Publications

What Israel Sees in Somaliland

February 3, 2026 Ilan I. Berman National Institute for Public Policy

The strategic logic underpinning Israel's outreach to Somaliland, in other words, is compelling. It simultaneously provides the country with a strategic foothold opposite Yemen, greater proximity to the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis, a deeper stake in Red Sea security, and the potential to become a much bigger player in African politics. For those reasons, Israel's newest partnership is well positioned to endure.

The Organization of Turkic States’ Push into Green Finance and Digital Innovation

February 3, 2026 Lindsey Cliff CACI Analyst

The Organization of Turkic States has expanded beyond its cultural foundations to address regional challenges through green finance, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence initiatives. Led by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the OTS established the Turkic Green Finance Council and proposed collaborative AI networks, responding to economic pressures from sanctions and oil price fluctuations. 

From Rivalry to Recognition: The OTS’s Evolving Approach to Tajikistan

February 3, 2026 Lindsey Cliff CACI Analyst

The Organization of Turkic States has evolved its approach toward Tajikistan, shifting from explicit support for Kyrgyzstan during border conflicts to more inclusive language. Early OTS statements emphasized brotherly solidarity with Kyrgyzstan while implicitly attributing blame to Tajikistan, prompting sharp criticism from Dushanbe. Following diplomatic progress culminating in the March 2025 Kyrgyz-Tajik border treaty, OTS rhetoric shifted significantly. 

China Policy Monitor No. 1664

February 3, 2026 Joshua Eisenman

CPC, KMT revive a long-stalled party-to-party forum;
Xi-Starmer Beijing summit signals warming of PRC-UK ties;
China advances dual-use quantum sensing network;
Beijing threatens retaliation over potential Darwin Port seizure; 
CSRC tightens cross-border investment flows amid surging demand