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Analysis

New Lines Institute has a unique institutional approach to analysis. The Institute’s analytical methodology emphasizes geopolitics (the interplay between geography, people, economics, and history), intelligence analysis, and deep subject matter expertise.

We value scholarly rigor and analytical empathy that steers clear of advocacy and prejudice. It is our belief that true insight emerges from understanding the imperatives, anxieties, and constraints of all political actors involved in an issue.

Our efforts to produce analysis/forecast-driven policy recommendations enable us to provide strategic forecasts on issues while capturing the nuances of local contexts.

For more on our methodology and publication types, please refer to our Submissions page.

Net Assessment

As the flagship publication of New Lines Institute, the Net Assessment is the most frequently published type of analysis. It identifies an issue of geopolitical significance, separating it from the ever-increasing volume of open-source information.

The Net Assessment explains why the issue unfolded in the way it did and how it will likely evolve barring any interventions. It concludes with suggestions on countermeasures that U.S. policymakers can engage in to mitigate risk.

Terrain Analysis

Many issues of strategic relevance are poorly understood. Our signature policy product, the Terrain Analysis, captures their granular nuances in order to explain why the actors involved behave the way they do. It offers the much-needed balance between the big picture and the various moving parts.

Terrain Analyses are intended to improve situational awareness on underappreciated yet strategically vital topics.

Policy Report

At New Lines Institute, we strive to produce Policy Reports that are not simply long, detailed assessments but that actually offer concrete policy advice. In keeping with our innovative analytical methodology, these reports put forth recommendations distilled from analysis and forecasting.

The Policy Report is thus different from all our other products in that it is prescriptive-heavy. It is designed to provide actionable solutions for resolving complex policy challenges.

Practitioner’s Perspective

Occasionally, we publish thought pieces from select individuals who have had distinguished careers in foreign policy. The Practitioner’s Perspective is more than just analysis; it is designed to impart wisdom based on extensive experience in the field.

Intelligence Briefing

Although we produce them less often than our other publications, we do publish lengthier reports we call Intelligence Briefings. The briefing is the vehicle through which we deliver information that is not publicly available or that very little is known about. Intelligence Briefings are highly focused assessments of select issues that we feel policymakers should understand at the granular level. While rich in details, the briefing is not a compilation of raw data; rather, it is information analytically woven together.

Dossier

Influenced by U.S. government intelligence dossiers, the New Lines Dossier bridges the gap between subject matter expertise and policymaking spaces with an academic-quality, intelligence-style report. Each Dossier takes a deep dive into an under covered or misunderstood issue or region, contextualizing relevant content within a broader geopolitical context to present detailed, scholarly research and analysis to a policy audience.

Expert Review

The Expert Review is a brief analysis produced by New Lines Institute experts to comment on significant developments that impact their areas of research. The analyses found here are built on our foundational methodology and are designed to respond to events and trends as they occur.

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