Policy pointers

Foreign Policy

NATO in Afghanistan

CFR

A US critique of NATO's contribution in Afghanistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-02-21

A Conversation with Dmitry Medvedev

CFR

The transcript of a speech by the Russian president to a US audience, focusing on US-Russian relations

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-11-25

From AfPak to PakAf: A Response to the New U.S. Strategy for South Asia

CFR

This 17-page US paper argues that a narrow focus on counterterrorism is insufficient to protect U.S. interests in South Asia and advocates a long-term approach that prioritizes engagement with Pakistan. Finally, it proposes a number of detailed recommendations to implement this strategy

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-04-23

U.S.-Latin America Relations: A New Direction for a New Reality

CFR

This 96-page US task report examines how recent changes may affect US policy towards Latin America

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-05-19

Iran and the Future of Afghanistan

CFR

A US backgrounder discussing the likelihood of engaging with Iran to secure stability for Afghanistan

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-02-20

The New Middle East

CFR

A 5-page essay heralding a new era in the Middle East and calling for a radical change in US policy towards the region

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2006-11-22

Sultan of the Muslim World

CFR

A 2-page US article on Turkey's search for a new role in world affairs

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-11-25

Elections and Opportunity in Myanmar

CFR

A US article on developments in Myanmar and possible future US policy

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-08-08

Saudi Arabia and the Future of Afghanistan

CFR

A US backgrounder discussing the role of Saudi Arabia in Afghanistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-12-13

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

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

Beyond Iraq: A New U.S. Strategy for the Middle East

CFR

A 7-page US article spelling out the prerequisites for a successful US Middle East strategy

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-01-07

Fidel's Final Victory

CFR

A 6-page article assessing Cuba's future without Castro and implications for US policy

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2007-02-01

The China-North Korea Relationship

CFR

A US backgrounder explaining the basis of China's support for the North Korean regime

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-06-21

U.S.-Cuba Relations

CFR

An updated US backgounder on US-Cuba relations

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-04-13

Asia's Forgotten Crisis

CFR

This 4-page US article describes the security threat posed by Burma (Myanmar)

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2007-12-08

The Costs of Containing Iran

CFR

A 3-page US article assessing the US Administration's new policy for containing Iran

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-12-08

A Tribal Strategy for Afghanistan

CFR

A US article discussing the merits of adopting a tribal strategy for Afghanistan

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-11-16

Halting Steps in New Delhi

CFR

A brief, US update on Indo-Pakistan relations

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-02-27

Policy Options Paper: Pakistan

CFR

An 11-page US paper discussing how the US should respond to Pakistan's ongoing political crisis

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2007-12-21

The Great Crash, 2008: A Geopolitical Setback for the West

CFR

A 7-page US essay warning that the financial crisis has called into serious question the credibility of western governments and may precipitate an eastward shift of power

Foreign Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-02-13

The New New World Order

CFR

A 5-page article examining shifts in the global distribution of power and their implications for US foreign policy

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-03-28

Dealing with Damascus

CFR

A 48-page US paper analyzing US policy towards Syria

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-06-21

The United States in the New Asia

CFR

This 56-page US report examines Asia’s regional architecture and consider what it means for the United States. They identify shortcomings in the region’s existing multilateral mix and contend that the United States must increase its involvement in shaping Asian institutions in order to advance U.S. strategic interests and protect the competitiveness of American firms

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-11-10

The Russian Economic Crisis

CFR

This 44-page US report argues that Russia's economic crisis presents an opportunity to deepen American and European economic ties with Russia and integrate the country more firmly in the international system, something that could, over time, bring Russian and Western interests closer together

Foreign Policy, Economic PolicyPosted: 2010-04-19

U.S.-China Relations: An Affirmative Agenda, A Responsible Course

CFR

The 114-page report of a US task force created to to evaluate an appropriate future course for US-China relations

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2007-04-20

Reversal in Iraq

CFR

An 8-page US article assessing four interrelated scenarios in Iraq that could derail the prospects for peace and stability in the short to medium term and positing concrete policy options to limit U.S. vulnerability to the possibility of such reversals

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-05-17

The U.S. Financial Squeeze on Iran

CFR

A background paper examining the nature and likely effectiveness of US financial pressure on Iran designed to bring about a suspension of Iran's nuclear programme

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-01-24

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

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

A Fresh Look at Global Governance: Exploring Objective Criteria for Representation

CGD

This 27-page US working paper considers what would constitute a representational and effective system of global governance in today's geopolitical climate

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-02-10

Revisiting the Concept of Soft Power

CGP

A Japanese paper examining the concept of soft power

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2007-01-26

The Limits of Soft Power

CGP

A Japanese essay considering the concept of "soft power"

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2006-11-18

China and India: Cooperation and Competition

Chatham House

An 11-page paper outlining the complex relationship between India and China

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2007-06-29

Dealing with Russia: The Reset Button

Chatham House

A 5-page UK paper on Western policy towards Russia

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-05-28

Bringing Hegemony Back In: The United States and International Order

Chatham House

This 14-page UK article discusses the concept of hegemony in the context of the postion of the US in the world

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-01-14

On Europe's Fringes: Russia, Turkey and the European Union

Chatham House

This 16-page UK briefing paper compares the economies of Turkey and Russia and considers the implications for Europ

European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-08-09

Afghanistan: Perfect Paralysis

Chatham House

This 3-page UK article analyses President Obama's Afghanistan strategy. It argues that to be successful it must be given time to wear down the Taliban and to build up confidence among Pashtuns so they return to the political mainstream

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-12-29

Afghanistan: Talking to the Taliban

Chatham House

A 3-page UK article discussing whether the West should be talking to the Taliban

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2007-10-26

India and its Neighbours: Do Economic Interests Have the Potential to Build Peace?

Chatham House

This 25-page UK paper analyzes India's increasing role in world and regional affairs

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2007-11-28

Ukraine’s Political Crisis: The Domestic and Foreign Policy Implications of the Georgia Conflict

Chatham House

An 8-page summary of a UK roundtable held to discuss Ukraine's political crisis

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-11-19

Ensuring Peace and Security in Africa: Implementing the New Africa-EU Partnership

Chatham House

The 11-page transcript of a UK speech on the evolution of Africa’s partnership with the EU and its contribution to the promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-11-02

Oil for Asia

Chatham House

A 12-page UK briefing paper examining the implications of the expansion of Asian national oil companies for international relations, development and the oil market

Energy, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2007-04-04

India and Pakistan: A New Chapter?

Chatham House

A UK commentary on possible movement in Indo-Pakistan relations

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-11

Contemporary Chinese Views of Europe

Chatham House

This 81-page UK report examines Chinese views on the economic, political and cultural aspects of Europe

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2007-11-27

US Election Note: China Policy after 2012

Chatham House

This 6-page UK paper lays out the likely China policy of either a second-term Barack Obama administration or an incoming Mitt Romney administration, and the international implications of these two alternatives

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-05-21

The Arctic and Climate Change

Chatham House

The 6-page summary of an international law discussion group meeting held to discuss the Arctic and climate change

Energy, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-02-29

The End of the 'Post-Soviet Space'

Chatham House

A 10-page briefing paper describing the changing geopolitical orientation of the newly independent states, formally part of the USSR

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-03-07

Six Perspectives on the Georgia Conflict

Chatham House

Six UK briefing notes offering analysis and insight into th conflict in Georgia (single page linking to each paper)

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-10-21

'Boffins' and 'Buffoons': Different Strains of Thought in Russia's Strategic Thinking

Chatham House

A 7-page briefing paper analyzing different strains of strategic thinking in Russia today

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2006-03-27

The US Government’s Approach to Somalia

Chatham House

A 7-page speech explaining the US Government's policy towards Somalia

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

British Policy - Middle East and Terrorism

Chatham House

A critique of British policy in the Middle East

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2006-12-13

Iran, Its Neighbours and the Regional Crises

Chatham House

This 52-page report comprises a series of contributions on Iran's regional role and its involvement in regional crises

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2006-11-08

Libya - Revolutionary Forty Years On

Chatham House

A 4-page UK article looking at Libya's relations with the West

Foreign Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-09-05

What Will the World Look Like in the Obama Era?

Chatham House

A 16-page UK speech on the shifts in global power

Foreign Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-04

Our Common Strategic Interests: Africa's Role in the Post-G8 World

Chatham House

This UK paper examines the greater strategic role that African countries are now playing in international affairs

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-06-08

China in Africa - Preparing for the Next Forum for China Africa Cooperation

Chatham House

This 18-page paper assesses what the outcomes from the meeting of FOCAC will be on the evolving, dynamic, and complex relationship between China and Africa

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-07-04

The Soft Notion of China’s 'Soft Power'

Chatham House

A 10-page UK paper attempting to clarify the meaning of "Chinese soft power"

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-02-18

Europe and the Mediterranean: Eyeing Other Shores

Chatham House

A 3-page UK article arguing that Pres. Sarkozy's scheme for a Union for the Mediterranean is flawed

European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-07-13

Blair's Foreign Policy and its Possible Successor(s)

Chatham House

This 6-page briefing paper assesses the impact of events such as the 'War on Terror' and the invasion of Iraq and their implications for future UK foreign policy

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2007-01-17

Russian Policy on Iran: Trump and Trap

Chatham House

This UK article describes the risks involved in current Russian policy towards Iran

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-02-07

Ethiopia and Eritrea: Allergic to Persuasion?

Chatham House

A 12-page UK paper examining the differing approaches of Ethiopia and Eritrea to diplomacy and the challenges that this poses to the international community

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2007-02-07

Iran: Breaking the Nuclear Deadlock

Chatham House

This 42-page UK report considers the ways in which the West can most effectively engage with Iran. It both analyses the current situation and makes a series of practical recommendations about next steps for policymakers in the US under the Obama administration, and in the UK and Europe.

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-01-14

Living with Two Megapowers: The World in 2020

Chatham House

A 14-page speech visualising the world political scene in 2020

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2006-12-13

China in the Next Five Years: Comprehensive and Sustained Development at Home and Win-Win Cooperation with the World

Chatham House

The 7-page transcript of a UK address by the Chinese ambassador talking about the importance of the 12th Five-Year Plan, the steps China will take in the next five years and the potential impact on China and the rest of the world

Economic Policy, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-03-23

Conceptualizing AfPak: The Prospects and Perils

Chatham House

A 33-page UK paper identifying weaknesses in the US' AfPak strategy

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-02-06

Pakistan's Foreign Policy Under Musharraf: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Chatham House

This 9-page briefing paper discusses the conflicting issues influencing the formulation of Pakistan's foreign policy

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2006-03-27

Japan and China: Reaching Reconciliation or Stuck in the Past?

Chatham House

An 8-page paper explaining current Sino-Japanese relations from a historical perspective

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2006-11-08

Iran, Its Neighbours and the Regional Crises

Chatham House

This 52-page report seeks to shed light on what the regional crises illustrate about Iran's relations with its neighbours

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2006-10-04

The Rise of Global Health in International Affairs

Chatham House

The transcript of two addresses at a UK meeting to discuss the importance of global health in international affairs

Health, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-06-24

Contemporary Indian Views of Europe

Chatham House, Fondation Robert Schuman

A 65-page report giving Indian views of Europe's status in world affairs

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2006-10-04

Turkey and the EU: Four Scenarios: From Train Crash to Full Steam Ahead

Chatham House, Friends of Europe, LSE

This 52-page report discusses possible developments in EU-Turkish negotiations

European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2006-10-04

Path to Prosperity

China Institute of International Studies

A Chinese commentary on Sino-Indian economic and political relations

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2006-10-18

Strategic Nuances

China Institute of International Studies

A Chinese paper describing the growing relationship between Mongolia and Japan

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2006-10-18

The Case for Direct US Engagement with North Korea

Cicero Foundation

A 27-page article arguing that the normalization of relations between the US and North Korea could help persuade North Korea to eliminate its nuclear weapons programme

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2006-08-08

Six Dimensions of the Growing Transatlantic Divide

Cicero Foundation

A 13-page paper analysing whether there is a growing divide between the United States and Europe, its nature and its consequences

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2004-08-31

The Foreign Policy of Barack Obama: Between Dreaming and Doing

Cicero Foundation

An 11-page essay studying President Obama's foreign policymaking

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-04-19

Russia and Europe: The Dangers of a "Reset"

Cicero Foundation

A 9-page paper calling for European realism in its dealings with Russia

European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-03-12

The Case for Direct US Engagement with North Korea

Cicero Foundation

This 27-page paper urges the US to normalize its relations with North Korea

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2006-10-18

Spreading Democracy: A Shared Transatlantic Goal or a Dangerous Apple of Discord?

Cicero Foundation

A 7-page lecture addressing how the U.S. administration's programme for spreading democracy will affect transatlantic relations

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2006-02-10

The Promise Inherent in Nepal-China Relations

CIIS

Article urging Nepal to strengthen relations with China

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2006-10-18

Sustainable Development is Possible in Yemen

CIPE

A 6-page US article proposing a policy for combating extremism in Yemen

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-02-20

The U.S. and Iran after the NIE

CIS

A US essay on how US-Iranian relations may be affected by the NIE report on Iran's nuclear capabilities

Foreign Policy, DisabilityPosted: 2008-01-30

Classical Liberalism and International Relations

CIS

This Australian paper argues that it is possible to develop a classical liberal foreign policy agenda

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-04-01

Rights and Security: A Broad View

CIS

A lecture on civil rights in Iran and US policy towards that country

Foreign Policy, Human RightsPosted: 2007-08-09

China’s Insecurity and Search for Power

CIS

This 22-page Australian paper examines the thoughts of some of China’s leading strategic thinkers and policymakers. It shows how China’s leaders and thinkers view the world and China within it, and how they view ‘power’ and seek security within the system.

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-12-09

A New Apprach to Iran

CIS

A 51-page US paper on the need for transformative diplomacy in dealing with Iran

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-08-19

U.S. and Colombia: A Growing Military Intervention?

CIS - MIT

A 6-page US essay on US-Colombian relations

Foreign Policy, Drug AbusePosted: 2009-01-23

Distracted at the Creation: Washington's China Policy

CIS - MIT

A 4-oage essay analyzing the effectiveness of US China policy

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2007-10-11

Is the Foreign Policy Process Working?

CIS - MIT

An essay examining the current workings of US foreign policy

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2007-10-11

What Can Public Diplomacy Achieve?

Clingendael

This Dutch discussion paper examines the possibilities and limitations of public diplomacy

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2006-09-26

Securing and Fuelling China

Clingendael

A 103-page Dutch paper using the Chinese Kazakh oil pipeline as a case study to elaborate the rationale behind China's economic and political involvement in Central Asia

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2006-09-27

Tomorrow's Mores: The Future Geopolitical System, and the Structure of the International Oil Market

Clingendael

This 11-page Dutch paper notes the uncertainties of the future geopolitical system and the possible effects on oil security

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2006-07-19

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