Category: War, Defense & Security

A line of European leaders and Donald Trump walking together outdoors, with Trump in the center

European Silence After Trump’s National Security Strategy Reveals Strategic Paralysis

Washington’s December 4th National Security Strategy, which emphasizes “cultivating resistance” in Europe and warns of “civilizational erasure,” has elicited a near-silent response from European governments. This silence reflects a deeper paralysis, as they acknowledge the need for a fundamental transformation of their security architecture but struggle to establish a unified vision for independent action.

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Donald Trump wearing a black overcoat, leather gloves, and a red scarf, delivering a military salute outdoors

The Self-Inflicted Collapse: How the 2025 NSS Dismantles American Hegemony

The 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS), released on December 4, is viewed by Timothy Hopper as more of a “farewell statement” to the post-Cold War order rather than a strategic roadmap. It undermines American-led institutions, indicating a voluntary retreat from its role as a global hegemon. This represents a structural dismantling of the mechanisms that supported U.S. primacy. Hopper highlights a contradiction in Washington’s desire for global influence without the willingness to incur the necessary costs.

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US and Ukrainian flags flying side-by-side on a pole, with the dome of the US Capitol Building blurred in the background

The Illusion of Peace: Why Washington’s Rush to Deal Risks a Continental Collapse

The current diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire in Ukraine seem more focused on creating a favorable public image than achieving true stability. The Trump administration’s push for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict appears motivated by a desire for a political legacy rather than the realities on the ground. By seeking a quick solution instead of a sustainable security framework, the U.S. risks providing the Kremlin with a strategic advantage, potentially destabilizing the European Union and leaving Ukraine vulnerable to future attacks.

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A collection of heavy machine guns and tactical rifles displayed on a table, seized from cartels

US ‘War on Cartels’ Sparks Constitutional Crisis Over Illegal Kill Orders

The Trump administration’s use of military force against Latin American drug trafficking has raised concerns of a constitutional crisis. Reports of “double-tap” strikes on survivors and orders to “kill them all” blur the lines between law enforcement and armed conflict. This militarized counter-narcotics strategy risks undermining legal standards for U.S. military actions and could set a perilous international precedent for lethal force.

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Trump and Netanyahu

Trump’s Gaza Stabilization Force Faces ‘Peace Enforcement’ Deadlock

The adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 signifies a diplomatic win for the Trump administration, endorsing the “20-point plan” for Gaza. However, the initiative faces challenges due to major Arab powers’ refusal to participate in “peace enforcement” against Hamas, which may hinder the deployment of the authorized International Stabilization Force (ISF) aimed at securing the region.

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Deterrence Runs on Rare Earths

Deterrence Runs on Rare Earths

The future of deterrence won’t be decided by tanks or troops alone—but by tiny, rare earth elements that power AI, drones, and defense systems. The United States’ strategic edge depends on securing what’s buried beneath the surface.

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Trump’s “Sheriffs” Can’t Keep the Peace with China

Trump’s “Sheriffs” Can’t Keep the Peace with China

Trump’s foreign policy echoes Nixon’s doctrine of delegating regional security to allies (like Israel in the Middle East) to reduce U.S. burdens. While this approach shows promise in the Middle East and Europe, it faces hurdles: loss of control over proxies, continued U.S. involvement needs, and outright failure in Asia—where China’s military dominance makes allied self-reliance impossible.

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Iran and the Logic of Limited Wars

Iran and the Logic of Limited Wars

Israel’s limited war on Iran needs to be judged against the alternatives. By that measure, the operation was a success. Limited wars can buy time, shift the geopolitical dynamic and, in doing so, pave the way to something more enduring.

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