Author: Shadan Jagersma

  • Iran’s Protests

    Iran’s Protests

    Was January 2026 a turning point in Iran’s political trajectory? This article argues that the combination of economic collapse, moral outrage, and overt rejection of regime legitimacy represents a decisive shift in Iranian dissent, even as opposition fragmentation and security cohesion constrain outcomes. As a result, prolonged instability narrows the regime’s strategic options and accelerates…

  • The Role of Saudi Arabia as a Diplomatic Mediator

    The Role of Saudi Arabia as a Diplomatic Mediator

    In early 2025, Saudi Arabia became a key venue for US, Russian, and Ukrainian talks on a partial Ukraine ceasefire and Black Sea security. ​​In early 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted US, Russian, and Ukrainian officials for talks on a partial Ukraine ceasefire and Black Sea security. Riyadh positions itself as a neutral…

  • The Role of Foreign Powers in Lebanon’s Security Landscape

    The Role of Foreign Powers in Lebanon’s Security Landscape

    How do foreign powers shape Lebanon’s security landscape? From Iran’s military entrenchment to Western and Gulf states’ strategic maneuvers, foreign actors have long influenced the country’s fragile equilibrium. As regional dynamics shift, Lebanon’s trajectory remains uncertain. Without a unified international strategy and a commitment to long-term stability, Lebanon risks remaining a proxy battleground for geopolitical…