🚨 The 2026 Q4 Forecast Report is here. Our latest forecast examines the key risks and trends shaping the final quarter of the year, from conflict and elections to trade, technology, energy, and global connectivity. Read the executive summary + start a 28-day free trial for full platform access. newlinesinstitute.org/foreca…

What does the captagon trade look like after the collapse of the Assad regime? A new report from New Lines’ Captagon Trade Project examines how the trade has evolved following the disruption of state-sponsored production in Syria, and what continued trafficking through Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria looks like. Read more: newlinesinstitute.org/24/lev…

🎥 Three years after October 7, how has U.S. policy toward the Middle East changed? In this special MEPC InSight, @NicholasAHeras, @MuqtedarKhan and @HenryRoger34691, each share a brief perspective on the shifts that have shaped U.S. policy toward the region since October 2023.

What did the U.S., Israel, and Iran get wrong? In the latest episode of Global Hotspots, the New Lines geopolitical forecasting team breaks down the miscalculations on both sides of the Iran war, including what Iran underestimated about President Trump’s willingness to absorb political and economic costs. 🎧 Listen to the full episode: newlinesinstitute.org/foreca…

How is America’s global strategy changing—and what does it mean for Pakistan? In this episode of Geopolitical GupShup, we sit down with Dr. Kamran Bokhari (@KamranBokhari), geopolitical analyst, Senior Resident Fellow at the Middle East Policy Council (@MidEastPolicy) and Senior Director at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy (@NewlinesInst) in Washington, D.C. The conversation explores shifting U.S. priorities, the evolving strategic landscape in West Asia, and Pakistan’s choices in an increasingly contested world. From regional rivalries to great-power competition, we examine how Pakistan can navigate uncertainty, strengthen its diplomatic position, and respond to emerging risks and opportunities. Like, share, and subscribe to Geopolitical GupShup for more conversations on geopolitics, security, and international affairs. @OtherImranKhan @khansheharyar @jumainasiddiqui @KaleemImam youtu.be/ySVZvYE5RlY?si=InWw…

🗞️ [#InTheNews] New @ArabBarometer findings featured in @ForeignAffairs show a notable shift in Palestinian public opinion: support for a two-state solution is higher today than it was around October 2023. Read the analysis by Michael Robbins, @AmaneyJamal and Mark Tessler here ⤵️ foreignaffairs.com/palestini…

🌏 What defined Q3, and what comes next? A special edition of Global Hotspots reviews the major developments, conflicts, and emerging risks of Q3 before looking ahead to the geopolitical trends and global hotspots to watch in Q4. Listen now: newlinesinstitute.org/foreca…

🇱🇾 As the U.S. deepens re-engagement with Libya, are we strengthening accountable institutions, or underwriting the forces that make critics disappear? A new New Lines report examines forced disappearance as a tool of governance and transnational repression, and what U.S. policymakers can do to push back. newlinesinstitute.org/intl-l…

📸 Assistant Director @DaniaArayssi participated in the CAMCA Regional Forum (@RumsfeldFoundtn) in Baku, Azerbaijan, where she presented the S7+ framework during a panel moderated by S. Frederick Starr and engaged with officials, experts, and regional stakeholders. CAMCA is an annual, non-partisan forum that brings together leaders from across Central Asia, Mongolia, the Caucasus, and Afghanistan to advance dialogue, regional cooperation, and sustainable economic growth.

🎥 What would it take to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz? New Lines Institute Assistant Director @DaniaArayssi, who leads the Four Seas Initiative, explains why Syria could become a key link between the Gulf, Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Caspian Sea.

🌎 Weekly Forecast Monitor | Sept. 19–25 🇮🇷 Diplomatic engagement between the U.S. and Iran continued, while Israel killed a senior Hamas finance official in Gaza. 🇺🇦 U.S., Russian, and Ukrainian officials held talks on peace efforts as Ukraine launched more than 1,000 missiles and drones into Russia. 🇨🇳🇺🇸Trump and Xi met in Washington, extending the bilateral trade truce by two months. 🇪🇹 TPLF forces seized key airports and territory in Tigray and Afar, with fighting also reported in Amhara. ⚡ Energy disruptions are pushing Europe toward greater coal use, while Saudi Arabia resumes oil exports through the Red Sea. newlinesinstitute.org/foreca…

The National Dialogue Forum (NDF) hosted a closed-door roundtable with Dr. Kamran Bokhari, (@KamranBokhari) Senior Resident Fellow at the Middle East Policy Council (@MidEastPolicy) and Senior Director at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy (@NewlinesInst) on “The New U.S. Global Geostrategy, West Asia & Pakistan’s Role". NDF convenes these roundtables to look beyond the daily headlines: to understand how geopolitical developments are changing, test different interpretations, and consider what they mean for policy. Our discussion with Dr. Bokhari came at a time when U.S. priorities, the future of West Asia, and Pakistan’s place in a changing regional order are all being actively debated. Participants examined the assumptions behind those debates, heard different perspectives, and identified questions that deserve closer analysis. The closed-door setting encouraged a candid exchange. We thank Dr. Kamran Bokhari, PhD for sharing his insights and all participants for contributing to the discussion. @khansheharyar @OtherImranKhan @Qamarcheema @aizaz1101 @Aiza_Azam @shariqmktweets @BilalZubairButt @AsifDurrani20 @reflectiveimran @SaeedShah @SWeldBlundell

🗞️ [#InTheNews] Jared Jeter, Analyst at New Lines, joins Taiwan Public Television Service (TPS) to discuss the implications of the U.S.-Iran conflict for the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan’s strategic position. The conversation explored how China could seek to leverage a weakened U.S. position, including through issues such as U.S. arms shipments to Taiwan and semiconductor export regulations. youtu.be/e9TCK0kouZA?si=nmac…

#InNumbers | Looking back at the 4th @SSC_Sarajevo, held Sept. 4–6 under the theme “Securing Europe in a Divided World.” 👥 300+ participants 🗣️ 140 speakers 📅 38 programme moments 🎤 1,300+ session participations 📊 1,500+ recorded engagements Co-organized by the Western Balkans Center at New Lines Institute, #SSC2026 brought together policymakers, experts, and practitioners from across Europe, North America, and beyond. Learn more: westernbalkanscenter.org/

🎙️In episode 2 of "Why the Balkans?" Tanya Domi sits down with Gresa Hasa to discuss Albania's Flamingo Revolution and the integral role women are playing in the movement. Learn more: podbean.com/eas/pb-hygnr-1b5…

🌎 Weekly Forecast Monitor | Sept. 12–18 🇸🇦 Escalation with the Houthis continued as energy infrastructure came under attack. 🇺🇸🇨🇳 Tensions persisted over Iran, Taiwan, and technology. 🇺🇦🇷🇺 New U.S. sanctions advanced as Russian drones neared Polish airspace. 🇨🇦🇪🇺 The EU proposed that Canada become its first “associate member.” 🇬🇧 Leaders from Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland called for preparations for independence. 🌐 Global Connectivity: Energy disruptions, climate policy shifts and growing debate over AI regulation are reshaping global markets and technology. newlinesinstitute.org/foreca…

📅 [#Event] @DaniaArayssi is in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, taking part in the Central Asia Civil Society Forum. During the event, she will introduce the Institute’s Silk Seven Plus (S7+) Initiative, highlighting its focus on regional cooperation, integration, and stronger connections between institutions and the people they serve across Central Asia. The forum brings together regional and international stakeholders to discuss the role of civil society institutions in democratic development and the future of regional cooperation. Learn more about the S7+ here: bit.ly/4z3Gve3