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The United States Cannot Go It Alone in Venezuela

Decisive U.S. action in Venezuela has showcased U.S. power but risks provoking long-term resistance from adversaries, hedging by partners, and anxiety among allies. Without coalition-building and post-crisis leadership, short-term success could erode U.S. influence.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — January 5, 2026

Framing a U.S. Approach to the West Bank

Issues of the West Bank's current status are uniquely difficult because they combine ancient historical claims, modern nationalism, differing religious worldviews, and contemporary security dilemmas.

Congressional Testimony by Jon B. Alterman — December 10, 2025

Fulcrums of Order: Rising States and the Struggle for the Future

As global power diffuses and multilateralism fractures, a set of rising states increasingly claim the mantle of the “Global South,” reshaping institutions, challenging Western dominance, and forcing the United States to rethink how it engages a rapidly changing world.

Report by Jon B. Alterman and Lily McElwee — December 2, 2025

Executive Summary – Fulcrums of Order

As rising powers reshape the global landscape, the United States must shift from defending the status quo to building pragmatic coalitions, addressing Global South grievances, and engaging hinge states with a clear understanding of their politics.

Brief by Jon B. Alterman — December 2, 2025

Experts React: Starvation in Gaza

CSIS experts react to Gaza’s descent into mass starvation, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, international and domestic pressure on Israel, and more.

Commentary by Mona Yacoubian, Will Todman, Jon B. Alterman, Caitlin Welsh, Zane Swanson, Michaela Simoneau, Sophia Hirshfield, Hadeil Ali, Andrew Friedman, J. Stephen Morrison, and Leonard Rubenstein — July 28, 2025

After Assad: The Future of Syria

Syria is at a critical crossroads, with its future still uncertain. A strategy focused on coordination with allies in the region, cautious engagement, and internal policy alignment is key to advancing U.S. interests and engaging with the new Syrian government.

Congressional Testimony by Jon B. Alterman — June 5, 2025

Combating State Hostage Taking and Wrongful Detention

The CSIS Commission on Hostage Taking and Wrongful Detention examines U.S. efforts to counter the detention of Americans abroad and proposes new policy tools to strengthen deterrence, improve international coordination, and bring Americans home.

Report by Jon B. Alterman and Jason Rezaian — June 4, 2025

Scenarios That Could Define 2035

This scenario series from the CSIS Brzezinski Chair explores possible futures for 2035—not to predict outcomes, but to prepare for them. With expert comments, the scenarios examine key drivers, second-order effects, and warning signs to inform strategic foresight.

Digital Report by Jon B. Alterman — May 14, 2025

China Stalls

A new scenario by Jon B. Alterman, with comments from leading experts, explores the challenges facing China’s economy and considers how a sustained slowdown could sap Beijing’s global influence and reshape the international order.

Digital Report by Jon B. Alterman — May 14, 2025