EDITORIAL

Prof.dr Darko Trifunovic,
(Senior Research Fellow of RIEAS)

Copyright: @ 2026 Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 19 January 2026

Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies

The future of Iran is not merely an Iranian domestic issue, nor is it a question limited to regional geopolitics. It is a matter of global strategic importance. The international community does not benefit from a weakened, isolated, or perpetually sanctioned Iran, nor from an Iran defined by fear, repression, and ideological export. What the world genuinely needs is a free, civic, and modern Iran—a state grounded in citizenship rather than theology, cooperation rather than confrontation, and innovation rather than coercion.... Read more

Stella-Sofia Kyvelou
(Professor at Panteion University, Greece & Expert in Maritime Spatial Planning)

Note: S-S. Kyvelou serves as the focal point for the Eastern Mediterranean within the framework of the European MSP Assistance Mechanism.

Copyright: @ 2026 Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 19 January 2026

Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies

With the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) entering into force in January 2026 as a legally binding international treaty, a significant governance gap concerning areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) is being addressed. ... Read more

Robert Ellis
(International Advisor at the Research Institute for European and American Studies in Athens)

Copyright: @ 2026 Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 13 January 2026

Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies

Karl Marx mentions Hegel’s remark that all great world-historic facts and personages appear twice. However, Marx adds, the first time as tragedy, the second time as farce. The establishment of the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq, which morphed into a long drawn-out struggle, is a good example. After the special operation in Venezuela, President Trump’s declaration “we are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition” falls into the second category. ... Read more

Shaul Shay
(Senior research fellow at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) at the Interdisciplinary Centre Herzliya and former deputy head of Israel’s National Security Council)

Copyright: @ 2025 Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 11 January 2026

Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies

The conflict in Yemen is a multi-layered war where internal rivalries are often fueled by regional powers and interests. Over the past decade, the Houthi movement "Ansar Allah" has been at the center of international attention in Yemen due to two wars waged by the movement:

Yemen’s civil war began in 2014, when the Houthis swept down from their northern stronghold and seized the capital, Sanaa, along with much of the country’s north. The rebel group has been at war with the government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition since 2015, in a conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands of Yemenis and triggered a major humanitarian crisis.[Separatists tighten grip over southern Yemen, and airspace is briefly closed, AP , December 8, 2025. ] Both sides signed in April 2022 an UN-brokered ceasefire. .. Read more

Theresa Lillelund
(Danish Graduate Student, MA International Relations, Webster University Athens)

Copyright: @ 2026 Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 11 January 2026

Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies.

Over this last year we have heard that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders and not the US” as a response to President Donald Trump. However, this has not stopped him or his administration from keeping focus on Greenland and the alleged national security issue. Even though Greenland and the Arctic region have strategic importance, it can be seen as a personal ambition rather than just about security. .. Read more

Glen Segell
(Professor: NATO-EU Strategy Group, was educated to a Doctor of Philosophy (Oxford),
and holds the rank of Brigadier-General (Reserves).

Copyright: @ 2026 Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 4 January 2026

Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies.

In 2025, the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions marked 77 years of their operations. That same year also witnessed the beginning of the end of one of the longest missions, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Many have suggested that the 'F' in UNIFIL stands for 'Farce' rather than 'Force', given that the mission has incurred a cost of $12.3 billion in nominal terms. As of early 2026, it comprises around 11,000 troops from 48 different countries... Read more