Survival, the IISS's bimonthly journal, challenges conventional wisdom and brings fresh, often controversial, perspectives on strategic issues of the moment.

In this issue:

• François Heisbourg argues that the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the power of the state in its traditional role as protector of society from outside threats
• Lawrence Freedman assesses that the UK misjudged the speed and severity of the pandemic, but ultimately followed the science
• Gigi Kwik Gronvall describes the extraordinary global mobilisation of the scientific community as a source of hope amid the pandemic
• Mark Fitzpatrick warns that US sanctions against Iran not only damage America's reputation, but also violate its moral duty to prevent further deaths of Iranians from COVID-19

And eight more thought-provoking pieces, as well as our regular book reviews and noteworthy column

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a registered charity with offices in Washington, London, Manama and Singapore, is the world's leading authority on political-military conflict. It is the primary independent source of accurate, objective information on international strategic issues. Publications include The Military Balance, an annual reference work on each nation's defence capabilities; Strategic Survey, an annual review of world affairs; Survival, a bi-monthly journal of international affairs; Strategic Comments, an online analysis of topical issues in international affairs; and the Adelphi series of books on issues of international security.