Publications

This brief argues that Afghanistan’s National Unity Government (NUG) has made considerable progress in 1) pursuing “technocratic” reforms, which mostly involve laws, regulations, formalized strategies and processes; and 2) upping international donor confidence and commitments. However...chevron_right

This brief challenges the questionable belief that the so-called Islamic State is on the verge of collapse. Yes, it’s experiencing a territorial retreat, but it’s also too early to announce its demise. Further, there are follow-on problems that will have to be resolved...chevron_right

Although China and Japan remain deadlocked over who “owns” the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands, they have tentatively begun to address their political differences. In the maritime realm, for example, the two countries are...chevron_right

This paper explores how Russia is reorienting its economy towards China. As Moscow sees it, such a pivot will break its diplomatic isolation, secure a new market for its energy resources, and gain greater access to Chinese credit and technology...chevron_right

This report shares the conclusions of a two-day wargame that explored 1) how disputants use drones; 2) whether the latter are used differently than traditional forms of airpower; and...chevron_right

This backgrounder reviews the long-lasting defense ties between the US and Philippines. In particular, the text’s author explains 1) how the relationship between the two countries evolved from conflict to partnership in the first half of the 20th century; 2) the security relationship which...chevron_right

This paper discusses the progress which Israel and Turkey have made in repairing their relationship since the Mavi Marmara incident in 2010. In particular, the text’s author looks at 1) the conditions that have been imposed on the normalization process...chevron_right

This paper examines the socio-political impact of the four day “war” in Nagorno-Karabakh, specifically on Armenia. The author argues that the April 2016 conflict 1) triggered a rise in nationalist sentiments, despite the public’s sour mood over a poor economy; 2) mobilized Armenians to engage more proactively, and intransigently, on the Karabakh question; and 3) diminished the people’s trust in the existing Russian-Armenian alliance.chevron_right

This paper highlights the initial implications of the UK’s decision to leave the EU, which could involve the country’s political fragmentation, economic decline and vulnerability to an EU backlash. The text’s authors also examine...chevron_right

The briefing explains why Venezuela is in full-fledged crisis. It further argues that the international community and the Organization of American States (OAS) should press for greater political dialogue within the country, the opening of legal paths to a presidential recall referendum, and permission for humanitarian aid to enter the country.chevron_right

This paper summarizes the results of an April 2016 workshop that focused on how Southeast Asian countries perceive the power rivalry between the United States and China. The topics discussed included the maritime disputes in the South China Sea, regional trade and investment patterns, the transnational security challenges of Southeast Asia, and the future of ASEAN.chevron_right

In today’s featured publication, our partners at the ICG argue that governments and multilateral organizations need to improve their ability to react quickly to crises-in-the-making. Here are some of the diplomatic tools, incentives and coercive measures that may do the trick.chevron_right

This issue of the RAD features several articles that focus on how Russia 1) has yet to develop needed climate adaptation strategies for its far-flung regions; 2) might adjust its energy prices in order to lower domestic greenhouse gas emissions; and 3) is making slow progress on honoring its Paris Climate Conference commitments.chevron_right

Today, Prem Mahadevan analyzes how India's security forces responded to the infamous November 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack. He particularly emphasizes 1) the poor cooperation demonstrated by government forces during the assault, and 2) how the absence of a coherent counterterrorism public relations doctrine contributed to the large-scale disruption that occurred.chevron_right

This paper contends that America’s space security policy does indeed need rebalancing. Yes, establishing norms, rules, and frameworks remains important, but greater emphasis needs to be put on near-term strategic restraints and space-related diplomacy. This expanded approach is necessary, argue the text’s authors, because...chevron_right