Publications

This edition of the CTC Sentinel looks at 1) the threat posed by the so-called Islamic States’ (IS) virtual entrepreneurs, who use social media and other tools to link up with radicalized individuals in the West; 2) what the 1 January 2017 attack on...chevron_right

This report contemplates the growing economic and geostrategic importance of Alaska and the Arctic to the US, and what a slow-to-react Washington might do to improve its presence in the Arctic region. In the latter case, the report recommends that Washington should 1) ratify the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and thereby secure its rights to resources in the region; 2) fund and...chevron_right

This paper looks at South Korea’s security activities in the Asia-Pacific region and contends that Seoul should expand its geopolitical influence, particularly in Southeast Asia. The text’s authors additionally examine 1) the importance of the US-South Korea alliance for Asian-Pacific security; 2) Seoul’s increasing military capabilities; and 3) what it can do to bolster regional security, particularly in the maritime realm.chevron_right

This report examines the rising tensions in NATO-Russia relations and lays out several scenarios that could lead to dangerous confrontations between them. To diminish the odds of this happening, NATO and the US should reinvigorate their...chevron_right

This brief explores how the Trump administration might help stymie kleptocratic corruption in Nigeria and South Africa. Following a brief introduction to the roots and practices of such thievery in both states, the text’s author recommends three courses of action for...chevron_right

This brief 1) outlines Brazil’s progress in combating corruption, which is partially attributable to genuine democratic gains in the country; 2) identifies the lingering obstructions to further anticorruption efforts; and 3) explains how Brazil’s experience can help guide US anticorruption efforts around the world.chevron_right

This policy brief focuses on justice sector reform in Myanmar, with a particular emphasis on providing equal access to the law. A key contention of the author is that justice reform won’t be effective unless it takes into account...chevron_right

This brief examines China’s uneasy relationship with the existing liberal international order, despite its oft repeated commitment to globalization. Given the incompatibility of this order with Beijing’s governance model, which has led to frequent clashes during...chevron_right

In this paper, Almut Möller and Dina Pardijs ponder whether the EU should shift towards a flexible, deliverables-centered form of collective cooperation. Needless to say, opinions are divided on the option. While some member states believe...chevron_right

Given the additional power China’s Xi Jinping has accrued for himself, this brief examines how he has used it to shape inter-Communist Party dynamics. It concludes that Xi has used his power to rollback merit-based human resources policies, which means...chevron_right

So what did the European Union do to “accompany” Egypt’s journey from Hosni Mubarak’s fall to the overthrow of the Morsi regime by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi? After detailing Brussels’ failed attempts to ameliorate the deep political divides that...chevron_right

What’s the impact of transnational organized crime in Africa? This brief looks at how this “extra-legal governance structure” 1) shapes the economic, political and social arrangements that arise beyond and against the law, and...chevron_right

This text focuses on the impact the Trump presidency could have on Russia, both directly and indirectly. For example, implementing the ‘America First Energy Plan’ will most likely put downward pressure on global oil and gas prices, and thereby...chevron_right

This brief assesses the current level of cooperation between the EU and the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) on the fight against terrorism. Funding this effort is a priority for Brussels but 1) there is no consensus among the participating states on...chevron_right

This text argues that the substance and modus operandi of terrorist attacks in Europe have changed, as has their primary source. Yes, the majority of the attacks now have their roots in Europe’s Southern neighborhood, but the leftist, right-wing and nationalist...chevron_right