Introduction Why do democratic states rarely fight one another? Does the use of mechanization/armor generally make counterinsurgents less effective? When (if ever) does the threat of Western sanctions deter foreign aggression? Will economic decoupling with China significantly increase the likelihood of great power war? Many natural and applied scientists can rely on rigorous empirical methods … Continue reading Complexity Demands Adaptation: Two Proposals for Facilitating Better Debate in International Relations and Conflict Research
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Security Assistance to Ukraine is Only Enhancing Kyiv’s Hard Power
An advisor with U.S. Task Force Juvign greets Ukrainian counterparts at the Combat Training Center in Yavoriv, Ukraine. Photo Creidt: Wisconsin Dept of Military Affairs, U.S. Army. Prior to September 2019, the relationship between the United States and Ukraine received scant attention in the media and among the American public. Beyond Washington’s foreign policy circles, … Continue reading Security Assistance to Ukraine is Only Enhancing Kyiv’s Hard Power
The Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela and Regime Security: Perspectives from the Inside-Out
Caracas (Venezuela), March 5, 2014. The Foreign Minister of Ecuador, Ricardo Patiño, participated in the commemoration of the death of Commander Hugo Chávez Frías. Photo: Xavier Granja Cedeño / Ecuador Ministry of Foreign Affairs In her book The Dictator’s Army, Caitlin Talmadge describes the contrast between militaries that condition themselves to fight conventional wars against … Continue reading The Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela and Regime Security: Perspectives from the Inside-Out
Estonia’s Cybersphere as an Asset and a Vulnerability
Photo Credit: https://e-estonia.com/ By: Nikolai F. Rice Estonia’s e-governance regularly pushes the boundaries of cyber-administration. Roughly three-quarters the territory of West Virginia and a population just smaller than Maine, Estonia’s size plays to its cyber-administrative advantage.[i] The nation manages it taxes, elections, and healthcare administration almost entirely online.[ii] The unfortunate byproduct of Estonia’s rapid cyber development … Continue reading Estonia’s Cybersphere as an Asset and a Vulnerability
Saudi Arabia’s Sudanese Mercenaries in Yemen
Sudanese soldiers are seen as the second part of the Sudan Army forces arrive in the city to support Saudi-led coalition forces in Aden, Yemen on November 09, 2015. Photo Credit: Getty Images By: Yuri Neves, Columnist A December 2018 report by the New York Times has revealed that Saudi Arabia is utilizing Sudanese child … Continue reading Saudi Arabia’s Sudanese Mercenaries in Yemen
Russia Strategic Understanding of Cyber: Not an Information War – A War on Information
Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Chief of the General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov at a military academy reception. Photo Credit: Mikhail Klimentyev/AFP via Getty Images By: Madison Creery, Columnist Although Russia’s latent cyber capabilities are only ranked sixth in the world, Russia is the second most active state in the realm of offensive cyber operations.[i] … Continue reading Russia Strategic Understanding of Cyber: Not an Information War – A War on Information
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
Burying Our Heads in the Sand: Female Participation in Political Violence (The Kim Yo-jong Story)
By: Annie Kowalewski, Columnist Photo by: Associated Press After Kim Yo-jong’s appearance at the Pyeongchang Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, the media heralded her “charm” and applauded her for “stealing the show”. [i] Kim Yo-jong’s coverage was so positive that even Buzzfeed News stepped in to remind the populace that she is part of one of … Continue reading Burying Our Heads in the Sand: Female Participation in Political Violence (The Kim Yo-jong Story)
Having Your Cake and Eating It Too: The Paradox of Readiness and Modernization in the US Army
By: Eric Altamura, Columnist Photo by: http://asc.army.mil The recently published National Defense Strategy states that, “without sustained and predictable investment to restore readiness and modernize our military to make it fit for our time, we will rapidly lose our military advantage.”[i] Secretary of Defense James Mattis reinforced this point to the Senate Armed Services Committee … Continue reading Having Your Cake and Eating It Too: The Paradox of Readiness and Modernization in the US Army
The Utility of Offensive Nuclear Weapons in the Modern Era
By: Mark Bhaskar, Columnist Photo Credit: MinutemanMissile.com Discussing the potential, or even necessary, use of nuclear weapons by the United States in any reputable forum usually invites near-universal condemnation. Such a strong reaction proves that the “nuclear taboo,” best described in Nina Tannenwald’s 1999 essay, is alive and well. As per this taboo, using nuclear … Continue reading The Utility of Offensive Nuclear Weapons in the Modern Era