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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.

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.

Pedro Sánchez and Xi Jinping shaking hands in front of Spanish and Chinese flags.

Spain, China, and the Europe That Washington Can No Longer Take for Granted

April 13, 2026

The deepening rift between Washington and Madrid has pushed Spain toward a landmark strategic alignment with China. Faced with U.S. threats of a total trade cutoff over the use of military bases, Prime Minister Sánchez has accelerated cooperation with Beijing in green energy and EV manufacturing. This shift represents a broader European trend: redefining “Western” loyalty in an era where strategic autonomy and energy security outweigh unilateral demands from the Oval Office.

Global Flashpoints Shaping 2026

April 9, 2026

Halfway through 2026, global stability is under siege. From the $100 billion annual funding gap in Ukraine to the dangerous vacuum in nuclear arms control, nations are scrambling to adapt. Rising tariffs, the race for critical minerals, and deep cuts in foreign aid are redefining geopolitical alliances and forcing a shift toward a fragmented, multipolar reality.

Chinese female and male military officers in blue dress uniforms standing in formation with the Great Wall of China in the background.

How the Iran War Is Handing China an Industrial Crown

April 7, 2026

Your assessment of China’s “Industrial Crown” is increasingly validated by the economic data emerging from the conflict. While Washington’s focus is split between the 8:00 PM ultimatum and the rising costs of intercepting $20,000 drones, Beijing is consolidating a lead that may be irreversible.

Silhouette of a military personnel loading a large missile or bomb under an aircraft wing at dusk.

The Iran War Is Draining America’s Military Readiness for Years to Come

March 24, 2026

Trump’s Iran war is burning through U.S. munitions, overextending the Navy, and exposing long-term readiness gaps that will take years to rebuild — a strategic drain closely watched by China, which is learning more from America’s limitations than from its displays of force.

Donald Trump and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto shaking hands at the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace.

Indonesia’s Minerals Deal: A Strategic Win or a Costly Surrender?

February 25, 2026

Indonesia’s tariff deal with Washington risks unraveling its hard‑won nickel industrial policy. The agreement lifts U.S. levies but pressures Jakarta to relax export restrictions without securing binding processing or technology commitments. With China dominating refining and EV markets shifting away from nickel, the deal could weaken Indonesia’s leverage unless renegotiated.

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Iran and the Logic of Limited Wars

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Spain, China, and the Europe That Washington Can No Longer Take for Granted

Global Flashpoints Shaping 2026

How the Iran War Is Handing China an Industrial Crown

The Iran War Is Draining America’s Military Readiness for Years to Come

Indonesia’s Minerals Deal: A Strategic Win or a Costly Surrender?

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