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How can the United States shape a positive security architecture that promotes peace in the Indo-Pacific? Join us for our upcoming seminar "Forging Stronger Connections: Leveraging Military Diplomacy and Cultural Exchange in the Indo-Pacific": https://bit.ly/3xVzcuM

Under a new Trump administration, unpredictability may become the defining feature of U.S. foreign policy - challenging allies and emboldening adversaries in equal measure.    With President-elect Donald Trump preparing to return to office, our latest report explores the potential shifts his foreign policy may bring to the global stage.     We dive into key trends - America First isolationism, selective intervention, transactional diplomacy, and the strategy of unpredictability - examining what they could mean for NATO, China, Ukraine, and the Middle East.    Read the full report now:  https://lnkd.in/emKzfhdn    #ForeignPolicy #TrumpAdministration #GlobalSecurity #Geopolitics 

1 July 2024: Stuart Eizenstat's recently published book "The Art of Diplomacy" has been met with a very positive response. That includes mine, on the back of the book: "A very important, hugely instructive book that admirably examines the difficult issues surrounding the use of military force as an instrument of diplomacy. Eizenstat impressively marshals his considerable personal experience, expertise and scholarship and convincingly establishes the critical need for deep understand of the culture, history, and political dynamics in countries in which American is considering committing its troops; agreement in advance on a reasonably achievable political outcome; and devotion of sufficient military force on a sustained basis to attain the desired result. We will all be much wiser in confronting the next conflict if we have read 'The Art of Diplomacy'."

"India's balanced approach to military diplomacy sets it apart on the global stage. Focusing on strategic independence, peacekeeping, and respect for sovereignty, India is carving out a unique position between major powers. How do you think this strategy impacts India's global influence? #IndianDiplomacy #GlobalPolitics" And here's a brief article-style piece on the topic: India's Distinctive Approach to Military Diplomacy In an era of increasing global tensions, India has emerged as a noteworthy player in international relations, particularly through its distinctive approach to military diplomacy. Unlike the more aggressive stances often associated with global superpowers, India has cultivated a reputation for balance and restraint in its military engagements abroad. At the core of India's strategy lies the principle of strategic independence. This approach, rooted in the country's historical non-alignment policy, allows India to maintain beneficial relationships with various nations without becoming overly dependent on any single power. By doing so, India preserves its ability to act in its own best interests while also positioning itself as a potential mediator in international conflicts. Key aspects of India's military diplomacy include: Capability-building: Focusing on strengthening its own military capabilities while also assisting friendly nations. Peacekeeping: Actively participating in UN peacekeeping missions, demonstrating commitment to global stability. Respect for sovereignty: Emphasizing non-intervention and mutual respect in international relations. Soft power projection: Leveraging cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties to enhance influence without resorting to hard power. This measured approach has helped India elevate its status as a reliable ally to many nations, even those with conflicting interests. As global power dynamics continue to shift, India's unique position may well become increasingly important in maintaining regional and international stability. However, challenges remain. Balancing relationships with competing powers, addressing regional security concerns, and meeting domestic defense needs will require ongoing diplomatic finesse. The coming years will likely test the resilience and adaptability of India's military diplomacy strategy in an ever-changing global landscape.

The Politics of #Diplomacy: How the United States Builds Multilateral Military Coalitions by Marina E. Henke How does the United States build #multilateral #military #coalitions? Conventional wisdom focuses on the role of formal #alliance structures. #Allies band together because they share threat perceptions, political ideology, norms, and values. I argue instead that US-led coalition-building efforts are influenced by the entirety of bilateral and multilateral ties that connects the United States with a third party. The breadth of institutions matters because it allows officials to gather information on the potential coalition partner’s deployment preferences beyond straightforward security considerations—such as what kind of economic and political considerations affect its willingness to join the coalition. Diplomatic embeddedness also helps American officials identify linkages between military and non-military interests. ... https://lnkd.in/e_E2vg6H

Iran's black military budget... In this interview, Dr. Nasr, a preeminent scholar of modern Iran and Middle East diplomacy, explains the Byzantine political and governing structure of Iran. Watch interview: https://lnkd.in/gh4g9n3m IranAttackIsrael #iran #iranpolitics #iranmilitary

The evolution of military power in modern foreign policy reflects a transition from traditional military engagement to a more nuanced approach that includes defense diplomacy and strategic partnerships. As global challenges become increasingly complex, the integration of military capabilities into diplomatic efforts will likely continue to shape the conduct of foreign policy in the 21st century.

Check out my new article published by Modern Diplomacy on "The Shadow Army: Private Military Companies and Their Impact on Modern Defense Policy" This article draws on contemporary insights into PMCs’ expanding roles and challenges, such as those presented by the Wagner Group in Africa and beyond. As highlighted in recent analysis, the involvement of these private contractors carries strategic, diplomatic, and ethical implications, necessitating more robust global frameworks for oversight and accountability. To Read: https://lnkd.in/djnTVPQd Image rights owned by Modern Diplomacy

The shape of #Niger’s military diplomacy history continues to change with the recent coup d’état and subsequent threat of intervention by #ECOWAS. This move raises concerns for West Africa’s stability and possible violations of the #UN Charter prohibiting the threat or use of force. In this article, Eric Muhira analyzes the impact of military diplomacy in Niger and how other examples of military diplomacy can shed light on the country’s complex security challenges. 💡Read more:  https://lnkd.in/gXpvzJEf #politics #security #Africa