Publications

Henrik Larsen argues that when it comes to Russia, the West should draw inspiration from the intellectual origins of containment, which prescribed a readiness to contain the “expansive tendencies” of the Soviet Union. This includes containment’s core insight, that Russia essentially represents a political-psychological threat. For Larsen, neo-containment should target Moscow’s capacity to undermine public confidence and limit its space for political influence, which constitute bigger threats to Western cohesion than during the Cold War. NATO and the EU’s public diplomacy and counter-subversion initiatives should play a key role in this respect.chevron_right

In this publication, Stefan Soesanto analyzes the cyber threat landscape regarding Japan and China, focusing on cyber incidents that spilled over into the political realm or had the potential to do so. More specifically, Soesanto looks at 1) the historical evolution of cybersecurity and defense policies in both countries; 2) relevant cyber incidents in which the countries targeted one another; 3) the various Japanese and Chinese teams connected to these incidents; 4) the social, economic, technical and international effects resulting from the cyber threat landscape, and more.chevron_right

This publication looks at the Israel Defense Forces’ 8200 Unit, a signal intelligence (SIGINT) and decryption unit that has conducted intelligence, offensive and defensive operations across cyberspace. More specifically, the text’s author addresses the unit’s background, operations, organizational structure, internal culture and more. He finds that the unit’s core strengths include its human and financial resources, institutional capabilities, expertise, internal culture, branding, selection process and cooperation with the private sector. However, the unit suffers from various political controversies, bureaucratic encroachment, elitist tendencies, difficulties with former members and increasing political scrutiny.chevron_right

The feature articles of this edition of the CTC Sentinel focus on 1) the potential consequences for Iranian-backed militias in Iraq resulting from the killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds...chevron_right

This report contends that US-China ties have entered a new phase, one increasingly characterized by more competition than cooperation. In response, the text’s author argues the US needs a new grand st...chevron_right

This paper outlines the political and economic situation in Spain following the formation of the country’s coalition government in January 2020, the first such government since the 1930s. Insights inc...chevron_right

This paper focuses on the war in Yemen and political challenges in the country’s south. More specifically, the text analyses 1) the historical divisions in Yemen’s south, outlining key issues within s...chevron_right

This paper maps unresolved bilateral problems in relations between Western Balkan countries as well as the EU’s regional influence. Key insights include 1) aspiring EU members must resolve outstanding...chevron_right

What should European foreign and security policy decision-makers focus on today to help bring about potentially desirable outcomes in the not too distant future? This publication responds by outlining...chevron_right

This paper argues that after a period of turbulence following Russia’s 2014 military intervention in Ukraine, a tense stability has emerged in the Baltic Sea region. Further, the region’s security lan...chevron_right

At the OSCE Focus 2019 conference, over 45 high-ranking participants from the OSCE community engaged in focused, open and frank discussion on the challenges and opportunities currently faced by the organization. This report summarizes key reflections made at the conference, including those dealing with 1) the implications of great power politics for the OSCE; 2) the work of the organization regarding the Ukraine crisis; 3) arms control, disarmament and confidence and security building measures; 4) the chairmanship of the OSCE; and 5) OSCE partnerships with other organizations and cooperative security.chevron_right

This publication reflects on Chinese-US relations in light of Beijing’s aspirations to become a global hegemon. Key contentions include 1) that the dominant issue between China and the US is not the c...chevron_right

This paper contends that while the prevailing narrative in the US is that the the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq are an arm of Iran, this misses the bigger picture. The PMF is includes an a...chevron_right

What hybrid warfare techniques has Russia used in Ukraine since 2014? What makes these techniques effective? Has Ukraine had success in tackling Russia’s hybrid warfare techniques? And what steps shou...chevron_right

This publication reflects on the situation in the Middle East following the death in January 2020 of Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Qods Force, and Sultan of Oman Qab...chevron_right