Middle East & Africa
Golden Handcuffs: The Political Economy of Pliable Democracy in Africa
Authors: Lyna Saadi and Dr. Julian Spencer-Churchill
Western democracy-promotion programs in Africa are failing, but not for the reasons most analysts claim. The problem is...
Ceasefire Momentum Builds as Backchannel Diplomacy Revives Hopes for Middle East Calm
After weeks of escalating conflict, cautious optimism is emerging around a possible de-escalation in the Middle East. Israel’s cabinet discussions on a ceasefire with...
Lebanon Is Burning While Iran and Israel Bargain
As the US-Iran ceasefire was declared April 8, Hezbollah made an unexpected move. It stopped shooting.
The hiatus was several hours. Then Israel unleashed what...
Somalia’s Spoils System Has a New Variable
The warlords never left Somalia. They were given budgets, airports and constitutional titles.
The rushed parliamentary vote in Baidoa on 28 March made that reality...
US Naval Blockade Chokes Iran’s Trade as Fragile Talks Show Signs of Revival
The United States has imposed a sweeping naval blockade on Iran, effectively halting maritime trade that accounts for around 90% of Iran’s economy.
The escalation...
Iran war fallout puts Sudan’s Burhan in a deeper bind
Sudan’s self-appointed leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is finding that his co-dependent relationship with the country’s Islamist-Muslim Brotherhood elite is beginning to run interference on...
China’s Hormuz Pledge Sparks Debate Over Beijing’s Bid to Lead a Gulf Unity Front Against Foreign Interference
The statements of Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun in April 2026, Chinese diplomacy, shifted from its traditional language of restraint to a clear message...
Oil Still Flows Through Hormuz Despite War Blockade Tensions
The Strait of Hormuz has remained heavily disrupted since the start of the Iran war on February 28. A U.S. naval blockade targeting Iranian...
Five Brutal Truths the Iran War Exposed About Everyone
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched nearly 900 strikes on Iran in 12 hours. The Supreme Leader was dead by...
China’s position after the failure of the US-Iran negotiations
Negotiations between Iran and the United States have reached a deadlock due to differing demands. Washington seeks a narrow agreement concerning maritime security in...