Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammad’s Women’s Wing: Jamaat-ul-Muminat

Terrorism Monitor  |  Animesh Roul

Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) launched a women’s wing, Jamaat-ul-Muminat (JuM), led by Sadiya Azhar, on October 8, 2025, from its Bahawalpur headquarters, following significant setbacks from India’s May 2025 Operation Sindoor airstrikes that killed 12 of Masood Azhar's relatives. JuM employs online platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp for a 15-day "Daura-e-Taskiya" and "Daura-Ayat-ul-Nisah" program, blending religious education with militant jihadist indoctrination for a 500 Pakistani rupees fee.

Pakistan’s FY27 Budget

Brief.pk

Pakistan's FY27 budget was characterized by a statement deemed the 'most honest sentence,' which originated not from the finance minister, but from the masthead of _Business Recorder_. This specific observation, highlighted by the article, points to the country’s paper of finance and business as the source for a particularly candid assessment of the fiscal year 2027 budget.

Pakistan Spends More on One Cash Programme Than On Educating 240 Million People

Brief

Pakistan's government allocates substantially more financial resources to the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) than it dedicates to educating its entire population of 240 million people. This single cash transfer initiative, the BISP, has been subject to audits revealing billions in irregularities. For Fiscal Year 2027, the program is projected to absorb 4.5 percent of the national budget.

Climate Change and the Future of Central Asia-South Asia Connectivity

The Diplomat  |  Shanthie Mariet D’Souza

India, alongside international groupings, called for direct action on the widening climate-relevant funding gap at the 64th session of the U.N. climate framework (UNFCCC) subsidiary bodies (SB64) in Bonn, Germany, running June 8-18. Inaction carries significant consequences for climate mitigation and adaptation goals in Central and South Asia, directly impacting ambitious regional connectivity projects.

PRC-linked influence operations are targeting AI debates in the US

OpenAI

OpenAI banned two clusters of ChatGPT accounts, likely originating from China, for using its models in apparent covert influence operations targeting American AI and wider tech policies. The "Data Center Bandwagon" campaign generated social media comments and images claiming AI data center buildouts increased electricity prices for average families.

Opinion – Why the Original Thucydides Trap Fails the Taiwan Strait Crisis

E-International Relations  |  Jinghao Zhou

Xi Jinping stated in May 2016 that mishandling the Taiwan issue could lead China and the United States into the Thucydides Trap, a warning against provoking war over Taiwan. The original Thucydides Trap, describing conflict between a rising Athens and dominant Sparta, differs from the Taiwan scenario, which involves three sides: China, the U.S., and Taiwan.

Trump’s Sharp Turn on China: Embracing It as a Peer Power

The New York Times  |  Edward Wong

President Trump's administration, during a meeting in Beijing last month with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, rolled out a new diplomatic phrase: "constructive strategic stability." This language, which Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously used in Malaysia last summer and again in the Caribbean in February, signals a significant shift towards cooperation or limiting hostilities between the United States and China, the world's two largest economies and most powerful militaries.

Why It’s Nearly Impossible to Build a Robot Without China

The New York Times  |  Meaghan Tobin, Keith Bradsher

China has surpassed Japan in robotics, particularly in humanoid robots, a significant development highlighted at last month’s Humanoids Summit in Tokyo. Chinese companies now dominate the global supply chain for these robots, producing essential parts at a scale and price point that competitors cannot match, leveraging their established electric vehicle industry.

The China collapse that just never arrives

Asia Times  |  Jan Krikke

China's economy has consistently defied predictions of its imminent collapse for over two decades, a phenomenon revealing more about observers' biases than the country's actual state. Since Gordon Chang's 2001 prediction in “The Coming Collapse of China,” and subsequent warnings from figures like Nouriel Roubini and Peter Zeihan, the anticipated systemic failure has not materialized.

Hidden Costs of Precision: What Drone Strikes Actually Do to Civilians

Irregular Warfare | Aidan MilliffPaolo BertolottiAli JadbabaieFotini Christia

U.S. drone strikes in Yemen between 2010 and 2012 caused significant non-lethal disruption to civilian populations, according to new research analyzing over 12 billion cellphone records. Even without civilian casualties, these strikes led to immediate and substantial increases in civilian physical movement, displacing an average of 5% of the nearby population within 24 hours—a rate comparable to major natural disasters.

The United States and Iran Announce a Deal to End the War

CSIS  |  Will Todman, Mona Yacoubian

The United States and Iran have announced a framework agreement for a 60-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with an MOU signing scheduled for June 19 in Geneva. This deal initiates negotiations on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, requiring Iran to pledge against acquiring nuclear weapons and engage in technical talks on its highly enriched uranium and enrichment capabilities.

The Truce Between the U.S. and Iran Was the Easy Part

Foreign Policy  |  Daniel Byman

The United States and Iran face ongoing negotiations despite a recently outlined truce framework by U.S. President Donald Trump. This framework, which includes opening the Strait of Hormuz, ending the U.S. blockade, and ceasing military strikes, remains vague. Critical issues like economic relief for Iran, Israel’s war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iran’s nuclear program are unresolved.

Musk’s war on European democracy: How to open up X and fight back

European Council on Foreign Relations  |  José Ignacio Torreblanca

Elon Musk has escalated his campaign against European democracies, using X to destabilize governments and empower the far right. He has called the British prime minister a criminal, backed a far-right party, amplified fabricated statistics, and boosted Germany's Alternative for Germany party ahead of the 2025 federal election, spreading a fabricated quote that garnered 21 million views.

Inside Rubicon: The Structure Of Russia’s Elite Drone Center – Analysis

Eurasia Review  |  Rob Lee, Dmytro Putiata

Russia's Ministry of Defense established the Rubicon Center for Advanced Unmanned Technologies on August 2, 2024, under Minister Andrei Belousov, as a direct response to Ukrainian drone innovation and initiatives like Drone Line. This strategic move aimed to centralize the research, development, analysis, procurement, and combat deployment of unmanned aerial, ground, and surface systems (UAS, UGV, USV) within the Russian military.

How Ukraine’s Drone Innovation Reversed Russia’s Momentum

Council on Foreign Relations  |  Michael C. Horowitz, Erin Dumbacher, Lauren Kahn

Ukrainian innovation, particularly in scaling drone operations, has led to significant territorial gains, reversing Russia's momentum from 2025. Ukraine retook seventy-eight square miles over five days in February 2026 and continues making gains in its fifth spring offensive, with drones now striking thirty to one hundred kilometers behind front lines.

The War in Ukraine Has Now Gone On Longer Than World War I

The New York Times  |  Constant Méheut

The war in Ukraine has now surpassed the duration of World War I, reaching 1,569 days, or over four years and three months, as of Thursday. This milestone was once considered unthinkable, especially after President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia initially believed Ukraine would fall within days in February 2022.

A first-time buyer’s guide to mortgage confidence

Vox | Joshua Keating

First-time homebuyers can gain confidence by understanding the true costs of homeownership, moving past initial sticker shock. A 20 percent down payment is often not required, with typical first-time buyer down payments ranging from six to nine percent, though this may involve Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). Lenders primarily assess a buyer's debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and focus on the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) payment.

Ukraine's Long-Range Strikes Are Working

Unmasking Russia  |  Olga Lautman

Ukraine's relentless long-range strike campaign against Russian oil infrastructure, fuel depots, refineries, and logistics routes is yielding significant results. Russia is now dedicating over 65% of its federal tax revenue to war and security, a sharp increase from 18% before the full-scale invasion. Widespread fuel shortages are affecting at least 25 Russian regions and six occupied Ukrainian territories, leading to rationing and purchase restrictions by major gas station chains like Tatneft, Rosneft, and Lukoil.

Ukraine has taught the world how to kill again

The Telegraph  |  Verity Bowman

Ukraine's conflict with Russia has now surpassed the duration of the First World War, lasting 1,569 days, a threshold unthinkable at its outset on February 24, 2022. Military experts, like Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, draw clear parallels between the two conflicts, noting similar principles of war despite vastly changed capabilities.

Iran’s Trolling Caught the U.S. Off Guard. Here’s How to Push Back.

Council on Foreign Relations  |  Jessica Brandt

Iran has developed a sophisticated information strategy, employing satirical memes, AI-generated videos, and sarcastic social media responses to counter the United States. This approach, exemplified by jocular retorts to President Trump's threats and popular Lego-inspired AI videos depicting U.S. defeat, aims to undermine U.S. soft power abroad and increase domestic reticence for military action.

Opinion – Can Iran and the United States Overcome the Deadlock of Red Lines?

E-International Relations  |  Abed Akbari

The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States face a persistent deadlock due to divergent strategic red lines; Washington seeks to negotiate Iran's missile capabilities and regional influence, while Tehran considers these non-negotiable national security components. This has heightened tensions and increased military confrontation risks. A pathway to overcome this deadlock, without Iran compromising core red lines or ignoring U.S.

Solid Rocket Motors for Missile Defense: Challenges and Opportunities for Expanding the Industrial Base

CSIS  |  Wes Rumbaugh, Tom Karako

Recent U.S. missile expenditures, even prior to Operation Epic Fury, generated significant concerns regarding the depth and resilience of U.S. inventories and production rates. The increasing reliance on missiles as “weapons of choice” has created urgent pressure to strengthen the air and missile defense interceptor industrial base, particularly for critical components like solid rocket motors.

More than Just Another Echelon: Defining the Division’s Function in Large-Scale Combat Operations

Modern War Institute | Michael Carvelli

The 2022 Bakhmut fight demonstrated brigades culminate in large-scale combat operations (LSCO) without adequate higher-echelon battle management. The US Army's "Army of 2030" plan is shifting focus to divisions, recognizing their role in synchronizing reconnaissance, fires, maneuver, and sustainment across multiple brigades over extended depth and duration. Ukraine's experience, with brigades operating within a corps-directed framework and later establishing corps-level commands, validates this intermediate echelon's necessity.

The Performative Myth: Why the Call for a Warrior Ethos is a Structural Category Error

LinkedIn  |  Kelvin Otis

The United States military, despite its unparalleled lethality and technological dominance, faces a peculiar narrative advocating for a return to a traditional warrior ethos. This call, however, represents a structural category error, conflating operational capability with cultural aesthetics. Author Kelvin Otis argues that the military's lethality is a constant, driven by high-level systems integration, data processing, satellite communications, and complex supply chains, rather than individual courage alone.

Trump's Iran Deal: What Comes Next?

CSIS  |  Mona Yacoubian, Susan Ziadeh, Michael Ratney, Paul Salem

The United States and Iran announced a framework deal to end their nearly four-month conflict, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and a cessation of hostilities on all fronts, after significant global economic disruption and over 3,500 deaths in both Iran and Lebanon. This agreement aims to alleviate pressures on energy markets and economies worldwide, which suffered from the Strait's closure, and offers a pathway for talks on Iran's nuclear program.

Military Science and the Intellectual Foundations of War

Small Wars Journal | John Spencer

Military expertise, unlike other professions, is frequently dismissed as mere opinion, despite resting on centuries of accumulated knowledge. Military science, a multidisciplinary field encompassing psychology, politics, and sociology, is the rigorous study of war, built by soldiers, historians, and theorists. While war involves an "art" of real-time adaptation, it is fundamentally underpinned by a "science" of principles and theories tested in battle.

OPINION | Winning minds before battles: Why cognitive warfare may be the 21st century’s most powerful weapon

The Week | Lt Gen Philip Campose (Retired)

Cognitive warfare, leveraging smartphones, social media, and AI, is increasingly deciding conflicts before kinetic engagement, shifting modern strategy to battles over perception, belief, and intent. This new reality, exemplified by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and India's Operation Sindoor, demonstrates that battlefield success alone no longer guarantees strategic victory, as losing the public narrative risks diplomatic setbacks and economic pressure.

Autonomous Narrative Warfare: Engaging Agentic AI Within the Cognitive Battlespace

HSToday  |  Elise Annett, James Giordano

Cognition is becoming a focal domain of strategic competition, with agentic AI (aAI) systems emerging as transformative operational technology for autonomous narrative warfare. These aAI systems engage the cognitive domain through adaptive narrative generation, predictive analytics, and affecting emotional states to alter behavioral outcomes. Unlike prior human-directed information operations, aAI conducts these functions simultaneously and recursively, optimizing persuasive content for specific recipients.

Army’s New Transformation Command Lays Out Tech Wish List for Industry (UPDATED)

National Defense Magazine | Stew Magnuson

The Army’s new Transformation and Training Command seeks industry solutions for three critical problems driven by the rapidly shifting nature of warfare, including autonomous systems, contested logistics, and high munition expenditures. Chief Warrant Officer 5 Edwin De La Cruz Jr. highlighted the need to balance high-end, high-cost precision platforms with high-volume, low-cost munitions to achieve sustainable combat mass and affordability.

Iran Is Running the North Korea Playbook: Stall, Negotiate, and Build a Nuclear Bomb Anyway

National Security Journal  |  Steve Balestrieri

Iran is reportedly employing a strategy mirroring North Korea's approach to nuclear weapons development, characterized by stalling negotiations to gain time. North Korea successfully developed a nuclear bomb despite talks, with its 2022 doctrine authorizing launches if its leaders are attacked, a strategy Kim Jong Un now references to justify his actions.

The RIC (China-India-Russia) Revival and India's Starlink Freeze

Velina Tchakarova  

India faces increasing pressure from both the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral and the United States, revealing its deliberate multi-alignment strategy. China's Foreign Ministry recently endorsed deeper RIC cooperation, urging New Delhi to view Beijing as a partner, not a rival, following Vladimir Putin's praise for Modi and Xi. Simultaneously, India has frozen final approvals for Starlink's commercial launch, with security agencies demanding SpaceX explain how a U.S.-owned operator can guarantee compliance during geopolitical tensions, especially after Starlink terminals reportedly operated in Iran without a license.

In Afghanistan, Pakistan Tastes Its Own Medicine

National Interest  |  Eldaniz Gusseinov

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, establishing a doctrine treating state support for terror as acts of war, following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Pakistan, initially denouncing this doctrine, subsequently applied the same rationale against Afghanistan's Taliban government in February 2026. Pakistan initiated Operation Ghazab lil Haq, involving sustained air and artillery strikes across eastern Afghan provinces, targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps.

Myanmar’s Military Isn’t Conceding Much

Foreign Policy  |  Andrew Nachemson

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, who seized power in a 2021 coup, released overthrown civilian president Win Myint in April after more than five years in prison, while former State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi was transferred to house arrest. This move, five years after the coup, reflects the regime's growing confidence rather than significant concessions to international calls from the United Nations and the United States.

China learns to live on less fuel, to the relief of oil markets

Reuters  |  Chen Aizhu, Sam Li, Lewis Jackson

China, the world's largest oil importer, requires significantly less fuel than anticipated, a reality emerging three months into the Iran war. Gasoline sales at Sinopec, the world's largest refiner, dropped 8% year-on-year in April, while diesel fell 6%, with Goldman Sachs estimating a 20% decline in gasoline use.

The False Promise of U.S.-China Stability: Washington Will Come to Regret Its Stalemate With Beijing

Foreign Affairs

U.S.-Chinese relations during U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term are defined by an uneasy quiescence, termed "constructive strategic stability" by both governments, but more accurately a stalemate of "mutually assured disruption." Beijing perceives this stalemate as a victory, leveraging it to accrue advantages without global responsibilities. Washington, under Trump, is seen as squandering hard power and military strength by prioritizing commerce over security and diverting resources to another war in the Middle East.

Trump’s Iran deal ends war but leaves Tehran stronger

Asia Times  |  Amin Saikal

US President Donald Trump has secured an agreement with the Iranian regime to end a war initiated in late February, a conflict that significantly roiled the region and global energy markets. This "memorandum of understanding" leaves Iran in a stronger regional position, diminishes US leverage, and leaves Israel in a precarious situation.

How Saudis really view the US-Iran war

Asia Times  |  Robert Kubinec, Alexis Montambault-Trudelle

A rare academic poll reveals Saudi public opinion is sharply divided on military action against Iran, but broadly supportive of strong US ties amidst the ongoing Iran war. Conducted since March 2026 by Robert Kubinec and Alexis Montambault-Trudelle, the survey of Saudi nationals found approximately three-quarters of respondents favor a stronger relationship with the United States, even after US attacks on Iran on February 28.

Pentagon’s Cyber Defense Command drafting plan to defend critical infrastructure

Breaking Defense |Mark Pomerleau

The Pentagon’s new Defense Cyber Defense Command (DCDC) is drafting a comprehensive plan to defend US critical infrastructure against cyberattacks, specifically addressing the threat from Chinese hackers like Volt Typhoon who are mapping networks to cause disruption and deter US responses to a potential Beijing move against Taiwan.

Why America’s Critical Infrastructure Could Be Iran’s Most Attractive Target

National Interest  |  Jonathan Hollerman

The United States recently conducted air strikes on Iran's critical infrastructure, specifically targeting two reservoirs in Jask and Sirik, which left 20,000 residents without safe drinking water in extreme temperatures. This action provides a strong motive for Iran to retaliate by targeting American critical infrastructure, moving beyond traditional missile capabilities to leverage its formidable cyber warfare division and substantial "sleeper cell" presence within the U.S.

Trump the unreliable narrator fails to force reality to match his story on Iran

The Guardian  |  Andrew Roth

The US-Iran war continues with President Donald Trump acting as an "unreliable narrator," repeatedly threatening Iran and claiming a peace deal is "close" without tangible results. Trump has asserted "complete victory" in the conflict, yet the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to over 20% of global oil traffic.

AI Governance by Phone Call

Lawfare | Kevin Frazier, Alan Z. Rozenshtein

The White House abruptly postponed signing an executive order on AI and cybersecurity, initially planned for a ceremony with tech leaders, after President Trump expressed concerns it would impede U.S. leadership against China. Lobbying by former White House AI czar David Sacks, who warned a voluntary review system could become a de facto licensing regime, influenced the decision.

The nation at war: There will be Belfasts across Europe, too

Brussels Signal | Konstantinos Bogdanos

Riots in the United Kingdom serve as a critical warning for Europe, stemming from decades of "detached political elites" imposing "radical demographic and cultural transformation" under progressivism, which undermines traditional values and indigenous populations. This societal collapse is driven by economic mechanics, where mass, low-wage immigration suppresses wages, erodes domestic purchasing power, and stifles technological innovation, fostering a "pre-modern labour structure."

A Liberal Vision For Europe

Persuasion  |  Frank

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, at the February 2026 Munich Security Conference, asserted a "Western Civilization" identity for the U.S. and Europe based on "Christian faith" and "heritage." This contrasts with a liberal understanding emphasizing Enlightenment values: universal human equality, openness, tolerance, and rule of law, rooted in 17th-century separation of religion and politics.

Anti-immigrant terror takes Northern Ireland back to its ‘darkest chapters’

Politico | Shawn Pogatchnik

Northern Ireland experienced renewed anti-immigrant violence into Wednesday morning, with mobs targeting ethnic minority households, restaurants, and shops in Belfast. Police reported dozens of homes and cars torched, alongside a city bus, as authorities prioritized evacuating threatened individuals. This destruction followed Monday night’s alleged knife attack by 30-year-old Sudanese asylum seeker Hadi Alodid on Stephen Ogilvie, who lost an eye.

Ukraine’s Drones Can Now Kill Without a Human in the Loop

National Interest  |  Stavros Atlamazoglou

Ukrainian military has revealed the use of "Terminator" autonomous drones, capable of executing missions without human input, including patrolling, identifying Russian soldiers, and detonating explosives. A senior Ukrainian defense official confirmed an operational test in 2024 involving 10 Terminator quadcopter drones that operated completely independently over three miles, engaging targets based on predetermined AI inputs.

Iran’s regime survives, Israel worries: Winners, losers emerging from new US-Iran deal - analysis

Manual Input  |  Amichai Stein

Two Israeli strikes over the past year significantly influenced a rapid American push toward ceasefire agreements in the Middle East, impacting both the Israel-Hamas conflict and US-Iran relations. On September 9, 2025, an Israeli strike targeting senior Hamas leaders in Doha during Operation Summit of Fire in Qatar directly led to a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War several weeks later and the release of all Israeli hostages.

Sovereign Resilience: An Analytical History of the State of Israel

Niti Shastra  |  Navroop Singh, Himja Parekh

The conflict between Israel and Palestine, a central and enduring confrontation in the Middle East, is often characterized by a polarized narrative depicting an occupying military state against a displaced native population. This rigid framing, evident in international institutions like the UN Human Rights Council, reflects fundamentally irreconcilable definitions of security, sovereignty, and historical justice.

The New Weapon Behind Ukraine’s Battlefield Success

Foreign Policy  |  Sam Skove

Ukraine is employing mid-range drones capable of striking targets almost 100 miles behind Russian lines, significantly altering the battlefield dynamics and spurring optimism about gaining the upper hand. These drones, such as the Bulava strike drone, are central to a major campaign designed to starve Russian troops of supplies.

A First Step to Unpacking Cyber, Deception, and Intelligence Contests

Lawfare | Jason Healey

Cyber operations primarily serve intelligence functions, driven by a "logic of deception" termed "secret statecraft," according to Jon Lindsay’s book, "Age of Deception." The book's first section, which the author finds convincing, explores this concept through case studies like Bletchley Park, the Stuxnet program, Russia's 2016 election interference, and Chinese cyber power.

How ISIS Uses Cryptocurrency: The Case Of Al-Hol Camp And A Model For The Future

MEMRI  |  Steven Stalinsky

The Islamic State (ISIS) has fundamentally shifted its financing strategy following the 2019 collapse of its territorial caliphate, now heavily relying on cryptocurrency to sustain its global networks. This decentralized approach, documented by the MEMRI Cyber Jihad Lab (CJL), enables ISIS supporters to transfer funds internationally via Bitcoin, Tether (USDT), QR codes, and encrypted platforms, bypassing traditional banking oversight and sanctions.

Nasa tells ISS astronauts to shelter during air leak repair attempt

BBC News  |  Pallab Ghosh, Dan Sales

Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) were ordered to shelter in the docked SpaceX Dragon "Freedom" shuttle on Friday afternoon after an air leak in the Russian segment worsened, prompting a potential evacuation. Five of the seven crew members were directed to the Dragon, which functions as a lifeboat, while two Russian cosmonauts, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, attempted repairs.

Iran Won’t Cross the Bridge. Make Standing Still Cost More.

Real Clear Defense  |  Mike Lyons

The United States, two months after Operation Epic Fury, faces Iran's continued defiance despite a military defeat and a deal on the table. Tehran is testing Washington's patience by edging toward escalation, threatening to seal the Strait and striking Kuwait with a missile, prompting a U.S. cease-fire violation charge.

Trump’s Iran Deal: What We Know, What's Contested, and What Remains Unresolved

Council on Foreign Relations | Phil McCausland

The United States and Iran reached an agreement on June 14 to settle a three-and-a-half month-long conflict that closed the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global oil markets. This initial memorandum of understanding (MOU), mediated by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, primarily focuses on reopening the Strait, a critical choke point for nearly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas.

The Limitations of Hard Power in Iran

Council on Foreign Relations | Michael Froman

The ongoing "Operation Epic Fury" in Iran reveals the significant limitations of hard power and the chaos from a weakening rules-based international system. The conflict, starting February 28, has made reopening the Strait of Hormuz a central issue, with U.S. President Donald Trump claiming 100 million barrels of oil were secretly transited.

Why Iran’s New Strategic Doctrine Demands a Western Response

National Interest  |  Lawrence J. Haas

Iran announced a new "strategic doctrine" this week, declaring its "Axis of Resistance" proxies, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and Houthi rebels, as "vital infrastructure." This policy signifies Tehran will respond to any attack on these groups, extending beyond geographic borders and escalating regional conflicts into multi-party conflagrations.

Beyond Six Sigma

Real Clear Defense  |  Meda Parameswara Reddy

The recent gunfire near the White House, where Secret Service agents neutralized a gunman, highlights a critical need for a "13-Sigma" security paradigm to address relentless, compounding global threats. Traditional "Six Sigma" standards, which accept a 0.00034% failure rate, are insufficient for existential risks, as they guarantee failure over time.

Senators want a new robot warfare-focused combatant command

Defense One  |  Thomas Novelly

U.S. Senators are advocating for the establishment of a new combatant command specifically focused on robot warfare, to be led by a 4-star general. This proposal is included in the Senate Armed Services Committee’s (SASC) version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), signaling a significant shift in defense strategy.

The Cyber Threat to the 2026 World Cup

CSIS | Nikita Shah

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, faces unique and cumulative cyber risks due to its expanded digital attack surface and ongoing geopolitical conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict. Cybercrime is the primary threat, with criminals already staging infrastructure, registering 1,000 suspicious domains, and cloning FIFA's website across 300 domains to exploit tournament-goers through fraud, fake apps, and scams.

Dismantling Syria’s chemical-weapons stocks and legacy

IISS  |  Annemiek Dols

Syria's transitional government unveiled a plan in March 2026 to track and destroy the former Assad regime’s remaining chemical weapons (CW) and facilities, establishing an international task force with the OPCW. This process faces significant obstacles, including landmines around CW sites, domestic unrest, non-state armed groups' activities, and regional conflicts.

The case against AI: writing isn’t meant to be easy

Engelsberg Ideas | Alexander Lee

AI's encroachment into literature, highlighted by recent scandals involving Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk's use of AI for ideas and Granta magazine publishing a potentially machine-written story, is catastrophic for writers. The author argues this impact stems not from AI's poor output or potential for unoriginality, but from what it does to the *practice* of writing itself.

The Lithium Mirage

Frame the Globe News

The Geological Survey of India announced in February 2023 the discovery of fifty-nine lakh tonnes of lithium resources in the Salal-Haimana area of the Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mythos and cybersecurity reckoning: The new Artificial Intelligence challenge to critical infrastructure

ETGovernment  |  Anoop Verma

Anthropic’s Claude Mythos Preview has forced global governments, regulators, and technology companies to reassess digital security assumptions. This AI model demonstrates unprecedented ability to identify software vulnerabilities and automate complex cyber operations faster than human teams, disrupting traditional cybersecurity strategies. Anthropic's Project Glasswing reported over 10,000 high- and critical-severity software vulnerabilities across participating organizations in 15+ countries, including India.

Afghan–Pakistani Conflict Not Stopping Kabul Corridor Construction

The Jamestown Foundation  |  Nargiza Umarova

Uzbekistan is actively developing critical infrastructure to connect Central Asia to South Asia via Afghanistan, despite ongoing Afghan–Pakistani tensions. On May 21, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban's Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, announced the reopening of the final port of the 75-kilometer Hairatan–Mazar-i-Sharif railway, significantly enhancing connectivity between northern Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

Pakistan: Unexpected Host of U.S.–Iranian Talks

The Jamestown Foundation  |  Andrea Serino

Following the February 28 U.S.–Israeli joint attacks against Iran (Operation Epic Fury), Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator, leveraging its strong diplomatic ties with the United States, Iran, Gulf countries, and the People’s Republic of China. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir promoted this intermediary role, with Munir's domestic position significantly bolstered after the May 2025 India-Pakistan war.

Pakistan’s Hard-State Turn in Azad Kashmir Is Creating the Very Crisis It Seeks to Prevent

FrameTheGlobeNews  |  Frank Genovese

Pakistan's recent "hard-state turn" in Azad Kashmir, characterized by increased coercion, political centralization, and significant democratic deficits, is paradoxically generating the very crisis Islamabad seeks to avert. For decades, Pakistan has consistently advocated internationally for the Kashmiri cause, asserting the people of Jammu and Kashmir's right to self-determination.

Is Pakistan Finally A Middle Power?

FrameTheGlobeNews

Pakistan's potential evolution into a middle power is critically examined through a hypothetical lens, asserting that consistent adherence to its 1973 constitution would have unequivocally facilitated this geopolitical advancement. The analysis implicitly questions the nation's historical trajectory and constitutional fidelity, suggesting a direct correlation between constitutional governance and its international standing.

Islamabad's Government in Azad Jammu & Kashmir

Brief

Residents in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, are currently grappling with severe economic pressures, primarily manifested through the pricing of essential commodities like wheat in Pakistani rupees, which are experiencing continuous devaluation, thereby eroding purchasing power. Compounding these financial difficulties, electricity consumers receive bills containing tariffs that local bureaucrats in Muzaffarabad are reportedly unable to provide a clear explanation for, leaving citizens without understanding of their charges.

ISPP’s Expanding Operational Geography in Pakistan

Jamestown Foundation  |  Rahim Nasar

Islamic State Pakistan Province (ISPP) has significantly transformed its tactical capabilities and operational geography, evolving into a decentralized network capable of carrying out attacks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Islamabad. This strategic shift focuses on high-impact militant activities, targeted killings of ideological rivals like Sheikh Idrees Tarangzai, and fueling sectarian attacks, demonstrating its expanded militant architecture and urban reach.

The China-Russia Meta-Threat: The Architecture of Authoritarian Power

Center for European Policy Analysis  |  Christopher Walker

China's indispensable support has enabled Russia to sustain its full-scale war against Ukraine for over four years, a scenario once deemed unlikely by observers. By early 2026, authoritarian cooperation, including China's economic and logistical linchpin role, Iran's drone mass-production, and North Korean troop and ammunition contributions (accounting for roughly half of Russia’s artillery expenditure on the Ukrainian front in the second half of 2025), converged to prolong Europe's longest land war since WWII.

America is Still Winning the Quantum Race. Barely.

Special Competitive Studies Project

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced $2 billion in equity stakes across nine U.S. quantum computing companies last month, marking the largest federal investment in the commercial quantum sector. This investment aims to strengthen the United States' overall lead in quantum information science, engineering, and technology (QISET), as China's capabilities are rapidly advancing.

Signs of Passivity Emerge Among Senior Officers

Jamestown  |  K. Tristan Tang

Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairman Zhang Shengmin chaired a special meeting on May 27, addressing perceived passivity among senior People’s Liberation Army (PLA) officers in advancing military development and war preparation. This gathering, focused on “deepening the equipping [of the armed forces] with Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military,” included operational commanders, signaling concerns beyond routine ideological study.

China's Techno-Industrial Strategy in the Xi Era

RAND | Gerard DiPippo, Jonathon Sine, Benjamin Lenain

China's techno-industrial policy under Xi Jinping has evolved into a more centralized, security-linked, and finance-driven system, prioritizing national security, technological self-reliance, and frontier leadership over growth. The Party-state utilizes five channels and 18 instruments to define priorities, mobilize resources, and discipline firms, achieving impressive gains in technological capabilities and supply chain resilience.

Trump says US will hit Iran 'hard' again today

BBC News  |  Jaroslav Lukiv, Amy Walker, Ghoncheh Habibiazad

President Donald Trump announced the US would strike Iran "hard" again on Wednesday, following overnight exchanges. US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed launching strikes against "multiple targets" in Iran, citing "unwarranted and continued aggression" after Tuesday's US strikes, which followed an Apache helicopter downing near the Strait of Hormuz.

The Axis Of Resistance: Rise of the Shia Militias

Niti Shastra  |  Navroop Singh, Himja Parekh

The Axis of Resistance, a sophisticated transnational Shia militia network meticulously nurtured by Tehran, has been violently shattered by unprecedented direct wars between Israel, the United States, and Iran from 2024 to 2026. This geopolitical inferno forced the network into a chaotic transformation, adapting to the fall of allied regimes, assassination of foundational leaders, and the sudden vulnerability of its primary patron.

Iran Nuclear Deal: How the Collapse of the JCPOA Fuelled the 2026 Gulf Conflict

Niti Shastra  |  Navroop Singh, Himja Parekh

The February 2026 United States and Israeli airstrikes, including the targeted assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the subsequent crippling blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, represent the culmination of decades of diplomatic failures and proxy warfare. This crisis, marked by desperate negotiations over Iran’s weaponized nuclear material, is rooted in the collapse of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the preceding Maximum Pressure campaign.

Ban Chinese Drone Parts? Good Luck

CEPA  |  James Hasik

The US government's ban on new drone imports from China and Ukraine, aimed at achieving "American drone dominance," is an industrial policy likely to fail. Full self-sufficiency is impossible, as protectionism decreases general welfare and inhibits innovation, similar to the Jones Act's impact on American shipbuilding. Ukraine, however, is rapidly producing military innovations with revolutionary effects in its war against Russian invaders, leveraging accessible Chinese components to build a massive domestic industry.

Russia Is Expanding Military Bases Along NATO's Border

Olga Lautman Substack  |  Olga Lautman

Russia is rapidly expanding its military presence near the borders of Norway, Finland, and the Baltic states, with satellite imagery revealing construction and expansion at 19 military sites from the Norwegian border to Kaliningrad. These new bases, barracks, and depots could eventually support between 80,000 and 115,000 troops, according to a joint investigation.

Drone warfare in Ukraine: Behemoth, autonomous interceptors, and drone diplomacy

Ukraine's Arms Monitor  |  Olena Kryzhanivska

Ukraine's middle-strike drone campaign is actively targeting Russian logistics and air defense systems, with over 300 verified strikes. On June 7, 2026, the new domestic Shahed-like Behemoth drone was publicly used for the first time in a raid on the Chonhar Bridge, a key logistics route connecting occupied Kherson Oblast with occupied Crimea.

The gap that never closes

Samf Substack  |  Sam Freedman

England's education system, despite significant policy efforts like the pupil premium and initiatives from organizations such as Teach First, has failed to close the persistent gap in exam results between low-income children and their wealthier peers. Author Sam Freedman notes that while overall education quality has improved, the gap remains stubborn and has widened since 2020, a trend observed globally.

Is there a new AI wealth gap?

Innovating with AI | Toni Matthews-El

A 2025 Pew Research Study revealed a significant "AI wealth gap" in the U.S., with 55% of college graduates and 60% of post-graduates familiar with AI trends, versus 38% of high school graduates. This disparity, concentrated among wealthier and more educated individuals, prompts concerns about AI exacerbating existing economic inequalities.

One Year On: Ukraine’s Airfield Blitz Still Echoes

Cepa  |  Henry Patton, Noah Greene

Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb drone attacks one year ago targeted Russian strategic airfields, including Olenya, Dyagilevo, Ivanovo, and Belaya, destroying at least 12 aircraft and damaging others. These attacks, reaching 1,100 miles into Russia, demonstrated Ukraine's capability to strike deep within enemy territory, hitting missile-firing aircraft. The success also served as a warning to Western allies, highlighting vulnerabilities in their own air forces and critical infrastructure, as evidenced by recent attacks on US tankers and airborne early warning aircraft in the Iran war.

How France’s new nuclear doctrine strengthens NATO

The Bulletin  |  Etienne Marcuz

President Emmanuel Macron announced major changes to France’s nuclear doctrine on March 2 from the Île Longue naval base, aiming to adapt to new global geostrategic challenges, particularly the return of high-intensity conflict in Europe. France will increase its nuclear arsenal and introduced a new strategic concept of forward deterrence (dissuasion avancée), allowing active participation by selected European allies in French nuclear operations.

Speed as a Weapon: How AI is Transforming Army Defensive Cyber Operations

Army.mil | Staff Sgt. Matthew Garrett

U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) is rapidly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its defensive cyber operations, transforming the digital battlefield where speed is the primary weapon against adversaries. The Department of War's AI Acceleration Strategy, launched in January 2026, mandates the integration of AI capabilities across all domains to establish an AI-first warfighting force.

The US would need at least 1,200 troops to take Kharg Island, experts say

Task & Purpose  |  Jeff Schogol

U.S. military experts indicate that capturing Kharg Island from Iran would require at least 1,200 troops, though holding it presents greater challenges. Kharg Island, located 15-20 miles off the Iranian coast, processes approximately 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports. Retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel suggested a reinforced battalion to brigade-sized force of 1,200 to 4,000 troops, stressing the need for air cover, logistics, engineering, and evacuation capabilities for sustainment.

Rubicon Reveals Limits of Russia’s Drone Centralization

Jamestown Foundation  |  Leonid Sokolov

Russia is transforming its Rubicon Center from an experimental drone detachment into a centralized hub and strike tool for unmanned warfare, aiming to scale elite drone capabilities across multiple operational groupings. This initiative seeks to institutionalize unmanned warfare through a state-controlled structure, standardizing doctrine and scaling technological innovations across the front.

Can India’s Digital Economy Draw Cues from the East India Company?

Takshashila Dispatch  |  Kripa Koshy

India's digital economy, despite its fifth-most digitalized ranking and robust public infrastructure, faces new challenges in a global order shifting from open trade to mercantilism and economic statecraft, according to Nitin Pai. He argues that the powerful now seek to own entire supply chains, viewing interdependence through the lens of chokepoints rather than mutual gain, necessitating prudent steps to manage risks.

The furious dispute over what caused Air India flight 171 to crash

BBC  |  Theo Leggett

Air India Flight 171 crashed on June 12 last year, 32 seconds after take-off from Ahmedabad, India, killing 230 passengers (169 Indian, 53 British) and 19 on the ground, with one survivor. India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating, but its preliminary report has generated intense controversy.

Why China’s Xi wants a ‘brighter’ future with North Korea

CNN  |  Simone McCarthy, Yoonjung Seo

Chinese leader Xi Jinping's first visit to North Korea in seven years aimed to articulate China's future alignment with its nuclear-armed treaty ally amidst global flux. During talks in Pyongyang, Xi told Kim Jong Un that both sides should "open up a brighter prospect for the socialist cause of the two countries as well as regional peace and development."

The Fault Lines in China’s Power: America Must Build—and Use—Leverage Against Beijing

Foreign Affairs | Ely Ratner and Nick Danby

The U.S.-Chinese trade war of 2025 exposed a profound strategic deficit when China weaponized its 90 percent global command of rare-earth processing, imposing export controls. This move threatened American manufacturing and the U.S. defense industrial base, forcing the Trump administration to concede tariffs and other demands. Beijing thus reset the relationship's terms in its favor, highlighting Washington's failure to leverage China's vulnerabilities.

Korean Peninsula Update, June 9, 2026

Understanding War | Yeji Chung

Chinese Communist Party (CCP) General Secretary Xi Jinping implicitly legitimized North Korean demands for nuclear program recognition and sanctions relief during his June 8-9, 2026, visit to Pyongyang. Xi acknowledged the regime’s “sovereignty and security” interests, likely raising the threshold for future North Korean engagement with the United States and South Korea by excluding denuclearization discussions.

How China Misperceives Itself

Foreign Affairs  |  Francesca Ghiretti

China currently confronts significant challenges, including decelerating economic growth, an aging demographic, financial system strain, and increasing trade restrictions from other nations. The author argues that great powers typically falter not from ignorance of their issues, but from misdiagnosing or incompletely identifying their fundamental causes. The crucial distinction between states that adapt and those that stagnate lies in their ability to precisely diagnose weaknesses, differentiate between transient limitations and structural impediments, and muster the political resolve necessary for profound reforms.

The Real Problem With Global Trade: How China’s Currency Manipulation Is Warping the World Economy

Foreign Affairs | Brad Setser and Shahin Vallée

China's persistent currency undervaluation, particularly the renminbi, is warping the world economy and driving significant global trade imbalances, a problem French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted for the Group of Seven meeting in Évian. Since 2018, China's overall trade surplus has tripled, fueled by a weakened renminbi following its 2021 property bubble collapse and ongoing state bank interventions.

Don’t Give Up on Global Order

Foreign Affairs  |  Philip H. Gordon

A significant consensus is emerging among Americans regarding contemporary politics and international relations, asserting that the long-standing liberal world order, established after World War II, is now definitively dead and buried. This global framework, built upon a system of U.S.-led alliances, various multilateral institutions, and a commitment to relatively open trade, also vigorously defended core international rules and norms such as state sovereignty, nonaggression, and freedom of navigation.

Washington and Tehran’s Very Dangerous Moment

Carnegie Endowment | Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar

The U.S.-Iran relationship has entered a highly dangerous phase, characterized by a "rapid-fire game of ping-pong" where rules of engagement are constantly changing, leading to increased risks. Iran is simultaneously managing military, economic, and internal conflicts, with its society deeply fragmented between anger, pro-government rallies, and fear amid triple-digit food inflation.

Washington’s Asian Allies Need a Backup Plan

Foreign Policy  |  Mira Rapp-Hooper, Zack Cooper

U.S. President Donald Trump recently considered delaying a $14 billion arms sales package to Taiwan, already authorized by Congress. Concurrently, the Trump administration announced, backtracked, and then pressed ahead with plans to reduce U.S. assets in Europe, without substantial consultations with allies. These two seismic shifts, experienced by U.S.