How Iran’s Ethnic Divisions Are Fueling the Revolt
Iran’s non-Persian minorities, largely overlooked in Western coverage, are playing an outsized role in the protests that erupted after Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody. Brenda Shaffer writes that security forces have killed a disproportionate number of minority protesters, including a massacre of Baluch worshippers in Zahedan, and argues these ethnic fault lines may determine […]
Putin Just Pushed the World Into an Even Bigger Energy Crisis
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine didn’t create the world’s energy problems. It made them much worse. Crude prices jumped past $105 a barrel within days of the attack. Even Russian energy exports that avoid formal sanctions will shrink, since companies tend to overcomply rather than risk US retribution or reputational damage. The market was already tight […]
Testimony Before the U.S. Helsinki Commission on U.S.-Azerbaijan Relations
Dr. Brenda Shaffer testified before the U.S. Helsinki Commission during a hearing examining the security, economic, and human rights dimensions of U.S.-Azerbaijan relations. The hearing explored Azerbaijan’s strategic importance to the United States, including its role in regional security, energy cooperation, and broader geopolitical developments in the South Caucasus. In her testimony, Dr. Shaffer discussed […]
Testimony Before the U.S. Congress on Iranian Influence in the South Caucasus
Dr. Brenda Shaffer testified before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe and Eurasia regarding Iranian influence in the South Caucasus and the surrounding region. During her testimony, Dr. Shaffer discussed Iran’s strategic interests in the South Caucasus, including its relationships with Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia; Tehran’s regional objectives; the importance of energy and […]
Testimony Before Congress on the Caucasus and Caspian Region
Dr. Brenda Shaffer testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on International Relations Subcommittee on Europe during a hearing titled “The Caucasus and Caspian Region: Understanding U.S. Interests and Policy.” The hearing examined the strategic importance of the Caucasus and Caspian regions to U.S. foreign policy, including issues related to energy security, regional stability, […]