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Begin New Search Political Geography Global Focus Content Type Special Report Publication Year within 25 Years

621. Out of the desert: ISIS's strategy for a long war

Author:
Hassan Hassan
Publication Date:
09-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Middle East Institute (MEI)
Abstract:
The collapse of ISIS’s caliphate and its subsequent flight from much of its former territory has been a triumph for the anti-ISIS coalition in Iraq and Syria. However, for ISIS, expulsion from former urban strongholds is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another: the group has since rolled out a well-developed strategy to assure its future resurgence. This paper examines ISIS’s actions, publications, and communications to determine its insurgency strategies and long-term organizational outlook, emphasizing sources that have been largely overlooked by forces fighting the group. By analyzing the strategies ISIS uses and has used in its previous incarnations, this paper argues that insurgent groups like ISIS will continue to operate within the ungoverned space along the Syria-Iraq border, and that if left unchecked, the group is likely to re-emerge
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Middle East and Global Focus

622. Fiscal Sustainability in Mongolia in 2018

Author:
Tsolmon Baatarzorig, Nyambaatar Batbayar, and Ragchaasuren Galindev
Publication Date:
01-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Natural Resource Governance Institute
Abstract:
In 2017, Mongolia received an extensive bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Since taking the IMF loan, Mongolia has had good economic luck. A record high year of coal production combined with a surge in commodity prices has left the country with a budget revenue windfall. This has allowed gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by 5.3 percent, which was higher than the forecasted 3 percent. Mongolia has reduced its fiscal deficit and public debt is declining. The country’s credit rating has improved and it has managed to repay two large foreign currency-denominated bonds. The government has also recently created a Fiscal Stability Council to improve budget oversight.
Topic:
International Affairs and Natural Resources
Political Geography:
Mongolia and Global Focus

623. Reaching Wider Populations with Global Online Courses

Author:
Natural Resource Governance Institute
Publication Date:
01-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Natural Resource Governance Institute
Abstract:
Despite the critical relevance of natural resources to millions of peoples’ lives, most citizens of resource-rich countries have limited knowledge about how resources are governed. To address this knowledge gap, the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) developed two online training tools aimed at generating critical awareness and building technical knowledge about core resource governance issues. The first tool is a massive open online course (MOOC), “Natural Resources for Sustainable Development: The Fundamentals of Oil, Gas and Mining Governance.” The second is an online simulation called “Petronia,” named for an imaginary oil-rich country.
Topic:
International Affairs and Natural Resources
Political Geography:
Global Focus

624. Turkey’s counterterrorism strategy an assesment of the fight against DAESH

Author:
Murat Yeşiltaş
Publication Date:
03-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
SETA Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research
Abstract:
DAESH was one of Turkey’s significant security threats and the terrorist group was able to conduct several major terrorist attacks on Turkish soil; however, DAESH terrorism was halted by Turkish counterterrorism efforts which culminated in cross-border military engagements. This paper analyzes the factors behind this success in order to draw conclusions that explain why previous terrorist attacks took place, and to offer proposals that can further enhance Turkey’s national security policy in a post-DAESH environment. The study argues that specific developments such as the territorial decline of DAESH, the removal of the terrorist group from the borders, enhancements in intelligence and operation fields, and counterterrorism experience ensured the prevention of more terrorist attacks by DAESH terrorists. Consequently, this study proposes that in a post-DAESH setting, Turkey’s national security should be shaped by certain requirements including intelligence superiority, high-level readiness, awareness, and external military activism. Furthermore, it is important that Turkey meticulously examines from the perspective of de-radicalization the possible risks that could unfold from the thousands of DAESH militants detained and currently incarcerated within its borders.
Topic:
International Relations and International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

625. The French Initiative to Change the Qur’an

Author:
Mohammed Hafez
Publication Date:
05-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
SETA Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research
Abstract:
On April 21, a manifesto was published in the French daily Le Parisien. It was signed by some 300 prominent people, intellectuals and politicians including former President Nicolas Sarkozy and former Prime Minister Manuel Valls. The manifesto “contre le nouvel antisémitisme (lit. against the new anti-Semitism)” basically stresses an older topic that is regularly popping up around the Global North, especially in France: According to this concept of “new antiSemitism”, anti-Semitism is currently not a threat perpetrated by the political far-right, but rather by Muslims living in the West
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

626. Mice that Roar: Patrol and coastal combatants in ASEAN

Author:
John Coyne
Publication Date:
08-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)
Abstract:
his report argues that over the past five years, there’s been an increase in coastguard and maritime border response capabilities across much of ASEAN. ASEAN states have primarily focused their new capabilities on enhancing physical presence patrols and response within their respective exclusive economic zones (EEZs). Coastguards have become important strategic cushions between navies in ASEAN. Underpinning this regional maritime strategic trend is an assumption that coastguard vessels are less threatening, in terms of their potential use of force, to the captains and crews of other nations’ vessels during unplanned encounters at sea. It isn’t all plain sailing for this model. Emboldening fishing fleets, coastguards or militias by removing the risk of a military response to aggressive actions in others’ jurisdictions may well be a negative for the maritime security of ASEAN nations.
Topic:
International Relations, International Affairs, and Maritime Commerce
Political Geography:
Global Focus

627. Caucasian Tandem and the Belt and Road Initiative

Author:
Eldar Isamalov and Vladimer Papava
Publication Date:
01-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Georgian Foundation for Strategic International Studies -GFSIS
Abstract:
The paper discusses the issues of the joint role of Azerbaijan and Georgia, or the “Caucasian Tandem,” in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative global project. Proceeding from the Caucasian Tandem’s experience in establishing and operation of the Silk Road Transport Corridor, the chief challenges of the Silk Road Economic Belt implementation are examined.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

628. Georgian and Russian Experts Searching for Ways of Normalization

Author:
Kakha Gogolashvili
Publication Date:
02-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Georgian Foundation for Strategic International Studies -GFSIS
Abstract:
Since the August 2008 War and the consequent recognition of independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by Russia, the relations between Georgia and Russia have deteriorated significantly. In the absence of diplomatic relations, the consultations and peace-building talks in Geneva (mainly Abkhazia and South Ossetia related) remain the only format involving international actors and mediators. Indeed, more than 40 rounds of negotiations have produced no tangible progress on converging the visions between parties. Nor have the bilateral format of talks, operational since 2012 contributed to a visible normalization of relations, save some progress in economic relations and humanitarian issues. With this lack of interaction between official structures, Russia-Georgia experts’ and opinion makers’ dialogue remains one of the most important instruments for generating and sharing the ideas directed towards solving the problems between Georgia and Russia.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

629. Regional Security Implications of ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Author:
Ghulam Qumber
Publication Date:
02-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Abstract:
CPEC is the first of the Belt and Road Initiative’s (BRI) six envisioned corridors and the flagship project connecting the belt from Kashgar with the maritime Silk Road at Gwadar Port of Pakistan. From Pakistan’s perspective, this project has been labelled “Fate Changer” for Pakistan and “Game Changer” for the entire region. CPEC is expected to bring significant economic and geo-strategic benefits for Pakistan and China. The expected investment of USD 60 billion will elevate Pakistan’s economy and security. Both the countries remain committed to see its timely completion. While CPEC offers opportunities at global, regional and domestic levels, it faces some internal and external challenges. Therefore, a comprehensive approach in realm of foreign policy initiatives, governance and security domains is required
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

630. China Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Complex Interdependence

Author:
Sohail Ahmad
Publication Date:
01-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Abstract:
Presented in the late 70s, the theory of Complex Interdependence is in line with the contemporary scenario of international politics. International politics has given up the traditional approaches of hard power. Non-state actors now serve as significant stakeholders in world peace. This paper examines CPEC along the framework of Complex Interdependence. China will build a network of roads, railways and highways across Pakistan, contributing to infrastructure development and economic growth. The notion that China and Pakistan are “iron brothers” is popular among the diplomatic circles of both states. Both states share military, diplomatic and strategic ties. However, the economic ties could not be realized to the full potential as contacts at the societal level are minimal. CPEC possesses the ability to bridge these gaps and transform the relation into “Complex Interdependence”.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

631. Preparing for Cyber Conflict – Case Studies of Cyber Command

Author:
Piret Pernik
Publication Date:
12-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
International Centre for Defence and Security - ICDS
Abstract:
This is the first publicly available comparative study of the military cyber organisations in five European countries: Estonia, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway. The study examines strategic guidelines, political authorisation of international deployments, organisational set-up, the chain of command, and key functions of three categories of military cyberspace forces: cyber commands (Estonia, the Netherlands, Norway), military cyber services (Germany), and cyber defence divisions (Finland). The report discusses rationales for the establishment of each specific organisational set-up, and considers the advantages and disadvantages of these different models. It also presents policy recommendations in these areas (political authorisation, organisation, chain of command, functions)
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

632. NATO‘s Northeast Quartet: Prospects and Opportunities for Baltic-Polish Defence Cooperation

Author:
Tomas Jermalavicius
Publication Date:
01-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
International Centre for Defence and Security - ICDS
Abstract:
For quite some time, territorial defence seemed to be an obsolete need, a leftover from the Cold War era. However, Russia’s overt and covert uses of military force—against Georgia in 2008 and against Ukraine since 2014—have profoundly altered the security environment and threat perceptions in the region and, indeed, across the entire Alliance. Has this new situation also provided opportunities for the Baltic states and Poland to enhance their cooperation in their defence policies? What are the factors that enable and facilitate the advancement of cooperation in this format—and are there any obstacles to be removed? Ultimately, if these four countries on NATO’s northeast flank are functioning smoothly as a quartet, what are the political and military steps they could take to bring their cooperation to a new and enhanced level? Drawing upon a series of interviews with defence policymakers and military practitioners in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, this policy paper examines the drivers, pressures and opportunities for closer defence cooperation among the Baltic states and Poland with the aim of articulating some recommendations as to how NATO’s “northeast quartet” could work together more harmoniously
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

633. Communities in Crisis: Interior Removals and Their Human Consequences

Author:
CMS
Publication Date:
11-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Center for Migration Studies of New York
Abstract:
In late 2017, the Kino Border Initiative (KBI), the Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS), and the Office of Justice and Ecology (OJE) of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States initiated a study to examine the characteristics of deportees and the effects of deportation, and to place them in a broader policy context.[1]
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

634. Perspectives on the Content and Implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration

Author:
CMS
Publication Date:
11-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Center for Migration Studies of New York
Abstract:
The 2018 International Migration Policy Report: Perspectives on the Content and Implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration features several articles focusing upon issues discussed and negotiated by United Nations (UN) member states in producing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (“the Compact”). The final draft of the Global Compact was agreed to in New York by 191 member states on July 13, 2018, with final adoption of the document set for December 2018 at an intergovernmental conference in Marrakesh, Morocco
Topic:
International Relations and International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

635. The US Refugee Resettlement Program — A Return to First Principles: How Refugees Help to Define, Strengthen, and Revitalize the United States

Author:
CMS
Publication Date:
06-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Center for Migration Studies of New York
Abstract:
The US refugee resettlement program should be a source of immense national pride. The program has saved countless lives, put millions of impoverished persons on a path to work, self-sufficiency, and integration, and advanced US standing in the world. Its beneficiaries have included US leaders in science, medicine, business, the law, government, education, and the arts, as well as countless others who have strengthened the nation’s social fabric through their work, family, faith, and community commitments. Refugees embody the ideals of freedom, endurance, and self-sacrifice, and their presence closes the gap between US ideals and its practices. For these reasons, the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) has enjoyed strong, bipartisan support for nearly 40 years
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

636. The Role of Italy in the Berlin Process: Challenges and Opportunities

Author:
Angela Aiello
Publication Date:
11-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
The Centre for Security Studies
Abstract:
The launch by the European Commission in 2018 of an EU enlargement strategy for the Western Balkans illustrates a renewed activism of the Union toward its immediate neighbourhood. This activism builds on five years of Berlin Process, which did contribute to keep the Western Balkans Six afloat in the European agenda. Simultaneously, a decline of America’s interest in the region, coupled with a return of Russia’s influence – especially through the energy instrument – compel the European Union, and Italy in particular, to step up their engagement in the Balkans. Even more importantly for Rome would be the elaboration of a long-term strategy for the region, having clear obstacles and interests at stake, while creating the necessary conditions to concretely influence the process of decision-making at the European level. This is imperative for Rome to advance its own national interests and to contribute to the successful implementation of the EU enlargement strategy toward an area that represents a strategic priority of Italian foreign policy, and whose developments have an immediate impact both on Italy’s internal security and on its external relations.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

637. European armaments standardisation

Author:
European Union Institute for Security Studies
Publication Date:
01-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
European Union Institute for Security Studies
Abstract:
The standardisation of armaments has been a long-standing focus of EU efforts to enhance the Union’s military effectiveness, to improve capability development and to support the competitiveness of the European defence industry. Armaments standardisation is a process that can lead to cost savings for defence spending by injecting added-value in defence production processes and the avoidance of capability and equipment duplication. Standardisation is a method of improving interoperability within and between European armed forces and a process that can enhance the operational effectiveness of Europe’s militaries. Both the EU and NATO have taken measures over many years and decades to enhance armaments standardisation in Europe. Yet the nature of the contemporary global defence market is that many more technologies and components integrated into military systems are sourced and/or produced in the civilian sector. The line drawn between defence equipment and capabilities on the one hand, and civilian products and technologies on the other, is increasingly blurred. In this context, and in relation to recent developments on EU defence cooperation, this study analyses the standardisation approaches taken by the EU in relation to maritime information sharing and remotely piloted aircraft systems. It makes recommendations on how EU approaches to armaments standardisation can be expanded and enhanced.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

638. Operational Guidance for the EU’s international cooperation on cyber capacity building

Author:
Patryk Pawlak
Publication Date:
01-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
European Union Institute for Security Studies
Abstract:
The Operational Guidance is intended to provide a comprehensive practical framework when designing and implementing the EU’s external actions against cybercrime and for promoting cybersecurity and cyber resilience.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

639. African Futures: Horizon 2025

Author:
Valerie Arnould
Publication Date:
01-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
European Union Institute for Security Studies
Abstract:
It is clear that in recent years Africa has undergone significant economic, socio-political and technological transformations, a process which is likely to accelerate over the coming decades. While it would be an overstatement to proclaim that the future will be African, there are strong indications that the global importance of the continent is set to rise – and not only as a source of risk factors spilling over from poverty and instability.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

640. explaining globalisation scepticism

Author:
Erik Lundsgaarde
Publication Date:
02-2018
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)
Abstract:
Critical public attitudes toward economic globalization reflect a response to different facets of globalization and varied consequences of international market integration for individuals. The distribution of benefits and losses related to globalization provides a starting point for numerous studies of attitudes toward economic integration. Individuals perceive globalization’s benefits differently depending on their sector of employment or level of educational attainment, among other factors. In addition to these explanations, attention to the institutions and policies that influence how governments engage with globalization and manage its domestic consequences can also inform the analysis of why scepticism to economic integration varies across national settings.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus