Articles
July 2013
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4 Jul 2013
Elections in Iran and Its Foreign Policy
Publisher:
International Relations and Security Network (ISN)
With Hassan Rohani's victory in Iran's recent elections, there have been suggestions that this may herald the end of the country's confrontational foreign policy. Aniseh Bassiri Tabrizi argues that any major changes in Iran's foreign policy rely on Rohani's ability to make good on his campaign rhetoric. More on «Elections in Iran and Its Foreign Policy»
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3 Jul 2013
Interview: Brazilian Political Expert Says Frustrated Middle Class Fueling Protests
Publisher:
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)
For a country scheduled to host the World Cup and Olympics in quick succession, the recent unrest in Brazil could not have come at a worse time. In this RFE/RL interview, the Wilson Center's Paulo Sotero discusses the underlying social and economic factors that contributed to the protests. More on «Interview: Brazilian Political Expert Says Frustrated Middle Class Fueling Protests »
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2 Jul 2013
Under Pressure: The Curious Origins of the Pressure Cooker Improvised Explosive Device
Publisher:
World Policy Institute
Who or what has inspired terrorist organizations or 'lone wolves' terrorists to use pressure cooker improvised explosive devices? The answer is going to surprise you, says Jeremiah Foxwell. Their use is tied to the activities of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees! More on «Under Pressure: The Curious Origins of the Pressure Cooker Improvised Explosive Device»
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1 Jul 2013
The New Geopolitics of Southeast Asia (Executive Summary)
Publisher:
LSE IDEAS
If Southeast Asia hopes to take full advantage of the strategic competition between China and the US, it needs to lockstep its efforts. Yet, as today’s report by the LSE’ IDEAS project argues, a lack of trust between the area’s states makes this easier said than done. More on «The New Geopolitics of Southeast Asia (Executive Summary)»
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1 Jul 2013
Recalibrating American Grand Strategy: Softening US Policies Toward Iran In Order to Contain China
Publisher:
Strategic Studies Institute of the US Army War College (SSI)
How might the US cope with China in an era of government austerity? Think grand strategically, says Samir Tata. Instead of fretting about how to cope with anti-access/area denial strategies in the Indian Ocean, Washington must first do something more substantial – i.e., boost its ties with India, Indonesia and Iran. More on «Recalibrating American Grand Strategy: Softening US Policies Toward Iran In Order to Contain China»
June 2013
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28 Jun 2013
New Dataset Shows Trends in UN Peacekeeping
Publisher:
International Peace Institute (IPI)
Our partners at IPI have recently published a new database on United Nations peacekeeping missions. Today, they outline some of their initial findings and offer recommendations on how the UN can broaden the composition of its peacekeeping forces. More on «New Dataset Shows Trends in UN Peacekeeping »
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27 Jun 2013
Abenomics and Japan’s Defense Priorities
Publisher:
International Relations and Security Network (ISN)
Shinzo Abe has approved the first increase in Japan's defense budget in a decade. Is this his attempt to revive Japan's reputation on the global stage or is there a simpler explanation? Tiago Mauricio thinks it's the latter. More on «Abenomics and Japan’s Defense Priorities»
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27 Jun 2013
China and Taiwan: Steady as She Goes – but Where?
Publisher:
International Relations and Security Network (ISN)
China, Taiwan and the US appear to be relatively comfortable with the current state of cross-strait relations. But that shouldn’t lead us into a false sense of security, warns Roderick Wye. Beijing still remains determined to unite Taiwan with the Chinese mainland. More on «China and Taiwan: Steady as She Goes – but Where?»
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27 Jun 2013
An Interview with Joerg Wolf, Editor-in-Chief at Atlantic-community.org
Publisher:
International Relations and Security Network (ISN)
This month, we speak with Joerg Wolf, Editor-in-Chief at Atlantic-community.org, which is a Berlin-based online think tank that focuses primarily on issues affecting transatlantic relations. By think tank, however, we additionally mean a worldwide community of over 7,500 members who not only share their analyses with others, but also provide a platform for young people to speak out and exercise real political influence. After describing these activities, Mr. Wolf then provides his views on the current state of transatlantic relations, particularly in relation to the US's 'pivot to Asia' and the economic difficulties faced by Europe and the US. The transatlantic partnership, he concludes, needs to be reevaluated and renewed but has not lost its relevance. In fact, in matters of defense, the need for 'smart' and more efficient spending makes NATO "more important than ever". More on «An Interview with Joerg Wolf, Editor-in-Chief at Atlantic-community.org»
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26 Jun 2013
Dangerous Waters: China-Japan Relations on the Rocks
Publisher:
International Crisis Group
Nationalist sentiment continues to feed the flames between China and Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. Today, our partners at the International Crisis Group argue that Tokyo and Beijing urgently need to re-establish communications and put crisis mitigation mechanisms back in place to manage this problem. More on «Dangerous Waters: China-Japan Relations on the Rocks»
