Georgetown Security Studies Review

Nuclear proliferation is on the brink of an unfortunate renaissance. In 2018, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told CBS “If Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we will follow suit as soon as possible.” Saudi Arabia’s inching onto the proliferation scene demands a serious assessment of its motives, likely nuclear proliferation strategy, and prospects of success. A nuclear Saudi Arabia would not just be devastating to the nuclear nonproliferation regime, it would likely worsen Saudi-Iranian tensions and complicate U.S. efforts to manage the Middle East. Check out our lastest article by Julian R. here: https://lnkd.in/exHMnUr7

While the world’s attention has been divided across humanitarian crises, a gang war has wracked Haiti since 2020. About 300 gangs exact control over swathes of land throughout Haiti and inflict brutal violence. 700.000 Haitians have been internally displaced. The United States and the international community have taken steps to address the current Haitian crisis. In 2023, the United Nations authorized the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, and the United States became the mission’s largest financier and material provider. However, with Haiti experiencing the highest levels of violence in decades and only limited successes from the small Kenyan-led MSS force, the United States must provide greater resources to stabilize the crisis. Check out our latest article by Parker Hempel here: https://lnkd.in/exkmQ9Q4

This is part 2 of the latest episode of the Precision-Guided-Podcast, with host Nelly A. Hernández Valdez and our guest Dr. Vanda Felbab-Brown. Check out the second part of the episode here: https://lnkd.in/eD6fczxK Listen on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ejrjpxiH Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eux2ibYh If you have not listened to it already, check out part 1 of this episode here: https://lnkd.in/eP-rGFJB

In the evolving world of terrorism, the rise of female suicide bombers represents a significant and troubling shift. Traditionally, terrorism has been a male-dominated sphere, with men occupying roles in planning, executing, and leading attacks. In recent decades, extremist organizations have increasingly deployed women in some of the most violent and high-impact operations. This trend not only challenges security frameworks but also raises profound ethical dilemmas about agency and coercion in violent extremism. Read our latest article by Victoria Maldonado here: https://lnkd.in/eiEE2ngU

Sub-Saharan Africa hosts several of the world's oldest and longest-serving national leaders. Concerns about potential succession crises in the region have emerged with the prolonged absence of Cameroon’s 91-year-old President Paul Biya and a public family spat surrounding Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s 80th birthday. There is a group of “presidents for life” in Sub-Saharan Africa hoping to maintain their rule via dynastic or other planned successions. These fragile transitions risk further destabilizing a region already beset by conflict. Read our latest article by Alexandra Dent here: https://lnkd.in/esFFCEa7

In the latest episode of the Precision-Guided Podcast, host Nelly A. Hernández Valdez speaks with Dr. Vanda Felbab-Brown, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, about complexities of U.S.-Mexico relations and the fight against organized crime. They dive deep into the role of fentanyl, the cartels, the PRC's involvement, bi-national cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico, and possible policy approaches. Check out Part I of this episode here: https://lnkd.in/eP-rGFJB Listen on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/efSxutFg Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/egq2Sh4a

Mental illnesses are a major public health issue. In its 2023 report, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration found that 22.8% of the adult U.S. population is affected by some form of mental illness. The national security community is not exempt from these larger societal issues. The U.S. government should be an advocate for the mental health of all national security practitioners, from the warfighter to the analyst. Check out our latest article here: https://lnkd.in/dpvFFQKT

Turkish President Erdoğan, via his ally Devlet Bahçeli, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has recently made surprising advances towards the Turkish Kurds. Bahçeli even went so far as suggesting parole for Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). At the same time, Erdoğan cracked down on Kurdish politicians. This seemingly contradictory strategy serves to maintain the government’s nationalist credentials and manage its alliance with the ultranationalist MHP, a key partner in President Erdoğan’s ruling coalition. Check out our latest article here: https://lnkd.in/eAtQZ3uk

Indonesia ranks among the world’s top carbon emitters, contributing significantly to global emissions. Simultaneously, Indonesia is among the countries most susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change. Despite this peril, Indonesia’s continued reliance on coal undermines its stated commitment to the green energy transition, which could mitigate some of climate change’s worst effects. Thus, Indonesia’s green energy transition can be described as a case of one step forward and two steps backward. Check out our latest article by Askar Sasongkojati here: https://lnkd.in/e_KD6w4e

The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran reveals a deadly paradox: though both nations might benefit from restraint, each is compelled by internal pressures to appear unyielding. The resulting cycle of violent retaliation, rooted in what International Relations scholars term "audience costs," is less about military advantage and more about ensuring political survival. Understanding the audience costs is not only key to interpreting Israel and Iran's actions but is also essential for any international effort to mediate peace in the region. Check out our latest article by Jackson M. here: https://lnkd.in/ezdq8eAY