What is OPFOR Journal?
This journal is about power. It is a chronicle of how America’s adversaries build power, how they use it, and the threat it poses to our interests at home and abroad.
For decades, the United States has held a position of unrivaled global leadership, largely free from existential threats posed by rival nations. This era of relative security has ended. Today, America faces a growing coalition of autocratic Eurasian states – China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. These nations not only challenge American global leadership but also the fundamental principles of the American way of life. Increasingly, they act as strategic partners united against American interests, forming a collective "Opposing Force" or "OPFOR."
As the OPFOR's power grows relative to that of the United States, so too does its aggression. To effectively defend the international order against these challenges and deter major conflict, America must deeply understand the actions of its adversaries. It must also adapt its strategic approach to efficiently allocate resources and coordinate responses. OPFOR Journal provides critical insights into how China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea project power globally. Its aim is to educate the American public about the scope of national security threats and inform policymakers of emerging challenges and strategic opportunities.
TEAM
OPFOR Journal is managed by Dan White.
Dan is an independent political risk analyst based in Virginia. Dan has 15 years of military, foreign and public policy experience and is most recently a staff member of the Wilson Center’s Kennan Institute. Dan’s work has been published in Newsweek, The Diplomat, The National Interest, Small Wars Journal, and Novaya Gazeta Europe.
Dan holds masters degrees from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), the Naval Postgraduate School, and the University of Washington, and a bachelors degree from the University of Central Florida.
Dan is a former officer in the United States Army and a veteran of the War in Afghanistan.
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