Policy pointers

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 & SecurityPosted: 2010-06-08

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 RightsPosted: 2010-06-07

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 PolicyPosted: 2010-06-07

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, RegionalPosted: 2010-06-07

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 & SecurityPosted: 2010-06-07

The Breach

"Foreign Policy"

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

Defence, Terrorism & Security, EnergyPosted: 2010-06-07

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 UnionPosted: 2010-06-01

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 & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-31

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 MitigationPosted: 2010-05-28

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 & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-28

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 UnionPosted: 2010-05-20

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 & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-19

The Nuclear Fuel Deal: A Gift to Iran?

INSS

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

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-19

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 & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-19

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 & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-19

2010 NPT RevCon: Opening Bids and Conflicting Agendas

INSS

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

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-18

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 & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-17

Somalia’s Divided Islamists

Crisis Group

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

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-17

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 & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-17

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

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 & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-16

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 & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-10

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 & PeacekeepingPosted: 2010-05-09

Reviewing the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT)

SSI

A 455-page US monograph written to assist in navigating the most important debates over how best to read and implement the NPT and, in the process, spotlighting alternative views of the NPT that are sound and supportable

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-09

Why Youth Join al-Qaeda

USIP

A 20-page US report on what drives youth to join al-Qaeda, and the policy implications of the findings

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Families, Children & YouthPosted: 2010-05-09

Is Nigeria a Hotbed of Islamic Extremism?

USIP

This US brief examines the theory that Nigeria is a hotbed of Islamist extremism

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-09

A New Security Architecture for Europe? Russian Proposals and Western Reactions Part II

Egmont

A 6-page Belgian security policy brief focusing on the Russian drafts for a “European Security Treaty” and for an “Agreement Governing Relations among NATO-Russia Council Member States in the Security Sphere.” It questions what added value, if any, these proposals have for enhancing security in the Euro-Atlantic region

European Union, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-06

Bracing for Impact: Fifth-Generation Jet Fighter Programmes in Asia

RSIS

A Singaporean commentary on fifth-generation jet fighter programmes in Asia

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-05-06

The Role of the Five Power Defence Arrangements in the Southeast Asian Security Architecture

RSIS

This 22-page Singaporean working paper discusses the evolving Southeast Asian security architecture by focusing on the role of a “mini-lateral” defence coalition, the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA)

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-05-05

Strategy and Credible Commitment. A Game Theoretic Analysis of the Conflict in Afghanistan

NUPI

This 90-page Norwegian study attempts to examine why international security actors, in particular the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), have failed to defeat the insurgency in Afghanistan

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-05

2020 Vision: Visioning the Future of the United Nations Peacebuilding Architecture

NUPI

A 29-page Norwegian working paper on the development of peacebuilding as a field in its own right and the creation of new international architecture

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-05

The Kosovo Protection Corps. A Critical Study of its De-activation as a Transition

NUPI

A 38-page Norwegian report analyzing the transformation process in which the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC) was closed down and the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) activated. It critically assesses the role NATO, UN and other international actors played in the process, and highlights some lessons learned which can be of relevance for similar processes in the future

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-05

Guinea’s New Transitional Government: Emerging Issues for U.S. Policy

CRS

A US background report on the political situation in Guinea

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-04

Monitoring and Verification in Arms Control

CRS

This 24-page US report reviews some of the monitoring and verification provisions in the new START Treaty and compares these with some of the provisions in the original START Treaty

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-04

Iran Sanctions

CRS

A 30-page US report on the use of sanctions to try to curb Iran’s support for militant groups and slow its weapons of mass destruction programmes

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-05-04

Bangladesh: Political and Strategic Developments and U.S. Interests

CRS

This 20-page US report deals with political and strategic developments concerning Bangladesh

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-04

The Islamist Ghost Haunting Europe

FPRI

A US essay explaining the causes of the Islamist threat to Europe

European Union, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-03

Progress in Part

ORG

This UK briefing examines recent security developments with regard to nuclear weapons, following the Washington Summit, and looks at the latest situation in Afghanistan

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-03

The Impact of Violent Conflict on Child Health: What Are the Channels?

IDS

This 4-page UK policy brief uses research in Burundi and Rwanda to identify how violent conflict impacts on child health, and gives some advice on how policymakers can mitigate the impact

Health, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-03

China's Maritime Strategic Agenda

ASPI

This 4-page Australian policy analysis explores the central tenets of China's maritime security agenda

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-05-03

On War and Choice

Nixon Center

A US article considering the implications of the difference between wars of necessity and wars of choice

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-04-29

American Jihad

Nixon Center

A US article on the administration's failure in the war on terror

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-29

How Insurgencies End

Rand Corporation

A US study of 89 modern insurgency cases to test conventional understanding about how insurgencies end

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-29

LRA: A Regional Strategy beyond Killing Kony

Crisis Group

This report examines how what was once an insurgency in northern Uganda (The Lord's Resistance Army) has become a regional humanitarian and security problem that requires a regional solution

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-28

North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Development: Implications for Future Policy

IFRI

This 47-page French essay assesses North Korea's long-standing quest for nuclear weapons, alternative strategies for inhibiting Pyongyang's weapons development, and the potential implications for regional security and non-proliferation should the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) retain and enhance its weapons programs

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-04-28

Nuclear Terrorism: Threat to the Public or to Credibility?

INSS

An Israeli article assessing the risk of nuclear terrorism

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-28

Kyrgyzstan: A Hollow Regime Collapses

Crisis Group

This 15-page briefing explains and analyses the events of the past five years in Kyrgystan, in an effort to provide context and background to the recent uprising

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-27

The Saudi Nuclear Option

INSS

An Israeli commentary arguing that Saudi Arabia will find it difficult to do nothing should Iran obtain military nuclear capability

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-26

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 Economics of Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism: A Survey (Part I)

CESifo

This 50-page survey provides an in-depth analysis of existing research on the economic analysis of terrorism and counter-terrorist measures

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-25

The Economics of Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism: A Survey (Part II)

CESifo

The 53-page second part of a survey providing an in-depth analysis of existing research on the economic analysis of terrorism and counter-terrorist measures

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-25

Only a European Re-think Can Tackle Home-grown Terrorism

Eorope's World

An article examining the problem of home-grown terrorism in Europe

Defence, Terrorism & Security, European UnionPosted: 2010-04-23

Likely Impact of Current Developments on the Pakistani State and its Army

IDSA

A 7-page Indian issue brief envisaging the possibility that Pakistani society, fearful of being left behind, may force a change in the state’s policy orientation

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-21

Chinese Puzzle in India-Bangladesh Relations

IDSA

An Indian commentary voicing concern that developing relations between Bangladesh and China may pose a future security risk for India

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-21

How to React to a Reactor: Using Syria’s Nuclear Program to Engage Damascus

CFR

A 2-page US article making foreign policy recommendations for dealing with Syria's suspected nuclear programme

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-04-20

Pakistan Against the Taliban

SWP

A 7-page German commentary on the implications of Pakistani security forces having arrested leading figures of the Afghan Taliban

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-20

Strengthening the Nuclear Nonproliferation Regime

CFR

This 64-page US report examines the shortcomings of the nonproliferation regime and proposes a comprehensive agenda to shore it up

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-19

Sudan: Elections and Beyond

Chatham House

This UK article examines the prospects for stability in Sudan

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-18

Considering NATO’s Tactical Nuclear Weapons after the U.S. Nuclear Posture Review

BASIC

A 6-page backgounder on the implications for NATO of the U.S. Nuclear Posture Review

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-15

Beyond U.S.-Russia Arms Control: Multilateral Reductions and the

CEIP

This US commentary argues that governments should commission their defence research institutions to assess whether and how multilateral nuclear disarmament could be managed

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-15

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

The Importance of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START)

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-13

China and Sanctions against Iran: Progress?

INSS

An Israeli commentary examining what is motivating China to join the talks about sanctions against Iran and the possible ramifications of this

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-04-13

Multilateralization of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle: The Need to Build Trust

UNIDIR

This 81-page book examines the priorities and concerns of nuclear fuel cycle non-supplier states and identifies areas of potential convergence for suppliers and non-suppliers.

Defence, Terrorism & Security, EnergyPosted: 2010-04-11

China, Iran and North Korea: A Triangular Strategic Alliance

GLORIA Center

This 17-page Israeli paper explores the triangular strategic alliance between China, Iran, and North Korea and the attendant negative spill-over that poses a threat to East Asia and Middle East regional stability

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-04-11

How Governments Should Compensate for Defence Spending Cuts

Europe's World

An article puuting the case for a European approach to defence cooperation

Defence, Terrorism & Security, European UnionPosted: 2010-04-08

Teaching Strategy: Challenge and Response

SSI

This 352-page US compendium considers how to teach military strategy

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-07

Lashkar-I-Taiba: The Fallacy of Subservient Proxies and the Future of Islamist Terrorism in India

SSI

Lashkar-i-Taiba (LeT) has taken the leading role in spreading its terrorist infrastructure well outside of its original theater, Kashmir, and throughout the whole of India. This 117-page paper aims to enhance understanding of this powerful and sophisticated organization that is set to pose a major challenge to stability and American interests in South Asia and elsewhere

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-07

De-Radicalizing Jihadists the Libyan Way

CEIP

A US article describing the Libyan de-radicalization process

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-07

Russia's Role in Asian Security: A U.S.- Japan Dialogue

Nixon Center

A 42-page US paper examining the implications of Russia’s evolving foreign policy for East Asian security

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-07

Seeking Nuclear Security Through Greater International Coordination

CFR

This 24-page US working paper argues that the time-consuming task of forging international consensus is essential to avert \"the ultimate preventable catastrophe\"—a nuclear terrorist attack

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-04-05

A Hint of Victory?

ORG

This 4-page UK article cautions that optimism about progress in Afghanistan could prove premature

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-03-30

Central Asia’s Security: Issues and Implications for U.S. Interests

CRS

A US backgrounder on the security issues facing the Central Asian states

Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-03-29

Afghanistan: U.S. Foreign Assistance

CRS

This 17-page report provides a “big picture” overview of the U.S. aid programme in Afghanistan and congressional action. It describes what various aid agencies report they are doing in Afghanistan

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-03-29

Renewed Conflict in Sudan: Contingency Planning Memorandum

CFR

This 11-page US memorandum presents the likely triggers of renewed civil war in Sudan and discusses the U.S. policy options for preventing it from happening and mitigating its consequences in the event that it does

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-03-28

Unmanned Systems and Robotic Warfare

Brookings

A US house testimony on the state of unmanned weapons systems and robotic warfare and some of the key policy questions arising from this new domain.

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Science & TechnologyPosted: 2010-03-28

Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2009

SIPRI

An 8-page Swedish fact sheet containing information on all international transfers of major conventional weapons from 1950 to the end of 2009

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Globalisation & International TradePosted: 2010-03-26

Can the US Contain a Nuclear Iran?

INSS

An Israeli commentary considering whether the US has the ability to contain a nuclear Iran

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-03-25

Terrorism within the United States: The Middle East Connection

Gloria Center

This 11-page Israeli article analyzes terrorist plans or attacks originating in the Middle East but aimed at activities on U.S. soil

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-03-25

Towards a Third Palestinian Intifada?

CEIP

A US article considering the likelihood of a third Palestinian Intifada

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Crime, Law & OrderPosted: 2010-03-25

In Search of the Art and Science of Strategic Communication

US Army War College

A 12-page US article on the strategic communication demands of modern warfare

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-03-24

What do Senior Leaders Need to Know About Cyberspace?

National Defense University - Washington DC

This 24-page US essay discusses what senior security leaders know about cyberspace to transform their organizations and make wise decisions

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Science & TechnologyPosted: 2010-03-24

Reintegration versus Reconciliation in Afghanistan

RSIS

A 3-page Singaporean commentary arguing for a strategy of reintegrating the rank and file of the Taleban

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-03-22

The Korean Peninsula in China's Grand Strategy

RSIS

A 40-page Singaporean working paper arguing that China's increasingly active role in the multilateral efforts to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue has proceeded in tandem with its grand strategy of engaging in regional and global governance as a responsible stakeholder

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-03-22

Arms Transfers to Europe and Central Asia

SIPRI

A 12-page Swedish background paper on military expenditure and arms imports in Europe and Central Asia

Defence, Terrorism & Security, European UnionPosted: 2010-03-22

Transnational Insurgencies and the Escalation of Regional Conflict: Lessons for Iraq and Afghanistan

SSI

This 73-page US monograph examines several transnational insurgencies that have been active since the end of the Cold War and applies the lessons learned to contemporary issues facing Iraq and Afghanistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-03-22

Do Oil Exports Fuel Defense Spending?

SSI

This 62-page US monograph explores the impact that oil revenue had on the national defence spending of five oil-exporting countries

Defence, Terrorism & Security, EnergyPosted: 2010-03-22

Trends in Electoral Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa

USIP

This 5-page US brief seeks to provide an overview of some characteristics of electoral violence in sub-Saharan Africa and identify responses taken by national governments and the international community to address electoral violence

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-03-22

Traditional Dispute Resolution and Stability in Afghanistan

USIP

This 6-page US brief discusses the problem of dispute resolution in Afghanistan and its relevance to stability

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-03-22

Local Ownership of Security Sector Reform

USIP

A 4-page US brief arguing that sustainability is a critical component of success for SSR programs, and that early local ownership is a critical component of sustainability

Defence, Terrorism & Security, International DevelopmentPosted: 2010-03-22

Tomorrow’s Wars

Manhattan Institute

This US article argues that enormous, massively destructive engagements may again be on the horizon

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-03-22

Fearing a 'Shiite Octopus': Sunni – Shi`a Relations and the Implications for Belgium and Europ

Egmont

A 45-page Belgian paper about the position of the Shiites, Sunni-Shia relations, politics and shifts in the power balance

Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-03-20

Permanent Structured Cooperation for Effective European Armed Forces

Egmont

This 6-page Belgian security policy briefoutlines a concrete proposal to implement Permanent Structured Cooperation, the new defence mechanism introduced by the Lisbon Treaty

European Union, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-03-20

Handover from International to Local Actors in Peace Missions

NUPI

This 52-page Norwegian report focuses on the handover process from international to local actors at the end of peace missions in Burundi, Sierra Leone and East Timor. The emphasis is on the security dimension of the withdrawal phase

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-03-18

Homeward Bound: Australia's New Counter-Terrorism White Paper

ASPI

A 9-page policy analysis offering ideas on the elements of a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy for Australia

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-03-18