Alec Soltes

A Path Forward on UN Security Council Reform

Opinion - Mar 29, 2023

cc sanjitbakshi, modified, https://flickr.com/photos/sanjit/6365386329/in/photolist-aGugAa-2jnqS5k-pdpBA8-2btWz6X-qpHUkB-2onNyh5-QUD58B-3LYyv-2nnFdbw-2fTWp7J-8nnv7V-9srcdd-2bsscCD-i9cY38-2i6ti9N-GnAsEM-sb3ug6-mEPaCD-2erDAyH-8XHDcZ-PhJpH3-Pm56tj-27Dabpg-NqTta-2nPSEtV-2ig145R-29BgQaQ-7SmDBf-5xvdBn-aCapz6-2JK6aj-2nMVCCZ-mENKH6-2a32mUa-2hzVXCA-kqcJ46-4ccJ-rrqAeH-GwzD8-6jERwK-Gwvg5-2btWzFe-ftSATi-mEP7FB-MesfE7-6Q4vF-2jaqVXs-GwzQz-24VWTtE-2ajSF9w

Limiting the scope of UNSC veto power and expanding the number of rotating members are two realistic ways to make UN institutions more representative.

Ukraine War: Russia Must Negotiate Sincerely

Opinion - Feb 28, 2023

cc Russian Presidential Office, modified, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vladimir_Putin_%282020-01-11%29_02.jpg

With no military victory possible, the only way Russia can secure its own interests going forward is to enter into sincere negotiations.

US Expands Military Footprint in the Philippines

Situation Reports - Feb 06, 2023

Philippine Marines and U.S. Marines attend a combat lifesaver course during Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 (PHIBLEX) on Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 7, 2016. PHIBLEX is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise that combines amphibious capabilities and live-fire training with humanitarian civic assistance efforts to strengthen interoperability and working relationships. The Philippine Marines are with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Marine Company. The U.S. Marines are with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Echo Company. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis/Released)

New military bases in the Philippines suggests that Manila is interested in hedging its geopolitical bets.