Author: Gregory Halloran

Diplomatic Analysis: Hyman Rickover’s model of concentrated responsibility offers lessons for contemporary proliferation concerns and international technological cooperation. Overview The story of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, the driving force behind the United States’ nuclear navy and a key figure in the development of civilian nuclear power, is more than a history of technological innovation. It […]

A decline in direct US government funding for R&D alters the landscape of technological advantage. Overview Recent analysis reveals a significant shift in the funding of US Research and Development (R&D). While the US government historically dominated R&D funding, particularly in the post-Sputnik era, industry now shoulders the majority of the financial burden. This reversal […]

Increased Allied Co-Production Signals a Redefinition of Security Partnerships. Overview Recent comments from Under Secretary of Defence for Acquisition and Sustainment, Michael P. Duffey, highlight a significant recalibration of US defence procurement strategy. The focus is shifting from simply selling arms to fostering co-production with allies, alongside broader industrial base investments and sweeping acquisition reforms. […]

Diplomatic Analysis: A calibrated response focused on fraudulent extraction, not distillation, is crucial for maintaining US AI leadership. The recent release of China’s Kimi K3 AI model, coupled with accusations of intellectual property theft levied by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has brought simmering tensions in the US-China AI competition to a boil. Washington is […]

Renewed Hostilities in 2026 Intensify Pressure on a Vital Energy Chokepoint. Overview The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is once again at the centre of escalating tensions. A renewed conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, initiated in February 2026, […]

Diplomatic Analysis: US inconsistency in its approach to Iran has exacerbated conflict and undermined peace efforts. Overview The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, marked by cycles of escalation and fragile ceasefires, is being heavily influenced by a pattern of ambiguity emanating from Washington. This analysis examines how President Trump’s fluctuating rhetoric and […]

Diplomatic Analysis: Despite inherent challenges, cyber operations *can* be deterred, but states appear reluctant to utilise deterrent threats effectively. Overview The application of deterrence theory to cyberspace presents unique difficulties. Unlike traditional domains of conflict, cyber operations are often obscured, attribution is problematic, and the potential for escalation is ambiguous. This analysis examines recent research […]

A concession on uranium enrichment risks regional escalation and undermines decades of US policy. The recent announcement of a nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia has prompted significant scrutiny, particularly regarding potential concessions made by the Trump administration concerning uranium enrichment technology. While Section 123 agreements, governing nuclear cooperation, usually uphold […]