Global Power Competition

March 2018 No Comments

Question (R6.2): In the event that the US/Coalition is challenged by another global power [Russia for the purposes of this response], what are the second and third order effects in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility? Author | Editor: Jafri, A. (NSI, Inc). Executive Summary As Russia continues to challenge United States’ power and influence around […]

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Strategic Implications of PRC’s Base in Djibouti

October 2017 No Comments

Question (R5.6): What are the strategic implications of the People’s Republic of China (PRC’s) new base in Djibouti? What will be the effect on the Iran-PRC relationship? Author | Editor: S. Canna (NSI, Inc,). Executive Summary Background There are a number of legitimate reasons that account for China’s decision to break with decades of tradition […]

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Extent of Iran’s Ability to Influence Iraqi Elections

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Question (R5.3): How much influence can Iran wield in the next Iraqi election? Author | Editor: S. Canna (NSI, Inc,). Executive Summary Overview of Electoral System Iraq is a parliamentary democracy and, as the April 2018 elections approach, political jockeying for votes and influence has already begun. Iraq has a unicameral house called the Council […]

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Gulf Cooperation Council Stability & Influence

October 2017 No Comments

Question (R5.5): How stable is the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and to what extent can the United States rely on the GCC to influence foreign policy objectives in the region? What are the implications of the changing dynamics between GCC members? Author | Editor: W. Aviles (NSI, Inc,). Executive Summary The Qatari crisis that is […]

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Evolution of US Foreign Policy in Middle East

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Question R5.4: How should United States foreign policy evolve in the region post-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria? What are the dynamics in the region and what will be the implications of this for the USG? Author | Editor: P. DeGennaro (TRADOC G-27) & S. Canna (NSI, Inc,). Executive Summary US foreign policy makers struggle […]

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Risks of Security Outpacing Diplomacy in Syria & Iraq

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Question (R5.2): What are the risks associated with the security situation in Syria/Iraq outpacing diplomatic progress and policy in the region? What should be done about it? Author | Editor: S. Canna (NSI, Inc,). Executive Summary Our experts noted that we cannot say with certainty what the future security environment will look like in the […]

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Opportunities & Threats from POTUS Middle East Visit

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Question (R5.1): What opportunities and threats should United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) be postured for as the result of a President of the United States (POTUS) visit to the Area of Responsibility (AOR)? What is the impact on stakeholders’ willingness to counter Iran along with the likelihood of partnering with the United States/coalition? Author | […]

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Future of ISIS: What Experts Think Will Happen Next?

August 2017 No Comments

Future of ISIS: What Do Experts Think Will Happen Next? Author | Editor: Nicole (Peterson) Omundson (NSI, Inc.). At its zenith in 2014, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) controlled more than 100,000 square kilometers of territory. ISIS seized control over major cities, notably Mosul and Raqqa, which contributed to increasing disorder in […]

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Smoke, Mirrors, and Mayhem: The Good Fight Remixed

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NSI Submission to the Army University Press’s Mad Scientist Initiative: “Smoke, Mirrors and Mayhem: The Good Fight Remixed”. Author | Editor: Macaulay, A. & Stevenson, J. (NSI, Inc.). The Army University Press created the Future Warfare Writing Program to generate ideas about possible complexities of future warfare, as presented in the U.S. Army Operating Concept. […]

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Trajectory of U.S./North Korean Nuclear War

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The Trajectory of U.S./North Korean Nuclear War: Insights from Kim Jong Un’s Rhetoric. Author | Editor: Kuznar, L. (NSI, Inc.). Executive Summary Hours after the Washington Post broke the story that North Korea may have miniaturized a nuclear warhead, enabling its ICBM to deliver a nuclear blow to U.S. soil, President Trump announced that if […]

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