Policy pointers

This 2-page US article argues that many Arab leaders suffer from what can be called postcolonial time disorder, or PTD, meaning that they still subscribe to an out-of-date philosophy of governance, according to which authoritarianism is the only cure for external or internal political challenges

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-23

The Widening Political Faultline Over Turkey's European Destiny

"Europe's World"

A commentary on Turkey's European destiny

Regional, European UnionPosted: 2011-05-22

The Widening Political Faultline Over Turkey's European Destiny

"Europe's World"

A commentary on Turkey's European destiny

Regional, European UnionPosted: 2011-04-14

Trade Patterns and Global Value Chains in East Asia

WTO, IDE-JETRO

A 132-page study resulting from the first-ever joint experiment to measure and analyse “trade in value-added"

Globalisation & International Trade, RegionalPosted: 2011-08-12

World Trade Report 2011

WTO

The 256-page World Trade Report 2011 describes the historical development of PTAs and the current landscape of agreements. It examines why PTAs are established, their economic effects, and the contents of the agreements themselves. Finally it considers the interaction between PTAs and the multilateral trading system

Globalisation & International Trade, RegionalPosted: 2011-07-28

Expanding Housing Finance to the Underserved in South Asia

World Bank

This 358-page report argues that South Asia’s future economic growth, social development, and employment are tied to providing housing and nurturing real-estate growth

Housing, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-07

Financing Africa Through the Crisis and Beyond

World Bank

This 308-page book takes stock of Africa's financial systems in light of recent changes in the global financial system. It addresses risk aversion of international investors, a shift in economic and financial powers towards emerging markets, the regulatory reform debate, and the increasing role of technology

International Development, RegionalPosted: 2011-09-22

Empowering Women in the Muslim World

Wilson Center

The summary of three recent US events held to discuss the empowering of women in the Muslim world

Regional, Human RightsPosted: 2010-12-06

The Arab Spring, One Year On

Wilson Center

A speech on how the Arab Spring has developed and specific economic challenges facing the region

Regional, Economic PolicyPosted: 2011-12-14

Sinai: A New Front

Washington Institute for Near East Policy

This 20-page US policy paper highlights how the Sinai Peninsula has emerged as a new hotspot in the complex Arab-Israeli conflict, with an expanding terrorist infrastructure that makes it another front of potential confrontation

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-02-06

Actions, Not Just Attitudes: A New Paradigm for U.S.-Arab Relations

Washington Institute

A 102-page US policy focus that presents and interprets the most comprehensive data yet assembled on actual Arab political behavior, at both the political and popular levels, for twenty Arab countries over ten years

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-07-11

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

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

The Muslim Brotherhood: On the Record

Washington Institute

A 3-page US collection of statements by Muslim Brotherhood leaders on the full gamut of critical issues, from their potential role in a post-Mubarak government to relations with the United States, the Palestinians, and Israel

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-08

Proximity Talks: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Washington Institute

A 3-page US article assessing the prospects of progress in proximity talks between Israel and the Palestinians

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-05-09

How to Assess Political Fissures in Iran

Washington Institute

The 3-page report Report of a US forum held to discuss developments in Iran that may indicate either lost ground for reform-minded activists or cracks in the very foundation of the Islamic Republic

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-02-18

The Claim for Recognition of Israel as a Jewish State: A Reassessment

Washington Institute

This 78-page US study demystifies the often misleading debate over recognizing Israel as a "Jewish" state and provides the means to reconcile the issue and overcome a major challenge to an Israeli-Palestinian agreement

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-08

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

A Victory for Islamism? The Second Lebanon War and Its Repercussions

Washington Institute

An 80-page US paper arguing that although Hizballah's strong position in Lebanese society keeps the bilateral conflict with Israel alive, the perception of strength and success in battle provides Hizballah with much broader reach and regional influence

Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-11-27

Seismic Shift: Israel's Natural Gas Discoveries

Washington Institute

A 3-page US policy brief assessing the significance of the recently-announced discovery of natural gas in the Leviathan offshore field

Energy, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-06

Merging Bottom-Up and Top-Down Peace Efforts: A Jerusalem-Ramallah Trip Report

Washington Institute

A commentary on the conclusions reached on the prospects for Israeli-Palestinian peach from a recent Middle East study tour

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-10

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

Pakistan, the United States and the End Game in Afghanistan: Perceptions of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy Elite

USIP

This 5-page US brief summarizes the perceptions of Pakistani foreign policy elite about Pakistan’s strategy and interests in Afghanistan, its view of the impending “end game”, and the implications of its policies towards Afghanistan for the U.S.-Pakistan relationship

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-08-02

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

Beyond Tahrir: The Trajectory of Egypt's Transition

USIP

A report on a US speech made by a senior figure in Egypt's Supreme Council of the Armed Forces on the aims of the military

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-08-02

Afghan Civil Society and a Comprehensive Peace Process

USIP

A 5-page US brief highlighting the importance of involving Afghan civil society and its interests in any sustainable approach to peace in Afghanistan

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2011-08-02

Turmoil in Syria: Reshaping the Middle East?

USIP

A series of US briefs on how the Syrian uprising is affecting the regional neighborhood

Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-10-19

Baghdad’s Wary Support for the Syrian Status Quo

USIP

This 4-page US brief outlines how Baghdad possesses limited ability to influence the course of events in Syria, but uses this to provide modest support to the Assad regime

Regional, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2011-10-19

Turkey’s New Engagement in Iraq

USIP

This US report examines the change in relations between Tukey, Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-05-09

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

U.S. Policy toward Korean Re-unification: Cross-Cultural Perspective

USAWC

This 28-page US paper identifies the cross-cultural awareness gaps between South Korea and the United States in respect of Korean reunification

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-18

Japan's and South Korea's Role in East Asian Security?

USAWC

This 38-page US paper argues that in order to meet security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, the U.S. must expect Japan and South Korea to take on an increasing role for security in the region

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-18

Where the Old Meets the New: Transitional Justice, Peacebuilding and Traditional Reconciliation Practices in Africa

Uppsala University

A 40-page paper focusing on a central dilemma facing peacebuilding after war. This dilemma is constituted by the, often contradictory, demands from various actor groupings concerning matters related to peace, justice, reconciliation and political stability

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2009-02-07

Democratic Space in Asia-Pacific

UNDP

This 39-page working paper explores the concept of democratic space in the context of the Asia-Pacific region. It examines the factors that affect the quality and capacity of democratic space to give poor and marginalised groups meaningful opportunities to participate in politics and governance and exercise their human rights

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-02

The Korean Armistice and the Islands

U.S. Army War College

This 30-page US paper describes how, because of the five Northwest islands' unique strategic location, the surrounding area has become one of the primary potential sources of conflict between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the DPRK

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-07

A Palestinian Deal in the Season of Remarkable Change

The National

A US op-ed on the Fatah-Hamas agreement

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-05

The Muslim Brotherhood

The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center

A 96-page Israeli backgrounder on the worldview, objectives and methods of the Muslim Brotherhood

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-06-29

Exporting Terrorism and Subversion from the Gaza Strip

The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center

An Israeli security assessment arguing that terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip may exploit the recent events to increase arms smuggling and infiltrate operatives into Egypt

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-11

Handle With Care

The Jerusalem Report

An Israeli article on Egyptian-Israeli relations

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-09-08

Regional Cooperation in Central Asia: Another Step Forward with CAREC

The Brookings Institution

A US report on advances in regional cooperation in Central Asia

RegionalPosted: 2008-12-16

Negotiating the Cyprus Problem(s)

TESEV

A 24-page Turkish paper articulating the Turkish Cypriot viewpoint regarding the negotiations, the property question and the relationship between Turkey and North Cyprus

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-08-26

Turkey-Armenia Relations

TESEV

A 3-page Turkish policy brief on Turkey-Armenia relations

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-07-25

Toward a Solution to the Kurdish Question: Constitutional and Legal Recommendations

TESEV

This 62-page Turkish report aims to develop concrete proposals towards a democratic solution to the Kurdish Question and offers a comprehensive review and analysis on current legislation to the public and policymakers

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-11-26

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

The West Balkans between the EU, the USA, and Russia: Challenges and Options

SWP

This 6-page German backgrounder explores the importance of enlargement policy for the EU’s self-ordained role of conflict-resolution in the West Balkans

European Union, RegionalPosted: 2009-11-05

German Middle East and North Africa Policy: Interests, Strategies, Options

SWP

This 73-page German study identifies Germany's objectives, interests and options in the Middle East and North Africa, examining the extent to which concepts and strategies have been developed, and exploring whether the identified approaches match up to the aims.

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-09-16

Saving the Two-State Solution

SWP

A 4-page German commentary arguing that the peace process - with a focus on the Israeli-Palestinian track - should be one of the main priorities on the transatlantic agenda.

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2008-11-08

Pakistan as a Nuclear Power: Nuclear Risks, Regional Conflicts and the Dominant Role of the Military

SWP

This 30-page German study mainly focuses on the following three research questions: How secure are Pakistan’s nuclear weapons as well as its nuclear facilities? How stable is the domestic political situation in Pakistan? What are the perspectives for the ongoing Pakistan-India conflict?

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2009-07-18

Obama's Visit to Asia

SWP

A 7-page German commentary on the policy implications of Barack Obama's recent visit to Asia

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-01-04

Taking Medvedev at his Word

SWP

This 4-page German commentary deals with the Russian President's proposal for an international energy accord

Energy, RegionalPosted: 2009-10-29

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

The Toppling of Ben Ali: Isolated Development or First Domino?

SWP

An 8-page German commentary arguing that the EU should reconsider its benevolent policies vis-à-vis the authoritarian rulers in the Mediterranean region

Regional, European UnionPosted: 2011-02-23

Elections in Latin America: The Problematic Use of a Democratic Institution

SWP

A 4-page German commentary on certain states in Latin America,where elections not only serve as a source of democratic legitimation and a form of political oversight, but are also used by both ruling parties and opposition forces in certain situations as a means to extend their own power

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2009-07-17

Tunisia Leads the Way Again

SWP

This 4-page German commentary taking an optimistic view of the chances for successful democratisation in Tunisia

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-06

Separatism in Africa

SWP

A 4-page German commentary on the secession of South Sudan and its likely consequences

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-08-18

Surprises from Ukraine: Democracy Moves Out and Russia Moves In

SWP

This 4-page German commentary assesses current political tendencies in Ukraine

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-11-10

Iraq's New Reality: Finding its Role in the Middle East

Stimson Center, CIGI

This 14-page US report examines Iraq's reintegration into the Middle East and the formation of its foreign policy

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-20

Violence in Southern Thailand: More than Just Religion

Stimson Center

A US article explaining the roots of extremist violence in Southern Thailand

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2009-09-16

An African Union? The Shortcomings of Africa’s Strategy in Copenhagen

Stimson Center

A US commentary on Africa's strategy in Copenhagen

Climate Change & Environment, RegionalPosted: 2010-01-05

Beyond Boundaries in the Middle East

Stimson Center

This 39-page US report proposes an innovative, "whole-of-society" approach to bridging the security/development divide in the Middle East that would leverage donor investments in both security assistance and development assistance, so as to ensure recipient state buy-in and an enduring return on investment

Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-10-01

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

Central Asian Security Trends: Views from Europe and Russia

SSI

This 94-page US monograph comprehensively analyzes Russia's efforts to exert its influence in Central Asia

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-17

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

Challenges and Opportunities for the Obama Administration in Central Asia

SSI

A 63-page US paper arguing that a winning strategy in Afghanistan depends upon a new coordinated nonmilitary approach to Central Asia

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2009-06-05

Kazakhstan's Defense Policy: An Assessment of the Trends

SSI

A 73-page US monograph assessing Kazakhstan's defence policy in the context of its foreign policy

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2009-02-26

Dealing with Political Ferment in Latin America: The Populist Revival, The Emergence of the Center, and Implications for US Policy

SSI

This US monograph deals with frustration with poverty, corruption, and citizen insecurity within the political scene in Latin America and the implications for US policy

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-10-18

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

SSI

This 60-page US monograph argues 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, RegionalPosted: 2011-09-14

China-Latin America Military Engagement: Good Will, Good Business, and Strategic Position

SSI

A 79-page US monograph examining Chinese military engagement with Latin America

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-09-14

The Arab Spring and the Future of U.S. Interests and Cooperative Security in the Arab World

SSI

A 37-page US essay considering the implications of the Arab Spring for the US on a country-by-country basis

Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-08-23

War without Borders: The Colombia-Ecuador Crisis of 2008

SSI

A 57-page US monograph analyzing the role that the United States plays in the emerging security environment in Latin America

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2009-01-14

India in Africa: Implications of an Emerging Power for AFRICOM and U.S. Strategy

SSI

This 64-page US monograph examines India’s rapidly expanding network of influence in Africa

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-11

Pakistan's Nuclear Future: Reining in the Risk

SSI

A 297-page US monograph examining several frightening security threats that Pakistan faces or poses

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-02-18

Civil-Military Relations in Medvedev's Russia

SSI

A 116-page US document examining the challenges Russia faces in Asia, the nature of the dynamic and complex Asian security environment, and the extent to which Russia is or is not meeting those challenges

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-02-07

Social Security Programs Throughout the World: Asia and the Pacific, 2008

SSA

This 231-page US report provides a cross-national comparison of the social security systems in 48 countries in Asia and the Pacific. It summarizes the five main social insurance programs in those countries: old-age, disability, and survivors; sickness and maternity; work injury; unemployment; and family allowances

Social Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-03-10

Social Security Programs Throughout the World: Africa, 2009

SSA

This 199-page US report, part of a four-volume series, provides a cross-national comparison of the social security systems in 44 countries in Africa

Social Policy, RegionalPosted: 2009-08-16

Is South America on the Brink of an Arms Race?

SIPRI

A Swedish essay examining whether an arms race is looming in South America

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-01-29

Comparing Regionalism in Asia and Europe: What Can the Regions Learn From Each Other?

SIPRI

This Swedish essay compares regionalism in Asia and Europe

RegionalPosted: 2009-01-16

Japan’s Security and Defence Policy: The More Things Change . . .

SIPRI

A Swedish essay on trends in Japan's security policy

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2009-03-30

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

South African Arms Supplies to sub-Saharan Africa

SIPRI

A 16-page Swedish background paper on South African arms supplies to sub-Saharan Africa

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-28

Eurasian Security Arrangements Face Reality Check After Kyrgyzstan Crisis

SIPRI

This Swedish essay describes how the bloody events in Kyrgyzstan in the summer of 2010 have created a new security situation in Eurasia

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-09-15

Towards a Regional Security Regime for the Middle East: Issues and Options

SIPRI

In this Swedish paper, the original 1998 report is republished in its entirety, along with an extensive new afterword by the author identifying lessons from work to date on a regional security system that are relevant to today’s Middle East

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-14

Ukrainian Arms Supplies to Sub-Saharan Africa

SIPRI

A 16-page Swedish background paper on the supply of arms to sub-Saharan Africa by Ukraine

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-18

China and the High North Prepare for an Ice-free Arctic

SIPRI

This 16-page Swedish paper argues that, despite its seemingly weak position, China can be expected to seeka role in determining the political framework and legal foundation for future Arctic activities

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-03-22

South Ossetia and Abkhazia: Placing the Conflict in Context

SIPRI

This 4-page Swedish policy brief argues that attention must be paid to some of the less publicized but no less important local, regional and broader international developments related to the conflict around South Ossetia

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2008-11-19

Asia's Coming Revolutions, with the Winner Unclear

SIIA

A Singaporean commentary considering the nature of Asia's "rise"

RegionalPosted: 2011-01-14

Asia Feels Impact as Middle East Awakens

SIIA

This Singaporean commentary considers whether the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East matters for Asia

RegionalPosted: 2011-02-28

Can Asia Make it on Non-nuclear Options Alone?

SIIA

A Singaporean commentary on the future place of nuclear energy in Asia

Energy, RegionalPosted: 2011-07-25

New Features of the Strategic Environment in Northeast Asia

Shorenstein APARC

A 7-page US speech oncurrent security conditions in Northeast Asia, addressing recent events involving North Korea, China's political assertiveness, maritime disputes, the Democratic Party of Japan's foreign policy, and the next two years of the Obama administration

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-10

Turkey and the Transformation of NATO

SETA

This 16-page Turkish policy brief examines the implications of NATO's current transformation process for Turkish interests

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2009-07-05

Turkey and China: Seeking a Sustainable Partnership

SETA

This 16-page Turkish policy brief analyzes Turkish-Chinese relations

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-01-19

Why Welcome Al Basheer? Contextualizing Turkey ’s Darfur Policy

SETA

A Turkish policy brief explaining Turkey's Darfur policy

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-07-25

The Nabucco Natural Gas Pipeline: From Opera to Reality

SETA

A 12-page Turkish policy brief on the proposed Nabucco gas pipeline

Energy, RegionalPosted: 2009-07-19

Kosovo and Turkey : What Lies Ahead?

SETA

A 12-page Turkish policy brief arguing that Turkey can contribute to bridging relations between Belgrade and Pristina by identifying ways of cooperation on technical issues concerning the living standards of all Kosovar citizens without getting entangled on the issue of recognition

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-11-08