Publications

What are the dominant assumptions that have undergirded American grand strategy in the post-Cold War era? Are they now passé or do they merely need to be reinforced? According to Hal Brands et al, US leaders should address these questions by...chevron_right

The framework identified in the title 1) explores the conditions under which investments can be implemented without violating the rights of local populations; and 2) highlights why it’s important to understand the political factors behind an investment, ideally to...chevron_right

This paper investigates the underlying reasons for the Euro’s persistent popularity. It concludes that the currency remains in place not because of fear, but because it 1) facilitates various forms of economic exchange, and 2) continues to foster a sense of...chevron_right

How should the US and other Western societies react to Shari’a law? According to this article, they should first remember that Muslim legal practices were initially based on precedent and local circumstances, but as the 20th century evolved Shari’a became increasingly codified. Second, they should realize that this codification process does not pose a dangerous threat to Western legal systems.chevron_right

After more than six blood-soaked years, some half a million dead and millions of displaced people and refugees, there are signs that the military phase of the Syrian Civil War is approaching an end. So what will this mean for the...chevron_right

This brief reviews China and Vietnam’s ongoing territorial dispute in the South China Sea and how the two countries have tried to reduce their mutual animosity over the issue. While the standoff is less tense than it once was, more still needs to be done to prevent the undermining of the two countries’ overall bilateral ties, as the brief’s authors describe.chevron_right

The author of this commentary ultimately concludes that the response of London Mayor Saddiq Khan to the March 2017 terrorist attack on Westminster Bridge was “exemplary.” He particularly commends Khan’s calm follow-up responses to...chevron_right

This bulletin examines how a turn in US relations with NATO could impact transatlantic relations, particularly over 1) the failure of Alliance members to meet their 2% defense spending requirement, and 2) the varying attitudes of member states towards fighting terrorism. Yes, meeting the spending threshold and engaging more aggressively in counterterrorism activities could...chevron_right

As counterterrorism efforts continue to emerge as a centerpiece of President Trump’s foreign policy, this report analyzes the possible courses of action the US might take against ISIS and other jihadist groups. The report ultimately argues that the new administration must temper its zeal and avoid 1) needlessly angering local communities; 2) aggravating ‘other fronts’; 3) birthing new conflicts; 4) defining enemies too broadly; 5) neglecting viable peace processes; and 6) fighting terrorism without parallel diplomatic efforts.chevron_right

One year after the March 2016 signing of the EU-Turkey statement on refugees, this analysis takes stock of where the deal stands today. While the flow of irregular migrants crossing the Aegean Sea has slowed in recent months, it’s difficult to establish a direct link...chevron_right

This bulletin takes stock of East Asia’s crumbling security environment, with a particular emphasis on the risks posed by 1) China’s growing geostrategic strength, which could upend the US’ role as a key security guarantor in the East Asia region; 2) the unresolved tensions in the South and East China Seas; and 3) North Korea’s continued ‘bad boy’ behavior.chevron_right

According to this study, US military power is no longer capable of supporting the country’s commitments. A major reason why is that since 2011 Washington has steadily cut military spending, despite the ongoing challenges posed by...chevron_right

This commentary considers the possibility and feasibility of the EU and China signing a Free Trade Agreement. It concludes that Brussels should promote interregional trade initiatives and negotiate a closer...chevron_right

In the wake of a sobering report by the UN‘s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAOs), this commentary looks at how Asian governments should respond to the growing cracks in their agriculture sectors. Rapid urbanization and declining rural populations are...chevron_right

This text analyzes Israel-China relations and provides recommendations for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s March 2017 visit to China. Netanyahu’s apparent plan is to focus on the economic aspects of the bilateral partnership and thereby avoid potential conflicts over...chevron_right