Defence, Terrorism & Security


Latest additions to the site

Internet Governance in an Age of Cyber Insecurity

CFR

A 48-page US report that examines the technological decisions that have enabled both the Internet’s spectacular success and its troubling vulnerability to attack. It then outlines an agenda that the United States can pursue in concert with its allies on the international stage to improve security

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Crime, Law & Order Posted: 2010-09-05

Avoiding a Tempest in the South China Sea

CFR

This US brief describes how new tensions in the South China Sea are a growing test to China's relations with the United States and China's Southeast Asian neighbours

Regional , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-09-05

Testing North Korean Waters

Nautilus Institute

An article criticising past US policy towards North Korea

Foreign Policy , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-09-03

If India Tests? The Implications for the Indo-U.S. Civil-Nuclear Deal

IDSA

This 10-page Indian issue brief assesses the probable US response in the event of India resuming nuclear testing

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-08-28

America Leaves Iraq: A Strategic Appraisal

IDSA

An Indian commentary assessing the future prospects of Iraq as well as the strategic lessons learnt by the United States during its seven-year involvement in the country

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-08-28

A Complex War in the Shadows

ORG

This 4-page UK briefing looks at recent developments in Afghanistan and the United States’ increasingly shadowy war against al-Qaida. It also examines the planned withdrawal of US combat forces from Iraq and the debate about the US withdrawal from Afghanistan due to start in July 2011

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-08-27

The Perilous Slog of Asymmetric Warfare: A Better Way Forward in Afghanistan

CCC

This 26-page US paper explores the utility of special operations forces (SOF) in association with tribal engagement

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-08-26

Understanding Female Suicide Terrorism in Sri Lanka through a Constructivist Lens

CCC

A 25-page US paper arguing that three primary factors suggest a constructivist interpretation provides a more sufficient tool for understanding the use of female suicide bombers: 1) a number of institutional programs promoted discrimination, suppression and violence against Tamil society; 2) the LTTE organization was able to harness discontent and mobilize women as protectors of the Tamil nation; and 3), the above two factors were skillfully wrapped in a narrative of cultural liberation that outlined the necessity of female martyrdom

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-08-26

Comprehensive Responses to Gender Based Violence in Low-Resource Settings

Population Council

This 56-page report reviews the findings, lessons learned, and promising practices in the provision of comprehensive SGBV services in sub-Saharan Africa

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Human Rights Posted: 2010-08-26

Ending the Gaza Blockade: But How?

SWP

A 4-page German commentary on the need to end the Gaza blockade and the difficulties involved

Disarmament & Peacekeeping , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-08-24

WMD, Drugs, and Criminal Gangs in Central America

Stimson Center, Stanley Foundation

A 26-page US project report illustrating the intimate nexus between human development and security in Central America

Crime, Law & Order , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-08-24

The EU and the Gaza Blockade

ISS

This 4-page analysis argues that a clear distinction between Hamas and the Gaza population would allow for a two-pronged strategy to both end the closure policy and revive representative peacemaking

Regional , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-08-23

Aggression in the Court

CFR

A US article discussing the issue of the ICC\'s jurisdiction over the crime of aggression

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Crime, Law & Order Posted: 2010-08-23

The Point of No Return

The Atlantic

A US article assessing who, if anyone, will stop Iran before it goes nuclear, and how?

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-08-21

Afghanistan's National Security Forces

CFR

A US article assessing the capacity of Afghanistan's military

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-08-21

Thailand: No Longer the Land of Smiles?

Chatham House

This 19-page UK paper assesses the political situation in Thailand

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-08-20

Intelligence Cooperation and Torture

Chatham House

This 8-page UK paper is a summary of an International Law Discussion Group that examined the legal and policy implications of relying for counterterrorism purposes on intelligence extracted by torture in third countries

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Human Rights Posted: 2010-08-20

ESDP Operations and the Challenges of Evolving Multilateral Security

Cicero Foundation

An 8-page paper on the role of the ESDP in a fluid multilateral security environment

European Union , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-08-20

The Saudi Arms Deal

INSS

An Israeli commentary on a reported new deal for the US to supply arms to Saudi Arabia

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-08-19

Understanding the Role of Bureaucracy in the ESDP

EIoP

A series of articles examining the role of bureaucracy in the ESDP

European Union , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-08-19

The Case against Nuclearization of South Asia

ACDIS

This 33-page US paper explores the regional implications of nuclearized India and Pakistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-08-19

Cross-Border Terrorism in India: Counterterrorism Strategies and Challenges

ACDIS

A 31-page US paper offering recommendations for improving India's institutional capabilities, inter-agency coordination, and international cooperation in order to more effectively combat cross-border terror

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-08-19

New Players in the Dispute over Iran’s Nuclear Program: Brazilian, Turkish and Iranian Objectives

BASIC

An 11-page paper examining the role of Turkey and Brazil in relation to Iran\'s nuclear programme

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-08-19

Chad: Beyond Superficial Stability

Crisis Group

This report highlights Chad's chance to escape the political and military crisis of the past five years

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-08-18

Policy Reforms and Homeland Security: The Question of Organisation

Australian Policy and History

A 2-page Australian article addressing the question of how to improve inter- security agency coordination

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-08-17

Instability and Humanitarian Conditions in Chad

CRS

A 14-page US report on the political and security situation in Chad

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-08-17

Iraq: Politics, Elections, and Benchmarks

CRS

This 26-page US report covers recent political developments in Iraq

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-08-17

Israel’s Blockade of Gaza, the Mavi Marmara Incident, and Its Aftermath

CRS

A 20-page US report on the Mavi Marmara incident

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-08-17

Vision and Reality in the Middle East

INSS

This 122-page volume compiles edited versions of presentations delivered in December 2009 at a conference held to probe the most critical and challenging issues on Israel’s national security agenda and then together search for the policies that best advance Israel’s national security interests

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-08-16

Quantum Surveillance and 'Shared Secrets': A Biometric Step Too Far?

CEPS

A paper arguing for a review into the use of Biometric security technology.

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Personal Privacy Posted: 2010-08-16

Thinking Differently in an Attempt to Break the Somali Impasse

Afro-Middle East Centre

This 12-page South African paper discusses the origin and history of the current Somali crisis, examines AU interventions, and argues that for the situation to be resolved, a different way of thinking through the issue must be employed

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-08-13

Partnership, Strength, and Presence: Converging Regional Interests and Opportunities in the Gulf

Brookings et al.

The 30-page report of a US conference convened to examine policy options for maintaining international unity in addressing Iran’s defiance of the global community over its nuclear program

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-08-10

A Third Lebanon War

CFR

An 11-page US contingency planning memorandum considering the implications of a further Israeli-Hezbollah war

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-08-10

Is the Military Option Back on the Table?

INSS

An Israeli article assessing the US stance regarding military action against Iran

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-08-09

Drums of War: Israel and the “Axis of Resistance”

Crisis Group

This 38-page report examines rising tensions and heightened dangers on the Israeli-Lebanese border

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-08-03

Afghanistan's Local War: Building Local Defense Forces

Rand Corporation

A 114-page US monograph discussing the viability of establishing local security forces in Afghanistan and addresses concerns about the wisdom of such policies

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-08-01

Quantum Surveillance and ‘Shared Secrets’

CEPS

This 43-page paper argues that a range of issues needs to be reviewed in light of the increasing privatisation of ‘security’ that escapes effective, democratic parliamentary and regulatory control and oversight at national, international and EU levels

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Personal Privacy Posted: 2010-07-30

Azerbaijan and Naval Competition on the Caspian

ADA

An article on Azerbaijan's development of a naval presence on the Caspian Sea

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-07-26

The Value of New START Verification

ACA

A US issue brief on the importance of the extensive verification provisions of New START

Disarmament & Peacekeeping , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-07-26

Victory Has a Thousand Fathers: Sources of Success in Counterinsurgency

Rand Corporation

A 188-page US monograph examining approaches to counterinsurgency from 30 recent resolved campaigns

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-07-23

Beyond the Nuclear and Terror Threats: The Conventional Military Balance in the Gulf

INSS

A 16-page Israeli essay on the current arms build-up in the Persian Gulf

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-07-19

A Military Attack on Iran? Considerations for Israeli Decision Making

INSS

A 16-page Israeli paper on the discussion that will necessarily be held by the Israeli leadership as it sits down to reach a decision as to whether to attack Iran's nuclear installations

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-07-19

Iran: The Course is Almost Run

INSS

An Israeli article on the state of international efforts to confront Iran's nuclear program

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-07-19

A Third Lebanon War: CPA Contingency Planning Memorandum

CFR

This 8-page memorandum discusses the most plausible scenarios and associated warning signs of a “Third Lebanon War,” its implications for the United States, and U.S. policy options to reduce the likelihood of renewed Israel-Hezbollah conflict and mitigate the consequences should it occur

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-07-19

Military Action Against Iran: Impact and Effects

ORG

This 14-page UK briefing paper argues that the risk of a military strike threat on Iran grows sharply and warns of a protracted war

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-07-16

Europe Should be Wary of the Russian Bear's Embrace

Europe's World

An article arguing that Europe should be cautious of Russia's apparent belief that its growing economic power and revitalised military influence entitles it to a bigger role in the transatlantic security dialogue

Defence, Terrorism & Security , European Union Posted: 2010-07-16

Beyond Madrasas: Assessing the Links Between Education and Militancy in Pakistan

Brookings

This 69-page US report takes a fresh look at the connection between schools, including but not limited to Pakistan’s religious seminaries, known as “madrasas,” and the rising militancy across Pakistan

Education , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-07-16

The Political Battle in Iraq

Brookings

A US report on the political situation in Iraq

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-07-15

Cash Incentives and Military Enlistment, Attrition, and Reenlistment

Rand Corporation

A 195-page US monograph studying whether enlistment and reenlistment bonuses are effective in maintaining or increasing the supply of personnel to the armed forces

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-07-15

Hired Guns: Views About Armed Contractors in Operation Iraqi Freedom

Rand Corporation

This 142-page book reports the results of a systematic, empirically based survey of opinions of U.S. military and State Department personnel with Iraq war experience to shed light on the costs and benefits of using private security contractors (PSCs) in the Iraq war

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-07-15

The Afghan Peace Jirga: Is an End in Sight?

ISAS

This 10-page Singaporean paper considers whether current peace initiatives will lead to durable peace in Afghanistan

Disarmament & Peacekeeping , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-07-14

Detection of Nuclear Weapons and Materials: Science, Technologies, Observations

CRS

A 112-page US report on new technologies for the detection of nuclear weapons

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-07-09

Europe's Virtual Security Debate and a New Transatlantic Relationship

Clingendael

A 14-page Dutch discussion paper analyzing Europe's security situation

Defence, Terrorism & Security , European Union Posted: 2010-07-09

Future of US Power: Is China Going to Eclipse the United States? Two Possible Scenarios to 2040

RSIS

This 45-page Singaporean working paper discusses how US power may evolve from 2010 to 2040

Regional , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-07-09

Afghan Options

ORG

This 4-page UK briefing examines the challenges and options that NATO forces face in Afghanistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-07-01

Al-Qaeda in Iraq: Eliminating Leaders Will Not Necessarily Cut Lifelines

CEIP

A US article examining the status and prospects of Al Qaeda in Iraq

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-07-01

Building Security in the Persian Gulf

Rand Corporation

This 202-page US study analyzes Iraq's future, the role of Iran, asymmetric threats, regional reassurance and tensions, and the roles of other external actors, then sets out criteria for a new security structure.

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-06-30

Improving Security Policy in Colombia

Crisis Group

This 16-page briefing analyses FARC’s response to government military pressure during the past eight years and the emergence of alliances between the insurgents and other illegal armed groups

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-30

Russian Security Policy and Cooperation with the West

Clingendael

A 6-page Dutch brief arguing that the West needs to find new ways to cooperate with Russia

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-06-30

Beijing’s Tightrope Walk on Iran

Hoover Institution

This 19-page US essay examines China’s interests and policies toward Iran, especially as they affect the United States. It then takes a close look at the lines of apparent debate within China on the Iran nuclear issue and Chinese policy

Foreign Policy , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-06-29

Why Russia Didn't Act

CFR

A US article explaining Russia's failure to act in Kyrgyzstan

Foreign Policy , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-06-28

The US–Japan Security Treaty at 50: Entering Uncharted Waters

Clingendael

A 3-page Dutch essay arguing that the US–Japan alliance’s relationship is again today passing through troubled times towards a still uncertain future

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-06-25

The Question of International Cooperation in the War on Terrorism

FPRI

A US essay examining trends in interstate cooperation in the war on terrorism

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-06-25

Counterinsurgency in Pakistan

Rand Corporation

This 208-page US monograph analyzes the efforts made by Pakistan against militant groups

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-06-25

Energy Security: An Agenda for Research

CFR

This 28-page US summary report presents a broad agenda for energy security research that emerged from a meeting held to assess the security implications of the way the world produces and consumes oil and natural gas

Energy , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-06-21

Iraq's Slow, Steady Political Progress

CFR

A US brief assessing Iraq's political progress

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-06-21

Implications of a Changing NATO

SSI

This US monograph considers the future of NATO and offers some recommendations

Defence, Terrorism & Security , European Union Posted: 2010-06-17

Kyrgyz Provisional Government Must Intensify Stabilisation Efforts in South

Crisis Group

A media release offering proposals to Kyrgyzstan's Provisional Government and the international community for ameliorating stabilisation in the South of the country

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-16

The Prospects of Japan-NATO Cooperation

JIIA

A 3-page Japanese commentary on the prospects for Japan-NATO cooperation

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-06-14

Two Sides of the Same Coin: Nuclear Disarmament and the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy

JIIA

A 3-page Japanese commentary arguing that nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation should be viewed as two sides of the same coin

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Disarmament & Peacekeeping Posted: 2010-06-14

Strengthening the Nuclear Nonproliferation Regime

CFR

This 64-page US paper offers a comprehensive agenda for improvements to the nonproliferation regime

Disarmament & Peacekeeping , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-06-10

The Lengthening List of Iran Sanctions

CFR

A US backgrounder on the use of sanctions in respect of Iran's nuclear ambitions

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-06-10

The Trilateral Iranian Nuclear Agreement: Shell games, International Style

ISS

A 3-page commentary on the trilateral Iranian nuclear agreement

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Energy Posted: 2010-06-10

The Prospects for Security Cooperation in the Persian Gulf

ISS

This 4-page analysis examines the prospects for security cooperation in the Persian Gulf

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-06-10

Lebanon's Scud Row

CFR

A 2-page US article on the prospects for disarmament by Hezbollah

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-06-10

Constructive COIN: How Development Can Fight Radicals

CFR

This 2-page US article examines the evidence for the theory that development-based strategy is effective in counterinsurgency situations

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-06-10

NATO's New Strategic Concept

FRIDE

A 5-page Spanish policy brief considering NATO\'s draft of a new Strategic Concept

Defence, Terrorism & Security , European Union Posted: 2010-06-10

Huber, Marper and Others: Throwing New Light on the Shadows of Suspicion

CEPS

This 9-page paper examines some of the issues arising from the proliferation of large-scale databases containing personal information, and the multiple uses to which they can be put

Human Rights , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-06-09

Sudan: The Crisis in Darfur and Status of the North-South Peace Agreement

CRS

A 36-page US report on the status of the Darfur crisis

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Human Rights Posted: 2010-06-08

North Korea: U.S. Relations, Nuclear Diplomacy, and Internal Situation

CRS

This 17-page US report provides background information on the nuclear negotiations over North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme that began in the early 1990s under the Clinton Administration

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-06-08

Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses

CRS

A 65-page US backgrounder on U.S. concerns and policy responses to threats posed by Iran

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-06-08

Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy

CRS

This 95-page report traces the development of US policy towards Afghanistan

Foreign Policy , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-06-08

The Breach

"Foreign Policy"

A US article analyzing the ramifications of China's expected supply of nuclear reactors to Pakistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Energy Posted: 2010-06-08

To Draft or not to Draft? Conscription Reform in the EU

CSS

This 3-page Swiss analysis paper examines the place of conscription in in the transformation of European armed forces since the end of the Cold War

Defence, Terrorism & Security , European Union Posted: 2010-06-02

The Killing of two Al-Qaeda Leaders in Iraq and its Implications

Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center

An Israeli article describing the circumstances of the death of two Al-Qaeda leaders in Iraq and an assessment of its implications

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-06-01

Aviation Security: Passenger Screening Behavior Detection Program

GAO

An 89-page report on the validity of the Passenger Screening Behaviour Deterction Program being used in the US by the TSA

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Public Safety & Disaster Mitigation Posted: 2010-05-29

Karzai Visits the United States:

ISAS

This 5-page Singaporean brief comments on President Hamid Karzai’s four-day visit to the United States

Foreign Policy , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-05-29

The Role of Deterrence in Future NATO Strategy

SIPRI

A Swedish essay on NATO's continuing need for a nuclear deterrent

Defence, Terrorism & Security , European Union Posted: 2010-05-21

Bangkok: How Did it Come to This?

Inside Story

An Australian analysis of the events leading to the recent violence in Bangkok

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-05-20

The Nuclear Fuel Deal: A Gift to Iran?

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the nuclear fuel agreement between Iran, Turkey, and Brazil

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-05-20

Pakistan: Can the United States Secure an Insecure State?

Rand Corporation

A 260-page US book providing an empirical analysis of developments in Pakistan and seeking to inform U.S. efforts to achieve an effective foreign policy strategy toward the country

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-20

Friction in the Gulf: The Disputed Islands and Iran’s Push for Regional Hegemony

INSS

An Israeli commentary on Iranian activities in the Gulf

Regional , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-05-20

2010 NPT RevCon: Opening Bids and Conflicting Agendas

INSS

An Israeli perspective on the 2010 NPT Review Conference (RevCon)

Disarmament & Peacekeeping , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-05-19

War Crimes in Sri Lanka

Crisis Group

This report exposes repeated violations of international law by both the Sri Lankan security forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during the last five months of their 30-year civil war

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-05-18

Somalia’s Divided Islamists

Crisis Group

A report on the growing internal schisms and factionalism within Somalia’s Islamist movement

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-18

The New Global Security Landscape: 10 Recommendations from the 2010 Security Jam

SDA

This meeting report considers overall security solutions in the 21st century

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-05-18

Fact Sheet: U.S. Nuclear Modernization Programs

ACA

A fact sheet on US nuclear weapons modernization programmes

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Disarmament & Peacekeeping Posted: 2010-05-17

A Force in Fragments: Reconstituting the Afghan National Army

Crisis Group

This report examines the development of the Afghan national defence forces. It assesses the corrosive effects of an arcane military bureaucracy, of ethnic factionalism and of corruption, and identifies measures to improve cohesion through legislative initiatives and the empowerment of government institutions

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-05-17

Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon

Rand Corporation

This 410-page US monograph presents an in-depth look at the Northern Yemeni conflict in all its sociocultural, political, and military aspects

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-11

China and Nuclear Arms Control: Current Positions and Future Policies

SIPRI

A 20-page Swedish paper on Chinese positions on some of the most critical nuclear arms control issues

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Disarmament & Peacekeeping Posted: 2010-05-10