Stephen Pomper
@stevepomper.bsky.social
Chief of Policy @CrisisGroup.org. Formerly NSC senior director for human rights + UN affairs and State Department assistant legal adviser for pol-mil issues.
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
My latest, in which I was cringe and went Gen Z:
China’s strategy? Let Trump cook.
"I am not sure if any other incumbent power in history has so rapidly and systematically attacked its own principal sources of competitive advantage,” Ali Wyne @crisisgroup.org told me.
Free link: wapo.st/4m1fxNw
China’s strategy? Let Trump cook.
"I am not sure if any other incumbent power in history has so rapidly and systematically attacked its own principal sources of competitive advantage,” Ali Wyne @crisisgroup.org told me.
Free link: wapo.st/4m1fxNw
July 23, 2025 at 6:28 PM
My latest, in which I was cringe and went Gen Z:
China’s strategy? Let Trump cook.
"I am not sure if any other incumbent power in history has so rapidly and systematically attacked its own principal sources of competitive advantage,” Ali Wyne @crisisgroup.org told me.
Free link: wapo.st/4m1fxNw
China’s strategy? Let Trump cook.
"I am not sure if any other incumbent power in history has so rapidly and systematically attacked its own principal sources of competitive advantage,” Ali Wyne @crisisgroup.org told me.
Free link: wapo.st/4m1fxNw
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
‘Prospects for de-escalation are complicated by a messy feud between #Cambodia and #Thailand’s former prime ministers.’
Our expert tracks the sudden escalation in fighting after months of plummeting relations between the two states.
www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-e...
Our expert tracks the sudden escalation in fighting after months of plummeting relations between the two states.
www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-e...
At Least a Dozen Killed as Fighting Erupts Along Cambodia-Thailand Border | International Crisis Group
Crisis Group expert Matt Wheeler tracks the sudden escalation in fighting after months of plummeting relations between the two states
www.crisisgroup.org
July 24, 2025 at 4:48 PM
‘Prospects for de-escalation are complicated by a messy feud between #Cambodia and #Thailand’s former prime ministers.’
Our expert tracks the sudden escalation in fighting after months of plummeting relations between the two states.
www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-e...
Our expert tracks the sudden escalation in fighting after months of plummeting relations between the two states.
www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-e...
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
Israel is starving Gaza, tipping the strip from mass starvation towards mass death.
The lack of a ceasefire provides no excuse for this policy. War is no licence to starve.
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
The lack of a ceasefire provides no excuse for this policy. War is no licence to starve.
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
Open the Gates to Save a Starving Gaza | International Crisis Group
As ceasefire talks drag on, Gaza is tipping from mass starvation toward mass death. Israel must allow assistance in immediately. But that step alone will not save the strip’s depleted population. Gaza...
www.crisisgroup.org
July 25, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Israel is starving Gaza, tipping the strip from mass starvation towards mass death.
The lack of a ceasefire provides no excuse for this policy. War is no licence to starve.
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
The lack of a ceasefire provides no excuse for this policy. War is no licence to starve.
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
On @crisisgroup.org Hold Your Fire podcast, @stevepomper.bsky.social & I join Richard Atwood to talk Ukraine's negotiations with Americans, American negotiations with Russians, European leverage, & all the rest of it.
What Hope Do the Ceasefire Proposal and Minerals Deal Offer Ukraine? | Crisis Group
This week on Hold Your Fire!, Richard speaks with Crisis Group experts Olga Oliker and Stephen Pomper about Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal for Ukraine, Kyiv’s and Europe’s response, the U.S.-Ukrain...
www.crisisgroup.org
May 3, 2025 at 11:52 AM
On @crisisgroup.org Hold Your Fire podcast, @stevepomper.bsky.social & I join Richard Atwood to talk Ukraine's negotiations with Americans, American negotiations with Russians, European leverage, & all the rest of it.
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
The first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term in the White House will go down in history.
His administration has attacked its first three-plus months in office with such a ferocious commitment to rewiring the status quo.
www.crisisgroup.org/global-unite...
His administration has attacked its first three-plus months in office with such a ferocious commitment to rewiring the status quo.
www.crisisgroup.org/global-unite...
Trump’s Turbulent First 100 Days: Views from Around the Globe | Crisis Group
Since taking office in late January, the second Trump administration has moved to upend a decades-old domestic and international order. Crisis Group takes stock of what the White House has done and ho...
www.crisisgroup.org
April 30, 2025 at 11:14 AM
The first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term in the White House will go down in history.
His administration has attacked its first three-plus months in office with such a ferocious commitment to rewiring the status quo.
www.crisisgroup.org/global-unite...
His administration has attacked its first three-plus months in office with such a ferocious commitment to rewiring the status quo.
www.crisisgroup.org/global-unite...
Check out @CrisisGroup’s region by region breakdown of how Trump’s first 100 days were seen around the world …
www.crisisgroup.org/global-unite...
www.crisisgroup.org/global-unite...
Trump’s Turbulent First 100 Days: Views from Around the Globe | Crisis Group
Since taking office in late January, the second Trump administration has moved to upend a decades-old domestic and international order. Crisis Group takes stock of what the White House has done and ho...
www.crisisgroup.org
April 30, 2025 at 2:16 AM
Check out @CrisisGroup’s region by region breakdown of how Trump’s first 100 days were seen around the world …
www.crisisgroup.org/global-unite...
www.crisisgroup.org/global-unite...
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
Given SignalGate 2.0, reposting our @crisisgroup.org report on how the US came to be fighting the Houthis—without congressional authorization.
Based on my recent conversations with US officials, seems Trump admin is using the same legal arguments as Biden team.
www.crisisgroup.org/united-state...
Based on my recent conversations with US officials, seems Trump admin is using the same legal arguments as Biden team.
www.crisisgroup.org/united-state...
Bending the Guardrails: U.S. War Powers after 7 October | Crisis Group
Amid the Gaza war, the Biden administration has resorted to military force without asking Congress, further corroding the U.S. constitution’s checks and balances in this domain. Job one is a ceasefire...
www.crisisgroup.org
April 20, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Given SignalGate 2.0, reposting our @crisisgroup.org report on how the US came to be fighting the Houthis—without congressional authorization.
Based on my recent conversations with US officials, seems Trump admin is using the same legal arguments as Biden team.
www.crisisgroup.org/united-state...
Based on my recent conversations with US officials, seems Trump admin is using the same legal arguments as Biden team.
www.crisisgroup.org/united-state...
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
If there's one point of consistency on Ukraine between the Biden & Trump administrations, it's the rejection of US security guarantees for Kyiv. New @crisisgroup.org statement argues Ukraine and its European backers should accept this reality & ensure Kyiv can defend itself, now and into the future.
Ukraine’s Most Plausible Security Guarantee Will Not Come from the U.S. | Crisis Group
The Trump administration rules out security guarantees for Ukraine – as did the Biden administration. Europeans and Ukrainians need to give up hope that this stance might change. Efforts to align Kyiv...
www.crisisgroup.org
March 7, 2025 at 8:51 PM
If there's one point of consistency on Ukraine between the Biden & Trump administrations, it's the rejection of US security guarantees for Kyiv. New @crisisgroup.org statement argues Ukraine and its European backers should accept this reality & ensure Kyiv can defend itself, now and into the future.
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
In @justsecurity.org ahead of #IWD2025 I highlight how the Mexico City policy (also known as the global gag rule) impacts women & girls in conflict even beyond the damage done by recent aid cuts. Past experience shows that this restriction reduces access to essential health care.
This #InternationalWomensDay, U.S. aid cuts and reimposition of the “Mexico City Policy” may leave millions of women worldwide without access to life-saving sexual and reproductive healthcare, writes @cristaldowning.bsky.social of @crisisgroup.org:
www.justsecurity.org/108610/forei...
#IWD
www.justsecurity.org/108610/forei...
#IWD
US Aid Cuts Compound Harmful Impact of 'Mexico City Policy'
The reimposition of the Mexico City policy could cause conflict survivors to lose access to life-saving sexual and reproductive healthcare.
www.justsecurity.org
March 7, 2025 at 2:53 PM
In @justsecurity.org ahead of #IWD2025 I highlight how the Mexico City policy (also known as the global gag rule) impacts women & girls in conflict even beyond the damage done by recent aid cuts. Past experience shows that this restriction reduces access to essential health care.
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
What’s that you said?!? Bust up, shakedown, divorce? 🤔
🎧 to @richardatwood.bsky.social @olyaoliker.bsky.social @stevepomper.bsky.social on a stunning showdown in transatlantic relations & Vice President JD Vance’s criticisms of European democracy at Munich.
www.crisisgroup.org/europe-centr...
🎧 to @richardatwood.bsky.social @olyaoliker.bsky.social @stevepomper.bsky.social on a stunning showdown in transatlantic relations & Vice President JD Vance’s criticisms of European democracy at Munich.
www.crisisgroup.org/europe-centr...
U.S. and Russia Start Ukraine Talks, Transatlantic Ties Unravel | Crisis Group
This week on Hold Your Fire!, Richard speaks with Crisis Group experts Olga Oliker and Stephen Pomper about an extraordinary week or so of U.S. diplomacy in Europe, Ukraine talks and the future of the...
www.crisisgroup.org
February 22, 2025 at 11:59 AM
What’s that you said?!? Bust up, shakedown, divorce? 🤔
🎧 to @richardatwood.bsky.social @olyaoliker.bsky.social @stevepomper.bsky.social on a stunning showdown in transatlantic relations & Vice President JD Vance’s criticisms of European democracy at Munich.
www.crisisgroup.org/europe-centr...
🎧 to @richardatwood.bsky.social @olyaoliker.bsky.social @stevepomper.bsky.social on a stunning showdown in transatlantic relations & Vice President JD Vance’s criticisms of European democracy at Munich.
www.crisisgroup.org/europe-centr...
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
🎧 NEW EPISODE | Hold Your Fire!
This week, Richard Atwood is joined by @olyaoliker.bsky.social and @stevepomper.bsky.social to discuss recent talks between the U.S. and Russia over the Ukraine war and the growing rift in transatlantic relations.
www.crisisgroup.org/europe-centr...
This week, Richard Atwood is joined by @olyaoliker.bsky.social and @stevepomper.bsky.social to discuss recent talks between the U.S. and Russia over the Ukraine war and the growing rift in transatlantic relations.
www.crisisgroup.org/europe-centr...
U.S. and Russia Start Ukraine Talks, Transatlantic Ties Unravel | Crisis Group
This week on Hold Your Fire!, Richard speaks with Crisis Group experts Olga Oliker and Stephen Pomper about talks between U.S. and Russia over the Ukraine war and the growing rift in transatlantic rel...
www.crisisgroup.org
February 22, 2025 at 1:59 PM
🎧 NEW EPISODE | Hold Your Fire!
This week, Richard Atwood is joined by @olyaoliker.bsky.social and @stevepomper.bsky.social to discuss recent talks between the U.S. and Russia over the Ukraine war and the growing rift in transatlantic relations.
www.crisisgroup.org/europe-centr...
This week, Richard Atwood is joined by @olyaoliker.bsky.social and @stevepomper.bsky.social to discuss recent talks between the U.S. and Russia over the Ukraine war and the growing rift in transatlantic relations.
www.crisisgroup.org/europe-centr...
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
After yet another tumultuous week, @stevepomper.bsky.social & I talked to Richard Atwood about what Washington's radical new approach to Ukraine & Europe more broadly might mean for the Russo-Ukrainian war & continental security on the @crisisgroup.org Hold Your Fire podcast.
U.S. and Russia Start Ukraine Talks, Transatlantic Ties Unravel | Crisis Group
This week on Hold Your Fire!, Richard speaks with Crisis Group experts Olga Oliker and Stephen Pomper about talks between U.S. and Russia over the Ukraine war and the growing rift in transatlantic rel...
www.crisisgroup.org
February 22, 2025 at 1:40 PM
After yet another tumultuous week, @stevepomper.bsky.social & I talked to Richard Atwood about what Washington's radical new approach to Ukraine & Europe more broadly might mean for the Russo-Ukrainian war & continental security on the @crisisgroup.org Hold Your Fire podcast.
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
Much talk these days about Ukraine cease-fire, what sorts of deals Trump can make with Putin over everyone's heads, what is & isn't on the table, including peacekeepers, & what Ukraine's European backers should do. A lot of this talk seems a bit muddled? Lotta carts before horses? Hence, a 🧵 1/14
February 15, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Much talk these days about Ukraine cease-fire, what sorts of deals Trump can make with Putin over everyone's heads, what is & isn't on the table, including peacekeepers, & what Ukraine's European backers should do. A lot of this talk seems a bit muddled? Lotta carts before horses? Hence, a 🧵 1/14
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
With war in Ukraine raging on & Donald Trump’s second term as president offering multiple surprises daily, our new @CrisisGroup report on the future of European security predicts a continuing bumpy ride, explains why, & offers some thoughts on how, perhaps to smooth it. Somewhat. A 🧵 1/19
Ukraine and Beyond: Shaping Europe’s Security Future | Crisis Group
What happens with the war in Ukraine matters beyond its borders, as events there will shape the larger standoff between Russia and the West. The U.S. and European powers can manage the risks of a chan...
www.crisisgroup.org
February 3, 2025 at 1:48 PM
With war in Ukraine raging on & Donald Trump’s second term as president offering multiple surprises daily, our new @CrisisGroup report on the future of European security predicts a continuing bumpy ride, explains why, & offers some thoughts on how, perhaps to smooth it. Somewhat. A 🧵 1/19
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
For all the question marks surrounding the Gaza deal, the opportunity it presents is too important to let go. The parties that threw their weight behind getting it done now need to turn their attention to making it stick, for the sake of Israelis & Palestinians.
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
Understanding the Israel-Hamas Truce | Crisis Group
A deal has been reached to halt the war that has devastated the Gaza Strip and to return many of the Israelis held captive there. In this Q&A, Crisis Group experts lay out the ceasefire agreement’s contents and gauge its prospects for success.
www.crisisgroup.org
January 21, 2025 at 10:37 PM
For all the question marks surrounding the Gaza deal, the opportunity it presents is too important to let go. The parties that threw their weight behind getting it done now need to turn their attention to making it stick, for the sake of Israelis & Palestinians.
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
We @crisisgroup.org have just published our view on the strengths and weaknesses of the Gaza ceasefire deal in a Q&A format. Take a gander.
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
Understanding the Israel-Hamas Truce | Crisis Group
A deal has been reached to halt the war that has devastated the Gaza Strip and to return many of the Israelis held captive there. In this Q&A, Crisis Group experts lay out the ceasefire agreement’s contents and gauge its prospects for success.
www.crisisgroup.org
January 21, 2025 at 10:11 PM
We @crisisgroup.org have just published our view on the strengths and weaknesses of the Gaza ceasefire deal in a Q&A format. Take a gander.
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
Our assessments of the Gaza ceasefire. A limited deal is of course welcome as a first step, but for the deal to match expectations many important details will need to be agreed upon, and will likely require outside engagement, encouragement, and pressure.
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
Understanding the Israel-Hamas Truce | Crisis Group
A deal has been reached to halt the war that has devastated the Gaza Strip and to return many of the Israelis held captive there. In this Q&A, Crisis Group experts lay out the ceasefire agreement’s contents and gauge its prospects for success.
www.crisisgroup.org
January 21, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Our assessments of the Gaza ceasefire. A limited deal is of course welcome as a first step, but for the deal to match expectations many important details will need to be agreed upon, and will likely require outside engagement, encouragement, and pressure.
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
Confirmation hearing for #SecretaryOfState nominee Sen. Marco Rubio before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is set for Wednesday at 10 am US ET
Top experts suggest questions that Senators (and journalists) should ask:
www.justsecurity.org/106317/quest...
Top experts suggest questions that Senators (and journalists) should ask:
www.justsecurity.org/106317/quest...
Questions for Senators (and Journalists) to ask Secretary of State Nominee Marco Rubio
Experts suggest questions for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's confirmation hearing for Trump's pick, a member from their own ranks.
www.justsecurity.org
January 14, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Confirmation hearing for #SecretaryOfState nominee Sen. Marco Rubio before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is set for Wednesday at 10 am US ET
Top experts suggest questions that Senators (and journalists) should ask:
www.justsecurity.org/106317/quest...
Top experts suggest questions that Senators (and journalists) should ask:
www.justsecurity.org/106317/quest...
Thanks to @justsecurity.org for including questions from me and @crisisgroup.org colleague @bcfinucane.bsky.social in this list for Sen. Marco Rubio's #SecretaryofState confirmation hearing.
Confirmation hearing for #SecretaryOfState nominee Sen. Marco Rubio before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is set for Wednesday at 10 am US ET
Top experts suggest questions that Senators (and journalists) should ask:
www.justsecurity.org/106317/quest...
Top experts suggest questions that Senators (and journalists) should ask:
www.justsecurity.org/106317/quest...
Questions for Senators (and Journalists) to ask Secretary of State Nominee Marco Rubio
Experts suggest questions for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's confirmation hearing for Trump's pick, a member from their own ranks.
www.justsecurity.org
January 14, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Thanks to @justsecurity.org for including questions from me and @crisisgroup.org colleague @bcfinucane.bsky.social in this list for Sen. Marco Rubio's #SecretaryofState confirmation hearing.
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
NEW COMMENTARY | @crisisgroup.org’s 10 Conflicts to Watch in 2025
In collaboration w/ @foreignpolicy.com
📌 Read more:
www.crisisgroup.org/global/10-co...
In collaboration w/ @foreignpolicy.com
📌 Read more:
www.crisisgroup.org/global/10-co...
January 1, 2025 at 2:53 PM
NEW COMMENTARY | @crisisgroup.org’s 10 Conflicts to Watch in 2025
In collaboration w/ @foreignpolicy.com
📌 Read more:
www.crisisgroup.org/global/10-co...
In collaboration w/ @foreignpolicy.com
📌 Read more:
www.crisisgroup.org/global/10-co...
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
New from @crisisgroup.org: A round-up of regional and international responses to events in Syria, including a few paras on the view from the UNSC.
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
Regional Perspectives on the House of Assad’s Fall | Crisis Group
The Assad dynasty’s demise will certainly remake Syria, but it will also reshape relations between Damascus and other capitals. Crisis Group experts offer a 360-degree view of how the Syrian crisis could shake up regional politics.
www.crisisgroup.org
December 17, 2024 at 9:52 PM
New from @crisisgroup.org: A round-up of regional and international responses to events in Syria, including a few paras on the view from the UNSC.
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-...
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
Big news in the sanctions world.
Today, the UNSC indefinitely extended the humanitarian carveout of the Al Qaeda/ISIL sanctions regime.
What does this mean, & why is it so important? A quick 🧵.
Today, the UNSC indefinitely extended the humanitarian carveout of the Al Qaeda/ISIL sanctions regime.
What does this mean, & why is it so important? A quick 🧵.
December 6, 2024 at 4:22 PM
Big news in the sanctions world.
Today, the UNSC indefinitely extended the humanitarian carveout of the Al Qaeda/ISIL sanctions regime.
What does this mean, & why is it so important? A quick 🧵.
Today, the UNSC indefinitely extended the humanitarian carveout of the Al Qaeda/ISIL sanctions regime.
What does this mean, & why is it so important? A quick 🧵.
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
From last week, my essay on U.S.-Egypt relations, which are broadly improved on a host of pressing diplomatic matters despite the war in Gaza. Cooperation welcome, but shouldn't obscure continuing political and economic deficiencies of Egypt's governing model.
www.foreignaffairs.com/egypt/does-a...
www.foreignaffairs.com/egypt/does-a...
Does America Still Need Egypt?
When war broke out in Gaza, Biden reconciled with Sisi—but Trump’s calculus might differ.
www.foreignaffairs.com
December 2, 2024 at 4:57 PM
From last week, my essay on U.S.-Egypt relations, which are broadly improved on a host of pressing diplomatic matters despite the war in Gaza. Cooperation welcome, but shouldn't obscure continuing political and economic deficiencies of Egypt's governing model.
www.foreignaffairs.com/egypt/does-a...
www.foreignaffairs.com/egypt/does-a...
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
A standoff between President Luis Arce and former President Evo Morales has plunged Bolivia into turmoil, aggravating economic grievances and fuelling social unrest.
🧵 to explain what’s happening
🧵 to explain what’s happening
December 6, 2024 at 1:55 PM
A standoff between President Luis Arce and former President Evo Morales has plunged Bolivia into turmoil, aggravating economic grievances and fuelling social unrest.
🧵 to explain what’s happening
🧵 to explain what’s happening
Reposted by Stephen Pomper
December 4, 2024 at 3:07 PM