Policy pointers

This occasional paper seeks to analyse the evolution of the conflict of norms and the conflict of interests between the EU and China in Africa as well as the interaction of norms and interests

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-08-17

Obama's Options in Damascus

CFR

A 3-page US analysis of Turkey's true role in Syria and the Middle East in general

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-08-18

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union's Common Security and Defense Policy: Intersecting Trajectories

SSI

A 60-page US monograph arguing that it is time for NATO 2.0, a new version of NATO, to fit the realities of an ever more integrated Europe in the 21st century

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-08-23

Arctic Cooperation Must Become More Inclusive

SIPRI

A Swedish essay proposing a route for greater international cooperation in the Arctic

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-08-26

Handle With Care

The Jerusalem Report

An Israeli article on Egyptian-Israeli relations

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-09-08

9/11 and U.S.-China Relations

FPRI

A 4-page US essay examining the consequences of 9/11 for US-China relations

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-09-09

The Palmer Report: Significance and Ramifications

INSS

An Israeli article on the significance and ramifications of the Palmer Report into the Gaza flotilla incident

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-09-09

A War Gone Badly Wrong - The War on Terror Ten Years On

ORG

This 5-page UK report assesses the consequences of the response from the United States and its coalition partners to the 9/11 attack

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-09-09

China’s North Korea Policy

USIP

This 16-page US report assesses the factors shaping China’s interactions with North Korea

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-09-09

Egypt in Transition

CRS

A 25-page US report providing a brief overview of the transition underway in Egypt and information on U.S. foreign aid to Egypt

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-09-12

Turkey's Threat to Israel's New Gas Riches

Washington Institute

A US analysis of Turkey's threat to Israel's new gas riches

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-09-15

Needed: A Leader in the White House

BESA

A 3-page Israeli article commenting on President Obama's Middle East policy

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-09-15

The Arab Spring and Russian Policy in the Middle East

INSS

An Israeli comentary on current Russian policy towards the Middle East

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-09-20

A question and answer session assessing the tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia—taking a close look at the distrust between Shias and Sunnis and Persians and Arabs—and analyze how the rivalry will impact the balance of power in the Middle East

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-09-21

United States: A Stabilizing or Destabilizing Factor in the Asia-Pacific Region?

CEIP

This 4-page US brief considers whether the United States is a stabilizing factor in the Asia-Pacific region

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-09-21

The United States and India: A Shared Strategic Future

CFR, Aspen Institute India

This 67-page joint study was undertaken to identify the shared national interests that motivate the United States and India

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-09-22

China’s Assertive Behavior—Part Two: The Maritime Periphery

Hoover Institution

This 29-page US essay examines Chinese statements and actions with regard to China’s entire maritime periphery, from the Yellow Sea to the South China Sea, with regard to both disputed and undisputed maritime territories

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-09-23

The EU and Ukraine - Where to Next?

EPC

A 4-page policy brief looking at developments in Ukraine’s relationship with the EU since independence twenty years ago

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2011-09-23

Where Have all the Flowers Gone? Europe's Strategic Puzzle in the Mediterranean

EPC

This 2-page commentary argues that as they hone their strategies to push forward transformation in the countries of North Africa, the EU and its members must take a case-by case approach to each country

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-09-23

Egypt in Transition

CRS

This 19-page US report provides a brief overview of the transition underway in Egypt and information on U.S. foreign aid to Egypt

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-09-28

Europe and Angola: The Case for Deeper Engagement

ISS

An analysis of Angola's growing significance for Europe

European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-09-29

A Weaker Russia: Serious Repercussions for EU-Russia Relations

SWP

This 4-page German commentary considers the validity of the EU's current policy towards Russia

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2011-10-07

The Chechen Imbroglio: An Update

IDSA

An 8-page Indian issue brief arguing that Russia needs to look beyond military measures to address the Chechen issue

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-10-07

The Strategic Implications of the Franco-Russian Mistral Deal

IDSA

This 11-page Indian issue brief outlines the strategic implications of the path-breaking Franco-Russian Mistral agreement, including for NATO solidarity, looks at Russia’s ageing military industrial complex and foreign military collaboration and analyzes the capabilities which the Russian navy will now possess on account of the Mistrals

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-10-07

The Nature of a Friendship: Making Sense of Sino-Pakistani Relations

NOREF

This 10-page Norwegian policy brief outlines a complex set of interactions between China and Pakistan

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-13

Ends, Means, and Meaning

A Belgian article claiming that the EU lacks a clear strategic narrative

European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-10-13

China's Energy and Security Relations with Russia: Hopes, Frustrations and Uncertainties 

SIPRI

This 56-page Swedish report illuminates the current status of China’s security and energy relations with Russia

Energy, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-10-14

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

Presidential Succession Scenarios in Egypt and Their Impact on U.S.-Egyptian Strategic Relations

SSI

This 62-page US monograph examines the important question as to who might succeed President Hosni Mubarak by analyzing several possible scenarios and what they would mean for U.S. strategic relations with Egypt. It was written before the pro-democracy demonstrations in Egypt in January 2011

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-11-02

Turkey and Iraq: Soft Power, Hard Power

Dayan Center

A 6-page Israeli commentary on the Kurdish question, within the context of Turkish-Iraqi relations including recent developments

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-03

Iran Sanctions

CRS

A 73-page US report on the use of sanctions against Iran to try to compel it to confine its nuclear programme to purely peaceful uses

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-11-11

2014 and Beyond: U.S. Policy Towards Afghanistan and Pakistan

CEIP

A 10-page US House testimony arguing that reconciliation talks over Afghanistan risk failure, that the real problem lurks across the border in Pakistan, and listing the steps the United States can take to improve the prospects for a successful transition

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-11-11

India and Pakistan: A New Chapter?

Chatham House

A UK commentary on possible movement in Indo-Pakistan relations

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-11

The European Debt Crisis: Strategic Implications for the Transatlantic Alliance

Peterson Institute

A US House testimony assessing the implications of the European debt crisis for the transatlantic alliance

European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-11-15

Turkey and the Arab Spring

Henry Jackson Society

A 15-page US briefing asking whether Turkey's “zero problems” policy is still relevant or workable

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-16

Jordan's Quandary Over Syria

FPRI

This 3-page US bulletin examines Jordan's changing attitudes towards Syria

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-26

Russian Backing for Iran and Syria: For What and for How Long

INSS

An Israeli analysis of Russian policy towards Syria and Iran

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-11-27

The State of Affairs in Iran

Brookings

A US congressional testimony on the current state of play within Iran, referencing its complex internal politics and its position within the Persian Gulf region

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-27

For Iran, the Sanctions Price May Be Worth Paying

Reuters

An analysis assessing Iran's likely reaction to the imposition of additional sanctions

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-11-30

Europe's Foreign and Security Policy Adrift: Strengthening the Role of the EU-3

SWP

This 4-page German commentary asserts that the current lack of political cohesion on European foreign policies can only truly change if the forerunners of European foreign and security policy – Germany, France and the United Kingdom – align their global interests

European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-12-06

Putin's Return to the Presidency and Its Implications for Asia

JIIA

A 3-page Japanese commentary speculating upon the likely future Russian policy towards Asia, particularly Japan and the rest of the Far East

Foreign Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-12-07

Turkey in the New Middle East

CEIP

This 42-page US paper explains why Turkey’s role as a model for budding Arab democracies also offers the country an opportunity to revitalize its partnership with the West

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-12-09

How to Strengthen the European External Action Service

CEIP

A 20-page US paper urging corrective action to overcome the flaws in the EEAS

European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-12-17

Normalization between Israel and Arab States: Is the Idea Still Viable?

INSS

An Israeli article considering the possibility of normalizing relations between Israel and the Arab world

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-12-17

The Non-Western Challenger? The Rise of a Sino-Centric China

DIIS

This 49-page Danish report considers the implications of China’s rapid rise for international order

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-12-20

North Korea's Great Successor and His Regional Connections

Inside Story

This Australian article argues for a nuanced response from Western countries to Kim Jong-un's accession

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-01-05

Russia’s December 2011 Legislative Election: Outcome and Implications

CRS

A 13-page US report on the implications of Russia's December 2011 elections for Russia and for US interests

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-01-10

High Politics in the ‘Grand Area’

Group on Grand Strategy

A 9-page article considering whether Europeans have global impact in a multipolar age

European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-01-13

China’s Global Role: Need for Soft Power?

RSIS

A 2-page Singaporean commentary on China's need for improved "soft power"

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-13

Democracy Policy Under Obama: Revitalization or Retreat?

CEIP

A 58-page US paper explaining how, despite an initial inclination to lower the profile of U.S. democracy promotion, President Obama has had to confront a series of urgent, visible cases, from political upheaval in multiple Arab countries and unexpected events in Russia to thwarted elections in Côte d’Ivoire and beyond

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-01-13

Re-Engaging North Korea After Kim Jong-il’s Death

Brookings

This 23-page US policy paper outlines recommendations for engaging North Korean leadership and maximizing prospects for achieving the goal of denuclearization

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-01-18

Zimbabwe’s Sanctions Standoff

Crisis Group

This 16-page briefing describes the need for a nuanced approach to Zinbabwe's sanctions distinguishing the various measures imposed by the EU, U.S. and other Western states

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2012-02-06

Russia's Line in the Sand on Syria

CEIP

This US article explains how Moscow’s position on Syria is shaped largely by the recent experience of Libya, strong doubts concerning the Syrian opposition, and suspicions about the motives of the United States

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2012-02-10

Iran Sanctions

CRS

This 78-page report presents a US perspective on Iran sanctions

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-02-16

The Risks of Isolationism

USIP

A Q&A article considering the risks presented should the US adopt a policy of isolationism

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-02-19

Making Sense of the U.N. Impasse on Syria

USIP

A US perspective on the implications of the United Nations Security Council rejection of a resolution on the violence in Syria

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-02-19

Bashar al-Assad vs. the Syrian People

Washington Institute

This 3-page US article urges the international community to exploit the Syrian regime's military weaknesses through actions that help level the battlefield, alter the psychological environment, and increase pressure on Assad and his forces

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-02-19

Supreme Succession: Who Will Lead Post-Khamenei Iran?

Washington Institute

This 26-page US policy focus shows how the Iranian succession question could present a unique opportunity for Washington to soften the regime's anti-American posture or, failing that, to ensure that the IRGC's ambitions do not jeopardize other regional states

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-02-19

From the End of the Cold War and into a New Era of Relations

"Russia in Global Affairs"

This article discusses relations between ASEAN and Russia twenty years after the fall of the Soviet Union

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2012-02-19

To Iraq and Back: The Withdrawal of the US Forces

INSS

This 15-page Israeli article assesses the extent to which the US has achieved its strategic aims in Iraq

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-02-20

Mr. Xi Comes to Town

CEIP

A US commentary on Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2012-02-21

European Foreign Policy Scorecard 2012

ECFR

The European Foreign Policy Scorecard 2012 is a 150-page evaluation of Europe’s performance in pursuing its interests and promoting its values in the world

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2012-02-21

Maximizing Chances for Success in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Brookings

This is a 13-page policy brief proposing ideas for the next president on America’s foreign policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-02-21

Into Nations and Tribes: Yemen and AQAP

CEIP

A US article arguing that U.S. policy should face the fact that the most important transitions are taking place beyond Sanaa and the presidential turnover

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-02-27

Cybersecurity and U.S.-China Relations

Brookings

This US article explains how the issue of cybersecurity is looming ever larger in U.S.-China relations and is seriously affecting threat perceptions on both sides

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-02-27

The US on an Israeli Military Strike against Iran: A Change in Position?

INSS

An Israeli article assessing the US position as to the posibility of an Israeli strike on Iran

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-02-29

The Thin Red Line: Six Observations on Obama's Iran Policy

CEIP

A US analysis of statements by senior officials from press conferences, interviews, congressional hearings, and formal speeches conveys the administration’s public efforts to delineate what level of nuclear activity or other moves by Iran would prompt the United States to take more decisive action, most prominently the use of overt force

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-02-29

Mauritania’s Islamists

CEIP

A 30-page US paper assessing the challenges posed by Mauretanian Islamists

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-03-02

Al Qaeda in Its Third Decade: Irreversible Decline or Imminent Victory?

Rand Corporation

This 32-page US essay examines a number of issues concerning the status of al Qaeda

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-03-07

U.S. And Iranian Strategic Competition: The Proxy Cold War in the Levant, Egypt and Jordan

CSIS

A 148-page US report studying the the history and character of US competition with Iran

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-03-13

How the US is Still Getting Afghanistan Wrong

CFR

A US commentary on weaknesses in the US understanding of events in Afghanistan

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-03-14

Putin and Ukraine: The Calm Before the Storm

CEIP

A US analysis of Russian-Ukrainian relations

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2012-03-15

Prevention of Odious Obligations: A New Tool to Help Stem the Violence in Syria

CGD

A US article calling for the use of preemptive contract sanctions against the Syrian regime

Human Rights, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-03-15

Libya’s Transition

CEIP

A speech on Libya’s political transition and the future of U.S.-Libya relations

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-03-16

Qatar and the Arab Spring

SWP

An 8-page German commentary on adjustments to Qatar's foreign policy

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2012-03-16

Mission Incomplete

"Foreign Policy"

A 2-page assessment of the achievements of the US mission in Afghanistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-03-19

U.S. Strategic Nuclear Forces: Background, Developments, and Issues

CRS

A 37-page US report reviewing plans for maintaining and modernizing U.S. strategic nuclear forces

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-03-21

Russia 2012: Increased Repression, Rampant Corruption, Assisting Rogue Regimes

AEI

A US House testimony on the chance of Russia becoming a free, democratic, stable, and prosperous country, at peace with its own people, its neighbors and the world

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-03-26

The United States and Burma: Troubled Past, Uncertain Future

Future Directions International

This 7-page Australian paper percieves the beginnings of a more co-operative bilateral relationship between the US and Burma, but considers that this rapprochement could easily be derailed

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-03-26

Argentina Steps up Pressure on UK over Falklands

IISS

This 3-page commentary describes how Argentina has adopted an increasingly assertive strategy of regional diplomacy and economic pressure to draw attention to its long-running row with the United Kingdom over the islands

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-03-29

America's Shale Gas Boom - A Savior for Japan?

AJISS

A 3-page Japanese commentary on issues relevant to future US-Japanese cooperation in the energy sector

Energy, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-03-29

A Metamorphosis of the India-Pakistan Relationship?

AJISS

A 4-page Japanese commentary on recent developments in India-Pakistan relations

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-03-29

India Defies Oil Sanctions on Iran

BESA

This 3-page Israeli article endeavours to explain India's position on oil sanctions against Iran

Foreign Policy, EnergyPosted: 2012-03-30

Strategic Trends 2012

CSS

This 128-page Swiss study presents an overview of key developments in global affairs

Foreign Policy, Globalisation & International TradePosted: 2012-03-30

Iran Sanctions

CRS

An 80-page US report on issues relevant to sanctions against Iran

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-04-05

Pivot to the Pacific? The Obama Administration’s “Rebalancing” Toward Asia

CRS

A 33-page US report on US efforts to expand and intensify its already significant role in the Asia-Pacific, particularly in the southern part of the region

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-04-05

Israel: Possible Military Strike Against Iran’s Nuclear Facilities

CRS

A 52-page US report analyzing key factors that may influence current Israeli political decisions relating to a possible strike on Iranian nuclear facilities

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-04-05

The Breakout Option: Raising The Bar for the Supreme Leader

ACA

A 9-page US analysis arguing that the challenge for the United States is to devise policies that would make it as difficult as possible for Khamenei to retain domestic support and international sympathy if he were to go for a bomb.

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-04-06

Addressing U.S.-China Strategic Distrust

Brookings

This 65-page study lays out both the underlying concerns that the US and Chinese leaderships harbour about each other and the reasons for those concerns

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2012-04-10

The EU's Approach to Burma: How to Get Back into the Game

Clingendael

A 3-page Dutch brief argues that the EU should abandon its dogmatic stance towards Burma and take steps to show that it is committed to the reform process

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2012-04-13

An Arab Springboard for EU Foreign Policy?

Egmont Institute, CEPS, EPC

This 97-page publication addresses some of the key dimensions of the EU’s engagement with the Mediterranean region

European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-04-14

The EU Strategic Partnerships Review: Ten Guiding Principles

ESP

A 6-page paper considering the EU's approach to strategic partnerships

European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-04-14

Playing Both Sides: Belarus between Russia and the EU

DGAP

This 18-page German analysis describes how Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is deftly using the differences between Russia and the EU in the common neighborhood to preserve his regime

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-04-14

Rising Tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean: Implications for Turkish Foreign Policy

IAI

A 15-page Italian working paper asserting that Turkey’s image as a constructive and dialogue-oriented country, a critical achievement pursued by a generation of Turkish politicians, diplomats and officials, risks being replaced by one of an antagonistic/assertive power

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2012-04-17

Re-thinking Western Policies in Light of the Arab Uprisings

IAI

This 163-page Italian research paper contributes to the international debate concerning the West's approach to the epochal change occurring across the Mediterranean

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-04-17

Iran’s Tone Changes in Istanbul: Nuke Talks ‘Constructive and Useful’

"The Daily Beast"

A US commentary on the reopening of nuclear talks between Iran and the six world powers seeking to negotiate with it

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-04-22