Policy pointers

This 5-page policy brief analyses the state of EU-Russian relations as seen from the vantage point of the summit held on June 9-10 in Nizhny Novgorod.

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-06-23

Syria and Lebanon: Diverging Paths of State Unsustainability

CEPS

This 20-page paper analyses the prospects for stability and sustainability in the states of Syria and Lebanon

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-06-23

Lebanon’s New Government: Outlines and Challenges

CEIP

A US commentary on the prospects for Lebanon's new government

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-06-23

Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses

CRS

This 66-page US report describes Iran's governance, military assets, foreign policy posture and the policy response of the US to perceived threats

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-06-23

The Obama Administration's Outreach to the Muslim World and Muslim Attitudes Toward Terrorists and Terrorism

MERIA

This 20-page Israeli article considers the security implications of anti-US hostility in the Arab/Muslim worlds

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-06-16

China and India: A Rivalry Takes Place

FPRI

This 6-page US essay examines the growing regional rivalry between China and India

Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-06-15

The Wikileaks Cables on Turkey: 20/20 Tunnel Vision

MERIA

An 8-page Israeli article interpreting the Wikileaks cables on Turkey

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-06-15

Iranian Involvement in Lebanon

INSS

A 14-page Israeli analysis of Iranian involvement in Lebanon

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-06-15

The Justice and Development Party in the Turkish Elections: A Limited Triumph

INSS

An Israeli analysis of the results of Turkey's recent elections

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-06-14

Opening Pandora's Box: The "Military Option" for Countering Iran's Nuclear Program

ACA

A US issue brief on countering Iran's nuclear programme

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-06-13

The Transatlantic Relationship After the Arab Uprisings: Stronger in North Africa, Shakier in the Middle East?

Brookings

A US essay arguing that America and Europe, while sharing common objectives, have different priorities concerning support for democratic processes in the region. More importantly, they have significantly distinct readings of the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP), which will become an increasingly decisive issue in the coming months

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-06-13

Looking Ahead to September: Israel, the EU, and the “Moral Majority”

INSS

An Israeli article assessing the likely outcome of the vote in September at the UN General Assembly to recognize a Palestinian state

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-06-06

Authoritarian State Building in the Middle East: From Durability to Revolution

FSI

A 40-page US working paper explaining variation in the durability of authoritarian regimes in the post-colonial Middle East

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-06-03

Alternate Trajectories of the Roles and Influence of China and the United States in Northeast Asia and the Implications for Future Power Configurations

Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation

This 19-page US paper examines several key factors and interactions between countries that he predicts are likely to play a role in configuring the security structure of Northeast Asia between now and 2025

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-06-03

Libya at the Centre

ORG

A 3-page UK security briefing examining the aftermath of the death of Osama bin Laden and developments in Syria, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-31

Does Morocco Have a Place in the GCC?

CEIP

A US article commenting on the GCC's invitation to Morocco to join the organisation

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-05-26

The Arab Spring and Sub-Saharan Africa

Dayan Center

A 4-page Israeli analysis on the effect of the Arab Spring on sub-Saharan African (SSA) neighbours

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-05-26

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

Palestinian Elections and the Hamas-Fatah Power Struggle

CEIP

A US article examining the prospects for Palestinian elections in the context of the Hamas-Fatah power struggle

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-22

The GCC at 30: Shaking off the Dust?

INSS

An Israeli analysis of the status of the Gulf Cooperation Council

Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-05-22

The International Dimension of Security Dynamics in the South Caucasus

ADA

An Azerbaijani article on the security dynamics in the South Caucasus

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-18

Egyptian Democracy and the Sectarian Litmus Test

CEIP

A US commnentary on sectarian violence in Egypt

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-18

Obama’s Latin America Policy: Continuity Without Change

Latin American Perspectives

This 13-page paper highlights various episodes of the Obama administration's recent foreign policy to Latin America

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-17

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

Egypt–Israel–United States: Problems on the Horizon?

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the direction of relations between Egypt, Israel and the US

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-05-17

Curbing Success in Latin America

Brookings

A US paper warning of the risk of overheating in Latin American economies

Economic Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-16

The Rise And (Future) Fall Of A Turkish-Iranian Axis

FPRI

A 3-page US analysis focusing on the rise of Iran and Turkey

Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-05-16

Nuclear Risk Reduction in Southern Asia

IPCS

This 12-page Indian paper is a scenario for a future Nuclear Risk Reduction Regime in Southern Asia

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-15

The Mathematics of Military Balance

China-US Focus

A US article examining the implications of China’s military posture and expenditures

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-14

Russian Policy Options in the Arctic

"Russian Analytical Digest"

This 17-page paper provides an introduction to Russian policy options in respect of the Arctic

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-05-13

Arab Spring or Autumn?

ORG

This 4-page UK briefing assesses the state of the 'Arab Spring', principally in relation to Bahrain, Syria and Libya, and questions, whether the 'Spring' is already turning into 'Autumn'

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-13

Comparative Connections

Pacific Forum CSIS

A 164-page e-journal on East Asian bilateral relations

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-13

Piracy off the Horn of Africa

CRS

A 47-page US report examining pirate attacks in the waters off Somalia and the Horn of Africa

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-11

The Democratic Republic of Congo: Background and Current Developments

CRS

An 18-page US report tracing a decade of chaos in Eastern Congo

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-11

Economic and social survey of Asia and the Pacific 2011

ESCAP

This 264-page publication considers how to improve regional connectivity, and also indicates how the least developed countries can take advantage of this by increasing their productive capacities

Regional, Economic PolicyPosted: 2011-05-08

Overview of Security Issues in Europe and Eurasia

AEI

A 12-page US House testimony on whether there is a significant divergence between how the United States and its closest European allies deal with the Islamist terrorist threat

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-08

An International Response to Central Asia’s Severe Disaster Risks

Brookings

A US paper on efforts to deal with the cumulative risks which Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) face

Public Safety & Disaster Mitigation, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-05

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

Strained Alliances; Iran's Troubled Relations to Afghanistan and Pakistan

DIIS

A 54-page Danish report offering a critical examination of Iran's influence in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-27

The Future of al-Nahda in Tunisia

CEIP

This 2-page US article assesses the future prospects for Tunisia's leading Islamist party

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-20

Turkey’s “Demonstrative Effect”and the Transformation of the Middle East

Insight Turkey

This 23-page Turkish article develops the concept of a “demonstrative effect” and argues that it is this “effect” that makes the Turkish political model of interest to the Middle East

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-20

Russia in the New Middle East

INSS

This Israeli analysis explains how Russia appears determined to promote new political initiatives vis-à-vis all regional elements, including the Israeli-Palestinian track

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-14

Palestinian Elections and the Hamas-Fatah Power Struggle

CEIP

A US article examining the prospects for Palestinian elections in the context of the Hamas-Fatah power struggle

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-14

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

Turmoil in the Arabian Peninsula

FPRI

This 4-page US essay examines the current turmoil in the Arabian peninsula

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-04-12

The State of the Syrian Opposition

Dayan Center

A 5-page Israeli commentary on the state of the political opposition in Syria

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-12

Is the King’s Dilemma only for Presidents?

CEIP

A US article assessing the stability of Arab monarchies

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-12

The South Caucasus Republics and Russia's Growing Influence

MERIA

This 12-page Israeli paper examines the relations between the South Caucasus republics and Russia and how the former countries have attempted to decrease Russian influence through ties with other major powers

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-04-11

Latin America Economic Perspectives: Shifting Gears in an Age of Heightened Expectations

Brookings

This 82-page US study of Latin American economic prospects finds that, today, overheating and inflationary pressures are rising, and many financial regulators wonder whether domestic credit is already growing excessively

Economic Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-10

Challenging the South Caucasus Security Deficit

FRIDE

A 29-page Spanish working paper examining the role played by regional security organisations play in the South Caucasus

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-07

Meanwhile in the Maghreb

CFR

This US article considers how nervous the ruling regimes in Algeria and Morocco should be about their political futures

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-07

Getting Cold in the Caucasus: Can the EU Prevent the Freezing of the Georgian-Russian Conflict?

FIIA

This 7-page Finnish bruiefing paper argues that Georgia constitutes a litmus test not only for the EU’s crisis management activities, but also for the Union’s streamlined external action

European Union, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-07

Don't Forget Syria

ISS

A 2-page European analysis warning the international community not to neglect developments in Syria

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-06

The Arab Democratic Wave: How the EU Can Seize the Moment

ISS

This 72-page European report examines how democratic uprisings in Arab states call for a radical shift in the way in which Euro-Mediterranean relations are formulated and conducted

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-06

Thailand: A Democratic Failure and Its Lessons for the Middle East

CFR

This US brief warns that initial, exuberant glimpses of democratic reform can prove a mirage, and toppling a dictator hardly guarantees a smooth path to consolidated democracy

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-01

Obstacles on the Path of Tunisia’s Democratic Transformation

CEIP

A US analysis explaining how the absence of a unified voice for the revolution has led to a an incoherent and muddled transition process in Tunisia

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-31

Qaradawi's Return and Islamic Leadership in Egypt

FPRI

This 3-page US article explores both how Qaradawi’s actions injected an “Islamic” vision into the revolution, and why his actions were not perceived as reflecting theocratic ambitions

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-25

ASEAN’s Free Trade Agreements with the People’s Republic

ADB

This 40-page report aims to assess, qualitatively and quantitatively the different permutations of ASEAN’s free trade agreements (FTAs) with PRC, Japan and Korea

Regional, Economic PolicyPosted: 2011-03-24

Spillovers from the Arab Revolts: Is Armenia next in line?

CEPS

A 5-page policy brief contemplating four possible scenarios for the country’s future development and suggests possible responses from the EU

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-23

The Limits of Endless Revolution

CEIP

This 4-page policy brief concludes that we should not exaggerate the possibility that the revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya will set off a chain reaction throughout the Arab world or the wider Muslim world

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-23

Justice or Stability? Hizbullah, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and Consequences for the Region

Lowy Institute for International Policy

This 12-page Australian paper explores what the outcomes of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (investigating the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri) will mean for both key domestic actors in Lebanese politics such as Hizbullah, and regional players like Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United States

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-22

Saudi Arabia's Intervention in Bahrain: A Necessary Evil or a Strategic Blunder?

FPRI

This 3-page US memorandum considers whether Saudi Arabia’s decision to deploy more than one thousand troops in Bahrain is a necessary evil or a strategic blunder

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-21

The Eastern Partnership and EU-Azerbaijan Relations

ADA

This Azerbaijani article looks at how the EU's Eastern Partnership has impacted upon EU-Azerbaijan relations

Regional, European UnionPosted: 2011-03-15

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

Authoritarian State Building in the Middle East: From Durability to Revolution

CDDRL

A 40-page US working paper that explains the variation in the durability of authoritarian regimes in the post-colonial Middle East

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-11

Why Syria Is Unlikely to be Next . . . for Now

CEIP

A US commentary assessing the likelihood of a popular uprising in Syria

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-10

What the Tunisian and Egyptian Uprisings Mean for the Middle East

Lowy Institute for International Policy

This 14-page Australian perspective examines the consequences for the Middle East of the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-10

The Gulf and the "Arab Rage"

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the implications of Middle East unrest for the Gulf states

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-09

The Arab Democracy Paradox

Brookings

A US commentary on the progress of democracy in the Middle East

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-07

Israel: Background and U.S. Relations

CRS

A 43-page US review of US-Israel relations

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-04

Logic May Help: Pakistan and the FMCT

Pacific Forum CSIS

A commentary on Pakistan‟s opposition to the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty (FMCT)

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-04

Africa and the Geopolitics of the Indian Ocean

SAIIA

A 33-page South African occasional paper studying the the stakeholders’ dynamics in the Indian Ocean, and analyzing the implications and challenges for Africa

Regional, Globalisation & International TradePosted: 2011-02-28

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

Shaking the Heavens and Splitting the Earth

Rand Corporation

This 306-page US monograph analyzes published Chinese and Western sources about current and future capabilities and employment concepts of the PLAAF

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-28

Iraq’s Day of Anger: Democracy for Arabs, Electricity for Iraqis

Dayan Center

A 15-page Israeli essay that examines the "Egypt effect" through the prism of Iraq and its discourse on democracy may provide insights regarding regional turmoil in the Middle East

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-02-28

Broaden the Debate on TPP

AJISS

A 4-page Japanese commentary on the proposed Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP)

Globalisation & International Trade, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-25

No Solution in Sight for Russo-Japanese Territorial Dispute

IDSA

An Indian commentary on the renewal of Russia's efforts to reconfirm its territorial claim over the southern Kuril Islands

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-02-25

Beyond Cairo: Prospects for Change in the Middle East

"The Hill"

A US article assessing the implications of the momentous events in Tunisia and Egypt

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-25

Jordan's Future Challenges

Gloria Center

This 13-page Israeli commentary asserts that the Jordanian king will have to institute greater and more fundamental reforms in order to maintain the basic pact between the monarchy and the people and to prevent Jordanians from beginning to question the legitimacy of his rule

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-24

Syria's Triumph in Lebanon: Au Revoir, Les Ententes

Gloria Center

This 21-page Israeli article describes how, since the ignominious withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon in 2005, Damascus has managed to regain dominion over the country by exploiting its adversaries' conflicting interests and weak resolve

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-24

Prospects for a New Lebanese Government

CEIP

This US commentary argues that Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati may not be able to deliver on his promise to create a national unity government

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-24

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

The EU and Belarus After the Election

FRIDE

This 7-page Spanish policy brief considers that the EU now has an opportunity to regain the initiative in its relationship with Belarus. It should follow a combination of targeted and ‘smart’ isolation, selective sanctions and engagement

Regional, European UnionPosted: 2011-02-23

Postcolonial Time Disorder

"Foreign Affairs"

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 Future of Democracy in the Arab World: How Relevant is the Turkish Experience?

ISS Europa

An opinion piece arguing that only be after consolidating essential democratic institutions that Arab countries will learn to successfully combine Islam, democracy and modernity

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-23

Jordan Seeks to Preempt Discontent with New Government

CEIP

This US article questions whether Jordanian Prime Minister Bakhit’s cabinet will implement changes that insulate Jordan from the pressure of mass protests

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-21

Egypt’s Leaders in Waiting

"Inside Story"

This Australian article considers posssible leadership options for Egypt

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-21

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

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