Policy pointers

Defence, Terrorism & Security

Muddling the Iran Issue

An Israeli article commenting that a continuing lack of clarity characterizes the US approach to Iran

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-25

The Georgia-Russia Stalemate: Do’s and Don’ts for Avoiding a New Cold War

This 32-page discussion paper reflects on the August 2008 conflict between Georgia and Russia.

Defence, Terrorism & Security, European UnionPosted: 2009-01-16

Kenya in Crisis

This 39-page report examines the situation in Kenya since violence began in December 2007

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-02-21

The Rising Shi'a Challenge

Two Israeli articles dealing with the rising Shi'a challenge, the first focusing on the Hizbollah-Syria-Iran triangle, and the second covering the anti-Iranian front

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-03-08

In Control of Natural Wealth? Governing the Resource-Conflict Dynamic

This 32-page German research paper tests the impact of resource governance on the resource-conflict dynamic

International Development, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-03-12

Planning for the Unthinkable: Countering a North Korean Nuclear Attack and Management of Post-Attack Scenarios

Korean Journal of Defense Analysis

This review of North Korea’s nuclear weapons capabilities reveals a two-track agenda consisting of both a plutonium (proven) and a highly enriched uranium (likely) programme

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-13

Decisions and Destinies: Asian Security in 2010

Lowy Institute for International Policy

This 4-page Australian paper assesses how recent security choices in Asia - especially at sea - could have long-term consequences for peace or conflict

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-09-16

Real Bridge to Nowhere; China's Foiled North Korea Strategy

USIP

A 37-page US working paper examining the complexities of Chinese-North Korean relations, taking into account the perspective of China’s border areas, a vital aspect of China’s relationship with the Korean peninsula that is often overlooked.

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-05-08

Terrorists Attacking Mumbai Have Global Agenda

Yale Center for the Study of Globalization

This US article argues that the terrorist group is not merely a regional threat, but a global one, seeking to promote an Islamic Caliphate by breaking up India and destroying confidence in stable democracies, while isolating it from Western countries

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-12-17

Iran May Be Struggling with Nuclear Technology and Technique

AAAS

A report on briefings dealing with Iran's capability to develop nuclear weapons

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-11-26

U.S. Proposal for India-Specific Exemption from Nuclear Supplies Group Guidelines

ACA

A commentary on the US proposal to exempt India from nuclear safeguard rules

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-08-14

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 & SecurityPosted: 2010-07-25

Averting a Nonprofileration Disaster

ACA

A US editorial arguing that the US-India nuclear deal would be a proliferation disaster

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2008-08-29

Twelve Reasons to Support New START

ACA

This US issue brief highlights the reasons why New START deserves prompt approval and briefly addresses several of the questions raised by treaty sceptics

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-09-16

Nuclear Security in Pakistan: Reducing the Risks of Nuclear Terrorism

ACA

This US article assesses the risks of nuclear terrorism resulting from Pakiistan's instability

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-07-05

Preventive Military Action: The Worst Way to Deal with Iran's Nuclear Program

ACA

This 6-page US brief examines the risks and realities of the military option against Iran, its effects on Iranian decisions regarding its nuclear program, and why it would not serve the interests of U.S. and international peace and security.

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-06-23

Phase II: Denuclearizing North Korea

ACA

A US media briefing on the implications of North Korea's closure of its Yongbyon nuclear reactor

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-07-26

Is There Time to Prevent an Iranian Nuclear Weapon?

ACA

This 5-page US threat assessment brief takes a timely and critical look at the assumptions behind projections that Iran will soon have a nuclear weapon and the implications for diplomatic efforts to defuse the crisis

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-09-10

Strengthening U.S. Nuclear Nonproliferation Policy

ACA

An address proposing how the US might strengthen its nuclear nonproliferation policy

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-01-28

Reforming the Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Time is Running Out

ACA

A US article examining international efforts to effect reform of the nuclear fuel cycle

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-09-09

Now More Than Ever: The Case for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

ACA

This 52-page US report details the case for U.S. ratification of the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-02-24

The United States, Israel and Iran

ACA

A US article considering the strategic implications of Iranian nuclear developments ant threats to Israel

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-11-05

What are Nuclear Weapons For?

ACA

A 42-page revised US report offering recommendations for restructuring US Strategic Nuclear Forces

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2007-11-09

Fact Sheet: U.S. Nuclear Modernization Programs

ACA

A fact sheet on US nuclear weapons modernization programmes

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2010-05-16

Avoiding Renewed U.S.-Russian Strategic Competition

ACA

The transcript of a press briefing on the steps that the U.S. and Russia should take to stabilize their strategic relations

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-06-25

The Logic of the Test Ban Treaty

ACA

A US article highlighting the importance of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2009-05-08

Half Full or Half Empty? Realizing the Promise of the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty

ACA

A US article assessing the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty and proposing means of strengthening it

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2006-12-07

Unfinished Business for the NSG

ACA

A US article warning of the dangers of the decision by the Nuclear Suppliers Group to exempt India from adhering to its safety guidelines

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-10-16

Breaking the Deadlock on North Korea

ACA

A US media advisory proposing a way forward for dealing with the nuclear weapons threat posed by North Korea

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2008-10-15

Diplomatic Engagement: The Path to Avoiding War and Resolving the Nuclear Crisis

ACA

This 8-page US brief argues that in order to avoid unintentional conflict with Iran, there is an urgent need to establish better lines of bilateral communication at all levels-between military forces in the region, between diplomats, and between senior officials

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-01-05

Opening Pandora's Box: The "Military Option" for Countering Iran's Nuclear Program

ACA

A US issue brief on countering Iran's nuclear programme

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-06-13

The IAEA's Iran Report: Assessment and Implications

ACA

This US issue brief interprets the IAEA's Iran report

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-15

Iranian Missile Messages: Reading Between the Lines of "Great Prophet 6"

ACA

A US issue brief assessing Iran's nuclear weapons ability and intent

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-07-13

Missile Defense Cooperation: Seizing the Opportunity

ACA

A US issue brief considering the status of cooperation on ballistic missile defence between the US and Russia

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2011-05-26

Holding Syria Accountable

ACA

A US issue brief dealing with the IAEA's referral of Syria to the UN Security Council for noncompliance with safeguards obligations

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2011-06-10

Strengthening U.S. National Security

ACA

This US issue brief makes the case for the successful negotiation and adoption of a Global Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) to regulate international weapons transfers

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-08-15

The United States, NATO’s Strategic Concept, and Nuclear Issues

ACA et al.

An 8-page policy paper considering the NATO Deterrence and Defense Posture Review (DDPR) and development of a U.S. approach to nonstrategic nuclear weapons for a possible future negotiation with Russia

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2011-05-05

Reassessing Nuclear South Asia

ACDIS

A US magazine issue featuring 7 articles dealing with the nuclear stance of India and Pakistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-08-08

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, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-18

The New START Treaty and US Nuclear Posture Review

ACDIS

AUS commentary on recent developments in nuclear weapons policy

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-14

US-EU-Russia: New Strategic Dynamics After Bush

ACDIS

The 22-page report of a symposium held to examine the complex relations between the United States, European Union and Russia

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-03-04

Global Security, Climate Change, and the Arctic

ACDIS

A 24-page US report on the complex set of global security challenges that are emerging as a result of warmer temperatures and melting ice in the Arctic region

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Climate Change & EnvironmentPosted: 2010-01-25

The Return of Imperial Russia: Russia and its Neighbours

ACDIS

This 29-page US occasional paper analyzes Russia's efforts to establish primacy over its neighbours

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-10-31

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, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-18

Can NATO Survive Afghanistan?

ACDIS

A 24-page collection of articles examining the significant challenges facing NATO arising from its Afghanistan mission

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-09-05

Preparation of A Global Radioxenon Emission Inventory

ACDIS

A 39-page report of a study designed to assist with development of an international monitoring system distinguishing routine atmospheric concentrations of radionuclides and those resulting from nuclear weapons tests

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2006-01-03

Impacts of Emerging Infectious Disease Research on International Security Policy

ACDIS

A 4-page US policy brief examining the consequences of emerging infectious disease occurrences on international security

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Public Safety & Disaster MitigationPosted: 2008-08-01

From Cooperation to Confrontation: Russia and the United States since 9/11

ACDIS

The objective of this 30-page US essay is to track recent Russian relations with the United States—focusing on the period between the U.S. intervention in Iraq in spring 2003 until the end of 2008—to support the argument that Russian leaders have decided to pursue a policy of independence, even confrontation, in their relations with the United States, as well as with Europe, as an integral part of a new assertive approach to achieving policy objectives

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-06-11

Impacts of Emerging Disease Research on International Security Policy

ACDIS

This 4-page US policy brief examines the consequences of emerging disease occurence on international security policy

Public Safety & Disaster Mitigation, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-05-05

NATO-Azerbaijan: Assessing the Past, Looking Into the Future

ADA

This Azerbaijani article assesses the current level of partnership achieved between Azerbaijan and NATO

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2009-05-08

Russia's War with Georgia: Implications for Azerbaijan

ADA

An Azerbaijani article assessing the implications of the Russo-Georgian war for Azerbaijan and the region

Defence, Terrorism & Security, EnergyPosted: 2008-09-08

How The Russian-Georgian War Transformed The World

ADA

An Azerbaijani perspective on the implications of the Russian-Georgian war

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-06-09

Russia's Invasion of Georgia: What it Was and What it Meant

ADA

An Azerbaijani commentary on the Russian invasion of Georgia

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-09-08

Endgame on Karabakh?

ADA

An Azerbaijani article assessing speculation that the South Caucasus is on the verge of a new outbreak of violence

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2009-12-08

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, RegionalPosted: 2010-07-25

The International Dimension of Security Dynamics in the South Caucasus

ADA

An Azerbaijani article on the security dynamics in the South Caucasus

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-18

Does Trade Integration Contribute to Peace?

ADB

This 44-page working paper examines the effect of trade integration on military conflict

Globalisation & International Trade, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-02-07

Darfur: Blueprint for Genocide

Aegis

An 87-page report on the threat of genocide in Darfur

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Internal DisplacementPosted: 2006-12-20

What is to be Done?

AEI

A US essay commenting on the Western response to the Russian invasion of Georgia

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-08-18

France: Europe's Counterterrorist Powerhouse

AEI

A US essay explaining how France has become the most accomplished antiterrorist practitioner in Europe

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-12-11

Iran's Secret Network: Major General Qassem Suleimani’s Inner Circle

AEI

This 10-page US bulletin identifies members of Suleimani's network within and outside the IRGC. It also argues that fluctuations in their careers could serve as indicators of Suleimani's authority in the Islamic Republic

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-04

Why the Worst is Probably over in Iraq

AEI

A US commentary on the success of General Petraeus' counterinsurgency surge in Iraq

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-12-11

Afghanistan Force Requirements

AEI

A 45-page US presentation that argues for an addition of 40,000-45,000 U.S. troops in 2010 to the 68,000 American forces that will be there by the end of this year. The report illustrates where U.S., NATO, and Afghan forces are now and where additional forces are needed to accomplish the mission. It links the U.S. force requirements to the growth of the Afghan National Security Forces on an accelerated timeline

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-09-27

The Power China is Building

AEI

A US article commenting on the build-up of Chinese military power

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-06-18

Deter, Defend, Repel, and Partner

AEI

This 28-page US report is designed to help generate serious reflections on how best to preserve the ROC's own accomplishments as a people and a government and to enable it to choose its own future as free of coercion as possible

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-08-02

Europe and Islam

AEI

The text of a US lecture exploring how the twin forces of Islamic migration and violence are transforming and subduing Europe

European Union, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-07-04

Time for Trilateralism?

AEI

A 7-page US paper arguing for a trilateral security initiative involving the US, Japan and South Korea

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-03-09

How Intertwined are the Revolutionary Guards in Iran's Economy?

AEI

A 10-page US paper describing the transformation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps into a business conglomerate

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-10-23

Distrust But Verify

AEI

A US article commenting on the recent nuclear negotiations between the US and North Korea

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-07-29

Deter and Assure: Charting a Course for America’s Asian Alliances in a New Nuclear Age

AEI

A 17-page US working paper examining the future of The United States' alliances and security partnerships in Asia

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-11-19

The Jihadist International: Al Qaeda's Advance in the Levant

AEI

A 27-page US review of the record, plans, and prospects of al Qaeda, as the main franchise of global jihad, in the Levant

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-05-19

Enabling Kurdish Illusions

AEI

A US commentary warning of the dangers of promoting ethnic federalism for Iraq, with special reference to Kurdish aspirations

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-03-12

Can a Nuclear Iran be Deterred or Contained?

AEI

A US article calling for a clear strategy to deter Iran from its nuclear ambitions

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-11-06

Catching Terrorists: The British System versus the U.S. System

AEI

US testimony comparing the legal and administrative systems of the US and the UK for apprehending terrorists

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2006-09-19

A Dangerous Opportunity? American Defense Policy at a Crossroads

AEI

This 4-page US policy brief argues that the US is in need of a coherent defence strategy

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-10-31

Terrorists Threats in the Horn of Africa: A Net Assessment

AEI

An 8-page US paper examining whether the net assessment concept offers an appropriate framework for understanding the nature of the "long war" against Islamist extremism and predicting its likely outcome

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-09-05

Overview of Security Issues in Europe and Eurasia

AEI

A 12-page US House testimony on whether there is a significant divergence between how the United States and its closest European allies deal with the Islamist terrorist threat

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-08

The Case for Regime Change in Iran

AEI

This US article considers the nature of a possible US strike against Iran

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-01-24

Challenges for European Defense Budgets after the Economic Crisis

AEI

An 8-page US security outlook arguing the need for greater defence cooperation and pooling of military resources among European states

Defence, Terrorism & Security, European UnionPosted: 2011-07-13

What Next For North Korea?

AEI

A US article considering the implications of Kim Jong-il’s death

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-12-19

Peace Through Pressure: Toward a New Allied Strategy for Contending with North Korea

AEI

This 8-page US brief argues that a recent string of provocations by North Korea has emphasized the need for a new allied strategy for deterring North Korean aggression, achieving denuclearization, and bringing about the demise of the Kim Jong Il regime

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-10-19

Iran's Most Dangerous General

AEI

A 6-page US brief on Iran's Major-General Qassem Suleimani, chief of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-07-20

Limited Goals, Limited Gains: The Pakistan Army's Operation in Kurram

AEI

A US analysis of the Pakistani military's latest offensive against Taliban militants in northwest Pakistan in Kurram

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-09-12

Al Shabaab and the Challenges of Providing Humanitarian Assistance in Somalia

AEI

This US House testimony explains how denial of access by al Shabaab militants, and in some cases by other armed militias, is the single greatest obstacle to the provision of humanitarian assistance in Somalia

Poverty & Hunger, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-09-12

The Mounting Hezbollah Threat in Latin America

AEI

This 8-page US brief examines how Hezbollah is using the Western Hemisphere as a staging ground, fundraising center, and operational base to wage asymmetric warfare against the United States

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-12

Iran and the Problem of Evil

AEI, WSJ

A US article examining why the West is failing to react adequately to outside threats

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-07-13

Thirty Years of Conflict: Drivers of Anti-government Mobilisation in Afghanistan 1978-2011

Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit

This 84-page paper traces the structural factors driving anti-government mobilisation in Afghanistan in each successive phase of the country’s thirty years of conflicts

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-01-24

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 & SecurityPosted: 2010-08-12

Regionalization of Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

An 8-page U.S. summary providing practical guidance on the optimum level of regionalization for preparing against or responding to a large-scale bioterrorism attack. Full report available as a zipped file at www.ahrq.gov/clinic/evrptfiles.htm#bioreg.

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2004-06-30

Japan's Peacebuilding Policy toward Afghanistan: The Need for a Civilian Surge to Improve Security

AJISS

A 3-page Japanese commentary outlining a possible Japanese contribution to the new US strategy for Afghanistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2010-02-09

What is Achievable in Afghanistan? Japan and Europe Should Talk Straight to the US

AJISS

A 4-page Japanese commentary asking for clarity in Western strategy towards Afghanistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-09-16

China's Domestic Politics Behind the Senkaku Incident

AJISS

A 3-page Japanese commentary on the apparent dispute going on within the Chinese leadership over the defence of maritime resources in the East China Sea

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-13

Revision of Article 9 Should Assume New Security Treaty with US

AJISS

A Japanese commentary discussing how the revision of Article 9 of the Japanese constitution is likely to affect Japan's security treaty with the US

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2007-11-10

Japan Should Work Harder for Nuclear Disarmament

AJISS

A 4-page Japanese commentary on Japan's contribution to nuclear disarmament

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-09-05

Hamas’ Khaled Mesh’al Sets Out His Movement’s Policy Directions

AMEC, Al-Sabeel

The 30-page translation of an interview with Hamas leader Khaled Mesh'al, covering the policy direction of Hamas on a number of critical issues: negotiations with Israel, recognition of Israel, resistance, Jews, Christians and women

Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-09-15