Regional
FTA Trends
ADB
This 6-table tool quantifies the continuing spread of regional and bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) in Asia and the Pacific region
Globalisation & International Trade, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-28
Has Arab Business Ever Been, or Will it Be, a Player for Reform?
Arab Reform Initiative
This 18-page policy paper explores to what extent the private sector is truly private in the GCC and asks whether the recent economic crisis can set the stage for potentially more mature interest group politics and a wider contribution of business to reform processes
Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-01-28
Recent Development in the South China Sea: Grounds for Cautious Optimism?
RSIS
A 50-page Singaporean working paper overviewing four topics impinging on the South China Sea
Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-01-28
Emerging Powers and Cooperative Security in Asia
RSIS
This 41-page Singaporean working paper arguing that it is necessary for the regional countries, particularly India, China and Japan, to develop a security mechanism to ensure long-term peace and stability in Asia
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-28
Between the Clawing Eagle and Ascendant Dragon: The Demise of the Philippines’ Policy of Hedging
Lowy Institute
A 4-page Australian brief exploring the triangular strategic dynamic between the United States, China and the Philippines
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-27
More of the Same, Times Three
CSIS
A 16-page US overview of political and security developments in East Asia
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-27
Libya: Cracks in the Qadhafi Foundation
CEIP
A US update on the state of political reform in Libya
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-24
What Tunisia Proved — and Disproved — about Political Change in the Arab World
CEIP
This US analysis draws regional conclusions from the recent Tunisian revolution
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-24
Tunisia's Political Earthquake
Brookings
This US opinion piece argues that recent events in Tunisia indicate that the pressing question is no longer whether the status quo in the Arab world is sustainable but how fast it will crumble
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-24
Political Violence in North Africa: The Perils of Incomplete Liberalization
Brookings
This 43-page US study examines whether liberalizing regimes in the Maghreb are more or less vulnerable to the threat of political violence and terrorism than their more repressive counterparts
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-24
Tunisia: Exemplar or Exception?
FPRI
This 3-page US bulletin considers Tunisia's political future, and the implications of the "Jasmine Revolution" for its immediate North African neighbors and the wider Arab world
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-19
United States-Israel Relations: Is Anything Forever?
INSS
An Israeli commentary on the US-Israeli relationship
Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-18
The Implications of China-Taiwan Economic Liberalization
Peterson Institute
The summary of a US policy analysis on the economic and political implications of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement between China and Taiwan
Globalisation & International Trade, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-18
Asia's Coming Revolutions, with the Winner Unclear
SIIA
A Singaporean commentary considering the nature of Asia's "rise"
RegionalPosted: 2011-01-14
China's Domestic Politics Behind the Senkaku Incident
AJISS
A 3-page Japanese commentary on the apparent dispute going on within the Chinese leadership over the defence of maritime resources in the East China Sea
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-13
Diplomatic Shifts in the Warming Arctic
IISS
A commentary explaining that as the physical state of the High North is changing, so too is the diplomatic environment
Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-01-13
South Asia Still Beset by Violent Extremism
IISS
A commentary on how South Asia has endured high levels of violent extremism over the past year
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-13
Wen Jiabao’s India visit: A Strategic Review
IDSA
A 10-page Indian issue brief reviewing Wen Jiabao's recent Indian visit
Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-13
Regional Security In East Asia
FPRI
The 5-page report of a Washington conference held to consider issues of regional security in East Asia
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-11
Russia's Arctic Policy: Geopolitics, Mercantilism and Identity-building
FIIA
An 8-page Finnish briefing paper examining Russia's Arctic policy
Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-11
One Question, Any Answers? The EU's Role in Solving the Kurdish Question in Turkey
FIIA
This 7-page Finnish briefing paper argues that by taking a more active role in finding a solution to the Kurdish question, the EU could breathe new life into EU-Turkey relations and enhance its global role
Regional, European UnionPosted: 2011-01-11
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
Plutonium, Proliferation and Radioactive Waste Politics in East Asia
NPEC
This 15-page US study spotlights the dangers of spent fuel recycling in China, Korea, and Japan
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-06
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
The Direction of Turkey's Foreign Policy and Strategic Partnerships
Euro-Atlantic Quarterly
A US article on the likely future direction of Turkey's foreign policy
Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-05
Making Mischief: The Return of the South China Sea Dispute
ASPI
This 16-page Australian report provides an analysis of the complex political/military and international legal issues that make up the South China Sea dispute
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-22
Regionalism and Community: Australia’s Options in the Asia–Pacific
ASPI
This 56-page Australian report explores the challenges of building a stronger 'community' in the Asia-Pacific
RegionalPosted: 2010-12-21
North Korea Nuclear Tensions Rise
BASIC
A 6-page summary of the most relevant developments on North Korea’s nuclear programme and the broader security situation
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-17
Turkish-Arab Economic and Military Cooperation: How Far Will it Go?
CEIP
This US commentary explains how Ankara’s approach towards Arab countries faces regional obstacles and is constrained by pre-existing foreign policy prerogatives
Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-12-16
Georgia: Securing a Stable Future
Crisis Group
This 16-pagepolicy briefing examines Georgia as it heads toward a new electoral cycle in 2012-13. What is done will go a long way toward determining whether it progresses towards a truly stable, modern democracy or deteriorates into a fragile, pseudo-pluralistic and stagnating system
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-16
Turkey on the Brink
Center for Security Policy
A 10-page US brief describing the change in Turkey's stance towards the West and Islamism
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-15
The Iron Cage of Democracy: Institutional Similarity and Stasis in African Political Party Systems
Kellogg Institute
This 44-page US working paper asks how to understand the development of new institutions in nascent democracies, and what explains the persistence of institutional forms that do not conform to rationalist expectations of competitive efficiency
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-14
The Geneva Talks over Georgia’s Territorial Conflicts: Achievements and Challenges
IAI
An 8-page Italian paper reporting on the Geneva talks established to resolve outstanding disputes over Georgia’s breakaway regions – Abkhazia and South Ossetia
Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-14
Pakistan & Afghanistan; Understanding Islamabad’s Objectives and Strategies
IPCS
This 12-page Indian report examines Pakistan's vital role in Afghanistan
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-14
China and Myanmar: Strategic Interests, Strategies and the Road Ahead
IPCS
This 28-page Indian research paper considers the future of Sino-Myanmar relations in the next five to ten years
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-14
Protecting the Global Commons
SDA
The 20-page report of a roundtable debate held to “identify trends and issues that will shape the global security climate”, and to identify NATO’s role in these diverse areas
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-10
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
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
European Union Enlargement: A Status Report on Turkey’s Accession Negotiations
CRS
A 19-page US report providing a brief overview of the EU’s accession process; Turkey’s path to EU membership; the impact of the Cyprus problem; and a review of United States’ interest in Turkey’s future in the European Union
European Union, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-09
Hamas: Background and Issues for Congress
CRS
This 67-page US report and its appendices provide background information on Hamas, or the Islamic Resistance Movement, and U.S. policy towards it
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-09
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
A Family Affair: The Generational Turnover and the Stability of the Saudi Kingdom
INSS
An Israeli commentary on the succession issue in Saudi Arabia
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-07
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 African Standby Force Put to the Test
CSS
A 3-page Swiss analysis paper assessing the likely adequacy of the African Security Force
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-02
Iran: The Flaws of Containment
BESA
A 4-page Israeli perspective highlighting the risks of a containment strategy vis-à-vis Iran
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-02
Organizing the Wider East Asia Region
ADB
This 88-page paper examines the development of new regional institutions involving the whole East Asia region
RegionalPosted: 2010-12-02
Somaliland's Prospects
Chatham House
The 8-page transcript of a speech by Somaliland's president about his plans for the country and its regional role
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-01
Military Escalation in Korea
CFR
This 11-page US contingency planning memorandum explaining that a new and potentially dangerous crisis could erupt in Korea over the next twelve to eighteen months
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-11-26
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
US-Asia Relations after the Crisis
Global Brief
An article arguing that the new balance of relationships between the US and Asia will shape, for better or worse, the coming years not only for Asians and Americans but, in tandem, for the post-crisis world
Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-11-26
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
Managed Successions and Stability in the Arab World
FRIDE
This 28-page Spanish working paper assesses the succession scenarios in Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya and Yemen and explores the sources of instability these prospective leadership changes may bring about
Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-11-25
India and New Zealand: Engaging Each Other in Asia
IDSA
An Indian article arguing that India and New Zealand have a great opportunity to work together for the economic wellbeing of the Pacific Island nations
Regional, International DevelopmentPosted: 2010-11-25
Dashed Hopes for Turkish–Armenian Rapprochement
IISS
A 3-page commentary explaining the obstacles to Turkish-Armenian rapprochement
Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-11-25
The Obama Administration's Security Strategy and the Japan-US Alliance
JIIA
This 3-page Japanese commentary deals with the ramifications of the Obama Administration's Security Strategy for the Japan-US Alliance
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-11-25
Peacebuilding in Asia: Refutation or Cautious Engagement?
ISS
This 50-page paper explores what characterises the Asian approach to peacebuilding while aiming to discern to what extent Western-dominated mainstream views of peacebuilding are applicable to Asian countries
Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-11-24
The Core Issues of the Israeli–Palestinian Con!ict: The Fifth Element
INSS
A 17-page Israeli essay discussing recognition of Israel as a crucial element in the Israel-Palestinian peace negotiations
Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-11-16
Military Escalation in Korea
CFR
This 11-page US contingency planning memorandum analyzes potentially dangerous crises that could erupt in Korea due to the atmosphere of recrimination and mistrust that exists between North and South; the possibility of provocative, domestically driven North Korean behavior; and the potential for a troubled succession process in Pyongyang
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-11-15
U.S. Strategy for Pakistan and Afghanistan
CFR
A 112-page US task force report considering the direction of US strategy for Pakistan and Afghanistan
Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-11-15
Financial Regionalism: A Review of the Issues
Brookings
This 23-page US paper aims to provide basic elements to inform current discussions about the purpose, the potential, and the actual accomplishments of regional and/or subregional financial arrangements
Economic Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-11-15
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
What Is ASEAN’s Relevance for Geopolitical Stability in Asia?
GIGA
This 4-page article examines the relevance of ASEAN to stability in Asia
Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-11-09
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
Beyond Orthodox Approaches: Assessing Opportunities for Democracy Support in the Middle East and North Africa
NIMD, Hivos
This 62-page Dutch policy paper offers an exploration of how organisations can best support democratisation in the Middle East and North Africa region
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-11-05
Ukraine’s regional Integration: Terms of Reference
ICPS
This 17-page Ukrainian bulletin argues that Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry is faced with an impossible task: to normalize relations with Russia in a way that will not threaten the country’s independence. To protect its own sovereignty, Ukraine needs to fulfill the integrational terms of reference
Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-11-03
Israel and the Proposed 2012 WMDFZ Conference: Framing a Regional Process
INSS
An Israeli perspective on the Proposed 2012 WMDFZ Conference
Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-11-03
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
The Caspian Basin States: From Conflict to Cooperation?
ADA
This Azerbaijani article comments on the rapidly expanding cooperation among the Caspian Basin countries on issues ranging from environmental protection to international security
Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-10-26
People and Places: Can They Align to Bring Growth to Africa?
CGD
This 30-page US essay explores the demographic forces transforming developing countries and how policymakers should respond to support infrastructure development that meets people's needs, creates jobs, and spurs economic growth
International Development, RegionalPosted: 2010-10-19
Still No Outlet: Israel–Turkey Relations and the Turkish Referendum
INSS
An Israeli commentary on the state of Israel-Turkey relations
Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-10-19
The State of Play of the Union for the Mediterranean in the Euro-Med Context
IAI
This 9-page Italian paper examines problems related with the political identity of the Union for the Mediterranean(UfM), its relations with the EMP's EuroMediterranean "acquis" and the functioning of its institutions
European Union, RegionalPosted: 2010-10-12
Iran Becoming a Major Player in the South Caucasus
ADA
An Azerbaijani article outlining how Iran is rapidly expanding its activities both bilaterally with each of the countries in the South Caucasus and multi-laterally as a new center of geopolitical power in its own right and a counterweight to other outside powers
Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-10-10
African Institutions in a Changing Regional and Global Security Environment
IPI
This 20-page meeting note summarizes a US conference which had a principal focus on the emergence and evolution of a new African peace and security architecture for the continent
Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-10-07
Long View from Delhi: Defining India’s Grand Strategy
IPCS
The 12-page report of a conference held to discuss a grand strategy for India
Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-10-07
Turkey Drifts Away
National Journal
A 2-page US commentary on weakening US-Turkish ties
Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-10-06
The Economization of Russian Foreign Policy
DGAP
This 3-page German brief describes how Russia is using the global financial crisis to strengthen its position in the post-Soviet neighbourhood
Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-10-06
The Challenges of Nation-Building in Africa
IISS
The text of an address by the Rwandan President on the challenges to nation-building in Africa
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-10-03
Recent Trends in Asian Integration and Japanese Participation
IDE
This 30-page Japanese discussion paper reports on recent developments in Asian trade, services and investment integration
Globalisation & International Trade, RegionalPosted: 2010-10-03
Transforming the Quartet principles: Hamas and the Peace Process
ISS
This 36-page occasional paper seeks to find a way of overcoming the constraints that the EU has imposed upon itself by insisting on simultaneous adherence to the three Quartet principles
Regional, European UnionPosted: 2010-10-01
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
Democratic Partnership in Asia
Hoover Institution
A US essay considering the future role of the US in Asia
Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-10-01
Change in India-US Diplomatic Practices: An Interim Report
IDSA
This 42-page Indian occasional paper studies the altered set of diplomatic practices that have accompanied the major policy change from a bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership
Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-10-01
Reform in the Arab World
CEIP
This Q&A identifies the major obstacles to reform in the Arab region and talks about the path forward and role the international community can play in encouraging reform
Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-09-28
Fayyad Is Not the Problem, but Fayyadism Is Not the Solution to Palestine’s Political Crisis
CEIP
This 9-page US commentary argues that by pretending that Fayyadism, combined with Israeli–Palestinian diplomacy, is delivering a state, policy makers virtually ensure that the negative trends they are ignoring will confront them when they are least prepared for them
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-09-27
Guinea: Reforming the Army
Crisis Group
This 37-page report examines in detail how the vital medium-term reorganisation of the Guinea armed forces is critical to addressing dysfunctional political dynamics and providing long-term stability in West Africa
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-09-23
The Gulf in the New World Order: A Forgotten Emerging Power?
FRIDE
This 24-page Spanish working paper studies whether indicators in the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) may or may not merit this region also being included in discussions of new emerging powers
Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-09-22
Russia’s Difficult Balancing Act in the South Caucasus
ADA
An Azerbaijani article commenting on the latest effort by Moscow to maintain its difficult balancing act among the countries of the South Caucasus
Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-09-22
Pakistan’s Future: The Bellagio Papers
Brookings
A 157-page series of papers written by the participants in a conference in Bellagio, Italy in May 2010 that examined the future of Pakistan
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-09-20
The Shiites of Saudi Arabia
Hudson Institute
This article analyzes the dilemmas facing the Saudi regime in its relationship with its Shiite subjects, following the strengthening of Shiite Iran
Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-09-20
Russia’s Agenda on Ukraine
ICPS
A 31-page Ukrainian report on Ukraine's relations with Russia
Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-09-19
Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People: From the San Remo Conference (1920) to the Netanyahu-Abbas Talks
JCPA
An Israeli article asserting Israel's right as the nation-state of the Jewish people
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-09-19
Netanyahu's Novelty
INSS
An Israeli commentary on a serious dispute emerging regarding the agenda of the Israeli-Palestinian discussions prior to the first round of direct peace talks
Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-09-18
Decisions and Destinies: Asian Security in 2010
Lowy Institute for International Policy
This 4-page Australian paper assesses how recent security choices in Asia - especially at sea - could have long-term consequences for peace or conflict
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-09-16
Turkish Politics and the Fading Magic of EU Enlargement
CER
A 5-page UK policy brief considering the current status of the Turkish accession process
European Union, RegionalPosted: 2010-09-15
Turkey: the Strategic Mistake
J.D. Giuliani
An essay on Turkey's new foreign policy direction and the implications for Europe
Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-09-15
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
Hamas’ Khaled Mesh’al Sets Out His Movement’s Policy Directions
AMEC, Al-Sabeel
The 30-page translation of an interview with Hamas leader Khaled Mesh'al, covering the policy direction of Hamas on a number of critical issues: negotiations with Israel, recognition of Israel, resistance, Jews, Christians and women
Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-09-15
Avoiding a Tempest in the South China Sea
CFR
This US brief describes how new tensions in the South China Sea are a growing test to China's relations with the United States and China's Southeast Asian neighbours
Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-09-04
Twin States in East Asia: Japan-ROK Relations in a New Era
AJISS
A Japanese article examining the likely future relationship between Japan and South Korea
Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-31
Russia's Far East and Japan: Obstacles to Cooperation
JISS
A Japanese article describing the prerequisites for the development of a two-way economic relationship between Japan and Russia
Globalisation & International Trade, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-31