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Home > Open Access Journals > JSS > Vol. 17 > No. 4 (2024)

 

Author Biography

Dr. Adib Farhadi is a tenured Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict at the University of South Florida, where he also serves as the Faculty Director of the Executive Education Program. His research adopts an interdisciplinary approach, examining the complex intersections of geoeconomics, geopolitics, and human dynamics, with a particular emphasis on the Great Power Competition in the "Silk Road" region of Central and South Asia. In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Farhadi serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Great Power Competition book series, Co-Principal Investigator for the Great Power Competition Initiative and the Global Influence Index, and Faculty Advisor to the Global and National Security Institute.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.17.4.2347

Subject Area Keywords

Afghanistan, Central Asia, China, Conflict studies, Counterinsurgency, Defense policy, Foreign policy, International relations, International security, Iran, Irregular warfare, Middle East, National security, Regional conflict, Religious violence, Security policy, Security studies, Taliban, Threat assessment, Violent extremism, War studies

Abstract

The Melting Point by General (Ret.) Frank McKenzie provides an authoritative, first-hand examination of the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), chronicling its historical evolution, key operational engagements, and future prospects within the broader context of the Great Power Competition (GPC). Drawing on his experience as a combatant commander, McKenzie provides insights into U.S. military strategy in the Central Region, focusing on civilian oversight, the combatant commander’s unique role, and leadership's impact on strategic decision-making. The Melting Point significantly contributes to scholarship on recent U.S. military interventions and the evolving global geopolitical landscape This review identifies five significant contributions of the book: (1) a historical analysis of USCENTCOM's area of responsibility (AOR); (2) a nuanced examination of Iran’s strategic role in the region; (3) key lessons drawn from the Afghanistan conflict; (4) an exploration of the Central Region’s strategic significance; and (5) an analysis of the future dynamics of Great Power Competition.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Sarah White for her contribution.

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