Publications

Here is SIPRI’s data-rich synopsis of global military expenditures for 2017. This year’s key findings include that 1) world military expenditure rose to $1739 billion in 2017, an increase of 1.1 percent in real terms from 2016; 2) China’s military expenditure...chevron_right

This paper argues that China’s focus on developing a large ocean-going surface fleet indicates its growing ambitions. China already has the second most powerful navy in the Pacific and it is now developing the capability to match America’s maritime strength in the region.chevron_right

This edition of the Swiss Military Revue features five articles on assorted aspects of military power. More specifically, the individual texts examine 1) the strategic significance of Zapad 2017, the joint strategic military exercise conducted by the Russian and Belarusian armed forces in the fall of 2017; 2) Russia’s Aerospace Forces (VKS) and their engagement in aerial operations in Syria; 3) Switzerland’s Defense Attaché network and its continued relevance as a tool for representing Swiss military interests abroad, and more.chevron_right

Following the US’ lifting of a wide range of economic sanctions on Sudan in October 2017, this report examines the perceptions of Sudanese citizens towards future US-Sudan relations. To do so, the text’s author draws on...chevron_right

This primer explains the UK’s current energy mix, with a focus on how import dependency might affect energy security in the context of rising geopolitical tensions and a changing climate.chevron_right

In light of the emerging new era of warfare being shaped by artificial intelligence development, this study examines the key drivers, opportunities, and challenges for ground forces in developing future human-machine teams. More specifically, the author provides...chevron_right

This report makes the case for introducing a form of external oversight of the UK’s special forces, and examines the experiences of the country’s allies with regard to legislative scrutiny of such forces. It also outlines two possible models of parliamentary committee...chevron_right

This report argues that Russian nuclear strategy allows for the early use of nuclear weapons in the event of a conflict with NATO. Further, this strategy’s goal is to force Western leaders to sue for peace or risk potentially catastrophic nuclear escalation.chevron_right

This article argues that the 14 April 2018 missile strike by the US, France and the UK on three Syrian chemical weapons facilities aimed to enforce a much-scuffed red line on use of chemical weapons. But it was achieved in breach of international law and accompanied...chevron_right

This paper examines the relations between Syrian refugees, host communities, authorities and aid agencies in Lebanon. The authors explain that while Lebanese communities have shown solidarity with those fleeing the war in Syria, Syrian refugees now find themselves...chevron_right

This paper argues that on several fronts, from Syria to Yemen, tensions between Iran and its foes are heightening. In this overheated atmosphere of mutual mistrust and demonization, the text’s author believes that even a miscalculation...chevron_right

This paper assesses the arguments for and against the replacement of the US’ 1) nuclear Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) with the Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) weapon; and 2) the Minuteman III ICBM force with the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD).chevron_right

Following Russia’s March 2018 presidential elections, this edition of the RAD focuses on what to expect in Putin’s fourth term as president. More specifically, the edition includes short commentary pi...chevron_right

The security treaty between Australia, New Zealand, and the US—known as the ANZUS Treaty—was signed in September 1951 and came into force in April 1952. This paper traces the origins of the treaty, examines its substantive content and considers whether...chevron_right

This publication features six essays on 1) Canada’s approach to addressing cyber security risks and how this fits into broader international efforts; 2) the US federal system’s impact on American cyber policy, including how impedes policy progress...chevron_right