Apparently, the most rational course of action for the United States may be a "hit and see" approach
The concentration of US military forces in the Persian Gulf has sparked discussions about the possibility of a new military operation against Iran. International relations are difficult to predict. However, the development of the situation can be viewed as a set of alternative scenarios. A military operation is one of them.
Zamir Ahmed Awan:
Attack on Iran: A Gamble that U.S. Cannot Afford...
... was also common ground on the issue of growing competition with China. The level of economic ties remained high. Military-political integration has been revived. NATO has welcomed two new EU members—Finland and Sweden. Surprises were expected from Donald Trump. But the experience of his first term still served as an indicator of their predictability. Moreover, the European allies themselves had been moving toward Trump's demands during his previous term—
increased defence spending
,energy purchases ...
... Eastern war.
Domestic Politics: A Powerful Restraint
Ivan Timofeev:
JCPOA Crisis: Balance of Power Returns
Domestic political realities in both the United States and Israel are acting as powerful brakes on military adventurism.
In the U.S., President Donald Trump faces intense scrutiny ahead of the November mid-term elections. Public appetite for another overseas conflict is low, and bipartisan skepticism about unilateral military action is growing. Large-scale protests, political polarization, and ...
... reached a new level. NATO expanded again. The EU moderated its criticism of the US over Iran and subsequently reinstated sanctions against Tehran. Closer cooperation in technology and the search for a common platform to contain China emerged.
The rise of Donald Trump has fundamentally eroded transatlantic solidarity on Ukraine.
The White House’s diplomatic overtures to Moscow were met with a muted and sceptical reception in Brussels. The European Union maintained its adherence to the original paradigm ...
It is possible that at some point we will see a special Brazilian model for solving the problem of “weaponised interdependence”
US President Donald Trump has
imposed new tariffs on Brazil
. They are 40% in addition to the 10% that Washington imposed on all countries
back in early April 2025.
At first glance, the event may seem routine against the backdrop of the Trump Administration’s ...
Trump is trying to curb the new rise of the alternative BRICS globalization approach
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern ultimatum to Russia, BRICS member states, and their economic partners. He warned that unless a peace agreement with Ukraine is signed within 50 days—by September 3, 2025—Washington will impose a 100% import tariff on goods ...
... to minimise reliance on imported chips from Asia. These components are crucial for producing consumer goods, military hardware, and AI systems. The United States set the ambitious goal of developing a self-sufficient semiconductor supply chain during Donald Trump’s first term, and continued under Joe Biden. There is consensus in the United States on the critical role of unfettered access to chips when it comes to ensuring economic and national security. It is unlikely that this technological policy ...
The recent U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure mark a notable recalibration of Washington’s Middle East policy
The recent U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure mark a notable recalibration of Washington’s Middle East policy. In recent years, the United States has sought to avoid direct involvement in armed conflicts. While maintaining a military presence and alliances with most regional actors, Washington aimed to reduce costs and redirect resources toward other strategic priorities...
... were beneficial to them. Washington also avoided using the provisions of Section 232 of CAATSA, which remained “dormant.”
However, as the construction of Nord Stream 2 progressed, both the Trump Administration and Congress took a tougher stance. Donald Trump publicly criticized Germany and the EU
for purchasing Russian gas.
In 2019, as part of the US Defence Budget, Congress passed the Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act (PEESA). The law obliged the State Department to compile and maintain ...
According to the wisdom of the Thirty-Six Chinese Stratagems, a leader can be a winner in politics, war and diplomatic struggles if he possesses high scores in nine stratagem capabilities
According to the wisdom of the Thirty-Six Chinese Stratagems, a leader can be a winner in politics, war and diplomatic struggles if he possesses high scores in nine stratagem capabilities. The following is an assessment of the capabilities of both Putin and Trump as leaders using the traditional Chinese stratagems...
