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Trump’s deal-oriented and authoritarian diplomacy, disregarding the complexities of a multipolar world, is doomed to failure. Lasting peace in Ukraine will only be possible through cooperation with Europe and respect for international law. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, with a deal-oriented approach aimed at quickly ending the war in Ukraine, has increased pressure on Europe to accept primary responsibility for that country’s security guarantees. According to a Politico report, senior Pentagon officials, in meetings with European defense ministers, emphasized that the U.S. would play a minimal role in this regard, with the main burden falling on Europe. This approach, evident at the August 18 meeting in Washington with European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlights a deep rift in transatlantic relations. Europe, concerned about the diminishing U.S. commitments to NATO and the fragility of the peace, is seeking security independence and strengthening its own diplomacy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
SCFRonline – Opinion: The increase in public distrust of the French judicial system, which in recent surveys has reached approximately two-thirds of citizens, should be analyzed within a framework broader than temporary dissatisfaction or an emotional reaction to a particular criminal case.
SCFRonline– Opinion: Iran’s geopolitical power is not limited solely to oil and the Strait of Hormuz; the unintended emergence of disruptions in the future global food and energy security chains can also demonstrate Iran’s strategic importance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Competition among great powers is no longer solely about oil; rather, control over rare minerals has now become the most important geopolitical arena for the global economy and technology.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The confrontation between Iran and the West has moved beyond traditional military arenas and now continues in the realm of perception, data, and artificial intelligence.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s display of power in the recent imposed war and Washington’s turning away from its traditional allies have pushed Persian Gulf countries toward new partners in the East.
SCFR Online–Opinion: By providing an extensive network of social, healthcare, educational, and post-war reconstruction services, Hezbollah has established a strong social base for itself among Lebanon’s Shiites and Sunnis, and even beyond that, among other segments of Lebanese society, including Christians. Hezbollah has never been an external actor imposed upon Lebanon; rather, it is a phenomenon fundamentally born out of the occupation and crimes of the Zionist regime and itself influenced by popular resistance.
SCFR Online– Opinion: Security and military developments in the region over recent months indicate that the ongoing crises and wars in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and parts of Syrian territory encompass broader dimensions of geopolitical and geostrategic transformations. In this context, the increased military presence and control of the Zionist regime over parts of the territories of these areas, along with proposals regarding the creation of buffer zones or even the expansion of security borders, have raised serious questions about the future of the regional order and its consequences for the countries of West Asia.
SCFR Online – Note: Articles from Western think tanks confirm that, contrary to Western assumptions, the war has failed to cause Iran’s economy to collapse, and this situation has led Washington to seek a pathway for exiting the quagmire.
Online Strategic Council – Memo: The dispatch of three French Rafale fighter jets to Poland as part of NATO’s “Enhanced Forward Presence” operation carries a political and strategic message more than it is a tactical move to strengthen air defense.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Eurasian and Russian affairs stated that the West’s reaction to Russia’s threats regarding any deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine, whether under NATO or as an independent force, will be a combination of caution and deterrence. He said: Despite the desire of Europe and America to deploy military forces in Ukraine, they emphasize indirect support for Ukraine, including economic sanctions and increased diplomatic pressure on Moscow, and at best propose deploying neutral observers in Ukraine.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Europe today, more than ever, needs a unified strategy; without such a strategy, not only will peace be unachievable, but Europe itself will become the main stage for the consequences of this war.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Trump’s deal-oriented and authoritarian diplomacy, disregarding the complexities of a multipolar world, is doomed to failure. Lasting peace in Ukraine will only be possible through cooperation with Europe and respect for international law. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, with a deal-oriented approach aimed at quickly ending the war in Ukraine, has increased pressure on Europe to accept primary responsibility for that country’s security guarantees. According to a Politico report, senior Pentagon officials, in meetings with European defense ministers, emphasized that the U.S. would play a minimal role in this regard, with the main burden falling on Europe. This approach, evident at the August 18 meeting in Washington with European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlights a deep rift in transatlantic relations. Europe, concerned about the diminishing U.S. commitments to NATO and the fragility of the peace, is seeking security independence and strengthening its own diplomacy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
SCFRonline – Opinion: The increase in public distrust of the French judicial system, which in recent surveys has reached approximately two-thirds of citizens, should be analyzed within a framework broader than temporary dissatisfaction or an emotional reaction to a particular criminal case.
SCFRonline– Opinion: Iran’s geopolitical power is not limited solely to oil and the Strait of Hormuz; the unintended emergence of disruptions in the future global food and energy security chains can also demonstrate Iran’s strategic importance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Competition among great powers is no longer solely about oil; rather, control over rare minerals has now become the most important geopolitical arena for the global economy and technology.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The confrontation between Iran and the West has moved beyond traditional military arenas and now continues in the realm of perception, data, and artificial intelligence.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s display of power in the recent imposed war and Washington’s turning away from its traditional allies have pushed Persian Gulf countries toward new partners in the East.
SCFR Online–Opinion: By providing an extensive network of social, healthcare, educational, and post-war reconstruction services, Hezbollah has established a strong social base for itself among Lebanon’s Shiites and Sunnis, and even beyond that, among other segments of Lebanese society, including Christians. Hezbollah has never been an external actor imposed upon Lebanon; rather, it is a phenomenon fundamentally born out of the occupation and crimes of the Zionist regime and itself influenced by popular resistance.
SCFR Online– Opinion: Security and military developments in the region over recent months indicate that the ongoing crises and wars in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and parts of Syrian territory encompass broader dimensions of geopolitical and geostrategic transformations. In this context, the increased military presence and control of the Zionist regime over parts of the territories of these areas, along with proposals regarding the creation of buffer zones or even the expansion of security borders, have raised serious questions about the future of the regional order and its consequences for the countries of West Asia.
SCFR Online – Note: Articles from Western think tanks confirm that, contrary to Western assumptions, the war has failed to cause Iran’s economy to collapse, and this situation has led Washington to seek a pathway for exiting the quagmire.
Online Strategic Council – Memo: The dispatch of three French Rafale fighter jets to Poland as part of NATO’s “Enhanced Forward Presence” operation carries a political and strategic message more than it is a tactical move to strengthen air defense.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Eurasian and Russian affairs stated that the West’s reaction to Russia’s threats regarding any deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine, whether under NATO or as an independent force, will be a combination of caution and deterrence. He said: Despite the desire of Europe and America to deploy military forces in Ukraine, they emphasize indirect support for Ukraine, including economic sanctions and increased diplomatic pressure on Moscow, and at best propose deploying neutral observers in Ukraine.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Europe today, more than ever, needs a unified strategy; without such a strategy, not only will peace be unachievable, but Europe itself will become the main stage for the consequences of this war.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Trump’s deal-oriented and authoritarian diplomacy, disregarding the complexities of a multipolar world, is doomed to failure. Lasting peace in Ukraine will only be possible through cooperation with Europe and respect for international law. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, with a deal-oriented approach aimed at quickly ending the war in Ukraine, has increased pressure on Europe to accept primary responsibility for that country’s security guarantees. According to a Politico report, senior Pentagon officials, in meetings with European defense ministers, emphasized that the U.S. would play a minimal role in this regard, with the main burden falling on Europe. This approach, evident at the August 18 meeting in Washington with European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlights a deep rift in transatlantic relations. Europe, concerned about the diminishing U.S. commitments to NATO and the fragility of the peace, is seeking security independence and strengthening its own diplomacy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
SCFRonline – Opinion: The increase in public distrust of the French judicial system, which in recent surveys has reached approximately two-thirds of citizens, should be analyzed within a framework broader than temporary dissatisfaction or an emotional reaction to a particular criminal case.
SCFRonline– Opinion: Iran’s geopolitical power is not limited solely to oil and the Strait of Hormuz; the unintended emergence of disruptions in the future global food and energy security chains can also demonstrate Iran’s strategic importance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Competition among great powers is no longer solely about oil; rather, control over rare minerals has now become the most important geopolitical arena for the global economy and technology.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The confrontation between Iran and the West has moved beyond traditional military arenas and now continues in the realm of perception, data, and artificial intelligence.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s display of power in the recent imposed war and Washington’s turning away from its traditional allies have pushed Persian Gulf countries toward new partners in the East.
SCFR Online–Opinion: By providing an extensive network of social, healthcare, educational, and post-war reconstruction services, Hezbollah has established a strong social base for itself among Lebanon’s Shiites and Sunnis, and even beyond that, among other segments of Lebanese society, including Christians. Hezbollah has never been an external actor imposed upon Lebanon; rather, it is a phenomenon fundamentally born out of the occupation and crimes of the Zionist regime and itself influenced by popular resistance.
SCFR Online– Opinion: Security and military developments in the region over recent months indicate that the ongoing crises and wars in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and parts of Syrian territory encompass broader dimensions of geopolitical and geostrategic transformations. In this context, the increased military presence and control of the Zionist regime over parts of the territories of these areas, along with proposals regarding the creation of buffer zones or even the expansion of security borders, have raised serious questions about the future of the regional order and its consequences for the countries of West Asia.
SCFR Online – Note: Articles from Western think tanks confirm that, contrary to Western assumptions, the war has failed to cause Iran’s economy to collapse, and this situation has led Washington to seek a pathway for exiting the quagmire.