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

71 - 80 of 118 results

Half-Measures in Syria

If you rank the inputs and outputs for countries involved in the Syria conflict right now, you end up with some interesting numbers. Turkey and Iran are making major investments of money and lives, and they have a major impact on the course of the conflict.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — February 15, 2017

Middle East Notes and Comment: Half-Measures in Syria

Russia’s political goals in Syria seem to be quite modest: The government seeks to shore up the Syrian regime. To a large degree, especially after the fall of rebel portions of Aleppo, that mission has been accomplished.

Newsletter by Jon B. Alterman — February 14, 2017

Alliances and American Leadership Project Launch

At a time of great uncertainty for the United States and its allies around the world, CSIS is launching the Alliances and American Leadership Project in an effort to answer vitally important questions about the future of the U.S.-led alliance system. Join us for the first of many discussions on this critical issue.

Event by Michael J. Green , Jon B. Alterman , Heather A. Conley , and Kathleen H. Hicks — November 28, 2016

Gulf Roundtable: Iran and the World a Year after the JCPOA

Over a year into the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran is largely adhering to the terms of the nuclear deal but complains that the Western countries have not delivered promised economic relief in return.

Event by Jon B. Alterman — September 23, 2016

Middle East Notes and Comment: Suicide and Heroism

It is one thing to be indifferent to death; it is another thing to seek it out. Suicide is taboo in many societies, but martyrdom turns despair into heroism. The last month’s worth of events in the United States and Europe are a vivid demonstration of how blurry the line between suicide and heroism has become. It seems obvious, but it’s worth remembering how different the two are.

Newsletter by Jon B. Alterman — July 27, 2016