All Security Watch stories
February 2013
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21 Feb 2013
The Northern Ireland 'Flag-Riots': A One-Off or a Sign of Things to Come?
Deciding to limit the number of days the Union Flag flies over Belfast recently resulted in sectarian violence, or so many have argued. Alex Mackenzie disagrees. To him, the ‘flag riots’ reflect something much deeper – continued frustration with Northern Ireland’s long-term structural problems. More on «The Northern Ireland 'Flag-Riots': A One-Off or a Sign of Things to Come?»
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20 Feb 2013
Interview With Mary Ellen O'Connell, International Law Expert, on US Drone Policy
In this interview with the IPI's Global Observatory, Mary Ellen O'Connell criticizes the US's legal justifications for its drone policies. The Obama administration, she argues, is "playing at making law" and undermining internationally accepted rules. More on «Interview With Mary Ellen O'Connell, International Law Expert, on US Drone Policy »
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19 Feb 2013
Kazakhstan: Astana Registers Diplomatic Boost with Iran Nuclear Talks
Kazakhstan is set to host multinational talks on Iran's controversial nuclear program. Our partners at EurasiaNet consider how Astana pulled off this 'diplomatic coup' and what it might mean for the Central Asian state's international reputation. More on «Kazakhstan: Astana Registers Diplomatic Boost with Iran Nuclear Talks»
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18 Feb 2013
Diplomatic Efforts in Latin America Require Fresh Faces
Now that he is US Secretary of State, will John Kerry nudge Washington to adopt a new diplomatic approach towards Latin America? Robert Valencia explores this question and the current status of the United States' bilateral relations with a region it once dominated. More on «Diplomatic Efforts in Latin America Require Fresh Faces»
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15 Feb 2013
For a Better Nuclear Future, Move Beyond Global Zero
Despite the best intentions of the so-called "Global Zero Initiative", the elimination of nuclear weapons remains a dim and distant prospect. Robert Manning believes it is now time for the United States to move beyond the idea of global zero and consider more pragmatic nuclear policies. More on «For a Better Nuclear Future, Move Beyond Global Zero»
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14 Feb 2013
Transnational Turmoil – A "Gift" from Russia's Underworld?
After a decade of relative calm, Russia's underworld is now violently restructuring itself. That’s bad news, writes NYU's Mark Galeotti. Given its aggressive, entrepreneurial and transnational nature, how Russian organized crime reorganizes itself will negatively impact the wider world. More on «Transnational Turmoil – A "Gift" from Russia's Underworld? »
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12 Feb 2013
Qatar: A Rising Player in Middle Eastern Affairs
In this article, the Atlantic Community's Nial Mulchincock discusses the growing regional influence of Qatar – a small state which directly supported the overthrow of Libya's Muammar Ghadaffi and is now permitting the Syrian opposition to stage a series of strategy and coordination meetings in Doha. More on «Qatar: A Rising Player in Middle Eastern Affairs »
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11 Feb 2013
The US-China Agenda for Obama’s Second Term
Over the last four years the Obama administration's relationship with China was often tense and riddled with distrust. The EastWest Institute's Jacqueline McLaren Miller and Piin-Fen Kok wonder whether the ties between these two powers will actually improve anytime soon. More on «The US-China Agenda for Obama’s Second Term»
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8 Feb 2013
Balancing Austerity with Ambitions: The (Close) Future of French Defence Policy
France has long regarded itself as a leading provider and guarantor of global security. However, the country’s uncertain economic future may force Paris to adopt defense policies that are more pragmatic and partnership-oriented, or so argue Pinar Elman and Marcin Terlikowski. More on «Balancing Austerity with Ambitions: The (Close) Future of French Defence Policy»
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7 Feb 2013
North Korea’s Armed Forces: All Dressed Up, with Places to Go?
Despite its poverty, North Korea maintains one of the world’s largest armed forces. Axel Berkofsky looks at Pyongyang’s recent efforts to improve its conventional and asymmetric military capabilities and what they might mean for the security of the Korean Peninsula. More on «North Korea’s Armed Forces: All Dressed Up, with Places to Go?»
