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The Iran War and Ankara’s Three Strategic Scenarios
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Regime Change is Only Legitimate If Iranians Take The Lead
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An AI Revolution for Small Businesses Lies in Smarter Scaffolding, Not Just Bigger Models
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Securing the Homeland Against Drone Threats: Policy and the Challenge of Decentralized Authority
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Does the Kingpin Strategy Work?
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Promoting Evidence-based Policy and Good Governance

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Defense & Security, Middle East

Mar 7 , 2026

Policy Brief

The Iran War and Ankara’s Three Strategic Scenarios

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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iran war

Democracy & Human Rights, Middle East

Mar 4 , 2026

Op-Ed

Regime Change is Only Legitimate If Iranians Take The Lead

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

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

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?

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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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venezeula gangs

Crime & Justice, Transnational Crime, Americas

Feb 23 , 2026

Policy Brief

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

Editor’s Note: This policy brief is Part II 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. In November 2025, the United States designated the Cartel de los Soles (CDS)

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Defense & Security, Americas

Feb 12 , 2026

Policy Brief

A Moment of Strategic Choice: U.S. Policy in a Post-Maduro Hemisphere

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The capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026 marks a strategic inflection point for the United States and the first real stress test of the 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) in the Western Hemisphere. More than the apprehension of a leader, Maduro’s removal forces Washington to reconcile competing strategic

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Defense & Security, Americas

Feb 6 , 2026

Podcast

Juan Luis Manfredi Sánchez: The New World Order

In this episode, host Marta Furlan talks with Juan Luis Manfredi Sánchez, reflecting on the new world order that is taking shape under President Donald Trump. Manfredi Sánchez talks about the end of the liberal order and a return to “areas of influence”. He goes on to note that the

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Latest Research

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Defense & Security, Middle East

Mar 7 , 2026

Policy Brief

The Iran War and Ankara’s Three Strategic Scenarios

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

READ MORE : {{post_title}}

venezeula gangs

Crime & Justice, Transnational Crime, Americas

Feb 23 , 2026

Policy Brief

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

Editor’s Note: This policy brief is Part II 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. In November 2025, the United States designated the Cartel de los Soles (CDS)

READ MORE : {{post_title}}

shutterstock 2288254685 scaled

Defense & Security, Americas

Feb 12 , 2026

Policy Brief

A Moment of Strategic Choice: U.S. Policy in a Post-Maduro Hemisphere

,

The capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026 marks a strategic inflection point for the United States and the first real stress test of the 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) in the Western Hemisphere. More than the apprehension of a leader, Maduro’s removal forces Washington to reconcile competing strategic

READ MORE : {{post_title}}

venezuelan soldiers

Crime & Justice, Transnational Crime, Americas

Feb 4 , 2026

Policy Brief

Venezuela’s Hybrid Criminal Networks and U.S. Regional Strategy

Editor’s Note: This policy brief is Part I 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. For years, U.S. policy toward Venezuela has fluctuated between sanctions, diplomacy, and public

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Defense & Security, Americas, Middle East

Feb 2 , 2026

Policy Brief

Should Regime Change be Reconsidered as a Strategic Option?

Hard experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan made the United States reticent to ever pursue regime change. These conflicts instilled a useful humility about the limitations of American power, but also an unproductive self-doubt about America’s ability to manage post-conflict governance. This lack of confidence is shaping American behavior, encouraging the

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Democracy & Human Rights, Africa

Jan 27 , 2026

Research

Women and the Path for Peace in Africa: DR Congo

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This research article draws on in-depth interviews with Dr. Susanne Alldén, who is a senior lecturer in Peace and Development Studies at Linnaeus University in Sweden and has extensive field experience in conflict-affected regions, particularly in central and western Africa. She has also led and managed stabilization, peacebuilding, and gender

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