Fragments of Hope is a powerful journey through time and space, where despair and resilience collide in tales that transcend centuries and continents. From the pre-arthurian era England to the silent reaches of a distant space station, each story reveals characters at the brink of surrender, only to find that hope is the strongest force of all. A mysterious figure, the Merchant of Dreams, appears in their darkest moments, offering escape but at what cost? As they grapple with impossible choices, they discover that hope is not just an emotion, but a force that can shape destinies and redefine lives. With rich, atmospheric prose and a narrative that bridges the ancient and the futuristic, Fragments of Hope delves deep into the human spirit, exploring the choices that define us and the enduring quest for meaning in a chaotic world. This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever stood at the crossroads of despair and chosen to fight on.

In this report, the authors create a framework that can be used to assess the trade-offs involved in U.S. military intervention decisions following the outbreak of a war or crisis to inform future debates about whether and when to intervene.

A close look at failed U.S. policies in the Middle East, offering a fresh perspective on how best to reorient goals in the region In this book Alexandra Stark argues that the U.S. approach to Yemen offers insights into the failures of American foreign policy throughout the Middle East. Stark makes the case that despite often being drawn into conflicts within Yemen, the United States has not achieved its policy goals because it has narrowly focused on counterterrorism and regional geopolitical competition rather than on the well-being of Yemenis themselves. She offers recommendations designed to reorient U.S. policy in the Middle East in pursuit of U.S. national security interests and to support the people of these countries in their efforts to make their own communities safe, secure, and prosperous.

This report evaluates the potential for further escalation in the conflict in Ukraine, including the prospects for escalation to Russian nuclear use. The report is intended to inform U.S. and NATO policymakers as they consider how to avoid further escalation of the conflict while assisting Ukraine in its efforts to defeat the Russian invasion and to better inform the public debate around these issues.

Despite fluctuations, U.S.-China trade tensions have been high since 2017. In this report, the authors assess recent U.S. economic policy toward China and recommend adjustments to help defend U.S. economic interests and boost fair trade practices.