Category Archives: International Relations

Thoughts On The Trump Doctrine

Posted on January 9, 2025 by nathanalbright

Donald Trump’s recent rhetoric regarding the expansion into Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal can be contextualized within the broader sweep of American history, particularly focusing on themes of territorial expansion, imperial ambitions, and the strategic importance of geopolitical control: … Continue reading →

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On The Fate Of Ambassadors Of Collapsed Regimes

Posted on December 27, 2024 by nathanalbright

Let me explain the complex and often precarious situation that ambassadors face when their home country collapses while they’re posted abroad. This scenario creates unique diplomatic, legal, and personal challenges that unfold in different ways depending on various factors. The … Continue reading →

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On The Collapse Of Regional Powers

Posted on December 26, 2024 by nathanalbright

The collapse of regional powers often follows a cascading series of interconnected failures across multiple domains. Think of it like a series of support pillars – when several give way simultaneously, even a seemingly sturdy structure can fall rapidly. Economic … Continue reading →

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On The Rise Of Regional Powers

Posted on December 26, 2024 by nathanalbright

The transformation of a small power into a regional hegemon is a fascinating process that requires several key conditions to align. Let me break this down by examining the critical elements that enable such a dramatic shift in power dynamics. … Continue reading →

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Today In History: On December 24, 1814, Diplomats Signed the Treaty of Ghent

Posted on December 24, 2024 by nathanalbright

The Treaty of Ghent, signed on December 24, 1814, marked the formal end of the War of 1812 between Great Britain and the United States. The path to this peace agreement was complex and deeply intertwined with the broader context … Continue reading →

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The Druze: A Distinctive Middle Eastern Community

Posted on December 14, 2024 by nathanalbright

The Druze community represents a fascinating example of religious and cultural distinctiveness in the Middle East, with origins dating back to the 11th century CE. Their faith emerged during the Fatimid Caliphate when a group of Ismaili Muslims, led by … Continue reading →

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Concerns About Democratic Backsliding In The United States and Europe In An Age of Populism

Posted on December 11, 2024 by nathanalbright

Harm to Democratic Legal and Bureaucratic Norms under Biden: Likely Consequences in a Second Trump Administration: Both administrations’ approaches to governance have the potential to reshape American democracy significantly, with each responding to or escalating the actions of the other, … Continue reading →

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Conditions For Refugee Repatriation After Conflicts: A Historical Analysis

Posted on December 10, 2024 by nathanalbright

The return of refugees to their homelands represents a complex phenomenon that requires multiple stabilizing conditions to occur successfully. Historical analysis reveals several key patterns in refugee repatriation following major conflicts and crises. The post-World War II period provides one … Continue reading →

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Designing A Federal System For Syria

Posted on December 9, 2024 by nathanalbright

A federal system in Syria would need to carefully account for the complex ethno-religious demographics and historical power dynamics that have shaped the nation. The primary challenge lies in developing a system that can accommodate diverse groups while maintaining territorial … Continue reading →

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The Path To Pearl Harbor, or, The Failure Of Diplomacy

Posted on December 7, 2024 by nathanalbright

Introduction The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, represented the culmination of decades of deteriorating relations between the United States and Japan. This breakdown reflected complex interactions between economic warfare, racial preconceptions, intelligence failures, and diplomatic impasse. … Continue reading →

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