A traveler on the M41 road (also called Pamir highway), crossing the Pamir plateau in Tajikistan. Photo Credit: Getty Images By: Christine Bang-Andersen, Columnist The truck attacks in Stockholm and New York in 2017 and the attack on Western tourists on a bike trip across Tajikistan this summer all served as stark reminders of ongoing … Continue reading Radicalization in Central Asia: A Thorny and Enduring Problem
Category: Europe & Central Asia
Managed Stability in Russia’s Inner Abroad: Demonstrations in Ingushetia
Ezri National Park, Ingushetia. Photo Credit: Fair Observer By: Kristina Drye, Columnist Russia seems to have chosen to distance itself from disturbances in its ‘inner abroad,’ such as the recent border dispute in Ingushetia, but it cannot afford to ignore signs of discontent in the long term. By ignoring popular discontent, by letting local leaders … Continue reading Managed Stability in Russia’s Inner Abroad: Demonstrations in Ingushetia
The Security Repercussions of Brexit and the Possibility of “Irexit”
Competing Brexit demonstrations last week outside Parliament. Photo Credit: Adrian Dennis/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images By: Krystel Von Kumberg, Columnist In June 2016, Britain voted to leave the European Union: 51.9% to 48.1%. [i] The key issue with the referendum is that the United Kingdom has historically been ruled by Parliament, not through direct democracy. … Continue reading The Security Repercussions of Brexit and the Possibility of “Irexit”
Europe Grows Up: Taking the United States’ Temperature on the Emergence of a ‘True European Army’
French President Emmanuel Macron. Photo Credit: The Independent By: Austin Parenteau, Columnist French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s recent calls for a “true European Army,” the likes of which could grant Europe defense autonomy from the United States, have quickly attracted both scorn and euphoria.[i] [ii] Many see such a step as … Continue reading Europe Grows Up: Taking the United States’ Temperature on the Emergence of a ‘True European Army’
The War of Ideas: Advocating for a Stronger US Information Warfare Capability
The U.S. should establish and adequately resource a 21st century equivalent to the USIA. Above is USIA's 20th Review of Operations from January 1st to June 30th, 1963. By: Benjamin Carsman, Columnist The United States’ enduring challenge countering terrorist propaganda and more recent threats from nation state information operations have highlighted the need for a … Continue reading The War of Ideas: Advocating for a Stronger US Information Warfare Capability
A Crumbling Foundation: The Future of Arms Control
President Barack Obama signs the instrument of ratification of the New START Treaty in the Oval Office, Feb. 2, 2011. Participants include, from left: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen; Energy Secretary Steven Chu; Defense Secretary Robert Gates; Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton; Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.; Sen. Richard Lugar, … Continue reading A Crumbling Foundation: The Future of Arms Control
Pakistan’s Bailout Request: A Unique Strategic Opportunity for the United States and India
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo Credit: Reuters By: Felipe Herrera, Columnist On October 15th, China’s Minister of International Development Song Tao met with Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan and announced Beijing’s support for Khan’s ‘New Pakistan’ initiative, a key … Continue reading Pakistan’s Bailout Request: A Unique Strategic Opportunity for the United States and India
Abandoning the INF Treaty: Risking an Arms Race
Ronald Reagan, then president of America, and his Soviet counterpart, Mikhail Gorbachev, signing the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) in 1987. By: Samira Pakmehr, Columnist On October 20, 2018, Donald Trump declared the United States’ intent to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with Russia. Signed towards the end of the Cold War … Continue reading Abandoning the INF Treaty: Risking an Arms Race
REPORT: CSIS Book Launch with John Mearsheimer
By: Daniel Zhang, Reporter Photo Credit: CSIS Dr. John J. Mearsheimer is no stranger to the students of international relations. Founder of the offensive realist school of international relations, the University of Chicago professor has written extensively on international policies and has shaped public debate and foreign policy in many aspects. On October 17, The … Continue reading REPORT: CSIS Book Launch with John Mearsheimer
Russia and China Sidelining the U.S. in the Arctic
Xue Long Chinese icebreaker. Photo Credit: United States Naval Institute By: Ashley Postler, Columnist As one of eight circumpolar states, the U.S. has much at stake in a rapidly warming Arctic, but remains behind the curve in developing and protecting its regional territory. In contrast, Russia and China have found overlapping and complementary national interests … Continue reading Russia and China Sidelining the U.S. in the Arctic