Linkedin X-twitter
Syria’s Lost Children: The Assad Regime’s Legacy of Disappearances
Read More
Cyber Espionage and U.S. Policy Responses
Read More
The SCO 2025: Progress and Reality Checks
Read More
Airstrikes on Drug Traffickers in the Caribbean
Read More
Vibe Hacking: An Emerging Cyber Threat
Read More

Promoting Evidence-based Policy and Good Governance

Democracy & Human Rights, Middle East

Oct 16 , 2025

Op-Ed

Syria’s Lost Children: The Assad Regime’s Legacy of Disappearances

,

With the protracted Syrian Civil War and the recent collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria remains one of the largest humanitarian crises globally. After nearly 14 years of war, approximately 16.7 million Syrians are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. The prolonged violence has taken a devastating

READ MORE

South Asia

Oct 10 , 2025

Policy Brief

The SCO 2025: Progress and Reality Checks

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

READ MORE

Cyber Security & Info Technologies

Oct 7 , 2025

Research

Cyber Espionage and U.S. Policy Responses

,

Introduction Between September 1986 and June 1987, a group of German hackers conducted the first recorded act of cyber espionage, breaching US civil and military organizations and selling stolen data to the Soviet KGB. Since then, cyber espionage has become an evolving threat and state-sponsored campaigns targeting sensitive government and

READ MORE

Cyber Security & Info Technologies

Oct 1 , 2025

Op-Ed

Vibe Hacking: An Emerging Cyber Threat

AI has become a buzzword in the tech world, often incorporated into many new products or services – even into things you would not expect, such as toasters and toothbrushes. It has the potential to enhance human knowledge, advance technology, and contribute to building a brighter future. However, it is

READ MORE

Defense & Security, Americas

Sep 22 , 2025

Op-Ed

Airstrikes on Drug Traffickers in the Caribbean

Introduction In September 2025, the United States conducted a series of airstrikes against suspected drug traffickers operating off Venezuela’s coast, marking the first publicly known instance of U.S. airstrikes being used against traffickers at sea outside a traditional warzone. The strikes reflect a sharp escalation in counternarcotics operations. This article

READ MORE

Cyber Security & Info Technologies

Sep 17 , 2025

Webinar

OPI Seminar Program on Tech & Security

Orion Policy Institute (OPI) hosted an online seminar program on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, between 10 am – 12:50 pm EST to discuss the latest trends and strategies shaping the modern landscape of technology and international security. The seminar schedule was as follows: 10:00 am – 10:50 am EST >

READ MORE

Democracy & Human Rights, Europe & Central Asia

Sep 10 , 2025

Op-Ed

Ukraine’s Abducted Children: Humanitarian Impact and the Road Ahead

,

Three years after Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, the war continues to have devastating consequences for civilians. A quarter of Ukrainians have fled the country, and millions more have been internally displaced. Furthermore, nearly 13 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. As the attacks continue, the lives

READ MORE

Africa

Sep 5 , 2025

Policy Brief

Betting on Addis Ababa: Meloni’s African Strategy Between Realpolitik and Risk

At a time when Ethiopia is experiencing domestic instability, Rome is doubling down on its support for Abiy Ahmed — a bold move that combines opportunity with significant political risk. The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit on 27–28 July 2025 — which marks her second trip in two years

READ MORE

Latest Research

Cyber Security & Info Technologies

Apr 25 , 2025

Policy Brief

An Analysis of ATM and Point-of-Sale Skimming

,

ATM and POS skimming is a recurring societal problem, especially with the changing technological world. Recently, police discovered ATM skimming devices at convenience stores in York County and Lancaster County[1]. In Philadelphia, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were compromised due to skimming devices[2]. Although these are three macro-level events,

READ MORE

Middle East

Apr 8 , 2025

Policy Brief

Omani Diplomacy and Prospects for Trump’s Presidency

Oman, an oasis of peace and stability in the turbulent Middle East, largely attributes its foreign policy’s success to its neutrality. Omani diplomacy has the potential to help President Donald J. Trump fulfill his 2024 campaign pledge to become a peacemaker in the Middle East. Omanis stress that their neutrality

READ MORE

Defense & Security, Europe & Central Asia

Mar 27 , 2025

Policy Brief

The Importance of Controlling Bagram Air Base to US Interests in Afghanistan and Surrounding Areas

Recently, the U.S. has expressed the importance of who controls the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. In President Trump’s first cabinet meeting since returning to office, he and Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, discussed the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan and subsequent loss of Bagram Air Base. In the meeting,

READ MORE

Europe & Central Asia

Mar 21 , 2025

Policy Brief

Iran’s Foreign Affairs in the Caucasus

Iran has different foreign policy goals for various parts of its geographical periphery. The Caucasus is a matter of national security, internal stability, and international trade. Iran is not the only country with strategic interests in the Caucasus: Turkey and Russia seek to have an established presence in the region.

READ MORE

Middle East

Mar 12 , 2025

Policy Brief

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Policy Shift: A New Peacemaker in the Middle East?

Saudi Arabia’s “positive neutrality” foreign policy doctrine is serving Riyadh’s interests. Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) has shrewdly navigated international crises, projecting the kingdom to the “forefront of world statecraft.” This has been underscored by the important Saudi role in hosting and/or mediating talks on ending

READ MORE

Terrorism & Extremism, Africa

Mar 6 , 2025

Policy Brief

Islamic State in Somalia: A Global Threat and Efforts to Counter the Militants

On February 01, 2025, the United States (U.S.) conducted an airstrike against the Islamic State.[1] This was the first major military operation under the new administration in the U.S. But what is more interesting is that the target of the attack was in northern Somalia; the semi-autonomous region of Puntland

READ MORE

About Orion Policy

Research

Our comprehensive research spans critical sectors, offering detailed insights and actionable recommendations. Explore how we address pressing national and global issues to drive effective governance and informed decision-making.

Experts

Our team consists of a diverse group of professionals who bring a wealth of expertise in global security, governance, and development. With a deep commitment to policy solutions, our experts work to address the complex challenges of our time, ensuring that our insights drive impactful change.

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote good governance, advance human rights, and improve policy through high-quality research. We seek to generate practical and sustainable solutions based on multi-disciplinary, diverse, and in-depth scientific research and analysis.

Subscribe to the Orion Policy Brief

Get a daily newsletter with our best research on top issues.

Support Our Work

Invest in promoting policy and good governance
Donate

Promoting Evidence-based Policy and Good Governance

Support Us

Get in Touch

  • 1050 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036
  • info@orionpolicy.org
X-twitter Icon-linkedin Spotify

Copyright 2024 © by Orion Policy Institute