With the APEC summit in Beijing this week, it seemed the perfect time to discuss Chinese foreign policy. Dr. John R. Deni sat down with Dr. R. Evan Ellis, one of the newest members of the SSI staff, to discuss Ellis's recently published book, China on the Ground in Latin America: Challenges for the Chinese and Impacts on the Region. How and where is China engaging in Latin America? Will China displace the United States as the hemispheric hegemon? What are the short- and long-term implications, including those affecting DoD, of Chinese engagement there? Released 13 November 2014.

The crisis in Ukraine has placed defense and deterrence at the center of discussions within NATO. From a geostrategic perspective, where is the alliance most exposed along its long Eastern flank? What steps can the alliance take to strengthen its position, and is there any evidence that European members of the alliance are able and willing to take those steps? Dr. John R. Deni invited Dr. Luis Simon of the Institute for European Studies at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel to discuss the security risks facing the alliance and how NATO can best secure its Eastern flank. Released 31 October 2014.

In late September, Afghan political leaders reached agreement on a power-sharing arrangement. This followed months of negotiations after the inconclusive presidential elections of April and June 2014. What are the prospects for this agreement to heal the political and societal divisions within Afghanistan, and how will the agreement affect security and stability there? Dr. John R. Deni invited Dr. Chris Mason, one of the newest members of the SSI staff, with extensive policy-making and policy-implementation experience in Afghanistan, to discuss the power-sharing agreement, its future prospects, and the implications for the U.S. and allied military mission post-2014. Released 17 October 2014.

The Arab Spring continues to unfold dramatically as seen in Syria (and Iraq) today. From a broad perspective though, what are the lessons learned for U.S. policymakers and what is the regional outlook? How should the U.S. Government, and the Defense Department specifically, adapt policies in order to maintain influence in North Africa and the Middle East? Dr. John R. Deni invited Greg Aftandilian of the Center for National Policy to discuss the latter's chapter on the Arab Spring in the book, "Political and Socio-Economic Change: Revolutions and Their Implications for the U.S. Military," published by the USAWC Press earlier this month. Released 25 September 2014.

On September 10, the President addressed the nation regarding the evidently increased threat posed by ISIL and his administration's strategy to "degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL through a comprehensive and sustained counterterrorism strategy." Is the strategy realistic? What are the major risks and challenges ahead for the United States? Dr. John R. Deni invited his SSI colleagues Dr. Andy Terrill and Prof. Nate Freier to discuss the President’s address and the way ahead in Iraq and Syria. Updated 11 September 2014, 4:47 PM.

As the threat posed by the Islamic State broadens to include Iraqi Kurdistan, the United States has increased its involvement. How are U.S. interests evolving in the short run and the longer term? What are the likely military implications? As a follow-up to their discussion two months ago, Dr. John R. Deni again invited his SSI colleagues Dr. Andy Terrill and Prof. Nate Freier to discuss the state of the crisis in Iraq. Released 19 August 2014.

Earlier this week, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen visited the White House. While the deaths of four NATO troops this week as well as Afghanistan's disputed presidential election were doubtlessly on the agenda, so too were preparations for the September NATO summit in Wales. Among the most important subjects the summit will address is how NATO members will maintain the ability to operate together, as they have done to date in Afghanistan. Dr. John R. Deni discusses the challenges the alliance faces in maintaining interoperability, as well as policy recommendations to help ensure the United States has willing and able coalition partners well into the future. Released 10 July 2014.

With cities large and small across northern and western parts of the country falling under the control of the militant extremist group known as "ISIS" – and the Kurds staking their claim to Kirkuk – are we witnessing the inevitable unraveling of Iraq? Does the United States have reason, or even a responsibility, to become engaged some way? Dr. John R. Deni invited his SSI colleagues Dr. Andy Terrill and Prof. Nate Freier to discuss the state of the crisis in Iraq, American interests at stake, and the potential U.S. response. Released 13 June 2014.

Last week's commencement speech by President Obama at West Point was an important statement on the path of American grand strategy after nearly a decade and a half of war. The SSI's Dr. John R. Deni and Prof. Nathan Freier sat down to discuss the speech and its implications. Released 2 June 2014.

Getting the right capabilities balance between the Active Component and the Reserve Component is the subject of heated debate today in the Army and on Capitol Hill. From a cost perspective, which capabilities does it make sense to keep in the National Guard or the Army Reserve versus the active component? Why could it make sense to shift, for example, the National Guard’s combat aviation assets into the active duty Army? The SSI's Colonel Rick Morrison discusses his recent article on these issues in the current issue of Parameters with Dr. John R. Deni. Released 30 May 2014.