Policy pointers

Regional

Arabs vs. the Abdullah Plan

"Middle East Quarterly"

A 10-page US article analyzing the inter-Arab context in which the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative was adopted and the degree of its continued relevance

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-30

Direct Palestinian-Israeli Negotiations: The Looming Risks of a Necessary Step

Brookings

A US article assessing the prospects for the direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-30

The Sochi Summit: Fresh Moves on The Grand Eurasian Chessboard

IDSA

An 8-page Indian issue brief reporting on the regional implications of the second Sochi summit

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-08-27

This 4-page UK briefing looks at recent developments in Afghanistan and the United States’ increasingly shadowy war against al-Qaida. It also examines the planned withdrawal of US combat forces from Iraq and the debate about the US withdrawal from Afghanistan due to start in July 2011

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-26

Renewing the Direct Negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians

INSS

An Israeli article assessing the prospects for success in the renewed direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-25

The EU and the Gaza Blockade

ISS

This 4-page analysis argues that a clear distinction between Hamas and the Gaza population would allow for a two-pronged strategy to both end the closure policy and revive representative peacemaking

Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-08-22

Thawing the Frozen Conflict in Transdnestr

Moscow Times

This article describes a unique opportunity emerging to resolve a conflict that has implications for Russia, Europe and the United States

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-19

New Players in the Dispute over Iran’s Nuclear Program: Brazilian, Turkish and Iranian Objectives

BASIC

An 11-page paper examining the role of Turkey and Brazil in relation to Iran's nuclear programme

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-18

Cross-Border Terrorism in India: Counterterrorism Strategies and Challenges

ACDIS

A 31-page US paper offering recommendations for improving India's institutional capabilities, inter-agency coordination, and international cooperation in order to more effectively combat cross-border terror

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-18

The Case against Nuclearization of South Asia

ACDIS

This 33-page US paper explores the regional implications of nuclearized India and Pakistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-18

The Saudi Arms Deal

INSS

An Israeli commentary on a reported new deal for the US to supply arms to Saudi Arabia

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-18

Israel’s Blockade of Gaza, the Mavi Marmara Incident, and Its Aftermath

CRS

A 20-page US report on the Mavi Marmara incident

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-16

The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement

CRS

A 19-page US report on the development of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), a free trade agreement that includes nations on both sides of the Pacific

Globalisation & International Trade, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-16

Vision and Reality in the Middle East

INSS

This 122-page volume compiles edited versions of presentations delivered in December 2009 at a conference held to probe the most critical and challenging issues on Israel’s national security agenda and then together search for the policies that best advance Israel’s national security interests

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-15

Middle East Peace is Possible: Germany Should Strengthen Obama’s Hand

Körber Foundation

This 51-page German policy paper argues that President Obama has enough charisma and power to achieve a Middle East solution, albeit with the support of the EU in general, and of France and Germany in particular

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-12

A Third Lebanon War

CFR

An 11-page US contingency planning memorandum considering the implications of a further Israeli-Hezbollah war

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-09

Partnership, Strength, and Presence: Converging Regional Interests and Opportunities in the Gulf

Brookings et al.

The 30-page report of a US conference convened to examine policy options for maintaining international unity in addressing Iran’s defiance of the global community over its nuclear program

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-09

Is the Military Option Back on the Table?

INSS

An Israeli article assessing the US stance regarding military action against Iran

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-08

United States and Mexico: Ties That Bind, Issues That Divide

Rand Corporation

This 222-page volume focuses on how the alliance between the United States and Mexico can be strengthened through policies that could be adopted by both countries’ administrations as they tackle common interests and exploit new opportunities

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-08-05

Turkey and Bosnia-Herzegovina: A Future Reflecting on the Past

SETA

A 12-page Turkish policy brief assessing Turkish policy towards Bosnia-Herzegovina

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-05

A Repeat Performance: Hamas, Israel, and the Political Process

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the latest developments in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-03

The Kremlin's New Policy in Its Near Abroad

Moscow Times

An article assessing recent changes in Russia's foreign policy

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-02

Drums of War: Israel and the “Axis of Resistance”

Crisis Group

This 38-page report examines rising tensions and heightened dangers on the Israeli-Lebanese border

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-02

The Arab League's Endorsement of Direct Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations: Arab Activism or Political Theater?

INSS

An Israeli article analysing the new Arab League manadate for proximity talks beteen Israel and the Palestinian Authority

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-08-02

Azerbaijan and Naval Competition on the Caspian

ADA

An article on Azerbaijan's development of a naval presence on the Caspian Sea

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-07-25

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

Unrealised Potential: India's 'Soft Power' Ambition in Asia

Centre for Independent Studies

This 20-page Australian paper argues that if India succeeds in winning over its sceptics, it will be well placed to be one of the principal leaders in and shaper of, the Asian Century

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-07-18

A Third Lebanon War: CPA Contingency Planning Memorandum

CFR

This 8-page memorandum discusses the most plausible scenarios and associated warning signs of a “Third Lebanon War,” its implications for the United States, and U.S. policy options to reduce the likelihood of renewed Israel-Hezbollah conflict and mitigate the consequences should it occur

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-07-18

A Military Attack on Iran? Considerations for Israeli Decision Making

INSS

A 16-page Israeli paper on the discussion that will necessarily be held by the Israeli leadership as it sits down to reach a decision as to whether to attack Iran's nuclear installations

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-07-18

Beyond the Nuclear and Terror Threats: The Conventional Military Balance in the Gulf

INSS

A 16-page Israeli essay on the current arms build-up in the Persian Gulf

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-07-18

Military Action Against Iran: Impact and Effects

ORG

This 14-page UK briefing paper argues that the risk of a military strike threat on Iran grows sharply and warns of a protracted war

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-07-15

Bilateral and Regional Trade Agreements

Productivity Commission - Australia

A 308-page draft Australian report on the implications of entering into bilateral and regional trade agreemens

Globalisation & International Trade, RegionalPosted: 2010-07-15

Values Promotion and Security Management in Euro-Mediterranean Relations:

DIIS

A 24-page Danish working paper examining the dilemmas of the EU's Mediterranean Policy by focusing on the case of Italy’s Mediterranean policy

European Union, RegionalPosted: 2010-07-14

New As it Is, the Mediterranean Union Needs an Overhaul

Europe's World

An article outlining the direction the UfM should go and warning the EU to take more of a back seat and let Arab governments decide the UfM’s future

Regional, European UnionPosted: 2010-07-14

The Future Global Reserve System - An Asian Perspective

ARIC

This 46-page report states that while the US dollar will remain the leading currency of international exchange for now, a rebalancing in the global economy means that in the future, a wider range of currencies will need to be used to settle trade and investment

Globalisation & International Trade, RegionalPosted: 2010-07-11

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

U.S. Policy Toward the Korean Peninsula

CFR

The 101-page report of a US task force studying US policy towards the Korean peninsula

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-07-09

Future of US Power: Is China Going to Eclipse the United States? Two Possible Scenarios to 2040

RSIS

This 45-page Singaporean working paper discusses how US power may evolve from 2010 to 2040

Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-07-08

Pariahs to Pioneers

Oxford Research Group

This 32-page UK report considers the possibility – counterintuitive at first glance – that the Israeli settlers, now seen as “pariahs” by some, can become the next generation of “pioneers” who forge the infrastructure of Israel’s future

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-07-08

Fixing Afghanistan: What Role for China?

NOREF

An 8-page Norwegian policy brief by presenting an overview of Sino-Afghan relations and assesses China\'s role in the wider south Asian region

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-07-08

Building Security in the Persian Gulf

Rand Corporation

This 202-page US study analyzes Iraq's future, the role of Iran, asymmetric threats, regional reassurance and tensions, and the roles of other external actors, then sets out criteria for a new security structure.

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-06-29

Deepening China-Taiwan Relations through the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement

Peterson Institute

A 3-page US policy brief assessing the likely consequences of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) being negotiated between China and Taiwan

Economic Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-06-27

The US–Japan Security Treaty at 50: Entering Uncharted Waters

Clingendael

A 3-page Dutch essay arguing that the US–Japan alliance’s relationship is again today passing through troubled times towards a still uncertain future

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-06-24

Russia and Turkey: Rethinking Europe to Contest Outsider Status

IFRI

This 23-page French paper considers how Russia and Turkey are rethinking their mutual relations as well as their place in the world, and in Europe in particular

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-06-16

Is Taiwan Moving Toward Finlandization?

FPRI

This US essay looks at the prospects for Finlandization between Taiwan and China and the implications

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-06-16

Lebanon's Scud Row

CFR

A 2-page US article on the prospects for disarmament by Hezbollah

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-06-09

What Future for the Union for the Mediterranean?

FIIA

This 2-page Finnish commentary assesses the state of the EU\'s Union for the Mediterranean

European Union, RegionalPosted: 2010-06-09

The Prospects for Security Cooperation in the Persian Gulf

ISS

This 4-page analysis examines the prospects for security cooperation in the Persian Gulf

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-06-09

Turkish Regime Changes Sides, West Averts Eyes

Gloria Center

An Israeli commentary on the breakdown of Israel-Turkey relations

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-06-08

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

Chatham House

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

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-06-08

Kashmir: Paths to Peace

Chatham House

This UK paper examines the results of a poll taken to establish current attitudes in Kashmir on both sides of the LoC to alternative scenarios for the resolution of the conflict

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-06-08

Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses

CRS

A 65-page US backgrounder on U.S. concerns and policy responses to threats posed by Iran

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-06-07

Assessing the Obstacles and Opportunities in a Future Israeli-Syrian-American Peace Negotiation

Brookings

This 10-page US paper analyzes the difficulties confronting Washington’s and Jerusalem’s respective Syria policies and offers an approach for dealing with Syria

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-06-01

What's Next for Latin America After the Global Crisis?

Brookings

A 5-page US article discussing challenges that have impacted Latin America's development and the type of investment opportunities that lie ahead

International Development, RegionalPosted: 2010-05-31

Friction in the Gulf: The Disputed Islands and Iran’s Push for Regional Hegemony

INSS

An Israeli commentary on Iranian activities in the Gulf

Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-19

Caught in the Global Hurricane: Debating the Caribbean’s Development Challenges in an Uncertain World

Brookings et al.

The report of a US conference held to consider the well-being of the Caribbean region

International Development, RegionalPosted: 2010-05-17

The Evolving Post-crisis World

Lowy Institute

This Australian paper looks at future implications of the Global Financial Crisis for Asia

Economic Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-05-16

The Fantasy of Taming China’s Rise

Centre for Independent Studies

This paper argues that the belief that China will be content to rise as a 'responsible stakeholder' in a US-led regional and global order is out of date

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-05-16

Psychological Dimensions of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

ADA

An Azerbaijani essay on the psychological dimension of the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-05-16

Medvedev’s Visit to Syria: Restoring Russia’s Influence in the Middle East

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the foreign policy implications of Medvedev's recent visit to Syria

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-05-16

Perceptions of an Assertive China

Hoover Institution

This 19-page US essay examines the features of the discussion in the West, and among many Chinese, regarding the notion of a more assertive China

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-05-16

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

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

Bracing for Impact: Fifth-Generation Jet Fighter Programmes in Asia

RSIS

A Singaporean commentary on fifth-generation jet fighter programmes in Asia

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-05-06

The Role of the Five Power Defence Arrangements in the Southeast Asian Security Architecture

RSIS

This 22-page Singaporean working paper discusses the evolving Southeast Asian security architecture by focusing on the role of a “mini-lateral” defence coalition, the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA)

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-05-05

China’s “Peaceful Rise,” “Harmonious” Foreign Relations, and Legal Confrontation—and Lessons from the Sino-Japanese Dispute over the East China Sea

FPRI

This US essay considers the virtues and potential—as well as the limits—of China’s reliance on international law to address a chronic source of friction and instability in China’s foreign relations

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-05-03

China's Maritime Strategic Agenda

ASPI

This 4-page Australian policy analysis explores the central tenets of China's maritime security agenda

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-05-03

A Concise History of Exchange Rate Regimes In Latin America

CEPR

This US paper analyzes the exchange rate experience of the major Latin American countries including Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru and others in the post-World-War period, up to the crisis caused by the collapse of the U.S. housing bubble

Economic Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-30

LRA: A Regional Strategy beyond Killing Kony

Crisis Group

This report examines how what was once an insurgency in northern Uganda (The Lord's Resistance Army) has become a regional humanitarian and security problem that requires a regional solution

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-28

Changes in the South Caucasus Since August 2008: Regional Perspectives for the World’s Superpower

ADA

This Azerbaijani backgrounder explains how the three countries of the South Caucasus (sometimes referred to as the Transcaucasus)—Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia—form the most complex, combustible and unstable region in the former Soviet Union

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-27

Improving Governance and Public Financial Management through Budget Support: The Experience of the African Development Bank

ECDPM

This discussion paper describes the experience of the African Development Bank in using budget support as an aid delivery mechanism

International Development, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-26

The Saudi Nuclear Option

INSS

An Israeli commentary arguing that Saudi Arabia will find it difficult to do nothing should Iran obtain military nuclear capability

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-26

Chinese Puzzle in India-Bangladesh Relations

IDSA

An Indian commentary voicing concern that developing relations between Bangladesh and China may pose a future security risk for India

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-21

Serbia: Tying the EU in Knots

FRIDE

A 5-page Spanish policy brief dealing with the complexities of Serbia's application for EU membership

European Union, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-20

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

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

Engaging Hamas: Rethinking the Quartet Principles

ISS

An opinion piece arguing that engaging Hamas is a precondition for peace in the Middle East

Regional, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2010-04-19

Russia in Europe and the West

CEPS

A commentary speculating that circumstances are propitious for a new and positive turn to Russia’s relations with Europe and the transatlantic community

European Union, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-18

Israel and Palestine - Two States for Two Peoples: If Not Now, When?

FPA

A collegial, collective policy statement representing a consensus view of the Boston Study Group on Middle East Peace

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-18

Armenia and Turkey: Bridging the Gap

CEIP

This US policy brief suggests that both parties should take steps to rebuild confidence and affirm their faith in the 2009 Armenian–Turkish Protocols, which offer clear benefits to both Armenia and Turkey.

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-04-15

Prospects of Belarus-Ukraine Relations at the Inter-Regional, Bilateral and Multilateral Levels

BPPF

This 7-page paper examines promising spheres of cooperation between Belarus and Ukraine

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-04-13

Asia-Pacific Regional Economic Integration and Architecture

Peterson Institute

A speech considering the economic, political and security implications of greater Asian economic integration

Globalisation & International Trade, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-08

Shifts in U.S. Assistance to Egypt Alarm Democracy Advocates

CEIP

A US article assessing the Administration's approach toward democracy in the Arab world

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-07

Russia's Role in Asian Security: A U.S.- Japan Dialogue

Nixon Center

A 42-page US paper examining the implications of Russia’s evolving foreign policy for East Asian security

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-07

Central Asia’s Security: Issues and Implications for U.S. Interests

CRS

A US backgrounder on the security issues facing the Central Asian states

Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-03-29

The Middle East: Well-intentioned Conciliatory Policy Meets Revolutionary Islamist Threat

Gloria Center

This 9-page Israeli article discusses the nature of the central conflict in Middle East Politics including the identity of the Islamist side and the balance of forces

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-03-28

Growth, History, or Institutions? What Explains State Fragility in Sub-Saharan Africa

IZA

This 31-page discussion paper explores the determinants of state fragility in sub-Saharan Africa

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-03-25

Libya/Chad: Beyond Political Influence

Crisis Group

An overview from a briefing examining the evolution of Tripoli’s policy towards Chad from open imperialism to support in peace negotiations with armed rebels and with Sudan

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-03-25

Can the US Contain a Nuclear Iran?

INSS

An Israeli commentary considering whether the US has the ability to contain a nuclear Iran

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-03-25

The Iraq Effect: The Middle East After the Iraq War

Rand Corporation

This 216-page US study offers a comprehensive and nuanced assessment of how the toppling of Saddam Hussein and the civil strife that followed are reshaping the greater Middle East

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-03-25

Asian Regionalism and US Policy: The Case for Creative Adaptation

RSIS

This 36-page Singaporean working paper proposes that the US should adopt a policy of creative adaptation to regionalism in East Asia

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2010-03-22

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

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

Fearing a 'Shiite Octopus': Sunni – Shi`a Relations and the Implications for Belgium and Europ

Egmont

A 45-page Belgian paper about the position of the Shiites, Sunni-Shia relations, politics and shifts in the power balance

Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-03-20

Israel, the United States, and the Military Option against Iran

INSS

An Israeli article arguing that an Israeli avoidance of fulfilling its threats against Iran is liable to damage the nation’s credibility and deterrent capability

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2010-03-18