Regional


The Arab Spring and Russian Policy in the Middle East

INSS

An Israeli comentary on current Russian policy towards the Middle East

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-09-20

Curb Your Enthusiasm: Israel and Palestine after the UN

Crisis Group

This 52-page report examines the upcoming Palestinian bid at the UN

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-09-20

Rivals—Iran vs. Saudi Arabia

CEIP

A question and answer session assessing the tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia—taking a close look at the distrust between Shias and Sunnis and Persians and Arabs—and analyze how the rivalry will impact the balance of power in the Middle East

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-09-21

United States: A Stabilizing or Destabilizing Factor in the Asia-Pacific Region?

CEIP

This 4-page US brief considers whether the United States is a stabilizing factor in the Asia-Pacific region

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-09-21

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

Where Have all the Flowers Gone? Europe's Strategic Puzzle in the Mediterranean

EPC

This 2-page commentary argues that as they hone their strategies to push forward transformation in the countries of North Africa, the EU and its members must take a case-by case approach to each country

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-09-23

China’s Assertive Behavior—Part Two: The Maritime Periphery

Hoover Institution

This 29-page US essay examines Chinese statements and actions with regard to China’s entire maritime periphery, from the Yellow Sea to the South China Sea, with regard to both disputed and undisputed maritime territories

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-09-23

On the Front Line of Climate Change and Displacement: Learning From and With Pacific Island Countries

Brookings et al.

In the Pacific Islands, an acute awareness of the potential impact of climate change comes not only from books and studies, but from first-hand knowledge and ongoing experiences with the effects of the world’s changing climate. The value and relevance of these experiences are relevant for the world at large. This 42-page paper aims to conceptualize and distill some dimensions of these experiences

Climate Change & Environment, RegionalPosted: 2011-09-27

New Voice 2011 - Dynamic Asia

Lowy Institute for International Policy

This 12-page conference paper outlines some of the challenges faced by Asia's economic and political rise and shifts

RegionalPosted: 2011-09-28

Palestinian Initiatives for 2011 at the United Nations

CRS

This 32-page US report provides information on the U.N. framework and process for options being discussed,including overviews of the following topics: the United Nations and recognition of states, observer status in the United Nations, and the criteria and process for United Nations membership. The report also analyzes the prospects for avoiding U.N. action by reaching an Israel-PLO agreement to resume negotiations, as well as the possibility of a compromise U.N. resolution that could set forth parameters for future Israeli-Palestinian negotiations but stop short of addressing the question of Palestinian statehood beyond expressing aspirations

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-09-28

Can the European Union Play a Balanced Role in the South Caucasus?

ADA

An Azerbaijani article on the role of the EU in the South Caucasus

European Union, RegionalPosted: 2011-09-29

The IAEA 2011 General Conference

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the recent annual meeting of The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-04

Perspectives on Security in the Arctic Area

DIIS

This 78-page Danish report provides a discussion of contemporary security developments in the Arctic by placing the emphasis on the relationship between climate change and strategic interests related to sovereign claims

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-04

Al Qaeda's View of the Arab Spring

FPRI

This 4-page US essay considers the manner in which al Qaeda confronted the ideological challenge presented by the Arab Spring

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-10-04

Bosnia: What Does Republika Srpska Want?

Crisis Group

This 37-page report looks into the most important question in Bosnia today; do RS leaders and residents really want outright independence or merely autonomy within a loose federation?

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-06

The EU and the Arab Spring: From Munificence to Geo-strategy

FRIDE

This Spanish brief argues that emerging dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa suggest that over the longer-term the EU will also require a fundamentally more strategic approach to the region

Regional, European UnionPosted: 2011-10-07

Is Iran immune from the Arab spring?

FRIDE

This 4-page Spanish policy brief asserts that Iran’s opposition is far too divided to enable a democratic breakthough and the country’s potential for democratic change may largely depend on ongoing regional developments

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-07

The “Peace Process” is Dead; What’s Next?

Brookings

A US article arguing that a fresh approach to Arab-Israeli peacemaking is urgently needed

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-11

Lonely power, Staying Power: The Rise of China and the Resilience of US Pre-eminence

Lowy Institute’

This 4-page Australian brief challenges a number of assumptions about the transformation of Asia's security environment

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-12

The Mounting Hezbollah Threat in Latin America

AEI

This 8-page US brief examines how Hezbollah is using the Western Hemisphere as a staging ground, fundraising center, and operational base to wage asymmetric warfare against the United States

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-12

Planning for the Unthinkable: Countering a North Korean Nuclear Attack and Management of Post-Attack Scenarios

Korean Journal of Defense Analysis

This review of North Korea’s nuclear weapons capabilities reveals a two-track agenda consisting of both a plutonium (proven) and a highly enriched uranium (likely) programme

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-13

The Nature of a Friendship: Making Sense of Sino-Pakistani Relations

NOREF

This 10-page Norwegian policy brief outlines a complex set of interactions between China and Pakistan

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-13

Building Open Society in the Western Balkans, 1991–2011

Open Society Foundations

This 96-page US publication documents two decades in the life and times of the region, with an historical overview and foundation activities, and assesses the situation in the crucial areas of humanitarian assistance, citizenship rights, responsibility for war crimes, arts and culture, the international presence, media, and education

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-13

An Arab Development Bank: Institutionalising Change in Middle East

RSIS

This 2-page Singaporean commentary advocates the creation of an Arab development bank to enable sustainable economic growth in the Arab world

Regional, Economic PolicyPosted: 2011-10-13

The Iranian-Saudi Cold War Heats Up

ForeignPolicy.com

This US article examines the critical questions raised by the Iranian-backed plot to assassinate Saudi Arabia's ambassador in Washington

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-19

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

North Korea: Truculent but Worrisome

ASPI

This 6-page Australian policy analysis concludes that it is likely that the Korean peninsula will remain one of Asia’s most challenging flashpoints for some time to come

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-24

The Day after the US Withdrawal from Iraq

INSS

An Israeli commentary assessing the likely consequences of the US withdrawal from Iraq

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-24

Armies and Civilians in the Arab Awakening: An Inevitable Compromise?

CEIP

A US article arguing that in consequence of the Arab transitions, civil-military relations will be redefined and renegotiated in every case

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-10-31

Tunisia’s Electoral Lesson: The Importance of Campaign Strategy

CEIP

This US article asserts that Ennahda’s election victory in Tunisia can be attributed as much to its campaign strategy as to the popularity of its message

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-31

Are the United States and Iran on a Collision Course?

INSS

An Israeli article analysing the worsening relations between the US and iran

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-10-31

Moving Beyond Easy Wins: Colombia's Borders

Crisis Group

This 43-page report warns that the Colombian conflict continues unabated in the border regions and is increasingly drawing in Venezuelan and Ecuadorian territory

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-01

The Challenge of Managing State-owned Small Arms and Light Weapons in South Sudan

BICC

A 4-page German note on the challenge of finding solutions for getting widespread possession of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and related trade flows under control in the Republic of South Sudan

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-02

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

Reflections on the Revolution in Egypt

MERIA

An Israeli article speculating on the eventual outcome of the Egyption revolution

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-02

The Syrian Opposition Before and After the Outbreak of the 2011 Uprising

MERIA

This Israeli article observes the state of the Syrian opposition prior to the uprising, notes the key new alignments in the opposition, and critically assesses the attempts at unification

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-02

Nigeria and Global Insecurity

Brookings

This US article looks at security risks emanating from Nigeria

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-03

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: The Need for an International Solution

DIIS

This 4-page Danish policy brief argues that if the Middle East Quartet is to regain its relevance and the Obama Administration to deliver on its promise of a New Beginning, a new internationally-sanctioned framework is long overdue

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-03

Turkey and Iraq: Soft Power, Hard Power

Dayan Center

A 6-page Israeli commentary on the Kurdish question, within the context of Turkish-Iraqi relations including recent developments

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-03

A New Middle East?

INSS

A 12-page Israeli essay introducing "Strategic Survey for Israel 2011"

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-03

Reconsidering West African Migration

DIIS

A 22-page Danish working paper that focuses on migration from poorer to richer zones in West Africa

Immigration & Refugees, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-03

Education for Citizenship in the Arab World: Key to the Future

CEIP

This 34-page US paper argues that education needs to be reformed in the Arab world to empower its citizens and create sustainable political and economic development

Education, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-11

Tunisia’s Lessons for the Arab World

CEIP

A US commentary asserting that Tunisia’s successful elections point to five important lessons that other countries in the Middle East and North Africa should remember

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-11

India and Pakistan: A New Chapter?

Chatham House

A UK commentary on possible movement in Indo-Pakistan relations

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-11

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

How Stable Is Jordan? King Abdullah’s Half-hearted Reforms and the Challenge of the Arab Spring

Brookings

This 11-page US policy briefing takes a closer look at Jordan’s changing political dynamics, with a focus on the role of the king, the royal court, and the feared security services

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-15

The IAEA's Iran Report: Assessment and Implications

ACA

This US issue brief interprets the IAEA's Iran report

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-15

"For Whom the Bell Tolls": The November 2011 IAEA Report

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the IAEA report on Iran's nuclear programme

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-15

Tradition and Modernity in the "Arab Spring"

Dayan Center

A 3-page Israeli analysis speculating on the likely outcomes of the Arab Spring

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-11-15

Turkey and the Arab Spring

Henry Jackson Society

A 15-page US briefing asking whether Turkey's “zero problems” policy is still relevant or workable

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-16

Coping with Iran’s Nuclear Capabilities

INSS

A 10-page Israeli essay describes Iran's nuclear capabilities and the implications of a nuclear Iran for Israel

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-16

Mubarak Regime: Redux

Sada

This US article argues that the Egyptian military has emerged as the most serious threat in the transition to democracy

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-17

Syria and the Arab League: Moral Censure and Identity Politics

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the political implications of the decision of the League of Arab States to suspend Syria from membership

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-18

Security Sectors in the Gulf: Immune to the Arab Awakening?

Sada

A US article examining the reality of the claimed reforms of security sectors in the Middle Eastern monarchies

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-18

Morocco's Upcoming Parliamentary Elections: Promoting a Top-Down "Arab Spring"?

Dayan Center

This 4-page Israeli article examines the extrent of reform in Moroccan politics

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-25

Black Sea Region Cooperation Threats and Opportunities: What they mean for Ukraine

ICPS

This 3-page analysis considers the threats to and opportunities for international cooperation in the Black Sea region that emerged during a study of subregional integration in the European Union’s four sea basins:

European Union, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-26

Jordan's Quandary Over Syria

FPRI

This 3-page US bulletin examines Jordan's changing attitudes towards Syria

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-26

Jordan is Boiling

INSS

An Israeli analysis of the unfolding developments carrying far-reaching implications for the Middle East region in general and Jordan's stability in particular

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-27

The State of Affairs in Iran

Brookings

A US congressional testimony on the current state of play within Iran, referencing its complex internal politics and its position within the Persian Gulf region

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-27

China’s Growing Naval Power

"The National Interest"

The 4-page report of a US panel discussion on China's growing naval power

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-27

The Transformation of Arab Transportation Infrastructure: Part One – Sea Ports

Dayan Center

This 11-page Israeli article discusses developments in the Arab sea port network

RegionalPosted: 2011-11-29

South Caucasus: (Almost) Grown Up At 20

CEIP

A US commentary on how the South Caucasian states have developed since the collapse of the Soviet Union

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-11-30

After Iraq

ORG

A 4-page UK briefing on the implications of the accelerated withdrawal from Iraq by the US

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-01

South Korea: The Shifting Sands of Security Policy

Crisis Group

This 16-page briefing warns that relations on the peninsula remain tense, especially around the NLL

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-01

Jordan: Background and U.S. Relations

CRS

A 23-page US report providing an overview of Jordanian politics and current issues in U.S.-Jordanian relations

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-02

Egypt in Transition

CRS

This 24-page updated report provides a brief overview of the transition underway in Egypt and information on U.S. foreign aid

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-02

Egyptian Democracy and the Muslim Brotherhood

ISS

A 36-page paper containing insights, analysis and recommendations on Egyptian democracy and the Muslim Brotherhood

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-05

The Silk Road Through Afghanistan

CFR

A 2-page US article focusing on the future of Afghanistan's economy

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-12-05

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

The Sino-Indian Defence Dialogue: Addressing the Persisting Security Dilemma

IDSA

This Indian commentary considers the status of the Sino-Indian defence dialogue

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-07

The Ghost of Chemical Weapons in the Arab Spring

IDSA

An Indian commentary considering the use of chemical weapons in the Middle East

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-07

Coping with a Nuclearising Iran

IISS

This 13-page UK paper considers the need for a framework for dealing with Iran before, while and after it crosses the nuclear weapons threshold

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-07

Turkey in the New Middle East

CEIP

This 42-page US paper explains why Turkey’s role as a model for budding Arab democracies also offers the country an opportunity to revitalize its partnership with the West

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-12-09

The Next Move for Syria

CEIP

This US Q&A explains that what happens in Syria will have a huge impact on the rest of the region, and if the government were to fall, it would be the biggest strategic blow to Iran since the Iran-Iraq war

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-09

Landmines in Egupt's Constitutional Roadmap

CEIP

This US commentary says that the military's pledge to hold presidential elections in Egypt by June 2012 could lead to a fresh crisis if a new constitution is written before those elections are held

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-09

Islamic Parties in Pakistan

Crisis Group

This 48-page report examines the internal workings, policies and agendas of Pakistan's Islamic parties, and their relationship with the state, particularly the military, in order to assess how they maintain political influence despite limited electoral support

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-12

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

Springtime in Sudan

Foreign Policy/NPR

A 3-page US article on political developments in Sudan

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-14

The Struggle for the Reins of Government in Egypt

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the results of the Egyptian parliamentary elections

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-16

A Turning Tide in Lebanon

CEIP

This US article traces the turning political tide in Lebanon

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-16

A New Prime Minister in Kuwait…and Credit Goes to the Brotherhood?

CEIP

This US article assesses the likelihood of a Muslim Brotherhood comeback in Kuwait

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-16

Normalization between Israel and Arab States: Is the Idea Still Viable?

INSS

An Israeli article considering the possibility of normalizing relations between Israel and the Arab world

Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-12-17

Japan's Strategic Outlook

ASPI

A 12-page Australian perspective on Japan's strategic outlook

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-19

Society at a Glance: Asia/Pacific 2011

OECD

The 120-page second edition of this publication provides a quantitative overview of social trends across 36 Asia-Pacific countries and economies. It covers issues such as time use (particularly unpaid work), migration, unemployment, poverty and inequality, social and health care expenditure, social cohesion and life satisfaction

Social Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-22

Setbacks at Home, Sucesses Abroad: The Mixed Fortunes of Vladimir Putin

Inside Story

An Australian article examining the changing political picture in Russia

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-22

Egypt’s Salafi Challenge

Brookings

This US article considers the implications of the unexpected rise of the Salafis in Egypt’s parliamentary election

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-09

Foresight Africa: Top Priorities for the Continent in 2012

Brookings

This 44-page US report outlines the top priorities for Africa in 2012 and beyond

International Development, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-09

A Toughened US Stance toward Iran

INSS

An Israeli commentary on indications that the US is adopting a new and considerably more determined approach to Iran's nuclear programme

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-09

Political Transition in Tunisia

CRS

A 30-page US report explaining the challenges topolitical transition in Tunisia presented by disputes over reform priorities,economic crisis, labour unrest, tensions between the privileged coastal region and relatively impoverished interior, and lingering insecurity

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-10

Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses

CRS

An 82-page US report on issues with Iran

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-10

A Proposal for a Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone in Northeast Asia

Nautilus Institute

This US essay proposes a fresh approach incorporating the concept of a nuclear weapons-free zone in Northeast Asia should be considered as a way of ensuring peace and security in the region

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-12

North Africa's Democratic Prospects

FPRI

This 7-page US essay discuss the dynamics and challenges facing Tunisia, Libya, Morocco and Algeria, the countries of the “Maghreb” (Arab-Islamic “West”), in the wake of the upheavals of 2011

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-01-13

The Muslim Brotherhood in the Arab World and Islamic Communities in Western Europe

ITIC

This 12-page Israeli paper updates and supplements ITIC's June 2011 study of the Muslim Brotherhood. It examines the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and other Arab countries in the wake of the past year's regional uprisings. It deals with the nature of the movement in each country, its relations with the various regimes and evaluates its chances of exploiting regional unrest to its own ends. It also examines the Muslim Brotherhood's branches in Western European countries and the implications of its activity for both internal European affairs and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-01-13

Persian Gulf Storm Clouds

CFR

A US analysis brief on worsening US-Iran relations

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-13

Egypt Can’t Replicate the Turkish Model: But It Can Learn From It

CEIP

A US article arguing that although reformists tout the “Turkish model” as an example for Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, the countries’ different neoliberal trajectories suggest that Egypt’s Islamist parties have a much more difficult road ahead

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-13

When Victory Becomes an Option: Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood Confronts Success

CEIP

This 30-page US paper argues that if it is to be successful in government, the Muslim Brotherhood must start setting its foreign policy, economic, and cultural priorities

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-13

China’s Global Role: Need for Soft Power?

RSIS

A 2-page Singaporean commentary on China's need for improved "soft power"

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-13

Afghanistan’s Future: Foreign and Local Solutions for a Fought-Over Country

Egmont

A 7-page Belgian security policy brief examining Afghanistan's future through different national and international lenses

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-13

Politics Grips Pakistan

Inside Story

An Australian update on the political situation in Pakistan

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-19