The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has endured almost 3,000 Iranian missile and drone strikes since February 28, 2026. This volume of kinetic activity exceeds that of any other nation in the theater, including Israel.
Operation Epic Fury/Roaring Lion is an IW Showcase
The combined U.S. Operation Epic Fury and Israeli Operation Roaring Lion (OEF/ORL) is the largest conventional air and naval operation in a generation, but it is also an irregular warfare (IW) showcase. The current (mid-April 2026) ceasefire provides an opportunity to take stock of what has happened so far in the IW space.
The Kurds of Iran as a Strategic Factor in Western Approaches to a Changing Islamic Republic
Since mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin died in a plane crash in 2023, the Kremlin has assumed more direct control over his Wagner Group and its operations in Africa. As Russia becomes more assertive with its strategic approach to Africa, African nations hosting Russian private military companies (PMCs) may find themselves facing a dire security threat.
April 2026 Newsletter
Welcome to the monthly newsletter for the IWC. This newsletter is designed to keep our community up-to-date on the latest news and events happening within the organization. Please click here download a PDF version of the IWC Spotlight Newsletter.
Russian Private Military Companies May Become a Security Threat to Their Hosts in Africa
Since mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin died in a plane crash in 2023, the Kremlin has assumed more direct control over his Wagner Group and its operations in Africa. As Russia becomes more assertive with its strategic approach to Africa, African nations hosting Russian private military companies (PMCs) may find themselves facing a dire security threat.
The Current Fight with Iran and China’s Dependance on Imported Oil
The logic seems compelling to argue that fuel shortages are in China’s future – consider three facts. First, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) imports more oil than any other nation on earth, about 11 million barrels per day (mbpd). Second, a large percentage of the world’s exported oil, more than 14 million barrels per day (mbpd), passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
March 2026 Newsletter
Welcome to the monthly newsletter for the IWC. This newsletter is designed to keep our community up-to-date on the latest news and events happening within the organization. Please click here download a PDF version of the IWC Spotlight Newsletter.
Traficante de Drogas Vulnerable: Disrupt Market Motivations to Effectively Influence Drug Cartels
Implementing new controls over the cognitive conditions of illicit markets for weapons, drugs, contraband and people would address underlying enablers of a vexing border security challenge.
China’s Way of Occupation: Implications for Taiwan
This report examines the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) enduring habits and approaches to occupation to develop a PRC “way of occupation” and considers how the PRC might occupy, pacify, and integrate Taiwan after seizing the island—an area largely neglected in wargames and policy analyses that end with invasion.
Clash or Convergence of Equities?: Exploring Overlap Between Russia and China in Africa
The ongoing civil war in Burma (also known as Myanmar) presents a critical challenge to regional stability and an opportunity to counter the growing influence of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). While the conflict between the ruling junta and the resistance forces continues, the PRC is actively maneuvering to safeguard its economic and strategic interests. Despite claims of neutrality, Beijing’s actions reveal a clear bias toward the junta, providing crucial support while exploiting Burmese resources.
