For years, the Lukashenko regime in Belarus has survived through a combination of brute repression, Russian patronage, and the West’s unwillingness to act decisively. Yet the strategic case for Poland spearheading an overthrow of Lukashenko—openly or through covert support—has never been stronger. Belarus is not just another post-Soviet autocracy; it is a critical forward … [Read more...] about Poland as the Catalyst: Overthrowing Lukashenko and Reframing the Balance of Power in Eastern Europe
Opinion
Israel’s Strike in Qatar Sends a Direct Message
The reported Israeli strike on a Hamas headquarters in Qatar was not just another escalation in the long conflict with the militant group. It was, above all, a blunt diplomatic message to Doha: enough. For years, Qatar has played the double game of hosting Hamas leaders, funding its operations through “humanitarian channels,” and allowing its media ecosystem—most visibly Al … [Read more...] about Israel’s Strike in Qatar Sends a Direct Message
Why Muslim-Majority Countries in the Middle East Reject Democracy
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