Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco
Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco is a PhD candidate in Institutions and Policies at the Catholic University of Milan, Italy. His research interests revolve around the foreign policy and security affairs of the Gulf region. He tweets at @mazz_Leonardo.
Analysis
Operation Epic Fury and the U.S. Drone Posture in the Gulf
In the conflict with Iran, the United States has used one-way attack drones for the first time, marking a shift in U.S. military drone architecture.
Gulf Maritime Security: Balancing Partnership and Flexibility
Gulf states are increasingly influential, though still cautious, actors in the region’s evolving maritime security landscape.
The Mixed Record of U.S. Aircraft Carriers in the Middle East
The protracted presence of aircraft carrier strike groups has only partially restored U.S. deterrence and comes with significant economic and strategic costs.
Iran’s Naval Exercises and Dual Messaging
Iran’s first naval exercise since the June conflict with Israel was meant to project strength and ability to threaten the regional interests of Gulf states while avoiding military confrontation with the United States and Israel.
Kuwait’s Naval Modernization Push
Kuwait is working to ensure its naval forces can protect its economic interests, uphold its sovereignty, and contribute meaningfully to multilateral security initiatives.
UAE Defense Industry Ambitions
The “Make It in the Emirates” forum showcased how far the UAE’s growing defense manufacturing capabilities and ambitions have come – and how far they have left to go.
