Thursday Reads

The CRANKs, rethinking U.S. Middle East policy, and more. Thursday Reads May 30, 2024 Want to book an interview with our authors or experts? [Click here](. Meet the CRANKs: How China, Russia, Iran and North Korea Align Against America by Paul J. Saunders Setting aside “Axis of Evil,” or its calibrated stepchild “Axis of Upheaval,” what might be a better name for the China-Russia-Iran-North Korea cluster? [Read it here](. Toward a New Pax Americana by Arthur Herman A “New Arsenal of Democracy” is needed to secure American power in the twenty-first century. [Read it here](. Rethinking U.S. Middle East Policy by Yulia Shalamov & Masoud Mostajabi The United States and Israel need to rethink their strategy of creating a U.S.–Arab–Israeli alliance to “contain” Iran. [Read it here](. Putin’s Tactical Nuclear Exercises: Old Wine in New Bottles? by Lawrence J. Korb & Stephen Cimbala It is in the interest of Russia and the United States to restart New START discussions at the level of engaged experts, even if they stay below high politics. [Read it here](. Live Event | Iran in the Wake of President Raisi’s Demise Friday, May 31 | 10:00 AM EDT Following the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash earlier this month, Iran is preparing for an election on June 28 to choose a successor. Who are the potential candidates? How could Raisi's succession affect the relationships between other political and economic players in Iran? Could it change Iranian foreign policy? What about Iran's nuclear program? Join us tomorrow for an expert panel discussion featuring Hamidreza Azizi and Alex Vatanka, moderated by Greg Priddy. [Register Here]( Want more TNI? Follow us on social media! [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [YouTube]( [Spotify]( [Website]( [Email](mailto:editor@nationalinterest.org) Copyright © 2024 Center for the National Interest, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in for our daily newsletter or registered at an event. Our mailing address is: Center for the National Interest 1025 Connecticut Avenue NW Suite 709Washington, DC 20036 [Add us to your address book]( Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list]( Want to subscribe to our mailing list? [Click here](.