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Now available: Strategic Trends 2016 – concise analyses of key developments in international affairs.

In his new book, Jonas Schneider tackles a question that is of great interest both to scholars of nuclear proliferation and to practitioners of nonproliferation diplomacy: Why do some political leaders of U.S. allies agree to abandon their nation’s nuclear weapons activities, while others – who are often members of the same allied government and sometimes even of the same political party – steadfastly reject such a course reversal?  

Ex-combatants of illegal armed groups have a hard time finding their way back into society. Receiving communities are a key determinant of their success.

Barack Obama’s foreign policy has been marked by two main principles: First of all, military reticence and improved burden-sharing with allies and partners; secondly, the offer of dialog for enemies such as Cuba or Iran. The strategic focus has shifted from Europe to the Middle East to Asia. However, from 2011 onwards, the Arab Winter and the crisis in Ukraine impeded the realization of Obama’s "grand strategy".

Pakistan wants to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in order to enhance its global status. For the first time, the US has now signaled support for this goal – but only if Pakistan in return agrees to limit its nuclear weapons program. No agreement is in sight. However, Pakistan’s intention to respect the rules of global nuclear commerce should be seen as a positive step.