Publications

This commentary compares and analyzes the key socio-economic trends in Italy and Spain. After looking at the two countries across a variety of categories, including their demographics, employment rates, and economic growth, the paper’s authors identify...chevron_right

This brief examines the interventions by ECOWAS in the electoral processes of its member states, with a particular emphasis on its management of the 2016 post-election impasse in The Gambia. In terms of lessons learned, the text’s...chevron_right

In this paper, Ian Ralby first explores how hydrocarbons crime, in all its forms, has become a significant threat not only to local and regional prosperity, but also to global stability and security. Ralby then highlights how combating this type of theft is made even more difficult by those who are in a position to curb it, but are too corrupt to do so.chevron_right

This paper examines the shifts that are affecting global natural gas markets, including the boom in US shale gas production and the growing trade in liquefied natural gas, and what the adjustments mean for the US’ internal and external gas policies. The text’s...chevron_right

In this paper, David Goldwin argues that oil, gas and renewable energy markets will face high levels of uncertainty and perhaps extreme volatility under a Trump presidency. These possibilities are due to 1) the new administration’s still undefined policies on energy production, trade and the environment, and 2) the possibility that America may undergo major shifts in its foreign policy priorities. With variables such as these, Goldwin concludes that near-term investments in energy could decrease and sow the seeds of an oil and gas price shock by 2020.chevron_right

This brief contemplates what global security trends mean for the US’ national security strategy, particularly when factoring in the erosion of American power and the relative rise of other countries. Basically, the US should no longer assume that...chevron_right

This paper highlights the shortcomings of current US cyberspace policymaking and what should be done in response. The problems include 1) the absence of a single US digital strategy; 2) the longstanding and increasing militarization of cyber policy-making; 3) basic misunderstandings about…chevron_right

In 2016, the Obama administration issued PPD-41, “Cyber Incident Protection,” which lays out the roles and missions US federal agencies should play in the case of cyber security incidents. PDD-41 did not, however, explicitly clarify what roles the Department of Defense should…chevron_right

This report accomplishes three basic tasks – it 1) identifies the primary drivers of change in the Mediterranean area; 2) lays out four possible futures for the region, particularly around the 2030 timeframe; and 3) provides policy recommendations that...chevron_right

This paper highlights the strategic challenges the new Trump administration faces in Northeast/Southeast Asia and the greater Asia-Pacific region, and speculates whether Trump’s ‘America first’ posture will significantly change the US' strategy and system of alliances in this part of the world.chevron_right

This paper takes stock of the Sino-US military exchanges that have occurred over the past 15 years, to include how they have evolved and how they’ve impacted the broader relationship between Washington and Beijing. While exploring this overarching theme, the text’s...chevron_right

This report reviews the cat and mouse game the Putin regime has played with greater political freedom. In response to the domestic protests that arose in 2011 and the secessionist violence in the Donbas region of Ukraine, the Kremlin decided to permit more decentralized...chevron_right

This report looks at the gradual integration of automated components into the US’ Patriot air and missile defense system. It does so in order to raise and consider broader issues about the interplay of automation, human factors and organizational dynamics in modern technologies.chevron_right

This study looks at the social consequences of Russia’s recent economic crisis, which is largely attributable to depressed energy prices. The text’s author argues that although the crisis has had a limited impact on the country’s job market, it has decreased...chevron_right

Since a European fiscal union could assume various guises, this paper first pinpoints the five components it should have. It then looks at the fiscal union modules that already exist in Europe’s economic and monetary union (EMU), and then critically analyses the main arguments for and against…chevron_right