News + Media
![]() |
News@E40February 26, 2021Claude Grunitzky launches TRUE Africa University at MIT with a webinar seriesThe weekly webinars, co-sponsored by CIS, creatively explore sustainable development in Africa with luminaries such as Taiye Selasi, the Ghanaian-Nigerian author; Jeffrey Sachs, the American economist; and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, the Nigerian serial entrepreneur behind some of Africa’s most valuable startups. Visit the Center's MIT X TAU website to learn more or visit the March 4 launch event page here. |
![]() |
Analysis + OpinionFebruary 25, 2021A liberal case for seapower?Jonathan Caverley and Sara McLaughlin MitchellWar on the RocksThe Biden administration should not confuse Trump’s enthusiasm for ships with a coherent vision of the naval forces’ role in his “America First” approach to the world. Jon Caverley and Sara McLaughlin Mitchell weigh in with their thoughts on maritime strategy. |
![]() |
Analysis + OpinionFebruary 23, 2021Don't knock yourself out: How America can turn the tables on China by giving up the fight for command of the seasPaul van HooftWar on the RocksThe United States should give up its quest for command of the maritime commons in the Western Pacific. In this piece, Paul van Hooft argues that the United States should not trap itself by framing the rise of China as an existential struggle between two titans that depends on the United States retaining command of the Western Pacific. |
![]() |
Analysis + OpinionFebruary 22, 2021Sole purpose is not no first use: Nuclear weapons and declaratory policyAnkit Panda and Vipin NarangWar on the RocksAnkit Panda and Vipin Narang exaimine the debate on the US nuclear policy and the “no first use” pledge. This essay was first published in War on the Rocks here. |
![]() |
In the NewsFebruary 19, 2021Biden moves to restart Iran nuclear talksPeter O'DowdWBUR Here & NowThe Biden administration says the US would be willing to attend a meeting with European partners and Iran to “discuss a diplomatic way forward on Iran's nuclear program.” Jim Walsh explains and weighs in on this first real sign of rejoining the Iran nuclear deal. |
![]() |
In the NewsFebruary 17, 2021China removes tanks and dismantles helipad, easing border tension with IndiaWill GlasgowThe AustralianM Taylor Fravel quoted: “In the near term, the disengagement greatly reduces the chance of military escalation between two nuclear-armed powers by creating buffer zones between their frontline forces,” said M Taylor Fravel, an expert on China’s territorial disputes at MIT. “In the longer term, it could serve as the basis for talks to reduce incidents along the LAC, especially in areas where the two countries view the location of the LAC differently,” Mr Fravel told The Australian. |
![]() |
News@E40February 16, 2021Khashoggi fellowships for MIT studentsThe Jamal Khashoggi Fellowship at CIS is offered in partnership with Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN) and is open to all MIT students. Nine Khashoggi Fellows will be selected to evaluate industrial countries and their impact on democracy within the Arab world. MIT undergraduates and graduates are invited to apply for this volunteer research opportunity. Submit a cover letter and CV to John Tirman by Monday, March 8, 5 PM ET. Visit the web site for more details. |
![]() |
Analysis + OpinionFebruary 16, 2021Can Europe defend itself?Barry Posen joins the Eurasia Group Foundation’s Mark Hannah to discuss the future of the alliance and America’s security interests in Europe. They cover Posen’s recent piece for the journal Survival, in which he insists—and demonstrates how—Europe can defend itself. |
![]() |
Analysis + OpinionFebruary 16, 2021After the apocalypse: US nuclear policyInkstick MediaWhat should the Biden administration prioritize when it comes to US nuclear policy? Heather Williams and Vipin Narang are among the scholars requested to offer their recommendations. |
![]() |
Analysis + OpinionFebruary 14, 2021Russia’s new crises on the peripheryCarol SaivetzLawfareSince the collapse of the Soviet Union in December 1991, Russia has sought to maintain its sway in the post-Soviet space despite numerous upheavals. Carol Saivetz explains in a recent article first published here in Lawfare. |