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

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

U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East: Part Seven
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — April 19, 2022

U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East: Part Seven
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — April 19, 2022

U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East: Part Six
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — April 12, 2022

U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East: Part Six
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — April 12, 2022

Books and Reports
Visit PageAll content by Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy
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Kosovo: An Unlikely Success Still in the Making
Report — January 24, 2019

South Sudan: The Painful Rise and Rapid Descent of the World’s Newest Nation
Report by Richard Downie — January 24, 2019

The Importance of Being Balanced: Lessons from Negotiated Settlements to Self-determination Movements in Bosnia, Macedonia, and Kosovo
Report — January 24, 2019

Self-Determination and the Struggle for Success: Generalizing the Findings
Report by Will Todman — January 24, 2019

Self-Determination and U.S. Choices
Report by Will Todman — January 24, 2019

In Search of an Iran Strategy
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — September 24, 2018

Help Wanted: Multilateralism in the Eastern Mediterranean
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — June 13, 2018

The Enemy Gets A Vote
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — May 16, 2018

May 12 Deadline May Not Settle Iran Sanctions
Critical Questions by Jon B. Alterman — May 2, 2018

Yemen Matters
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — April 24, 2018
