Publications

This report contends that US attempts to introduce new assistance programs and capabilities in countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria continue to be frustrated by structural and strategic defic...chevron_right

This brief takes stock of the current threats posed by the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS), assesses the Obama administration’s ineffective efforts to incapacitate the group thus far, and recommend...chevron_right

In this testimony, CNAS' Michèle Flournoy argues that the US should repeal its 1970s law which bans the export of crude oil. She then puts forth some of the security and foreign policy benefits to the...chevron_right

In this testimony, CNAS' Ilan Goldberg, discusses what he sees as the strengths and weaknesses of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreed to by Iran and the P5+1 countries, as well as th...chevron_right

This paper proposes some reasons for Russia's adoption of a more assertive foreign policy under president Vladimir Putin, particularly in Crimea and eastern Ukraine since the beginning of 2014. More s...chevron_right

This report recommends changes to the US's National Security Council’s (NSC) management processes and structure to make it more agile and effective for US President Barack Obama's successor. They incl...chevron_right

In light of a potential agreement in the P5+1-Iran nuclear negotiations, this paper examines how the removal of international sanctions on Iran is likely to proceed and how this will affect the countr...chevron_right

This paper describes the US’ increasing use of coercive economic measures, such as sanctions, to tackle security issues as well as the challenges that arise from using such measures as political tools...chevron_right

This paper examines the key opportunities and risks the United States will face if the P5+1 countries can reach a deal with Iran in their negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program. More specifically,...chevron_right

This report reminds us that the proliferation of sophisticated drone technologies continues apace, particularly in four areas – hobbyist drones, midsize military and commercial systems, large military...chevron_right

How can the United States enhance its maritime cooperation with Taiwan? Alexander Sullivan believes that both states should 1) make their policies more transparent; 2) promote Taiwan’s membership in maritime security bodies; and 3) ensure that their security ties are indeed sustainable.chevron_right

In this testimony before the US Congress US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, CNAS' Patrick Cronin talks about China’s strategy in and around the South China Sea, including its controvers...chevron_right

This report highlights three ways in which China is becoming increasingly active in international security affairs -- 1) the loosening of its noninterference policy towards other countries’ domestic a...chevron_right

This national security-centered report describes the recent expansion of US energy production and the prohibitions the country still has in place to prevent crude oil exports. In the last case, the re...chevron_right

Should US policy makers lift the decades-old restriction on exporting domestically produced crude oil? Absolutely, says Elizabeth Rosenberg. The law 1) discriminates against local producers, 2) threatens investments in new supplies, and 3) compromises the country’s economic security.chevron_right