12 July 2021 – In the newest iteration of the NESA Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Digital Series, NESA Professor Jeffrey Payne is joined by Professor Shahab Enam Khan to discuss the emergence of Bangladesh as a middle power in the IOR. The conversation covers not only how states like Bangladesh navigate competition among larger powers, Read More >
Author: Nancy Luong
Maritime Security and Technology Applications Workshop
From 14 to 17 June, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies conducted a workshop that explored the trends existing between the maritime domain and developments in technology. Focusing on the components relevant to the Indo-Pacific region, the workshop discussed operational options available to littoral states, strategic concerns shaping the policies of Read More >
Security Issues Related to (Sea) Lines of Communication
By: LTC Arjen Wassink, NLD Army, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 25 June 2021 Introduction: The recent Container Ship EVER GIVEN incident in the Suez Canal shows just how vulnerable global sea transport chains are. The temporary inability to travel through the canal has disrupted all supply chains Read More >
The Implications of Low Oil Prices and Economic Diversification in the Middle-East
By: LTC Meteb Almarri, QAT Air Force, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 21 June 2021 Introduction: The Middle East is a global producer and exporter of oil. The region enjoys high returns from oil sales to many countries around the world. The Middle East has relied heavily on Read More >
Syria Next
By: Matthew Wollen, F GS-13 USAF AFSOC OC/SPDP 14 June 2021 Introduction Throughout the decades following WWII, the U.S. was the dominant economic, political, and military influencer in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran all benefitted from one form of U.S. assistance or another. No other Read More >
Counterterrorism in Afghanistan After US Reduces Footprint
By: LTC Arto Hirvela, FIN Army, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 02 June 2021 Introduction: After the US reduces presence in the AOR, especially in Afghanistan, as directed by the President Biden, the US will lose Access Basing and Overflight (ABO) and agile counterterrorism capability in the region. Read More >
Competing Interest of Regional and Extra Regional Countries in Afghanistan
By: Lt Col Farhan Ali, Pakistan Army, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 26 May 2021 Introduction: Afghanistan has remained a battle ground for great powers for centuries. In a bid to achieve others’ national interests, the interests of Afghans faded away and the country witnessed devastation and misery. Read More >
Commercial UASs as a New Component of Modern Warfare
By: CDR Azamat Murzabekov, Kazakhstan Armed Forces, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 26 May 2021 Introduction: Since the end of the Cold War, unconventional asymmetric warfare has become the primary means of military conflict by the enemies of the US. Armed civilian and paramilitary forces have become more Read More >
China is Striving to Change How it is Perceived in Central Asian States
By : MAJ Naoki Tajiri, Japan Ground Self-defense Force, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 26 May 2021 Introduction: Central Asian political stability and security are of great importance to China. Therefore, China seeks to strengthen regional border controls, lead the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and contribute to stabilizing Read More >
Afghanistan Security Future and Impact on Central Asia
By: CDR Azamat Murzabekov, Kazakhstan Navy, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 26 May 2021 Introduction: The land that is now Afghanistan has a long history of domination by foreign conquerors and strife among internal warring factions. At the gateway between Asia and Europe, this land was conquered by Read More >