Publications

Given Russia’s “dismal geopolitical outlook", a rising number of its senior military strategists believe that the country should embrace preemption as its self-defense doctrine. If an imminent attack on Russian vital interests is about to occur, the strategists continue, Moscow must be prepared to use strategic non-nuclear or limited nuclear force...chevron_right

In this transcript, Tobias Ellwood, who is the UK’s Minister for the Middle East and Africa, discusses the UK’s expected relationship with the continent in a post-Brexit world. Among other issues, Ellwood focuses on 1) the continued importance of...chevron_right

This edition of ACLED’s Conflict Trends report focuses on 1) the Kamwina Nsapu militia’s operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo: 2) bandit attacks and retaliatory communal violence in Madagascar: 3) the surge in violence following the formation of...chevron_right

This edition of the CTC Sentinel looks at 1) the Islamic State’s continued efforts to defend Mosul; 2) the tactical, cost-benefit relationship between Iran and al-Qa`ida; 3) the latter group’s first successful international attack since 9/11, which targeted...chevron_right

This memorandum sheds light on existing cyberattack vulnerabilities within the US power grid, the impact this type of assault would have on US interests, and what measures Washington should take to foil or mitigate such a strike. In terms of prevention, the...chevron_right

This report examines the future of EU development and humanitarian aid policies in a post-Brexit environment. More specifically, the text’s authors 1) explore three possible eventualities (nationalist, realist, cosmopolitan); 2) assess the financial, political, and...chevron_right

The three articles in this ECFR analysis focus on 1) how China perceives its cross-strait relations with Taiwan, particularly within the context of the US’ currently unpredictable policies toward the region; 2) Taipei’s view of the same relations and...chevron_right

This brief critically evaluates Europe’s crisis response mechanisms in a terrorist age. It specifically examines how Europe’s preoccupation with security has 1) diluted its involvement in African crisis management missions, and 2) strained UN peacekeeping efforts on the...chevron_right

This report explores the concept of European digital power. More specifically, it looks at 1) the status of the continent’s digital economy; 2) new digital innovations and cyber threats; and 3) evolving, digitally-fed perceptions of power. The text’s author ultimately concludes...chevron_right

This brief assesses the strategic importance of newly-discovered gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly for European energy security. When it actually comes to exporting the gas, two possible options standout – 1) build a pipeline that connects...chevron_right

This study speculates on the government structure post-conflict Syria might adopt. To provide the broadest overview of the future as possible, the report focuses on 1) the political, structural and legal issues that will shape Syrian state building; 2) the future of...chevron_right

According to this commentary, North Korea‘s nuclear and missile programs have put American foreign policy in a tough spot. China refuses to condemn Pyongyang outright and international sanctions have had only a limited effect. Yes, says the...chevron_right

In response to President Xi Jinping’s April 2017 visit to Helsinki, this commentary explores the opportunities for a new Sino-Finnish partnership, which would boost Finnish business interests and a number of Chinese projects currently under consideration. As for...chevron_right

Now that Gazprom has agreed to revise its monopolistic practices in East-Central Europe, will the EU energy market become more integrated? Only time will tell, says this commentary, but the proposed settlement will at least put the EU-Russia energy relationship on a more commercial footing.chevron_right

How will the Kremlin react to the last March’s anti-corruption protests in Russia? According to this commentary, it will most likely continue the country’s long tradition of developing new methods of political and ideological co-optation. That being said, the means currently being used...chevron_right