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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ISIS (Re)Writes History

History, we are often told, is written by the winners.

Report by Jon B. Alterman — November 16, 2015

Federated Defense in the Middle East

This study examines the potential for a “federated defense” approach to U.S. action in the Middle East, the constraints to closer military cooperation in the region, and specific capability areas that would benefit from federated defense.

Report by Jon B. Alterman , Tom Karako , Richard Say , Colin McElhinny , Melissa Dalton , and Kathleen H. Hicks — September 17, 2015

Where is Iraq Heading?

H.E. Ambassador Lukman Faily has served as Iraq’s ambassador to the United States since July 2013. Prior to this he served as Iraq’s ambassador to Japan from June 2010 until May 2013. 

Event by Jon B. Alterman — September 3, 2015

Potential Implications in the Region of the Iran Deal

Dr. Jon B. Alterman, Senior Vice President, Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy and Director, Middle East Program, testified before the House Armed Services Committee.

Congressional Testimony by Jon B. Alterman — July 29, 2015

Cycle of Violence: Women Cyclists in Conflict Zones

In Syria’s capital, checkpoints have paralyzed motor traffic. To avoid the gridlock, young Damascenes, including a growing number of women, have taken to bicycles. In response, municipal authorities have begun licensing cyclists and even created bike lanes.

Newsletter — June 25, 2015