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

The Truth of the Matter

Confused Rules-Based Order

CSIS’s Jon Alterman joins the podcast for a discussion of the global rules-based order post Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Jon B. Alterman — May 16, 2022

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Photo: White House via CNP/Getty Images

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

Photo: Santi Visalli/Getty Images

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 content by Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy

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Babel: U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East

U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East: Part Two

Jon Alterman explores how the last two decades of heightened U.S. military involvement in the Middle East changed the region, and the U.S. military. 

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman and Eliot A. Cohen — March 15, 2022

CSIS Babel U.S. in the Middle East
Babel: U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East

U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East: Part One

Jon takes a closer look at how the United States responded to the 9/11 attacks by deepening its involvement in the Middle East, how its role in the region has changed, and how some people think it needs to change a lot more. 

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — March 8, 2022

CSIS Babel U.S. in the Middle East

China Headaches for Iran Deal

Jon Alterman gives a commentary on China’s changing role in nuclear negotiations.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — September 22, 2021

Focus on Influence, Not Power, in the Middle East

Dr. Jon Alterman discusses the difference between “influence” and “power” with U.S. involvement in the Middle East, comparing the United States to its key adversaries.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — March 25, 2021

The Smart Way out of the Middle East

Dr. Jon Alterman discusses how the United States can rebalance away from the Middle East while maintaining influence over its allies and partners.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — February 22, 2021

GCC Rift over Qatar Comes to an End

Dr. Jon B. Alterman explores pressing questions about the ending of the Arab Gulf crisis and implications of reconciliation.

Critical Questions by Jon B. Alterman — January 5, 2021

Women and Statecraft History: A Compilation of Personal Essays by Women Historians

The Project on History and Strategy presents "Women and Statecraft History," a compilation of personal essays by women who have made careers out of studying and applying military and diplomatic history.

Report by Seth Center , Fiona Hill , Sara Bush Castro , Elizabeth C. Charles , Susan Colbourn , Sarah-Jane Corke , Michelle Grisé , Marybeth Peterson Ulrich , Stephanie Young , and Emma Bates — December 1, 2020