New policy analysis: Collision Course: How Iran and Israel Brought the Middle East to the Brink of War

A new study by Dr. Rob Geist Pinfold, Clive Jones, and Anoushiravan Ehteshami, published in Global Policy, examines how Iran and Israel’s long-standing rivalry has driven the Middle East toward an increasingly dangerous cycle of escalation. The research reveals a surprising role reversal: Israel, traditionally a status quo power, has become the region’s leading revisionist force, seeking to reshape the regional order after the October 7 attacks, while Iran is now on the defensive, aiming to preserve its diminishing influence.

PRCP Annual Conference

PRCP Annual Conference

The event will take place on April 11, 2025 at the Faculty of Law, Charles University (nám. Curieových 901/7, Prague 1). We are excited to welcome you to our Annual Conference, where we will explore the implications of a new Trump era for Europe. To attend, please register by filling out the form here.

Keynote Speaker: Steve Brooks (Dartmouth College)

We’re excited to see you at the conference!

New publication: Adopted or contested? Examining Israel’s strategic narratives in German media

This study by Tereza Plíštilová and Zuzana Lizcová explores how German media responded to Israel’s strategic narratives during Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While narratives linked to Holocaust remembrance were accepted, Israel’s democratic identity and security concerns faced skepticism. Media receptiveness improved when Israel engaged diplomatically, highlighting the role of historical ties and proactive diplomacy in shaping narrative adoption.

New publication: Myth Busting in a Post-Assad Syria

This new study by Dr. Rob Geist Pinfold challenges common misconceptions about Syria’s post-Assad landscape, highlighting the complex power dynamics at play. It reveals that the opposition is highly fragmented and that Assad’s fall was as much a political shift as a military defeat. Despite claims of their diminished influence, Russia and Iran remain deeply embedded in Syria. The study warns against oversimplifications in policymaking and advocates for cautious international engagement.

Policy Brief #026

Matouš Horčička’s new policy brief analyzes Iran's shifting geopolitical strategy following a turbulent 2024 marked by domestic instability and international setbacks. He highlights how Iran's weakened position opens a strategic window for Western diplomats to influence Tehran’s future direction and reduce its reliance on Russia and China. The brief explores potential diplomatic approaches to engage Iran and prevent further regional escalation.