All Security Watch stories
January 2013
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28 Jan 2013
Russia Activates the LNG Sector
Although Russia is eager to attract energy-hungry clients from Asia, Szymon Kardaś warns that a number of self-imposed and structural hurdles may prevent its liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector from conquering this emerging market. More on «Russia Activates the LNG Sector»
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25 Jan 2013
First Strike: US Cyber Warriors Seize the Offensive
Armed forces, government agencies and the private sector are becoming increasingly incapable of defending critical networks from cyber-attacks. As a response, Tom Gjelten reports, the Pentagon is increasingly applying the adage that "the best defense is a good offence" to its cyber-strategies. More on «First Strike: US Cyber Warriors Seize the Offensive»
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24 Jan 2013
Japanese Politics and Security in 2013: Back to the Future?
The re-election of Shinzo Abe has raised concerns that Japan’s foreign policy will become increasingly nationalistic. Tom French disagrees, at least in the case of China. Abe’s behavior towards Beijing will be pragmatic and leave the door open for compromise. More on «Japanese Politics and Security in 2013: Back to the Future?»
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23 Jan 2013
China's Dangerous Game: Resource Investment and the Future of Africa
China continues to invest heavily in African infrastructure projects, often in exchange for access to natural resources. This approach is not cost free, or so argues Nathan William Meyer. Beijing is coming under mounting criticism for promoting authoritarianism, ignoring widespread labor abuses and more. More on «China's Dangerous Game: Resource Investment and the Future of Africa »
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22 Jan 2013
Ethnic and Border Tension Between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
Tensions between Kyrgyzstan and its Uzbek minority have risen sharply after an attack on a Kyrgyz border post. The Centre for Eastern Studies' Józef Lang worries that these tensions will only aggravate the already difficult relations that exist between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. More on «Ethnic and Border Tension Between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan»
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21 Jan 2013
In Venezuela, the Consequences of a Delayed Transition
Venezuela's Supreme Court recently decided to allow Hugo Chavez to remain the country's president without being sworn into office. Given the controversy it aroused, STRATFOR considers what impact the Court's decision might have on Venezuela's domestic politics and global energy security. More on «In Venezuela, the Consequences of a Delayed Transition»
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18 Jan 2013
The Year of Not Living Dangerously
According to Robert Latona, ETA and other Basque separatist groups have rebranded their once-violent struggle into "a dream of self-determination." ETA in particular is struggling to convince the Spanish people that it is now a politically legitimate independence movement. More on «The Year of Not Living Dangerously»
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17 Jan 2013
Kim Jong-un's New Year's Speech: A Kinder, Gentler North Korea?
Kim Jong-un's New Year message has prompted speculation that North Korea is preparing to re-engage with the South and the international community. However, Evans J.R. Revere remains unconvinced, especially in light of Kim's reaffirmation that Pyongyang's 'military first' policy remains intact. More on «Kim Jong-un's New Year's Speech: A Kinder, Gentler North Korea? »
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16 Jan 2013
Time for Strategic Learning
America does not seem to have enough leaders with strategic mindsets and the ability to think long-term, or so argues Harlan Ullman. This absence of a "brain-based approach to strategy," however, is structural in nature. It is attributable to the way the American political system is set up. More on «Time for Strategic Learning »
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15 Jan 2013
NATO Solidarity with Turkey Gives a Boost to the Alliance’s Territorial Defence Guarantees
The deployment of Patriot missiles to Turkey may encourage Ankara to reaffirm NATO as a core guarantor of its national security, write Wojiciech Lorenz and Pinar Elman. It may also reinvigorate the credibility of territorial defense guarantees offered by the Alliance to its members. More on «NATO Solidarity with Turkey Gives a Boost to the Alliance’s Territorial Defence Guarantees»