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July 2013

• Central Asia’s Fragile Security Context
  Energy resources, historical and cultural affinities, and outright political expediency have revived strategic interest in Central Asia. This week, we look at the external actors who are interested in the region and how local states are exploiting this interest to fulfill their own political objectives. Given this trend, we then ask whether closer regional and economic cooperation can actually occur or not. Finally, we look at some of the domestic challenges to the region’s security.  More on «Central Asia’s Fragile Security Context»
• South Asia: Issues in Focus
  This week we profile the weaknesses of India’s national security decision-making processes and separating fact from fiction when it comes to the US’ lethal drone program in Pakistan. We then examine the alleged fragility of the Pakistani state and focus on two problems it shares with its neighbors – i.e., water and food security. Finally, we speculate on whether South Asian countries can collectively develop a ‘non-traditional architecture’ to face their security problems.  More on «South Asia: Issues in Focus»
• South Asia: Contexts and Dynamics
  In a region increasingly defined by the colliding interests of China, India and the US, Sino-Pakistani collaboration continues to hamstring India’s economic and naval ambitions. And with the region’s South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) remaining as ‘toothless’ as ever, the possibility of New Delhi resolutely leading a march towards greater regional integration will hinge on the uncertain strength of its economy and the capacity to finance area-wide infrastructure projects.  More on «South Asia: Contexts and Dynamics»
• Southeast Asia: Issues in Focus
  After looking last week at the broader issues affecting Southeast Asia, this week we look at a handful of specific problems – i.e., the possible impact of Indonesia’s 2014 presidential election on its strategic ambitions; the maritime and territorial disputes still plaguing the South China Sea; the rising concerns about nuclear security and proliferation among Southeast Asian states; and the prospects for increased energy security cooperation in the region.  More on «Southeast Asia: Issues in Focus»
• Southeast Asia: a Region United?
  With fears of a regional arms race lurking in the background, Southeast Asian states are not only torn between trying to balance the interests of China and the US with their own, but also over how to speak with one voice. But prospects for group action are being frustrated by a weak and divided ASEAN; a worrying economic outlook; and rising human insecurity.  More on «Southeast Asia: a Region United?»

June 2013

• Northeast Asia: Issues in Focus
  This week we examine potentially destabilizing implications of China’s inward-looking strategic outlook; growing tensions on the Korean peninsula; the dispute between China and Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands; and the future of China-Taiwan relations. We then consider the difference between the region's ideal and likely future trajectories.  More on «Northeast Asia: Issues in Focus»
• Northeast Asia: Future Tense
  A quick look at the news might convince you that balance-of-power politics will continue to dominate Northeast Asia’s geopolitical and security landscape for a long time to come. But is that really the case? Do the states in the region remain mired in mutual antipathy or are they becoming increasingly amenable to regional cooperation, if not outright integration?  More on «Northeast Asia: Future Tense»
• South America: Issues in Focus
  Following last week’s context-setting discussion on South America’s changing dynamics, this week we specifically look at how Brazil might boost its geopolitical influence; the economic and political challenges confronting Venezuela and Argentina; the current status of Colombia’s peace negotiations with the FARC; and the region’s possible political trajectory.  More on «South America: Issues in Focus»
• South America: A (Whole) Region on the Rise?
  It is generally accepted that Brazil is South America’s political and economic leader, both regionally and globally. This standing, however, has not prevented other local actors from attempting to influence the region’s social, economic and political character. This week, we begin by focusing on this competition and then segueing into similar contests.  More on «South America: A (Whole) Region on the Rise?»

May 2013

• North America: Issues in Focus
  Following last week’s discussion on North America’s changing context and dynamics, this week we explore how the United States’ and Mexico’s grand strategies may develop over the next few years. We also examine the potential security implications of organized criminal violence, the US-Canadian divide over the Arctic, and North America’s burgeoning natural gas ‘revolution’.  More on «North America: Issues in Focus»
• North America: Changing Contexts and Evolving Dynamics
  While the US’ geopolitical dominance of North America remains unchallenged, closer economic integration continues to change its character. Some of these changes, such as greater cyber integration, may add to the region’s vulnerabilities, while others, such as cross-border public exchanges, are just a fact of life.  More on «North America: Changing Contexts and Evolving Dynamics»
• Militarizing Space
  The increasing securitization if not overt militarization of space continues unabated. Over the next two weeks we’ll first look at the broader implications of this trend, both conceptually and in practice. Then, we’ll examine the space-centered strategies of some of the key actors in this domain.  More on «Militarizing Space»

April 2013

• War, Crime and the Privatization of Violence
  This week, New York University’s Mark Galeotti leads us on a guided tour of the “criminal-political nexus.” Our topics will include kleptocracies, warlords and pseudo-states, and the role of private actors who can range from arms dealers to grassroots organizations and NGOs.  More on «War, Crime and the Privatization of Violence»
• The ISN at the International Security Forum 2013
  The ISN sponsored and conducted two panel sessions at the 10th International Security Forum (22-24 April) – one on post-2014 Afghanistan and the other on the role of 'hidden actors' in the world's small arms trade. For those interested in these subjects, this special dossier contains background materials that might be useful.  More on «The ISN at the International Security Forum 2013 »
• Lawfare in Theory and Practice
  Lawfare involves using the law as an instrument of power. In looking at this potentially dubious practice, we'll first look at its theoretical foundations. Then we'll focus on its alleged use.  More on «Lawfare in Theory and Practice»
• Whither Goes Iran?
  Iran’s determined pursuit of its own geopolitical interests remains a source of concern throughout the Middle East and beyond. This week, we consider Tehran’s current relations with its neighbors and whether its becoming a nuclear-capable state is defensible or not.  More on «Whither Goes Iran?»

March 2013

• 'Managing' Israel-Palestine
  Is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict an intractable one or are there realistic ways to settle it? This week we grapple with this knotty question by looking at the conflict’s current status and how it might be resolved in the future.  More on «'Managing' Israel-Palestine»
• Strategic Trends 2013
  The 2013 edition of CSS’ popular Strategic Trends series provides in-depth analyses on the following four issues – the de-Westernization of globalization, growing maritime insecurity in the Asia Pacific region, the changing dynamics of military crisis management and the 'glocalization' of al Qaeda.  More on «Strategic Trends 2013»
• 'Managing' the Arab Upheavals
  The Arab Spring continues to cast a long shadow over the politics and security of the greater Middle East. This week, we look at how regional and external actors have responded to the upheavals in this volatile portion of the world.  More on «'Managing' the Arab Upheavals»
• Today’s Revolutions in Military Affairs
  When thinking about the latest Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA), two questions come to mind. First, is it still a viable conceptual framework to guide the planned use of force? Second, has it influenced non-Western ways of using force, especially in a “post-heroic” era of warfare?  More on «Today’s Revolutions in Military Affairs»
• Managing Central Asia
  Like the Caucasus region, Central Asia remains a geopolitical collision point for outside powers. This week, we consider how these powers are attempting to manage their relations and historical ties with this volatile region.  More on «Managing Central Asia»

February 2013

• Managing the Caucasus
  The Caucasus remains one of the more volatile regions in the world. This week, we consider how various regional and global powers are attempting to manage their interests in the area.  More on «Managing the Caucasus»
• Managing East and Northeast Asia
  Nationalism and balance of power politics continue to define the security dynamics of East and Northeast Asia. As China’s influence grows and the United States’ ‘pivot’ evolves, this week we consider how the region may respond to the geopolitical and security challenges that lie ahead.  More on «Managing East and Northeast Asia»
• Managing South and Southeast Asia
  From Indo-Pakistani rivalry to China’s growing regional presence, South and Southeast Asia are as geopolitically contested today as they ever have been. How will leading and emerging powers manage a new generation of security challenges in the region?  More on «Managing South and Southeast Asia»
• Managing Civil Wars and Intrastate Conflict
  Intrastate conflicts and civil wars have replaced inter-state wars as the dominant forms of organized violence that shape our world. What factors explain the upsurge in intrastate violence and how have actors attempted to resolve them?  More on «Managing Civil Wars and Intrastate Conflict»

January 2013

• Managing the Global Commons
  One consequence of an increasingly multipolar international system is uncertainty about how to manage the global commons. How will access to these vital resources be safeguarded in a post-American world?  More on «Managing the Global Commons»
• American Foreign Policy Today
  Whether American power is in decline or not, some regions will remain more important than others for American foreign policy. As the primary documents themselves illustrate, the Asia ‘pivot’ will see increased attention to East and South Asia vis-a-vis areas like Europe and the Middle East.  More on «American Foreign Policy Today»
• Perspectives on American Power
  Amid talk of American ‘decline’ and the arrival of a ‘post-American world’ many believe that the US will struggle to maintain its influence in a multipolar international system. But what do the world’s leading strategic thinkers have to say about the future of American power?  More on «Perspectives on American Power»
• Killing War?
  Despite fears that the end of the Cold War would usher in a new era of instability, fewer wars, fewer deaths and a decline in the legitimacy of political violence have led some to announce the ‘demise of war.’ But is this decline temporary or reflective of an increasingly peaceful world?  More on «Killing War?»

November 2012

• Commerce, Sanctions and Security
  Economic sanctions are now a common tactic designed to coerce cooperation from regimes like Burma, North Korea and Iran. As we discover this week, however, there is little consensus about whether or not sanctions actually work.  More on «Commerce, Sanctions and Security»

October 2012

• Intelligence - Adapting to the Threats
  Intelligence agencies have struggled to adapt to a world of open source technologies, information overload and a diverse range of new threats. This week, we consider how they have adapted their missions to address these challenges.  More on « Intelligence - Adapting to the Threats »
• Safeguarding Cyber-Security, Fighting in Cyberspace
  Linking cyber-security with national security is a relatively new phenomenon. This week we analyze the increasing securitization of cyberspace and ask a fundamental question – has the era of cyber-warfare finally arrived or does the concept remain more fantasy than reality?  More on «Safeguarding Cyber-Security, Fighting in Cyberspace»
• Water Security in a Changing World
  Water is becoming an increasingly precious commodity in a world affected by climate change, environmental degradation and other border-defying problems. This week we focus on international efforts to safeguard water security.  More on «Water Security in a Changing World»
• Understanding the 'Energy Weapon'
  This week we consider how states use their energy resources to gain a degree of geopolitical leverage in an oil and gas-hungry world.  More on «Understanding the 'Energy Weapon'»
• The Challenge of Global Food Insecurity
  Safeguarding access to food is now generally perceived to be a major security issue. This week, we analyze the causes of food insecurity, how its growth impacts regional political dynamics, and what steps we might take to alleviate its side effects.  More on «The Challenge of Global Food Insecurity»

September 2012

• Nuclear Deterrence in a Multipolar World
  The concept of nuclear deterrence arguably added a degree of predictability and stability to the superpower rivalry of the Cold War. This week we consider, among other things, the relative value and utility of this concept in a multipolar world.  More on «Nuclear Deterrence in a Multipolar World»
• Transnational Terrorism – Complex Threat or Back to Normal?
  While transnational terrorism is by no means a new phenomenon, its ability to exploit and thrive within a networked world makes it a continuing threat to global and local security. This week we provide an update on this disconcerting political-cultural phenomenon.  More on «Transnational Terrorism – Complex Threat or Back to Normal?»
• The Securitization of Organized Crime
  Organized crime is widely regarded as a major threat to international order. This week we chart the globalization of criminal networks, how they undermine state security and what might be their possible interconnections with terrorist organizations.  More on «The Securitization of Organized Crime»
• The Global Arms Trade's Impact upon Security
  The global arms trade is a multi-billion dollar industry that continues to have a profound impact on transnational security. This week we consider the current nature of the trade, its specific impact on modern day conflicts, and attempts to establish a viable Arms Trade Treaty.  More on «The Global Arms Trade's Impact upon Security»

August 2012

• The Privatization of Violence and Security
  Are private security companies a necessary part of modern military operations or an under-regulated waste of money that jeopardize the international reputations and democratic credentials of states that use them? This week we will present both sides of this debate.  More on «The Privatization of Violence and Security»
• Identity Politics and Security
  How might identity politics influence and impact the geopolitical and security dynamics of today's international system? This week, we attempt to address such concerns through a series of case studies that analyze the interconnections between identity and security.  More on «Identity Politics and Security»
• Demography, Migration and Security
  As the international system has become more complex, it has changed the debate about transnational migration. Accordingly, we spend this week considering whether the securitization of demography and migration is an appropriate conceptual tool of analysis to use or not.  More on «Demography, Migration and Security»
• Climate and Security
  Climate change is increasingly considered as a threat to global and regional security. This week we chart the securitization of climate change and attempts at crafting effective responses in a security-conscious world.  More on «Climate and Security»

July 2012

• Southeast Asia: Big Brother or Third Way?
  In our final week of Regional Perspectives on Power, we ask whether Southeast Asia will increasingly look to either China or the US to safeguard regional security. We also consider whether a regionally-led 'third way' is a viable alternative to balance of power dynamics.  More on «Southeast Asia: Big Brother or Third Way?»

June 2012

• Northeast Asia: Business As Usual or New Departure?
  This week our Regional Perspectives on Power series focuses upon Northeast Asia. Is this pivotal region moving towards deeper economic and political integration or will mutual suspicion and balance of power dynamics continue to shape inter-state relations?  More on «Northeast Asia: Business As Usual or New Departure?»
• South Asia: Back to the Future?
  This week, our Regional Perspectives on Power series considers why India seems set to lead South Asia in a multipolar international system while Pakistan appears to be frozen in the past.  More on «South Asia: Back to the Future?»
• The Middle East and Power Transformation
  This week our editorial focus turns to a region that could stake a claim to being the world’s petri-dish for socio-political power transformations.  More on «The Middle East and Power Transformation»
• Central and Horn of Africa - From Stability to Instability
  This week we consider why Central and the Horn of Africa remain affected by political violence and state fragility.  More on «Central and Horn of Africa - From Stability to Instability»
• Southern Africa: Power, Tension and Unwillingness?
  Are external actors and local frictions complicating development and security in Southern Africa -- and will South Africa, the region’s colossus, trade its “semi-reluctant hegemony” over the region for a more participatory, inclusive and integrated approach towards its neighbors?  More on «Southern Africa: Power, Tension and Unwillingness?»

May 2012

• Is West Africa's Geopolitical Star Rising?
  Is West Africa on the rise geopolitically? Or do the region's long-standing problems mean that its potential will remain unfulfilled?  More on «Is West Africa's Geopolitical Star Rising?»
• Whither Goes Russia in the Post-Soviet Space?
  This week we consider Russia's foreign policy objectives in a rapidly changing world.  More on «Whither Goes Russia in the Post-Soviet Space?»
• Twining European Security and Integration
  Given the assorted 'hits' from economic problems and self-interest that it has taken over the years, just how 'healthy' is the European security project?  More on «Twining European Security and Integration»

April 2012

• Whither Goes South America?
  Where has South America gone wrong in the past? Can it overcome these obstacles to forge a brighter future?  More on «Whither Goes South America?»
• Integrating North America?
  Will North America pursue an agenda of integration to help minimize injustice and insecurity across the continent? Or will obstacles like separatist movements and the drug trade continue to undermine these efforts?  More on «Integrating North America?»
• Grand Strategies and Strategic Cultures
  Looking at the examples of the US, Iran and other Asian powers, we ask whether the concepts of strategic culture and grand strategy are still relevant today.  More on «Grand Strategies and Strategic Cultures»
• The Future of Transnational Institutions and Organizations
  How are transnational institutions wielding power in the world today? Should they 'enforce' the political behavior of others, or should they 'persuade' them with the power of their example?  More on «The Future of Transnational Institutions and Organizations»
• Power and the Westphalian System: Goodbye to All That?
  If power is increasingly being diffused, democratized and individualized, have traditional views of power lost their explanatory might? Are there alternative theories that better explain the changing nature of power in today's world?  More on «Power and the Westphalian System: Goodbye to All That?»

February 2012

• The New Information Revolution
  The internet has become an integral part of many people’s lives and has undoubtedly changed the way we interact with each other. But has it also affected the way the international system works?  More on «The New Information Revolution»
• Economics, Politics and War
  This dossier concludes our analysis of the fundamental changes impacting upon international economic and financial systems by examining the interaction between economics, politics and war.  More on «Economics, Politics and War»
• Development: Describing and Prescribing Progress
  Following last week’s examination of the evolution of the international economic and financial system, this dossier focuses on their interaction with global development policies.  More on «Development: Describing and Prescribing Progress»
• The International Economic and Financial System: Past, Present and Future
  An examination of the fundamental factors driving international change would be incomplete without considering trade and finance. We look at the past of the international economic and financial system in order to understand the present and speculate about the future.  More on «The International Economic and Financial System: Past, Present and Future»

January 2012

• International Public Law in Action: The Application Phase
  Following in the wake of our examination of human rights, our focus in this dossier is on international law.  More on «International Public Law in Action: The Application Phase»
• Laying the Groundwork: The Definition, Scope and Roles of Human Rights
  In this dossier we explore what human rights are, where they come from, and where they apply. We also look at the impact evolving norms, right and laws are having on specific institutions and on individuals in the international system.  More on «Laying the Groundwork: The Definition, Scope and Roles of Human Rights»
• International Organizations: Required Adjustments and New Opportunities for Change
  In this dossier, we examine the most important challenges International Organizations face today, as well as the reforms and opportunities for change they need to pursue.  More on «International Organizations: Required Adjustments and New Opportunities for Change»
• The State in a Globalizing World
  This dossier on “The State in a Globalizing World” considers whether we are witnessing the demise of the modern state altogether.  More on «The State in a Globalizing World»

December 2011

• Nationalism in a Globalizing World
  In this particular dossier, we start by exploring different concepts of nationalism and how they have evolved over time. We then introduce the concept of multiculturalism and wonder whether it is a palliative to some of the more unsettling aspects of nationalism.  More on «Nationalism in a Globalizing World»
• Global Interdependence and Effective Multilateralism
  This dossier explores the debate between two schools of global interdependence: cosmopolitanism and transnationalization. It also provides an anticipatory look at global multilateralism, which will be the focus of an upcoming dossier.  More on «Global Interdependence and Effective Multilateralism»
• Colliding Geopolitical Approaches in New ‘Great Games’
  In this dossier, we consider the relationship of geopolitics to the idea of borders before asking the fundamental question – are the geopolitical Great Games currently unfolding in parts of the world really Great Games at all?  More on «Colliding Geopolitical Approaches in New ‘Great Games’»
• Competing Views of Geopolitics
  This dossier considers several schools of geopolitical thought: the classical school, 'critical' geopolitics, and world-systems analysis.  More on «Competing Views of Geopolitics»

November 2011

• Forecasting in the ‘Real World’: Near-, Mid- and Long-Term Trend Analysis
  In this dossier, we present and discuss concrete examples of near-, mid- and long-term future forecasting regularly used by forecasters to make predictions about the future of the international system.  More on «Forecasting in the ‘Real World’: Near-, Mid- and Long-Term Trend Analysis»
• Future Forecasting and Its Challenges
  As part of our fundamental inquiry into global political change, this dossier looks at future forecasting from an international relations perspective.  More on «Future Forecasting and Its Challenges»

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