What Works in Counterterrorism and What Doesn’t?

Tren de Aragua – Background and Transnational Challenge

The Iran War and Ankara’s Three Strategic Scenarios

Regime Change is Only Legitimate If Iranians Take The Lead

An AI Revolution for Small Businesses Lies in Smarter Scaffolding, Not Just Bigger Models

Promoting Evidence-based Policy and Good Governance

Defense & Security, Terrorism & Extremism

Apr 1 , 2026

Op-Ed

What Works in Counterterrorism and What Doesn’t?

Terrorism and counterterrorism have been significant concerns after terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, in the United States. The concerns have valid reasons. Currently, the U.S. State Department lists approximately 70 Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) as of early 2026 [1]. In addition to domestic violent extremist groups, the FTOs pose

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Crime & Justice, Transnational Crime, Americas

Mar 17 , 2026

Policy Brief

Tren de Aragua – Background and Transnational Challenge

Craig Thomas

Editor’s Note: This policy brief is Part III of an Orion Policy Institute (OPI) Transnational Crime Project (OPI-TCP) series and culminating report examining Venezuela’s transnational criminal networks, their regional security implications, and the evolving U.S. policy response. Introduction The rapid expansion of Tren de Aragua (TdA) from a Venezuelan prison

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Defense & Security, Middle East

Mar 7 , 2026

Policy Brief

The Iran War and Ankara’s Three Strategic Scenarios

Suleyman Ozeren

The Iran war puts Turkey in a peculiar position, posing several challenges. Since the beginning of the US and Israel’s military confrontation with Iran, Turkey has adopted cautious neutrality, which aimed to avoid the escalation of tensions with either side of the conflict. However, the question is how sustainable Ankara’s

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Democracy & Human Rights, Middle East

Mar 4 , 2026

Op-Ed

Regime Change is Only Legitimate If Iranians Take The Lead

Colin Pascal

President Trump’s decision to undertake military operations against Iran was a bold, albeit risky move that has the potential to reshape the Middle East. As casualties mount on both sides, it’s critical that the U.S. government determines it’s aims. So far, the administration hasn’t been clear on what it hopes

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Cyber Security & Info Technologies

Mar 2 , 2026

Op-Ed

An AI Revolution for Small Businesses Lies in Smarter Scaffolding, Not Just Bigger Models

Suleyman Demirci

The potential of artificial intelligence for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remains paradoxical. While AI promises to level a playing field long dominated by large corporations, its adoption is often stalled before any technical work begins. According to the OECD’s 2025 survey on SME digitalization, cost-related barriers, including maintenance expenses,

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Defense & Security, Americas

Feb 27 , 2026

Expert Panel

Securing the Homeland Against Drone Threats: Policy and the Challenge of Decentralized Authority

Suat Cubukcu

By Suat Cubukcu, Editor With contributions from Austin Doctor, Bill Edwards, Scott Parker, and DJ Smith (listed alphabetically) The rapid proliferation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) has created both opportunity and vulnerability. While drones increasingly support commerce, public safety, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection, their accessibility also lowers the barrier

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Crime & Justice, Transnational Crime, Americas

Feb 26 , 2026

Op-Ed

Does the Kingpin Strategy Work?

Daniel Weisz Argomedo, Gabriel D. Klinger

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, commonly known as “El Mencho,” was captured in Tapalpa, Jalisco, less than 100 miles south of the capital, Guadalajara. During the military operation, a battle ensued, and Oseguera was injured and passed away from his injuries on a military helicopter, at which point the decision was made

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Crime & Justice, Transnational Crime, Americas

Feb 23 , 2026

Policy Brief

Understanding the Structure and Resilience of Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles

Rafaella Lipschitz

Miquel Vila Moreno

Xi Jinping had a September full of diplomatic wins. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held its 25th summit in Tianjin, drawing the largest attendance in its history. Later, Beijing hosted a military parade commemorating the defeat of Japan in World War II, referred to in China as “The War of

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