“An Illustrious War”: The Human Origins of Geopolitics
Abstract: Scholars and diplomats have traditionally identifiedpower as the driving goal of states and empires. Generally ignored, however, is that operationally-useful definitions of power...
To Avoid Nuclear War: America’s Most Important Obligation
“Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.” -Soren Kierkegaard
For the incoming American president, one policy assumption is unchallengeable: If...
After The Syrian Collapse: Terrorism, Ecstasy And “Metaphysical Fear”
ABSTRACT: Following Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s recent fall, a changing configuration of jihadi terror groups will seek power and influence. Wittingly or unwittingly, these...
Prerequisite for Planetary Survival: The Design of Alternative World Futures
Abstract: This article calls for applying intellectual ingenuity to our planet’s core survival problems: nuclear war; injustice; economic inequality and ecological catastrophe. A necessary...
Nuclear Escalation Doctrine: Impact of American and Russian “Firebreaks” on Israel’s Security
The conceptual and historical background
Soon, Israel will need to make critical decisions on launching preemptive strikes against Iran. Such non-nuclear defensive actions – expressions...
Survival Limits of Military Nuclear Power: Israel and “The Sting of the Bee”
In a now classic 1965 article on nuclear weapons, physicist Leo Szilard offered a clarifying metaphor on different types of national nuclear capability. For...
Israel, Iran and Nuclear Deterrence: What Happens “Where There Is No Common Power”
Special to Modern Diplomacy
Abstract: Israel and Iran remain poised for a multi-level war. Such conflict could become nuclear even if Iran were to remain...
Israel’s Conventional and Nuclear Deterrence: A Systemic Whole
“The existence of system in the world is at once obvious to every observer of nature….” -Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, The Phenomenon of Man...
One Planet, One Humanity: A Final Reminder
“If the world were perfect, it wouldn’t be.” -Yogi Berra
It may still sound silly and “unrealistic,” but acknowledging global “oneness” represents humankind’s only plausible...
Facing Iran and its Proxies: Israel ‘s Legal Options for Preemption and Self-Defense
Abstract: Israel has begun to exercise tactical preemption options against Hezbollah, Iran’s most threatening proxy. The most recent and conspicuous preemptions have taken place...