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An independent forum for research and commentary on geopolitics, democracy, and international relations. We analyze emerging national and global trends and the future of democratic systems.

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The Lost History of Liberalism by Dr. Helena Rosenblatt
The Aguilar ConversationsMonday, June 1st — 10:00 AM

Why Liberalism Keeps Losing

The Aguilar Conversations welcomes historian Dr. Helena Rosenblatt, author of The Lost History of Liberalism: From Ancient Rome to the Twenty-first Century. Dr. Rosenblatt challenges our modern understanding of liberalism — tracing its origins, its transformations, and why it continues to struggle in today's political landscape.

Drawing on centuries of intellectual history, this conversation will explore what liberalism truly meant to its founders, how it was reshaped over time, and what its future holds in an era of rising populism and democratic backsliding.

Dr. Helena Rosenblatt

Professor of History, CUNY Graduate Center · Author, The Lost History of Liberalism

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Latest Commentary
US Supreme Court building — voting rights and democracy
Democracy2026Tony Aguilar

From Carter Glass to Roberts and Alito: The Enduring Struggle Over Voting Rights in America

In 1928, Senator Carter Glass declared his intent to remove every Black voter possible. Almost one hundred years later, the goal may not be coming to full fruition - but limiting its efficacy may be. Since his start in 1982 as a lawyer with the Reagan administration, Chief Justice John Roberts' goal has been the elimination of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Little by little, both Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito have spearheaded the dismantling of what many consider to be the crown jewel of the civil rights era - from Shelby v. Holder in 2013 to Brnovich v. DNC in 2021 and Louisiana v. Callais.

Voting Rights · Supreme Court · Democracy · Civil Rights · John Roberts · Samuel Alito
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About the Author

Tony Aguilar is the founder of Casa Margo Communications Group and a veteran political analyst and commentator specializing in international affairs, democracy, and U.S. foreign policy.

Latest Commentary
Iran — Can Reza Pahlavi Unite the Opposition?
IranMay 7, 2026Alexandra Eleferenko

Can Reza Pahlavi Unite Iran?

In recent years, debates over Iran's political future have increasingly focused on Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last Shah, who has re-emerged as a prominent and controversial personality. Whether he could serve as an organizing principle for a broader political grand bargain — uniting opposition forces and enabling a transition of power — remains an open question.

A 2022 survey of 158,000 respondents inside Iran found that Pahlavi received the highest level of support — 32.8% — in the event of a regime transition. Yet his ability to genuinely consolidate the opposition remains deeply uncertain given Iran's fragmented political landscape.

Iran · Geopolitics · Opposition Politics · Regime Change
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About the Author

Alexandra Eleferenko is a geopolitical analyst and independent researcher holding a Master's degree in International Relations from IE University, with a specialization in Global Governance and International Cooperation. Her research focuses primarily on Russia, digital diplomacy, and the strategic use of sports diplomacy. From 2021 to 2024, she served as a contributing writer for the IE International Policy Review.

Latest Commentary
Aid workers distributing food and medical supplies in a humanitarian crisis zone
Global Affairs2025Dr. Aqsa Munir

What Happens When USAID Is Cut and How It Became a Human Crisis

In 2025, the United States drastically cut USAID, and the repercussions were felt throughout the world. OECD preliminary data show that total official development assistance fell 23.1% in 2025, the biggest one-year drop ever recorded. The United States experienced a reduction of approximately three-quarters of the total decrease due to USAID alone.

UNICEF warns at least 14 million children face disruptions to critical nutrition services. UNAIDS projects 6.6 million more HIV infections and 4.2 million more AIDS-related deaths by 2029 if U.S.-supported HIV services are not replaced.

USAID · Foreign Aid · Global Health · Humanitarian Crisis · Development
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About the Author

Dr. Aqsa Munir is a contributor to Aguilar Commentary, providing independent analysis on global affairs, humanitarian policy, and international development.

Latest Commentary
Power grid transmission towers at dusk with data center in the background
Technology2026Melissa K. Cannell

AI and Data Center Growth Pushing America's Fragmented Power Grid to Its Limits

Artificial intelligence (AI) runs inside expansive U.S. data centers. These facilities continue to spread as adoption accelerates. They already consume about 4-5% of the nation's electricity, and demand will rise over the next 5, 10, and 15 years. Depending on size, a single site can house 500 to more than 100,000 servers — all requiring constant power from an aging, uneven grid.

The U.S. does not lack energy. It lacks a modern, efficient delivery system. Most transmission lines are now 40-60 years old, creating bottlenecks that put grid stress at its highest in Texas, Virginia, the Midwest, and the West.

AI · Data Centers · Power Grid · Energy Policy · Technology
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About the Author

Melissa K. Cannell is a newspaper reporter, freelance correspondent, and public relations representative. A graduate of Weber State University, her writing has appeared in the Davis County Clipper, Utah Spirit magazine, and the Deseret News.

Latest Commentary
US Constitution document and American flag
Democracy2026Tony Aguilar

Stop Pretending Birthright Citizenship Is a Crisis

As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, the issue of who should count as a citizen is once again front and center in American discourse about the 14th Amendment. Those who claim the initial purpose of the 14th Amendment was about granting citizenship to former slaves and overturning the horrendous Dred Scott decision are correct. But the story does not end there.

The present challenge is not about civilizational superiority. Despite protestations by various American pundits, the real issue is who gets to wield political power and who to cast aspersions on as a liability to society.

14th Amendment · Birthright Citizenship · Democracy · Immigration · Supreme Court
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About the Author

Tony Aguilar is the founder of Casa Margo Communications Group and a veteran political analyst and commentator specializing in international affairs, democracy, and U.S. foreign policy.

Latest Commentary
BRICS summit diplomacy discussing Strait of Hormuz crisis
Geopolitics2026Suman Keshanti

BRICS and the Strait of Hormuz: Can the Bloc Step Up?

The current military standoff between the two nations is quickly turning out to be an international stress test of energy security, commerce, and crisis negotiation. With the conflict threatening the vital Straits of Hormuz — which carries about a fifth of all international oil and liquefied natural gas transportation — it becomes imperative who could negotiate and resolve the matter at hand.

Here, the significance of the BRICS organization comes into play as a political and not simply economic organization. The recent addition of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE means that the organization will have both warring nations within its ambit.

BRICS · Iran · Strait of Hormuz · Energy Security · Maritime Trade
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About the Author

Suman Keshanti is a contributor to Aguilar Commentary, providing independent analysis on international affairs and geopolitics.

Latest Commentary
Spanish Parliament building in Madrid
Europe2026Alexandra Eleferenko

A Master of Survival: Pedro Sánchez's Multi-Front Political Struggle

Spain is navigating a complex and volatile political landscape, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the center of mounting domestic and international pressures. Growing political polarization, corruption allegations, protests, and renewed tensions over Catalan independence have all placed his leadership under strain.

His foreign policy positioning, including a critical stance toward Donald Trump and refusal to support the US war in Iran, further reflects an attempt to balance Spain's role within a shifting global order. Sánchez is likely to remain in power in the short term, but in a state of managed instability.

Spain · Catalonia · NATO · Corruption · Pedro Sánchez
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About the Author

Alexandra Eleferenko is a geopolitical analyst and independent researcher holding a Master's degree in International Relations from IE University, with a specialization in Global Governance and International Cooperation. Her research focuses primarily on Russia, digital diplomacy, and the strategic use of sports diplomacy. From 2021 to 2024, she served as a contributing writer for the IE International Policy Review.

Latest Commentary
North American border crossing with US, Mexico and Canada flags
Trade Policy2026Melissa K. Cannell

Beyond NAFTA's Shadow: Can USMCA Survive Rising Trade Tensions?

As North America approaches the July 1, 2026, review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the stakes could not be higher. Lawmakers, businesses, and workers are watching closely to see whether the pact can deliver on its promises: supporting U.S. jobs, boosting growth in industries such as automotive manufacturing, and safeguarding intellectual property and digital trade.

The backdrop is tense, with negotiations limited, Canada staying on the sidelines, and lingering Trump-era tariffs continuing to complicate the road ahead. Mexico's door is open, and dialogue is happening. The review could either solidify North America's trade partnership or expose its vulnerabilities.

USMCA · North America · Trade · Tariffs · Canada · Mexico
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About the Author

Melissa K. Cannell is a newspaper reporter, freelance correspondent, and public relations representative. A graduate of Weber State University, her writing has appeared in the Davis County Clipper, Utah Spirit magazine, and the Deseret News.

Latest Commentary
US warship in the Persian Gulf at dusk
Middle East2026Tony Aguilar

The War Against Iran Is Triggering Consequences No One Is Ready For

President Trump backed off his threat to bomb Iran by extending the ultimatum two weeks, yet serious questions remain about unintended consequences. Central among them is whether Iran actually posed a direct threat to the continental United States - a question that remains unresolved.

From just war doctrine to desalination plants, European delinking, and the origins of U.S.-Iran hostility in Operation Ajax, the war's ripple effects reach far beyond the battlefield.

Iran · Just War · Gulf States · NATO · Foreign Policy
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About the Author

Tony Aguilar is the founder of Casa Margo Communications Group and a veteran political analyst and commentator specializing in international affairs, democracy, and U.S. foreign policy.

Latest Commentary
Saudi Arabia, India, and Pakistan flags at a diplomatic summit
Geopolitics2026Suman Keshanti

Saudi Arabia's Strategic Balancing Between India and Pakistan

Saudi Arabia maintains strong ties with both India and Pakistan despite their long rivalry. This balancing strategy helps Riyadh pursue its own interests through energy security, regional stability and Vision 2030 goals. While oil remains central, India's economic importance and Pakistan's security role both shape Saudi policy.

The September 2025 Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact and deepening Saudi-India economic ties have created a complex triangular dynamic. Saudi Arabia supplies about 18 percent of India's crude oil demand while simultaneously pledging $100 billion to Indian energy and technology sectors — all while maintaining strategic insurance through Pakistan's military capabilities.

Saudi Arabia · India · Pakistan · Energy Security · Vision 2030
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About the Author

Suman Keshanti is a geopolitical analyst and researcher specializing in South Asian affairs, energy security, and regional diplomacy.

Latest Commentary
Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
AfricaMarch 2026Daniel Onyango

Facade of Democracy: Congo's President Secures Fifth Term, Extending 42-Year Rule

Congo Republic's incumbent President Denis Sassou Nguesso has secured another five-year term under the ruling Labour party, in a result critics termed a "Scandalous Charade."The 82-year-old, who has ruled the oil-rich Central African nation for 42 of 47 years, secured 94.82% of the vote despite boycotts, internet blackouts, and deep public disillusionment.

Critics and civil society groups described a "facade of democracy"in a country ranked near the bottom on global indices for political freedoms and corruption, with youth unemployment hovering near 40% despite the nation being the third-largest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Africa · Democracy · Elections · Congo
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About the Author

Daniel Onyango is a writer and analyst covering African politics, governance, and democratic development.

Latest CommentaryMarch 2026
Religion & SocietyDemocracySociety
Featured Commentary
Hungarian Parliament building illuminated at night reflected in the Danube River
GeopoliticsMarch 1, 2026Alexandra Eleferenko

Hungary Between Washington and Beijing: Strategic Alignment

Introduction

Under Viktor Orbán, Hungary has emerged as a significant actor in contemporary geopolitics, assuming a unique role within the Western alliance system. Orbán's foreign policy balances transatlantic commitments with deepening economic and political engagement with China. Simultaneously, Budapest maintains close ties with the Trump administration. Despite being geopolitical rivals, Washington and Beijing increasingly see Budapest as a conduit for advancing their respective interests in the EU.

Sino-Hungarian Relations: Economic Pragmatism and Veto Power

Beijing views Hungary as a valuable economic partner and mediator within the EU. Hungary is one of the most active EU member states participating in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hungary purchased 5.2 million doses of Chinese vaccines. Hungary accounted for 31% and 44% of Chinese FDI in 2023 and 2024 respectively — the largest share in Europe.

Hungary: 44% of Chinese FDI in Europe (2024)
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About the Author

Alexandra Eleferenko is a geopolitical analyst and independent researcher holding a Master's degree in International Relations from IE University, with a specialization in Global Governance and International Cooperation. Her research focuses primarily on Russia, digital diplomacy, and the strategic use of sports diplomacy. From 2021 to 2024, she served as a contributing writer for the IE International Policy Review.

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