The Euro-Med region is becoming a highly interconnected zone within which security is increasingly important.
With the return of direct defense considerations for the Balts and the Nordics, key states like Sweden are rethinking their approach to defense.
The Dutch have been an important contributor to working with the NATO and Arab partners in trying to role back the ISIS threat.
The new position of Russia in the Black and Mediterranean Seas facilitates expanded Russian operations.
The Japanese and the British are expanding their defense and foreign policy working relationships.
ISIS is a brutal force, which asserts that only they have the right to rule in the Middle East and beyond.
Cyprus and Russia have stepped up their game.
The Georgian and USMC working relationship has been built up over time during the Afghan operations.