Across the globe, democracy has become the dominant form of political legitimacy, with countries judged by the presence of competitive elections, free press, independent courts, and the protection of civil liberties. Yet in the Middle East—the core region of Muslim-majority states—democracy has not only failed to flourish but has repeatedly been resisted, dismantled, or … [Read more...] about Why Muslim-Majority Countries in the Middle East Reject Democracy
China: The Fleet That Eats the Sea
A cobalt-blue container ship shoulders its way through a calm harbor, “COSCO SHIPPING” stamped across the hull in billboard-white letters that reflect on the water like a wavering marquee. Two tugboats flank it and throw tall fans of spray into the late light, as if staging a nautical procession. The breakwater curls like a stone arm guiding the ship into the channel; … [Read more...] about China: The Fleet That Eats the Sea
Why Trump May Blink First in a Trade War with the EU
Donald Trump’s trade strategy has often been grounded in shock-and-awe brinkmanship, where bold tariff threats become a performance of strength. But while this tactic may yield short-term concessions from weaker trade partners, the European Union is not one of them. With a $24 trillion economy, deep internal cohesion on trade policy, and a population that increasingly views … [Read more...] about Why Trump May Blink First in a Trade War with the EU
Breaking the Axis: How a Defeat of Iran Would Shatter the China–Russia–Iran Power Triangle
A successful Israeli campaign—backed overtly or tacitly by American strikes—against the Islamic Republic of Iran would send shockwaves far beyond the Middle East. While the operation would primarily be aimed at neutralizing Iran's military and nuclear ambitions, its ripple effects would strike directly at the geopolitical architecture of the China-Russia-Iran axis, a loose but … [Read more...] about Breaking the Axis: How a Defeat of Iran Would Shatter the China–Russia–Iran Power Triangle
China’s Middle East Fantasy Falters Under Israeli Fire
China’s grand ambitions for global influence just hit a wall—and that wall is Israeli airpower. With each precision strike against Iranian targets, Israel isn’t just sending a message to Tehran; it’s shaking the very foundations of China’s energy security and exposing the fragility of Beijing’s geopolitical fantasies. For all its talk of multipolarity and Belt-and-Road … [Read more...] about China’s Middle East Fantasy Falters Under Israeli Fire