PERSONNEL
The Power Tables
Significant elections and changes in governments since December 1, 2023. Last updated May 25, 2026.
Defense & Foreign Affairs staff
PERSONNEL
Key Transitions and Defense and Intelligence Appointments - 04/2026
STRATEGY & INTELLIGENCE
CURRENT ESTIMATE | Has Trump Chosen to Fall on the Hills of the Zagros?
Did the US have no concrete follow-on plan to restore Iran as a stable ally of the US in the region, as it had been during the US Nixon Administration (1969-74)?
PERSONNEL
Key Transitions and Defense and Intelligence Appointments - 03/2026
DIPLOMACY, ALLIANCES & TREATIES
Alliance Fracture is Now Global
It’s not just NATO; it’s the SCO, BRICS, and the Quad. And what of the UN?
DIPLOMACY, ALLIANCES & TREATIES
STRATEGIC TRAJECTORIES | Does a “Sole Superpower” Need Allies?
Trump indicated that the US would soon leave the Iran region without guaranteeing any long-term US strategic necessities, like cutting off energy to the PRC, or gaining clear access to the markets of Central Asia. Trump failed to engage allies but insulted them nonetheless for not providing support.
SECURITY, UNREST & WAR
CURRENT ESTIMATE | Iran: What Took So Long? And Where Does It Go Now?
PERSONNEL
Key Transitions and Defense and Intelligence Appointments - 02/2026
GOVERNANCE & ELECTIONS
STRATEGIC TRAJECTORIES | Another British Nationalist Party? But Will it Help the West?
Restore Britain’s leader, Rupert Lowe, has created another nationalist party in the UK. But does it help his own cause since he appears to have done it to avenge his expulsion from the Reform UK party?
STRATEGIC PHILOSOPHY
CURRENT ESTIMATE | 2026: The Consequential Years Gather Momentum
It is not as though 2025 was an inconsequential year. Many strategic trends came into focus, particularly around the (finally) visible collapse of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). But 2026 will see the clarification of even more events of global consequence.
PERSONNEL
Key Transitions and Defense and Intelligence Appointments - 01/2026
STRATEGY & INTELLIGENCE
STRATEGIC TRAJECTORIES | A Storm at the World’s Trade Hub: the Bab el-Mandeb
Some regional states can claim Washington’s attention, which makes the US’s possible moves over Somaliland recognition more delicate. Control over this East-West sea route hub is so critical to trade and strategic dominance that Trump may seize what leverage he wants and leave the details for later.