Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy

Advancing understanding in geostrategy, international security, and global politics

Dr. Jon B. Alterman currently holds the Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy. CSIS established the Brzezinski Chair in July 2003 to advance understanding in the fields of geostrategy, international security, and global politics. Reflecting Zbigniew Brzezinski's personal achievements during a long career that has included public service, teaching, and writing, the chair is awarded to a leading scholar-practitioner in global affairs and international strategy.

Much of Alterman’s scholarship has been grounded in his experience studying the Middle East, yet in recent years he has done an increasing amount of work linking his Middle East expertise to global issues. His earlier work on China, the United States and the Middle East, for example, anticipated the growing Middle Eastern energy trade with Asia and the increasing importance of the region to Chinese economic, political, and military strategy.

The activities of the Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy are made possible by generous support from the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation.

Latest Work

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Books and Reports

Dr. Alterman’s work tackles broader themes than just what goes on within the Middle East. Featured here are major, produced written products that look at big picture trends, touching on U.S. engagement with China and Europe, as well as Russia’s role as a spoiler.

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Commentary

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Dr. Alterman often writes short, op-ed style pieces on geostrategic issues involving the United States, the Middle East, and often other great powers in the region. To receive these each month, please subscribe to the Middle East Notes and Comment newsletter.

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All Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy Content

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Coming Home after Being a Hostage Abroad

In the aftermath of the prisoner swap with Russia, returned Americans face many barriers to reintegration. Jason Rezaian explains how the United States can move forward with bipartisan policies to ease their burden.

Commentary by Jason Rezaian — August 2, 2024

'Across the Aisle' on Hostage Diplomacy

Amb. Robert O'Brien and Jason Rezaian, co-chairs of the CSIS Commission on Hostage Taking and Wrongful Detention, join Columbia University SIPA to discuss the challenges of hostage diplomacy.

Event — April 29, 2024

Newcomers Bring New Rules

Jon Alterman and Lily McElwee argue that addressing the world’s increasingly complex challenges in an era of national contestation requires robust multilateral cooperation to create opportunities and improve global conditions.

Report by Jon B. Alterman and Lily McElwee — April 22, 2024

Pursuing Global Order in the Twenty-First Century

Amid rising great power competition, the United States needs to rethink its engagement with the Global South—a diverse but increasingly populous and wealthy group of states that will be vital to addressing the world's problems.

Digital Report by Jon B. Alterman and Lily McElwee — April 22, 2024

Can Qatar Navigate Fraught Hostage Negotiations with Hamas?

Although Israel confronts agonizing dilemmas in trying to rescue the hostages held in Gaza, the Qataris exercise a great deal of patience and have an innate sense of how to mediate and negotiate.

Commentary by Christopher P. Costa — December 8, 2023