Publications

This publication highlights seven crisis spots where the UN can make a positive difference for peace in 2019-2020. It outlines how the UN can contribute to 1) developing new ways to stabilize the Demo...chevron_right

This publication reflects on how emerging innovations in cyberspace could impact cybersecurity by introducing three possible future scenarios. The scenarios postulate what would happen if 1) new playe...chevron_right

This publication examines whether blockchain could serve as an ideal platform for the transactive electricity market of the future, helping to ensure that diverse, often intermittent assets on the gri...chevron_right

This publication examines developments in the relationship between Afghanistan and Australia. The text's author concludes that what ultimately binds the two countries together is that Australia has a ...chevron_right

This publication analyzes data networks on Twitter and Facebook which were involved in an information operation directed against protests in Hong Kong. The text’s authors find that the information ope...chevron_right

This publication explores the complexity of existing conflict in Isiolo County, Kenya, addressing the conflict’s causes, nature and characteristics as well as the actors involved. In doing so, the tex...chevron_right

This publication analyzes the nature and dynamics of Arab military responses to the Arab Spring. More specifically, it examines how the outcome of the protests was shaped by 1) the military’s level of...chevron_right

Benno Zogg contends that Kazakhstan is a linchpin for trade and transport links on the Eurasian continent – for China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) and beyond – due to its location, vast landmass and energy reserves. It is both the object and the subject of Chinese, Russian and Western geopolitical interests. Zogg also argues that the Kazakhstani case shows that the shape and success of the BRI largely depend on internal factors in the country rather than external influences.chevron_right

In 2018, Switzerland released its second national cybersecurity strategy. In this publication, Marie Baezner and Sean Cordey put this approach into perspective by comparing the strategies, policies and governmental structures of Germany, Finland, France, Israel, Italy and the Netherlands. In so doing, Baezner and Cordey identify eight challenges states face when developing, implementing and maintaining their cybersecurity strategies that relate to 1) integrating cybersecurity goals into broader security frameworks; 2) coordination; 3) international cooperation; 4) crisis management; 5) situation analysis; 6) education, information and capacity building; 7) public-private partnerships, and 8) legislation.chevron_right

In this publication, Stefan Soesanto looks at how US cyber defense strategy has evolved since 1988. To do so, Soesanto largely uses a deterrence-focused approach, rather than one driven by the intelligence community, legal sentiments, or private sector concerns. He finds that at its core, the evolution of US defense strategy in cyberspace follows a clear trajectory: It is incident driven, riddled with experimentation, and marked by a number of uncertain success stories in between.chevron_right

Jack Thompson writes that, historically, the United States has been wary of initiatives designed to bolster Europe’s strategic autonomy. Further, even now, the Trump administration is working to undermine it. Yet in the long run, European strategic autonomy could form an indispensable component of a constructive transatlantic relationship.chevron_right

Alice Crelier contends that the Internet of Things (IoT) affects all sectors of society. It’s concerning then that she also finds that the sheer number of unsecured or obsolete IoT devices now poses serious safety and security concerns. But what is the IoT? What are the vulnerabilities in IoT devices? What challenges do such vulnerabilities pose to society? What can we learn from past IoT-related incidents? And what might be hindering efforts to address future incidents, such as effective regulation? In this publication, Crelier addresses these questions and more.chevron_right

This publication provides an in-depth analysis of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), including 1) the BRI’s policy-making process and the motivations that fueled it; 2) China's BRI investment pri...chevron_right

This publication contends that Canada faces a data trilemma in which it can only fulfill two of the following objectives at the same time: 1) data that flows freely across borders; 2) a high-trust dat...chevron_right

This policy brief outlines 1) key recommendations for Canada on digitization and data interoperability standards made by Canadian industry and thought leaders; 2) a common approach to facilitate the s...chevron_right