Publications

In September 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would cut 300,000 troops from its roles, modernize its military equipment and reorganize its command s...chevron_right

This paper argues that the countries of Northeast Asia face serious environmental threats that necessitate effective regional cooperation. After reviewing the specific problems that exist, along with ...chevron_right

This comprehensive report looks at 1) the current status of jihadist groups operating in the North Caucasus region; 2) the links between them and the so-called Islamic State, particularly in relation to the foreign fighters operating in Syria and Iraq; and 3) Russia’s often cynical security policies towards its homegrown terrorist threats.chevron_right

This commentary outlines 1) the severe economic, political and social problems Tajikistan has faced since its independence, and 2) how they’re tied to Dushanbe’s continued neo-colonial dependence on M...chevron_right

This analysis looks at the recent revitalization of Turkish-EU relations, which has been facilitated by the ongoing regional migration crisis. The text's authors specifically focus on 1) the November ...chevron_right

When discussing civil-military relations, both scholars and analysts often speak in desiccated, abstract terms. That’s not the case with Mark Clodfelter. His monograph on the infamous case of US Air Force General John Lavelle illustrates just how fraught civil-military relations can be during armed conflicts, in this case the Vietnam War.chevron_right

This report takes stock of today's jihadist landscape by looking at the so-called Islamic State (IS), al-Qaeda-linked groups, Boko Haram and other extremist movements. More specifically, the text 1) e...chevron_right

This commentary 1) takes stock of the security situation on the Korean Peninsula; 2) concludes that a new tension-diffusing reconciliation policy is required between North and South; 3) reminds all st...chevron_right

This commentary spells out what the February 2016 International Fleet Review tells us about the state of international naval cooperation and India’s naval aspirations. In one sense, the Review was imp...chevron_right

Given that the US lifted its forty year ban on crude oil exports in December 2015, this brief examines the potential markets for these exports and how the trade might impact the global oil market. Overall, the text’s author argues that given the current low cost of oil and the US’ existing energy infrastructure, the decision to lift the crude export ban has more symbolic significance than substance, at least at this particular point in time.chevron_right

This commentary provides a North Korean perspective on 1) the 1953 armistice that ended the Korean War, 2) current US-North Korea relations, and 3) the prospects of replacing the armistice with an act...chevron_right

This bulletin’s authors discuss the causes and possible consequences of the current crisis in Libya. While doing so, they describe 1) the country’s current political status, to include the spread of t...chevron_right

This commentary 1) compares and contrasts Australia’s 2016 Defence White Paper with its two predecessors, and 2) considers the implications of the 2016 paper for ASEAN countries. Note: A key departure...chevron_right

This brief discusses the ongoing issues confronting Japan's nuclear power industry, five years after the 2011 Fukushima meltdown. The brief's author specifically examines 1) who was really responsible...chevron_right

The E-Note 1) reviews the history of Russia’s engagement with North Korea, and 2) traces how Moscow’s approach towards the Hermit Kingdom has changed in the wake of the 2013/2014 Ukraine crisis. Basic...chevron_right