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

See all work by the Brzezinski Chair
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.

Visit Page

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.

Visit Page

All content by Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy

Filter by

31 - 40 of 118 results

Fighting but Not Winning

After two decades of U.S. presence in the Middle East, what can we learn from the Chinese approach?

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — November 25, 2019

About that Counter-Iran Coalition…

The Trump administration called for help, but Washington's friends have shrugged and calculated it is safer to stay away from "maximum pressure." There is a better way.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — July 30, 2019

Punishing Iran Is Not a Strategy

Even before the Warsaw conference last week, it had become clear the Trump administration does have a strategy in the Middle East: punishing Iran until the government is more compliant. Unfortunately, it’s the wrong strategy to pursue. 

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — February 21, 2019

Eritrea: The Independence Struggle and the Struggles of Independence

Eritrea’s independence struggle entailed a 30-year war and the mobilization of a remarkable national liberation movement. Independent Eritrea started with great hopes, but a border war broke out with Ethiopia in 1998, resulting in the almost complete militarization of society.

Report — January 24, 2019

Timor-Leste: A Nation of Resistance

Within just 15 years of independence, Timor-Leste managed to become the most democratic nation in Southeast Asia. Its success was possible due to the skill of its leaders, shifts in geopolitics, and unprecedented levels of international support.

Report — January 24, 2019