Policy pointers

This commentary warns that doubts remain over the EU’s ability to take a genuinely strategic approach to its neighbourhood and to offer the right mix of tools and incentives to really make a difference

European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-03-28

Engaging Ukraine in 2009

Brookings Institution

This 30-page paper briefly discusses U.S. interests in a successful Ukraine and describes four key challenges currently facing Kyiv. It then discusses in more detail the above policy recommendations for strengthening U.S.-Ukrainian relations and for helping Ukraine to meet these challenges and continue its transformation into a modern, successful European democracy.

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2009-03-24

Is Russia a Partner to the EU in Bosnia?

CER

An 8-page policy brief on EU-Russia relations in Bosnia-Herzegovina

European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-03-24

Balkans: Longer Stay in the Waiting Room

IFIMES

This Slovene article presents an overview of the current situation in the Slovenian-Croatian relations as well as in the region concerned, referring to its EU ambitions

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2009-03-20

Pressing the "Reset Button" on US-Russia Relations

Peterson Instiute

This 14-page US policy brief proposes a route to fruitful collaboration between the US and Russia

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-03-18

The Foreign Policy of Iran: Ideology and pragmatism in the Islamic Republic

DIIS

A 6-page Danish brief examining Iran's foreign policy

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-03-16

Credibility and Compliance

SWP

A 4-page German commentary arguing that the EU's CFSP risks forfeiting its leverage in the Western Balkans

European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-03-14

China Is Not An Evil Empire

Körber Foundation

This 63-page German essay outlines a hopeful image of the People’s Republic despite Tibet, despite human rights abuses, and despite violence and arbitrary government

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-03-11

Russia, China, and the United States in Central Asia

SSI

This 73-page US monograph discusses the prospects for great power competition and cooperation in the shadow of the Georgian crisis

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-03-11

The New Wave of Foreign Policy Activism in Turkey

DIIS

This 40-page Danish report investigates continuities and ruptures in Turkish foreign policy, with special reference to Europeanization

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2009-03-05

Come Home, NATO? The Atlantic Alliance’s New Strategic Concept

DIIS

This 30-page Danish Report provides an overview of the political and military issues that are likely to shape the coming discussions about NATO’s new Strategic Concept

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-03-05

Illusion of Power: Russia after the South Caucasus Battle

CEPS

A 24-page paper aiming at reassessing Russia’s military, political, economic and diplomatic might after the battle in the South Caucasus. The research concludes with proposals for a new Western strategy on Russia and the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood which would ensure an undivided and sustainable European order

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2009-03-05

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

Preventing Conflict over Kurdistan

CEIP

This 66-page US report argues that Washington must pay close attention to the many intertwined dimensions of the Kurdish question and, in particular, to the very real potential for conflict and outside intervention. Washington mustdevelop a comprehensive approach that recognizes and, where possible, leverages those linkages to help usher in a stable and prosperous future

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-03-04

The CFE Treaty One Year After Its Unilateral Suspension: A Forlorn Treaty?

SIPRI

This 8-page Swedish policy brief gives an overview of the issues that have dogged the CFE process and that led up to the Russian unilateral suspension. It outlines the situation that the parties to the treaty find themselves in now and assesses the prospects for conventional arms control in Europe.

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-03-01

The 2009 Israeli Elections and Turkish-Israeli Relations

SETA

A 12-page Turkish policy brief examining how the future course of Turkish-Israeli relations will be affected by the next Israeli government's peace agenda

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-02-28

Issues Facing NATO On Its 60th Birthday

CFR

A US interview dealing with the issues currently faced by NATO

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-02-28

China's Expanding Peacekeeping Role: Its Significance and the Policy Implications

SIPRI

This 8-page Swedish policy brief examines the dramatic expansion in Chinese involvement in UN peacekeeping activities and makes recommendations to the international community on how to engage with China in order to strengthen its commitment to regional stability, ensure greater convergence between Chinese and other international interests on questions of regional security, and encourage more effective international peacekeeping operations

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-02-26

Iraq, its Neighbors, and the Obama Administration: Syrian and Saudi Perspectives

USIP, Stimson

A 21-page US working paper presenting Syrian and Saudi perspectives on Iraq

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-02-26

Dr. Ali Al-Dabbagh's Iraq-based Formula for Regional Cooperation

USIP

A description of a far-reaching regional initiative to increase economic and strategic cooperation in the Middle East

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-02-26

Washington Balances Syrian Engagement with Commitment to Lebanese Allies

Washington Institute

A 3-page US article exploring the Obama Administration's problem in balancing Syrian engagement with its commitments to Lebanon

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-02-26

Between Isolation and Internationalization: The State of Burma

SIIA

The 177-page report of a conference held to discuss available policy options for engaging the military junta in Burma, the role of Burma's big neighbours (including China, India, and the ASEAN countries), and future prospects for a democratic transition in Burma.

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-02-25

EU-Russia Relations: A Regrettable Continuation

Robert Schuman Foundation

An 8-page French paper examining the state of EU-Russia relations

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2009-02-24

NATO in Afghanistan

CFR

A US critique of NATO's contribution in Afghanistan

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

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 US Administration: Confusion and Indecision on Iran

INSS

An Israeli perspective on statements made by the new US Administration in respect of Iran

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-02-20

The Somali Conflict: The Role of External Actors

DIIS

This 34-page Danish report assesses the effect of external interventions in Somalia since 1991

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-02-19

Pragmatism Rather than Backlash: Moroccan Perceptions of Western Democracy Promotion

EUROMESCO

This 29-page study examines the perceptions in Morocco of Western democracy promotion amongst its main “targets” – namely, NGOs, political party activists and parliamentarians, representatives of the judiciary and the state, journalists, and academics

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-02-19

No More Hypocrisy: Germany is a Great Power

Körber Foundation

A 67-page policy paper presenting an overview of Germany's postion in Europe and in the world

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2009-02-19

China Policy under Obama

FPRI

A US essay on future US policy towards China during the Obama Administration

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-02-15

Dealing with Troubled Neighbourhoods

EPC

This commentary warns that doubts remain over the EU’s ability to take a genuinely strategic approach towards neighbouring regions and to offer the right mix of tools and incentives to really make a difference.

European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-02-15

When the Dust Settles in Gaza

FPC

A UK article considering how a recurrence of the Gaza war can best be prevented

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-02-15

Foreign Policy as Provocation

SWP

This 32-page German research paper assesses Venezuela's ability to build on its influence in South America to play an enduring leading role in the Western hemisphere and global politics

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-02-14

Scanning the Future: American and European Perspectives

ISS Europa

This 4-page policy brief reviews the recent US National Intelligence report on global trends in 2025,

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2009-02-13

European Perspectives on the New American Foreign Policy Agenda

ISS Europa

This 44-page report highlights what it considers to be the major political event of 2009: the election of President Barack Obama and the impact that the change in the American administration will have on the world

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2009-02-13

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

Engaging Syria? U.S. Constraints and Opportunities

Crisis Group

This 38-page report on the prospects for US-Syrian engagement focuses on the need for a prudent, progressive approach that first rebuilds ties and restores confidence

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-02-12

Overcoming Obstacles to U.S.-China Cooperation on Climate Change

Brookings Institute

This 84-page US report recommends ways to overcome obstacles to cooperation between the United States and China on climate change

Climate Change & Environment, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-02-12

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

The Case for a New European Engagement in Iraq

FRIDE

This 28-page Spanish paper argues that the EU should respond favourably to requests from the government in Baghdad for a technical assistance mission to be dispatched to Iraq and lists a series of recommendations on how the EU can improve its bi-lateral relations

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2009-02-09

Pakistan: Anatomy of a Crisis, Skeletal Opportunities

CSS

This 3-page Swiss brief discusses the political instability in Pakistan and its implications for Western countries

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-02-07

Getting it Right in Pakistan and Afghanistan

CSIS

This 2-page US commentary considers the best way to promote peace and security in the greater South Asia region,

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-02-04

Europe, The United States, and Middle Eastern Democracy: Repairing the Breach

Brookings Institution

This 34-page US paper looks beyond the highly charged, Iraq-related deterioration in the transatlantic relationship between the US and the European Union in order to assess the real similarities and differences in the two actors’ democracy promotion strategies in the Middle East.

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2009-02-03

The Slovenian-Croatian Border Question

IFIMES

A Slovene analysis of Slovenian-Croatian relations focusing on the unresolved border question

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-02-02

Preparing for Sudden Change in North Korea

CFR

A 70-page US report focusing on how to manage the prospect of a change in North Korea's leadership

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-01-30

Obama, Mitchell, Israel, and What Lies Ahead

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the likely future of US-Israeli relations during the Obama Administration

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-01-28

China as an Emerging Donor in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan

IFRI

This 29-page French paper discusses the characteristics of Chinese assistance to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, comparing its activities and policies in Central Asia with those in Africa, and draws conclusions about the implications of such growing engagement

International Development, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-01-27

Democracy Assistance: Political vs. Developmental

"Journal of Democracy"

A 15-page US article arguing that the West can more effectively promote democracy by crafting policies that embrace both political reform and socioeconomic development as paths toward increased political freedom.

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-01-23

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

Reversing the Decline: An Agenda for U.S.-Russian Relations in 2009

Brookings Institution

This 38-page US policy paper reviews how U.S.-Russian relations went off course. It looks at what Moscow wants. It offers policy recommendations for the Obama administration and concludes with suggestions on tactics and a notional calendar for engaging Russia in 2009

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-01-22

On the Eve of Obama's Inauguration: American Soft Power in Asia

Brookings Institution

A US article assessing the state of US soft power in Asia

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-01-22

Ambition: The Emerging Foreign Policy of the Rudd Government

Lowy Institute

This 20-page paper explores the Rudd Government's emerging foreign policy, the Prime Minister's own contributions to it and what questions it raises for the future

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-01-22

The Obama Presidency: A View from Turkey

SETA

A 16-page policy brief offering a Turkish perpective on foreign relations expectations from the Obama Presidency

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-01-21

Understanding Iran

Rand Corporation

This 167-page US monograph offers a set of short analytic observations about the processes, institutions, networks, and actors that define Iran's politics, strategy, economic policy, and diplomacy

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-01-20

Engaging Syria? Lessons from the French Experience

Crisis Group

A 16-page policy briefing drawing practical lessons based on France's attempts to engage Syria, while offering creative ideas as to how Paris may consolidate what remains a still tenuous initiative.

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-01-20

Obama's Turkey Policy: European Democracy and NATO Benchmarks

Washington Institute

A 3-page US article on the difficult choices faced by the Obama aAdministration regarding its policy toward Turkey

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-01-19

New Policies and Old Realities in the Middle East

FPRI

A US essay reviewing Amercican policy in the Middle East

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-01-19

Iranian Support of Hamas

IICC

This 29-page Israeli report details Iranian support for Hamas

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-01-19

Afghanistan: Avoiding another Iraq

RSIS

A 2-page Singaporean commentary on the challenge posed to the incoming Obama administration by Afghanistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-01-16

China’s Gulf of Aden Expedition: Stepping Stone to East Asia?

RSIS

This 3-page Singaporean commentary assesses the implications of China's Gulf of Aden expedition

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-01-16

Regional Spillover Effects of the Iraq War

SSI

A US paper addressing the spillover issues associated with the Iraq war

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-01-16

Turkey and the Palestine Question

SETA

This 12-page Turkish policy brief explaining Turkey's stance on the Palestine question

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-01-14

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

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

Obama's Options for Gaza

Brookings Institution

A US article arguing that there is an opportunity in the Gaza crisis for the new president to achieve a better future for Palestinians and Israelis

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-01-13

Cross-Strait Relations: "Ascend the Heights and Take a Long-term Perspective"

Hoover Institution

A 46-page paper analyzing recent developments in P~RC-Taiwan relations

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-01-12

Political Issues of Paradiplomacy - Lessons from the Developed World

Clingendael

A 15-page Dutch discussion paper examining the phenomenon of regional governments developing international relations, often called ‘paradiplomacy

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-01-10

Bellagio Space Security Workshop Summary

Stimson Center

The 8-page report of an international workshp held to discuss ways to provide momentum to space diplomacy and to facilitate new diplomatic initiatives in 2009

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-01-08

The Arab Reaction to Operation Cast Lead

INSS

An Israeli article analyzing the reaction in Arab countries to Israel's strike on Hamas in Gaza

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-01-07

Russia And The Post-2012 Climate Regime: Foreign Rather Than Environmental Policy

FIIA

This 8-page Finnish briefing paper assesses Russia's stance in respect of the post-2012 international climate regime

Climate Change & Environment, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-01-07

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

A Pebble in the Peace Pond

Dayan Center

A 2-page Israeli commentary on the Arab Peace Initiative

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-12-30

Looking Straight at the Initiative

Dayan Center

a 3-page Israeli commentary on the Arab Peace Initiative

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-12-30

Somalia: To Move Beyond the Failed State

Crisis Group

This 45-page report argues that the announced withdrawal at year’s end of the Ethiopian army, which intervened in December 2006, opens a new period of uncertainty and risk but also provides a chance to launch an inclusive political process.

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-12-24

Implications of the Georgian Crisis for Israel, Iran and the West

MERIA

An Israeli article examining Israeli and Iranian reactions to the Georgian crisis, as well as its broader impact on regional energy and security concerns.

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-12-22

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

The Arab Peace Initiative: Why Now?

ORG

This 26-page report is based on an expert roundtable organised to give the Arab Peace Initiative (API) a higher profile

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-12-13

China’s Apparent Cost-free Slight to Europe

Pacific Forum CSIS

A 2-page commentary on the diplomatic implications of China’s cancellation of the annual EU-China summit four days before it was to be held in Lyons

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-12-13

The Georgia-Russia Stalemate: Do's and Dont's for Avoiding a New Cold War

Security & Defence Agenda

A 32-page discussion paper relecting on the implications for the EU of the August 2008 conflict between Georgia and Russia

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2008-12-13

United Nations Peacekeeping: Issues for Congress

CRS

A 59-page tracking report for action by the US Congress on United Nations peacekeeping

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-12-11

Forceful Engagement: Rethinking the Role of Military Power in US Global Policy

Project on Defense Alternatives

This 16-page report reviews and critiques the evolving role of force and the armed forces in US foreign and security policy since the end of the Cold War

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-12-10

Welcome Back, America? Europe and the U.S.

Bertelsmann

An 8-page brief assessing the likely course of transatlantic relations

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2008-12-09

Africa-China-Europe Trilateral Co-operation: Is Europe Naïve?

EADI

A2-page opinion on the merits of trilateral dialogue and cooperation on development between Africa, China and Europe

International Development, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-12-09

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

Russia And The Post-2012 Climate Regime: Foreign Rather Than Environmental Policy

FIIA

An 8-page Finnish briefing paper examining the politics of climate change mitigation in Russia

Climate Change & Environment, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-12-05

Multi-Stakeholder Cooperation in Global Governance

FIIA

A 51-page Finnish working paper offering an overview of new forms of international cooperation that go beyond traditional intergovernmental multilateralism.

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-12-05

How Will the Financial Crisis Affect EU Foreign Policy?

FRIDE

This 5-page Spanish policy brief examines whether the global financial crisis will affect the EU's broader foreign policies - and if so, how.

European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-12-05

A New Helsinki for the OSCE?

SWP

This 8-page German commentary considers how the OSCE might be the forum for reviving the European Security Dialogue

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-12-05

Restoring Global Leadership: US Foreign Policy under Barack Obama

SWP

This 8-page German commentary considers the scale of the challenges to Barack Obama's ambition to restore the US to a position of global leadership

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-12-05

China’s Scary Challenges to India

IDSA

An Indian commentary on trends in Indo-Chinese relations

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2008-12-05

Where is Egypt Headed?

FPRI

A US paper examining the interaction between US-Egyptian relations and Egyptian foreign policy

Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-12-04

China and the Global Financial Crisis: Implications for the United States

CRS

This 6-page US report considers implications of possible Chinese responses to the global economic crisis

Foreign Policy, Economic PolicyPosted: 2008-12-04

The Implications of the Mumbai Attacks for Afghanistan

The Brookings Institution

A US article discussing the implications of the Mumbai attacks for NATO efforts to stabilize Afghanistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-12-03