Publications

This issue of the RAD features three articles on the upcoming Russian Duma elections, which are scheduled to occur next month. The texts look at 1) how regional governments will most likely use "administrative resources" to influence the vote; 2) United Russia’s primary elections and the interparty conflicts they exposed; and 3) the United Russia primary held in Saratov Oblast, which did little to convince people that the selection of candidates was fair.chevron_right

This paper discusses the ongoing political struggle in Hungary between the ruling Fidesz Party and the main opposition party, Jobbik. The author explains that although Jobbik has taken steps to improve its...chevron_right

This paper traces the emergence and trajectory of the crisis in Burundi, which began in mid-2015 and has led to the most serious instability in the country since its civil war (1993-2006). More specifically, the text’s authors...chevron_right

This analysis zeros in on how the six coastal counties created by Kenya’s 2010 constitution have failed to promote political devolution in their region. Instead, the counties have replicated the closely-held patronage systems of the past and added to existing inefficiencies, costs and mutual suspicions. Given these problems, the text’s authors conclude that in order to maximize the potential of devolution, and prevent militant groups such as Al-Shabaab from exploiting popular discontent, Nairobi and the new counties need to become more cooperative, open to dialogue, and inclusive, especially when it comes the marginalized youths of specific communities.chevron_right

This report takes stock of the escalating violence and the armed opposition that has developed in Burundi since mid-2015. The text’s authors contend that this unfolding crisis is the most serious one since the transformation of the National Forces for Liberation (FNL) from an armed group into a political actor in 2009, which...chevron_right

This PRISM edition features articles that mainly revolve around NATO’s and the EU's relationship with Russia. Among other topics, the text’s contributors focus on 1) the deterrent role NATO has against Russian suzerainty in Europe; 2) how the Alliance can maintain its military advantages against...chevron_right

This commentary focuses on how the UK's exit from the EU will impact mutual cooperation on regulating the migration of third country nationals, facilitating the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), and shaping a variety of...chevron_right

This issue of the CAD focuses on the results of Georgia’s 2015 Caucasus Barometer Survey. More specifically, the issue’s four essays analyze 1) how the Georgian population views public opinion polls; 2) how political events and policymaking influence the creation of trust in key political and social institutions; 3) the traits and attitudes of Georgians who want to emigrate from their own country; and 4) the general attitudes of the Georgian public towards immigration.chevron_right

This brief compares and contrasts Britain’s messy 1947 retreat from the Indian subcontinent with what is proving to be an equally messy 2016 Brexit. In the case of their similarities, the text’s author reminds us that...chevron_right

This brief takes stock of India’s latest bid to join the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) and argues that joining it is essential to safeguard New Delhi’s future nuclear commerce. As part of their analysis, the text’s authors...chevron_right

This report focuses on the peace processes that currently involve the Philippines Government, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and competing factions of the Moro National Liberation Front’s (MNLF). More specifically, the text...chevron_right

Ce rapport analyse les dynamiques qui expliquent l’extension des zones d’insécurité au centre du Mali et décrit les groupes qui en sont responsables. Cet espace central est organisé autour du delta in...chevron_right

This commentary looks at Germany’s conflicted views about strengthening NATO’s eastern flank. On the one hand, Berlin has 1) ceased to perceive Russia as a partner and begun to view it as a threat to Europe’s security, and 2) partially succumbed to pressure from the US, Poland and the Baltic States to expand its military engagement in the region. On the other hand, Germany still doesn’t see its military involvement on the eastern flank as an attempt to deter Russia. If anything, it largely sees it as a gesture to reassure its skittish allies.chevron_right

This commentary explores how Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 has revitalized the US’ military engagement in Europe. However, although the US and its allies have stepped up the intensity of their joint exercises and other activities, their responses remain limited and should be treated as a form of political signal sending rather than as a fundamental shift in strategy.chevron_right

This brief looks at the elections that were held on 28 June 2016 for five non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council and what impact they might have on Israel. The brief’s author also explains 1) how nations compete for the ten non-permanent seats that are available, which are divided among five regional groups; and 2) how this system affects Israel’s chances for a possible seat.chevron_right