Georgetown Security Studies Review

Ukraine's Tryzub, the trident coat of arms, has not yet broken under Russia's full-scale assault on Ukraine. The Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to resist the Russian aggression. However, shifting U.S. support makes a ceasefire more and more likely. Ukraine must prepare for what comes after a ceasefire, primarily for the possibility of a renewed Russian assault. Central to this preparatory endeavor are three key pillars: strengthening Ukraine's Defense Industrial Base, applying lessons learned in strategy and equipment, and pursuing further innovation in autonomous warfighting capabilities. Check out our latest article by Parker Hempel here: https://lnkd.in/e6KZ3cSH

The Georgetown Security Studies Review, Issue 12 no.2 is now available here: https://lnkd.in/eyZXuG_4 The academic journal features eight articles, covering three broad issue areas: great power competition, nuclear weapons, and terrorism. GSSR would like to thank the contributors, editors, and peer reviewers who have made this journal possible. Please find below the individual titles of this issue's contributions and their respective authors. Please reach out at [email protected] with comments, questions, or inquiries if you would like to contribute to GSSR's next academic issue. Happy reading and warm regards from Sarah C. (Editor-in-Chief) and Jakob Grein (Deputy Editor-in-Chief). The People’s Republic of China and Russia in a Heterogeneous Arctic: Building Purview with ‘Sharp’ Instruments by Laurel Baker (1-36) Don’t Look Up: Deterrence and Prospects for Arms Control in the New Space Race by Mariam Kvaratskhelia (37-52) The Russian Invasion of Ukraine and Lessons for the Future of Air Superiority by Talha Ali Madni (53-63) Reviving Alliances: The Risks of Egypt's Growing Partnership with Russia by Sebastian Bienkowski (64-80) Missing the Soviet Union’s Nuclear Test “First Lightning”: A Case Study of U.S. Intelligence Failure and Lessons Learned by Mariam Halstian (81-97) The Global Shift to Tactical Nuclear Weapons: A Threat to Strategic Deterrence by Tin Pak and Sam Lee (98-122) Lessons for Counterterrorism: China and the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) by Apurva R (123-139) Applying Counterfactual Analysis to the Study of Terrorism by Chris Quillen (140-157)

As the United States seeks to strengthen its global leadership in energy innovation, small modular reactors (SMRs) emerge as a powerful tool of diplomatic engagement in Europe. The U.S.-Romanian strategic partnership, in deploying the first European SMR facility in Doice?ti in 2029, is a significant milestone in transatlantic energy cooperation. As more European nations express interest in SMR technology in their quest for safe, secure, and affordable energy, the United States can maintain its edge in nuclear energy deployment and standard-setting. Check out our latest article by Antonia-Laura Pup here: https://lnkd.in/eUJhs2Ap

Foreign tech investments in Sub-Saharan Africa bring opportunities and risks. While fueling innovation and economic growth, they also raise concerns about neocolonialism and geopolitical influence. Stories of transformation, leapfrogging, and groundbreaking innovation have animated the tech world in?Sub-Saharan Africa. Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa have attracted billions in foreign tech investments from the U.S., the EU and the PRC. Are these investments a catalyst for development or a high-tech remix of old-school exploitation? Check out our latest article by Mustapha Aminah here: https://lnkd.in/e_TcdymW

The cyberspace has emerged as a critical domain which national security systems have to engage with. As cyber-attacks grow more sophisticated, governments recognize that addressing cyber-related issues to strengthen national cyber resilience requires a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach. In this process, cyber diplomacy is a vital aspect of cybersecurity. Cyber diplomacy facilitates international cooperation, builds norms of behavior, enables information sharing, fosters trust among nations in their shared enterprise to enhance cyber resilience. Check out our latest guest contribution by Megi Benia here: https://lnkd.in/e6xRXryM

In the latest episode of the Precision-Guided Podcast, host Peyton Taylor (SSP '25) speaks with Professor Christopher P. Costa, U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.) to discuss the broad terrorism landscape that the world faces currently. Costa shares his insights into U.S. counter-terrorism policy, the events leading up to the October 7th attack, what role hostage taking has had in the war between Israel and Hamas, as well as the long-term implications the war could have. Check out the episode here: https://lnkd.in/exx5dbQA Listen on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eEkqi92P Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/ea3P6m38

President Donald J. Trump declared a national emergency at the Southern border and is seeking to reinstate the controversial Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), better known as the "Remain in Mexico" policy. With this, President Trump reignites a policy framework that disproportionately harms racial minorities, women, and the working poor. Reviving the “Remain in Mexico” policy would not be a true immigration reform, and more importantly, harm human rights, safety, and access to due process for vulnerable migrants. Check out our latest guest contribution by Nelly A. Hernández Valdez here: https://lnkd.in/ekTfE3QG

“There is no military solution to this conflict” is probably one of the most recognized lessons-turned-dicta in Middle East politics. And this is for good reason. Most conflicts in the region have roots that have little to do with security, and yet they are often dealt with exclusively through military and security means. However, this approach wrongly focuses on symptoms and not the cause. A military approach to perceived security threats across the region has been necessary to neutralize immediate dangers, but it has failed to deliver lasting stability. To dispute this claim would betray any honest reading of political history in the Middle East. Check out our latest guest contribution by Bilal Y. Saab here: https://lnkd.in/dHkKiyZP

Historically known as the land of the two rivers—the Tigris and the Euphrates, modern-day Iraq was the cradle of human civilization. The fertile soils of its rivers were where early humans first started farming. Global warming, however, has turned Iraq into one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Rising temperatures, decreasing rainfall, soil degradation, and severe droughts are transforming Iraq’s semi-arid environment into a desert. As climate change intensifies, Iraq’s water resources, agriculture, public health, and socio-economic stability will be threatened. Check out our latest article by Tareq Mana Al Otaiba here: https://lnkd.in/eAzQQNfT

On Tuesday, November 13th, 2024, Georgetown University had the honor of hosting Lieutenant General Anthony Hale, Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (G-2) of the United States Army, on the Hilltop for the second iteration of the “Intel Speaker Series” moderated by Dr. Genevieve Lester. This speaker series focused on the growing role of Artificial Intelligence and the future role of intelligence in warfare. Check out our latest reportage by Joseph Boudreau here: https://lnkd.in/eUzRGqhf