The China-Russia partnership is a highly consequential geopolitical alignment driven by a shared goal of countering U.S. hegemony and reshaping the international order into a multipolar system. While not a formal alliance, this relationship is strengthened by Russia's increasing economic reliance on China following Western sanctions, which allows Beijing to leverage its influence. Policymakers should note that while the partnership projects deep solidarity (as seen in high-level summits), it remains complex and limited by mutual mistrust and competing strategic interests. This enduring alignment poses a significant challenge to U.S. interests and requires continued diplomatic vigilance.
Testing the Future of Joint All-Domain Operations in Africa
English Summary
The article argues that the U.S. must establish 'battle labs' in Africa to test modern Joint All-Domain Operations (JADO), as current domestic ranges cannot accommodate the vast spatial requirements of multi-domain warfare (e.g., drones, EW, cyber). Africa, particularly Morocco, is identified as a prime location due to its open terrain, growing drone sectors, stability, and developing indigenous defense industrial base. Strategically, establishing these labs allows the U.S. to validate advanced operational concepts, accelerate military modernization, and build resilient partner supply chains. Ultimately, this capability serves as a powerful deterrent signal to China, demonstrating the ability to project power and impose costs on rival interests globally.
中文摘要
本文論述美國必須在非洲建立「戰場實驗室」（battle labs），以測試現代的聯合全域作戰（JADO）。由於現有的國內射擊場域無法滿足多域戰場（例如無人機、電子戰、網路戰）所需的巨大空間要求，因此設立外部測試基地至關重要。文章指出，非洲，特別是摩洛哥，因其開闊的地形、蓬勃發展的無人機產業、穩定性以及正在發展的本土國防工業基礎，成為理想的選址。從戰略角度來看，建立這些實驗室能使美國驗證先進的作戰概念、加速軍事現代化，並構建具韌性的夥伴供應鏈。最終，此項能力將作為強大的威懾訊號，向中國展示美國投射力量和對競爭對手施加全球成本的能力。
Related Entries
-
1.
-
2.
The Chatham House analysis concludes that the UK's Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will be viewed by NATO allies as a mixed bag, primarily due to its failure to commit to higher GDP spending targets. However, the plan signals critical strategic improvements by emphasizing novel technologies—such as autonomous systems and digital infrastructure—and enhancing readiness. Crucially, the DIP adopts an international focus through major collaborative programs (e.g., AUKUS, GCAP) and establishes a new National Armaments Director Group (NADG). This structural shift toward flexible, portfolio-based collaboration is strategically valuable for NATO allies seeking reliable partners as US conventional forces reduce their European presence.
-
3.
The article argues that the U.S., through recent policy signals—such as questioning NATO's value or sympathizing with great-power territorial claims—is inadvertently adopting the core tenets of non-alignment, prioritizing transactional national interests over binding alliances. Historically, while non-alignment allowed developing nations to gain benefits without commitment, the analysis notes that this approach lacks the deep trust and shared obligations necessary for robust security structures. The implication is critical: by undermining established alliances, the U.S. risks losing its greatest strategic asset—the network of mutual commitments—as allies actively seek alternative bilateral or regional defense pacts.
-
4.
The roundtable established that implementing generational bans represents a powerful, long-term strategy for tackling deeply entrenched public health crises like tobacco use. Using the UK’s permanent ban on selling cigarettes to those born after 2009 as key evidence, experts analyzed how such policies fundamentally alter market dynamics and consumer behavior over time. These lessons suggest that other nations facing persistent addiction challenges should consider adopting similar age-gating or generational restrictions to accelerate decline and set a precedent for future public health policy interventions.
-
5.
The CSIS analysis finds that the U.S. grid's regulatory framework for connecting large loads is severely fragmented and unprepared for the massive electricity demands posed by AI data centers. FERC has mandated significant reforms across six regional operators, requiring them to modernize interconnection studies, prevent cost-shifting, and establish clear tariffs for co-located generation. Evidence shows that most operators fall far short of these new standards, necessitating complex, multi-year policy adjustments rather than simple compliance. Policymakers must coordinate federal regulation (FERC) with state utilities to accelerate grid modernization, ensuring energy affordability while maintaining technological competitiveness.