Joshua Ball

DiplomacyIsrael, Palestinian Territories, United States

U.S. Recognizes Jerusalem as Israeli Capital

Joshua Ball

Despite international opposition, the U.S. will relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The United States formally recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, according to an announcement made by President…

Defense & SecurityIran, Israel, Lebanon, Syria

Israeli Warplanes Attacked Syrian Military Base to Convey Message to Iran

Joshua Ball

Israel launched air strikes against targets in Syria to warn Iran against establishing a permanent military presence. On December 1, 2017, Israeli warplanes attacked targets in Syria. The raid was…

Defense & SecurityIran, Saudi Arabia, Terrorism, United States

Non-State Actors: Terrorist Groups and Insurgencies

Joshua Ball

Threats from terrorist and insurgent groups will persist and are likely to become more decentralized in their nature. The terrorist threat is likely to increase as the means and the…

Deterrence & Foreign PolicyNorth Korea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United States

White House Signals Secretary of State Rex Tillerson May Be Replaced by CIA Director Mike Pompeo

Joshua Ball

The White House reportedly plans to replace Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with CIA Director Mike Pompeo. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson may have to resign by the beginning of…

Defense & SecurityChina, Japan, North Korea, Russia, South Korea, United States

North Korea Launches ICBM Capable of Reaching Continental U.S.

Joshua Ball

North Korea has launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that is capable of hitting anywhere in the continental United States. On November 28, 2017, North Korea conducted a test launch of a…

Defense & SecurityForeign Policy, United States

Secretary Mattis: “We’ve Lost the Power of Inspiration; We’ve Got the Power of Intimidation.”

Joshua Ball

In a candid conversation caught on video, Secretary Mattis urged troops to "hold the line until our country gets back to respecting each other and showing it." A video has…

Deterrence & Foreign PolicyIran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, United States

Saudi Arabia’s Grand Plan for Modernization—and better ties with Israel

Joshua Ball

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is working to “westernize” the Kingdom and change people’s mindsets when it comes to Israel. This report comes from Twitter user Mujtahidd, an account…

Defense & SecurityEstonia, European Union, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, NATO, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States

Poland Will Increase the Size of Its Military by Over 50%

Joshua Ball

Over 50,000 troops will join the ranks of the Polish Armed Forces. This comes alongside news that the Polish military will create a 50,000-strong volunteer militia as fears grow of…

Government & PoliticsCatalonia, European Union, Spain

Spain-Catalonia Secession Crisis Won’t End After December Elections

Joshua Ball

Catalonia's independence referendum set in motion a series of events, with implications that will be felt across Spain–and Europe—for several years. Summary Madrid takes immediate control of its institutions and…

Defense & SecurityBrazil, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Turkey

Acheiving Sustainable Economic Growth in the E7

Joshua Ball

The gap between the developed world and the developing world is closing—fast. India's GDP trajectory over the next 34 years is distinctly separate from its GDP per capita progression, demonstrating…

Defense & SecurityJapan, North Korea, South Korea, United States

U.S. Deploys Three Carrier Strike Groups to Korean Peninsula

Joshua Ball

By deploying three carrier strike groups in the region, the U.S. will enhance its force projection capabilities in and around North Korea. North Korea remains committed to obtaining a credible…