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

Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Free Evan, Prosecute the Hostage Takers

According to several experts, there’s an argument for the Justice Department to open an investigation to determine if those involved in the arrest of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich violated U.S. law against hostage taking.

Commentary by Joel Simon — October 17, 2023

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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 Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy Content

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Middle East Notes and Comment: Bombs, Bullets, and Leverage

The wide array of military-led republics in the Middle East would certainly have you believe otherwise, as would many of the monarchies that would prefer a world in which politics play a small role. Yet, the “win” column for military victories is small. Arguably, the Jordanian army defeated a Palestinian state-within-a-state in 1970, and Israel ended a similar Palestinian presence in southern Lebanon in 1982 (inadvertently ushering in an 18-year Israeli intervention). Each solved a particular problem for an individual government, but neither brought a conflict to a close.

Newsletter by Jon B. Alterman — April 12, 2017

The Iranian Paradox

Iran’s politics are imperfectly understood, both in the West and in Iran itself. Yet, a basic outline does seem clear. 

Report by Jon B. Alterman — March 23, 2017

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 — November 28, 2016