The inaugural issue of Balance of Power marks a milestone I never imagined I would witness during my time at Aleph, let alone help orchestrate, first as Vice President and then as President. It reflects the organisation’s evolution from a small student club into a full-fledged student think tank, capable of producing high-quality, consistent analysis on complex global issues, from international security and military affairs to the strategic implications of trade and political economy.
The production of this report has been the central objective of my tenure, both as Vice President and as President. I have been fortunate to work alongside a team of student analysts who not only possess the ability to produce clear and detailed work, but who consistently overcame their own biases to deliver thoughtful, objective analysis.
Most deserving of both congratulations and my sincere gratitude are Rishabh Rupani and Eduardo Pavone ― Aleph’s Editor-in-Chief and the Creative Director for this project, respectively. Without their dedication and talent, this publication would not have been possible. With students like them and many others among Aleph’s ranks, I can only look to the future with confidence and optimism, knowing I leave this organisation in more than capable enough hands.
Foreword from the Editor-in-Chief, Rishabh Rupani
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the inaugural edition of Aleph Analisi Strategiche’s bi-annual report. This project has been in the works for quite some time and has faced its fair share of challenges. Yet, as the saying goes, a path without obstacles rarely leads to meaningful destinations. Our world is not defined by any single event; rather, it is an intricate web of strategies and shifting forces that continuously shape the landscape around us. The aim of this journal is to provide insight into these dynamics as observed during the first half of 2025, while offering our perspective on what may lie ahead as we move into the second half of the year.
This journal represents more than just a report. It stands as a testament to the collective effort of Aleph’s members, whose expertise is balanced across four key focus areas: The Americas, the Middle East and Africa, Europe, and Asia. Together, they bring you our comprehensive analysis: Balance of Power.
This year began with the historic inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States, a landmark moment which largely shaped the global geopolitical structure in the months that followed, or rather, the lack thereof. The Americas Focus Group captures the essence of trade, tariffs and turmoil in the report on ‘Trumponomics’, with additional pieces addressing the Canadian elections, the future of democracy in Mexico, and a comprehensive analysis on sanctions on authoritarian regimes in South America.
Across the Atlantic, the Europe Focus Group offers a diverse range of reports, from developments on the German coalition and the future of German foreign policy, to Poland’s strategic power play and conflicts between Greece and Turkey. Furthermore, we expand on the turbulent election seasons in Georgia and Romania, underscoring Russian interference and the fate of democratic institutions. Russia falls under the spotlight yet again, making an appearance in a focused report on underwater infrastructure sabotage in the Baltic Sea and its overarching consequences, complemented by another piece examining the future of Nordic defence.
Meanwhile in Asia, India launched strikes deep inside Pakistani territory for the first time since 1971, in response to a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. A special report from the Asia Focus Group dives into the history and analysis of this decades old conflict, accompanied by a piece on the often-overlooked dilemma of Bhutanese diplomacy. In Central Asia, we focus on the trilateral agreement between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan along with the first-ever EU-Central Asia summit. Post-elections Indonesia and the Philippines’ foreign policy pivot are analysed in detail, in addition to analyses on the US-China trade war and American presence in Okinawa.
Last, but by no means least, the Middle East and Africa Focus Group deliver a thorough investigation of developments in the region. The Middle East section is divided into the Caucasus, the Levant, and the Gulf, leaving no stone unturned and providing insightful analyses on every development in the region. Updates from Africa are focused on the conflict in Congo, the Sudanese civil war, worsening Franco-Algerian relations and concludes with a brief on controversial land reforms in South Africa.
I trust you will find the first edition of Balance of Power both informative and thought-provoking. We look forward to continuing this journey and bringing you even more comprehensive analyses in the future editions. You have our word!
Foreword from the Project's Creative Director, Eduardo Pavone
This first edition of Balance of Power is a testament to the continuing progress and growth of Aleph Analisi Strategiche. It is a nonpartisan treatment on the politics, geopolitics, economy, and security of the world, by excellent analysts who make each other better “as iron sharpens iron.”
Some may ask why politics is an important faculty to teach and subject to analyse. I’ll respond with the words of Pope Pius XI: “Politics is the highest form of charity.” It seeks the common good of all men through justice, and its end, when well ordered, is love. Let us analyse politics free from prejudice, with an open heart, and order our political wills properly for the good of others. I am proud to say that while every individual author has their own political tendency, the diversity and range of the analyses make this a balanced and well ordered work. The highest of congratulations goes to them.
I am very grateful to be the one to compose this wonderful collective work into a well-rounded, and, before all, professional work. While it took time and suffering, my team and I are very happy with the outcome and are looking forward to the next edition. Some aspects of this edition might be rough around the edges, but I ask you to charitably understand that this is the first issue our think tank has ever published.
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