By Other Means Part II: Case Study for First Solar, 2006-2012
This case study examines the organizational and structural decisions made by First Solar, Inc. between 2006–2012 and explains why First Solar continued to be viable in a volatile market.
Topic: Strategy
Read the most recent CSIS research on U.S. national security strategy.
Iran’s Threat to Saudi Critical Infrastructure: The Implications of U.S.-Iranian Escalation
The United States should focus on deterring further Iranian escalation, refraining from actions that threaten the regime’s survival, and providing a political “off ramp” for Iran to de-escalate.
Sturm und Drang: Can Ursula von der Leyen Reconcile Collective European Defense Strategy?
Germany’s former Defense Minister, Ursula von der Leyen has become the new President of the European Commission. Amidst the long list of challenges awaiting her, von der Leyen must find a way to mitigate political disputes within the EU and between the U.S. and NATO to consolidate conflicting visions of European defense.
Mark Esper is About to Put Every Pentagon Program Manager Through the Wringer
Esper will likely conduct a “night court” process for DoD, which means that every program will need to be justified in terms of the national defense strategy’s reorientation towards great power conflict.
Rekindling Relations: Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Visit to the United States
U.S. desire to exit Afghanistan creates new dynamics for U.S.-Pakistan relations as Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan prepares for his first official visit to the United States. This commentary evaluates the stakes and opportunities of this upcoming dialogue.
Oil Markets, Oil Attacks, and the Strategic Straits
With Iran continuing to successfully deploy plausible deniability tactics, the series of sabotage attacks on tankers have served to further escalate tensions with the United States and its regional allies.
Russia in the Gray Zone
A significant number of Russia’s tactics fall in the space between routine statecraft and direct and open warfare, a space sometimes referred to as the gray zone.
Coup-Proofing? Making Sense of Turkey’s S-400 Decision
On July 12, Turkey received the first elements of the S-400, a fourth-generation surface-to-air Russian missile system. Few recent weapon sales have been as geopolitically charged as this one. U.S. officials have threatened both military and economic sanctions should Turkey acquire the Russian system.
Tell Me How This Ends: Military Advice, Strategic Goals, and the “Forever War” in Afghanistan
After 18 years of military involvement, the United States is still in Afghanistan. This report addresses the factors that allowed U.S. engagement to grow so drastically, makes recommendations on future action, and explores lessons to learn from for future engagements.
Tell Me How This Ends: Military Advice, Strategic Goals, and the “Forever War” in Afghanistan
When the United States invaded Afghanistan after the attacks on September 11, 2001, and
overthrew the Taliban regime, senior military officers were not predicting that the United
States would remain militarily involved 18 years later.