Publications

This paper discusses how the permanent rotational presence of NATO troops in the Baltic States and Poland, which Alliance members agreed to at the 2016 NATO Warsaw Summit, will now form an integral part of Brussels' increased deterrence posture against...chevron_right

This brief discusses the available options for a NATO limited nuclear strike capability and the corollary issues they involve (military effectiveness, escalation control, burden sharing, cost effectiveness, etc.). Overall, the text’s author believes the options have merit, but he...chevron_right

In this case study, Steven Bucci and John Coyne analyze America’s post-9/11 adjustments to its border security policies. They specifically examine 1) the challenges presented by the US’ maritime boundaries and the US-Mexico/US-Canada borders; 2) the dynamics of US-Canada security cooperation; 3) the militarization and politicization of the US’ boundaries since the end of the Bush administration, and much more.chevron_right

This report both reviews and elaborates on the research performed by BICC analysts in 2016, with a particular emphasis on 1) how organized violence and social order are mutually dependent on each other; 2) how structures of violence influence social change; 3) recent trends in arms control; and 4) the roles of violent actors in ongoing conflicts such as Ukraine and Afghanistan. The report also includes an essay on the state and future of humanitarian aid.chevron_right

This paper 1) provides a framework that clarifies the multidimensional interests at stake in the South China Sea, and 2) argues that the US needs to adopt a more balanced approach towards these interests. The framework, by the way, centers on...chevron_right

This paper first examines the work of classic naval theorists Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan (1840–1914) and Sir Julian Corbett (1854–1922) and contemplates whether their ideas on sea power could be applied to outer space. The text’s authors then examine the...chevron_right

The multiple authors in this text focus on how the US military’s Third Offset Strategy, which puts a premium on maintaining military superiority by investing in technological, organizational, and operational innovations, could affect the future security of the Korean Peninsula.chevron_right

This paper recommends a number of cost-cutting business reforms which the incoming Trump administration could implement in the US Department of Defense (DoD). The reforms basically fall into 3 categories – 1) those that require the personal attention from...chevron_right

This study, which draws on interviews and field research in two recipient nations of US counterterrorism (CT) security assistance (Jordan and Kenya), examines how Washington can improve the CT programs it has initiated with other states. Given the results of their data, the text’s authors ultimately provide the following recommendations...chevron_right

The six articles in this paper focus on the social, economic and political constraints faced by young people across the Middle East. The texts also reflect on how these constraints influence the political and...chevron_right

The 191 States Parties and Signatory States to the 1975 Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) will stage their Eighth Review Conference from 7-25 November 2016. This text 1) assesses the progress the BWC has made thus far, to include the attempts to both implement and enhance it, and 2) analyzes...chevron_right

This text examines the risks and security problems that Switzerland faces from homegrown jihadist foreign fighters. The analysis’ author 1) uses data from the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service to measure the extent of the problem; 2) describes the tools which Swiss authorities are using to stop or disrupt the jihadists’ movements; and 3) reviews the role being played by the Swiss task force named TETRA (TErrorist TRAvelers).chevron_right

This policy analysis explains why the imminent defeat of the so-called Islamic State (IS) in the Libyan city of Sirte will neither spell the end of the group’s presence in the country nor its ambitions in North Africa. Indeed, IS members will...chevron_right

On 14 October 2013, Syria joined the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and agreed to destroy all of its CW stocks. Well, it hasn't turned out that way. This paper discusses how Damascus' subsequent violations of its CWC obligations has placed the landmark agreement at...chevron_right

In this paper, Bryan Clark and Jesse Sloman argue that the US military’s amphibious forces require new operating concepts and capabilities if they hope to circumvent or defeat increasingly effective coastal defenses. In response to these problems, the text’s authors lay out a new strategic approach that the US Navy and Marine Corps might follow. It emphasizes expeditionary advanced bases, preliminary raids to assure access, blockades and much more.chevron_right