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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Designating the Houthis as Terrorists Would Be a Mistake

CSIS’s Jon Alterman discusses the Trump administration’s possible designation of the Houthis as terrorists and the potential impact of such a move on U.S. and Iranian interests.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — November 30, 2020

Actions in Anticipation of Iranian Elections

Iran’s presidential elections are scheduled for June 18, 2021, five months after the U.S. presidential inauguration. CSIS’s Jon Alterman lays out how the next administration can influence the climate in which these elections take place.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — October 5, 2020

The Significance of the Israel-UAE Deal

On September 15, leaders from Israel and the UAE will sign an agreement to pursue normalized relations. CSIS’s Jon Alterman examines the significance of the deal and whether it represents a new era in the Middle East.

Critical Questions by Jon B. Alterman — September 15, 2020