International Affairs - The Geopolitical Desk (Page 3)

What is the point of the UN Support Mission in Libya?

In recent years, UNSMIL has failed to provide meaningful leadership, allowing Libya’s political crisis to deepen with no clear path forward. While it has thus far fallen short of its mandate, it still retains the opportunity to recalibrate, though time and public confidence are running out.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 4 Aug 2025

Iran’s strategic drift and Israel’s unfinished war

While the regional landscape remains volatile, this report outlines several pragmatic recommendations that could help Iran navigate its way out of the current quagmire through diplomatic recalibration, strategic restraint, and internal realignment.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 31 Jul 2025

Iran’s strategic drift and Israel’s unfinished war

The Gulf’s strategic pivot after the Israel-Iran war

Since the Israel-Iran ceasefire came into effect on June 24, the atmosphere has shifted in the Gulf region as key states including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE work to secure their economies and recalibrate their geopolitical positioning.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 30 Jul 2025

The Gulf’s strategic pivot after the Israel-Iran war

Regaining Europe’s neutrality towards Iran

Europe’s current Iran policy is confused, reactive and counterproductive. This special report outlines the shortcomings of current policy, identifies opportunities for realignment and recommends specific steps ahead of the July 25 Istanbul meeting to restore Europe’s credibility and influence.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 24 Jul 2025

Regaining Europe’s neutrality towards Iran

Trump envoy to begin Maghreb tour as US pushes for diplomatic reset in North Africa

EXCLUSIVE – Massad Boulos, U.S. President Donald Trump’s Special Presidential Advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs, is preparing to embark on a tour of the Maghreb in the coming days.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 20 Jul 2025

Trump envoy to begin Maghreb tour as US pushes for diplomatic reset in North Africa

Washington’s evolving policy and the tribal balance in northeast Syria

With the overthrow of Bashar al‑Assad on December 8, 2024, the diplomatic cards in Syria have been completely reshuffled, ushering in a new phase of uncertainty and opportunity. In this context, the United States is subtly but significantly recalibrating its posture in northeast Syria.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 17 Jul 2025

Washington’s evolving policy and the tribal balance in northeast Syria

Iranian politics between tracking “domestic traitors” and crystallising unity

Amid mass arrests and a sweeping search for internal enemies, Iran’s leadership is doubling down on national unity. With questions swirling around succession and the regime’s survival instincts, this piece explores how Iran is managing post-conflict uncertainty.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 1 Jul 2025

Iranian politics between tracking “domestic traitors” and crystallising unity

Playing a weaker hand? Iran's strategic recalibration for nuclear talks

Tehran is weighing diplomacy against strategic ambiguity, seeking to revive nuclear negotiations, rally the Global South and preserve regime survival without surrendering core redlines.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 30 Jun 2025

A collage-style image shows Iranian diplomat Abbas Araqchi superimposed over a United Nations Security Council meeting.

Assessing the risks of state collapse in Iran

State collapse in Iran may not be the most likely outcome of the current war with Israel, but U.S. involvement and attempts at regime change could lead this way, thus triggering serious regional instability.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 24 Jun 2025

Assessing the risks of state collapse in Iran

Can regional war be averted as Iran-Israel conflict risks escalation?

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis are ongoing, with the United States setting a two-week timeframe. Yet, mistrust and the continued escalation of attacks risk expanding the conflict.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 20 Jun 2025

Scenarios shaping the future of the Israel-Iran conflict

Neither Israel nor the U.S. strategic objectives are set in stone and will continue to oscillate between neutering what they perceive as Iranian threats or pursuing regime change. This creates a highly volatile environment.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 17 Jun 2025

Israel’s strike on Iran and what comes next

Israel’s latest strike on Iran marks a sharp escalation, killing key military commanders and damaging strategic assets. Iran’s response is unfolding in stages, aiming to restore deterrence without triggering full-scale war. This article considers the strategic implications and regional risks ahead.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 13 Jun 2025

Israel’s strike on Iran and what comes next