ISDP Voices

As the United States retreats from its engagement in Arctic research, with drastic funding cuts, mass firings, and a troubling de-prioritization of climate science, Japan and South Korea stand at a critical juncture. This shift is not merely a crisis for American polar science; it is a transformative opportunity for both countries to assert themselves […]

A few weeks ago, on February 13-16 2025, the Chair of the ISDP Board Dr. Anna Wieslander, once again participated in the Munich Security Conference (MSC). Here are her reflections from those turbulent days and discussions at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich. “We have to smile when we can.” President Zelenskyy’s words after having […]

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s U.S. visit in February 2025, both sides launched the U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology), to strengthen cooperation in defense, trade, technology, energy security, and regional issues. The Joint Statement revealed that the U.S. will expand defense sales and co-production with India, including Javelin anti-tank […]

On November 21, 2017, the Iranian media published a note by Qassem Soleimani, the late commander of Iran’s Quds Force, to Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The note, following the successful joint operation of Iranian and Syrian forces to liberate the city of Al-Bukamal in Deir Ezzor province, officially […]

Germany has experienced several violent incidents in recent years. Though the attacks occurred in different regions of the country and the assailants used different methods and had different motivations, they have dominated political discourse, with security and immigration policies becoming central issues ahead of the upcoming elections. The right-wing populist party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), […]

On January 16, 2025, just days before leaving office, President Joe Biden issued an executive order on strengthening and promoting innovation in America’s cybersecurity. Acknowledging the aggravating Chinese cyber menace, the order categorically states: Adversarial countries and criminals continue to conduct cyber campaigns targeting the United States and Americans, with the People’s Republic of China […]

“Remember, terrain doesn’t wage war. Machines don’t wage war. People do and they use their mind!” ~ Col. John Boyd In his iconic speech ‘A Fear for the Future’, former British Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin warned ‘The Bomber will always get through’ – highlighting the offensive potential of airpower and the prominence of air superiority […]

U.S. President Donald Trump’s dream to acquire Greenland through sale has sparked debate. Why is Trump talking about this now? What does this mean for Denmark, and European security at large? While Greenland’s Prime Minister claims the territory is not for sale, any future trajectory of Trump’s proposition could have serious ramifications on the transatlantic […]

Everything about the Medog Hydropower Station in Tibet sounds like a monster. A cost of 1 trillion yuan ($137 billion). The capacity to supply energy to 300 million people. The ability to annually generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours of power, three times the energy of the Three Gorges Dam, currently the largest hydropower dam in the […]

The Tibetan Plateau, renowned for its high mountains and extensive plateaus, is not only a geographical and natural wonder but also a region shaped by dynamic cultural, political, and social transformations. For China, Tibet’s plentiful natural resources are exploited to support its “national development”. Despite warnings about the environmental impacts, China continues to invest in […]