Publications

This CSS Study by Linda Maduz argues that Switzerland is in a good position to play a constructive role in the Korean Peninsula whose geopolitical relevance is fast growing. Neutral Nations Supervisor...chevron_right

There is a growing convergence between offensive cyber capabilities and physical warfare. Yet despite the increased use of offensive cyber capabilities in armed conflict, no guidance yet exists for pe...chevron_right

This CSS Study examines the challenges that the broad context of the backdrop of the global crisis of multilateralism and increased geopolitical polarization poses for the OSCE and how it has responde...chevron_right

Based on first-​hand field experience with the UN in Africa, this study analyzes how third parties engage armed groups in the negotiation and implementation of peace agreements that include DDR provis...chevron_right

Cruise missiles and boost gliders that can travel faster than five times the speed of sound without revealing their target until the very last moment have become a reality. While hypersonic weapon sys...chevron_right

Die Jahresstudie «Sicherheit», die von der Militärakademie an der ETH Zürich und dem CSS jeweils gemeinsam publiziert wird, dient der Ermittlung langfristiger Trends in der aussen-​, sicherheits-​ und...chevron_right

The new Strategic Concept must clarify the tasks that NATO should undertake in the great-​power competition with, and defense of common values against, Russia and China, argues Henrik Larsen in this C...chevron_right

Krisensituationen erfordern von lokalen Verwaltungen ein enormes Mass an Flexibilität. Flexibilität im Sinne von Veränderungen in Entscheidungsstrukturen, der Rekrutierung von Personal und organisator...chevron_right

Dieses Praxispapier fasst Erkenntnisse des Forschungsprojekts «HybOrg – Entstehung und gesellschaftliche Wirkung hybrider Organisationen im lokalen Krisenmanagement» zusammen und nutzt dessen wissensc...chevron_right

The nuclear ban treaty’s entry into force gives its advocates in parliaments and civil society momentum to increase pressure on nuclear-​armed states and their military allies. This is notably the cas...chevron_right

Strategic Trends 2021 offers a concise analysis of major developments in world affairs, with a primary focus on international security. In the first chapter, Brian G. Carlson explores the impact of the China-​Russia relationship on transatlantic security. In the second chapter, Julian Kamasa assesses the potential for security cooperation among France, Germany, and Britain in the E3 and other formats following Brexit. In the third chapter, Niklas Masuhr analyzes Turkey’s recent military interventions. He notes the limited success of them and their reliance on Russia’s acquiescence in them. In the fourth chapter, Lisa Watanabe describes how the US retreat from the Middle East has allowed other powers, especially Russia and China, to strengthen their involvement in the region. In the final chapter, Linda Maduz analyzes the responses by Japan and South Korea to China’s rise and to concerns about continued US engagement in Asia.chevron_right

Disasters know no political and geographical borders. Extreme events – be they natural, social, or technical, often have transboundary effects and may overwhelm national response capacities. International assistance can therefore play a crucial role in saving lives, livelihoods, and assets in disasters. Tapping into transnational expertise and lessons learnt can also be key to improving national preparedness and resilience levels in the face of current and emerging hazards. In 2001, the EU created the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) as part of the Directorate-​General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, with the aim of strengthening cross-​border collaboration in disaster preparedness, risk assessment, and emergency response in Europe and beyond. Participation in the UCPM is also possible for non-​EU countries, who pay an annual fee in return for full access to its services. This report provides an independent evaluation of the benefits, costs, opportunities, and risks for Switzerland in becoming a Participating State of the UCPM.chevron_right

This issue provides an overview of the state of the Russian economy. In eight shorter contributions international experts discuss the longer-​term trajectories of the Russian economy and assess the impact of Western sanctions and the Covid-​19 pandemic. Separate contributions look at the real sector of the economy and agriculture. The financial sector features prominently in several contributions. Finally, based on an assessment of past trends several contributions provide an outlook for Russia’s socio-​economic development. At the end of the issue there is a section with graphs illustrating the development of major macro-​economic indicators over the last 25 years.chevron_right

This issue of the Caucasus Analytical Digest deals with Local Dimensions of the Nagorno-​Karabakh Conflict. Firstly, Leila Alieva explores the securitization/de-​securitization processes and attitudes towards the conflict in Azerbaijan in the periods before, during, and after the 2020 conflict in Karabagh; secondly, Tamar Shirinian discusses the affective connections between the two spectres of soldiers who are missing or who have died in action and the old political economic elite who now threaten to regain power, and the political implications of national trauma on Armenia’s post-​war futures; thirdly, John O’Loughlin, Gerard Toal, and Kristin Bakke analyze the somewhat contradictory results of a February 2020 survey of inhabitants of Karabakh concerning the questions of territory and peace.chevron_right

China, the US, and India are competing for political, economic, and military influence in the Indian Ocean. In the future, the strategic order in this institutionally underdeveloped region will become...chevron_right