Content Type: Special Report / Publication Year: within 10 Years

4901. A Lasting Defeat: The Campaign to Destroy ISIS

Author:: Ash Carter
Publication Date:: 10-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University
Abstract:: On December 11, 2016, just before my time as Secretary of Defense would end, I stepped off a C-130 transport plane onto a cold and dusty patch of northern Iraq that had been on my mind for more than a year: an Iraqi military airfield called Qayyarah West. Q-West, as it was known to the American military, was a talisman of progress on one of the defining issues of my time as secretary, the fight to defeat ISIS. A year before, General Joe Dunford and I had briefed the President on a plan to energize the counter-ISIS fight. We had laid out a series of military tasks, in Iraq and Syria, that would lead us to the liberation of ISIS’ strongholds in Mosul, Iraq, and Raqqa, Syria. Q-West was a fulcrum of that plan. Ejecting ISIS and turning the airstrip into a logistics hub was essential to seizing Mosul, just 40 miles to the north.
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4902. Market Mechanisms and the Paris Agreement

Author:: Robert Stavins and Robert Stowe
Publication Date:: 10-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University
Abstract:: The Harvard Project on Climate Agreements has released a volume of seventeen briefs summarizing research on options for elaborating the Paris Agreement's Article 6, the evolution of market-based systems, and how these two processes might best support each other. The briefs are designed to be readily accessible — and, it is hoped, useful — to negotiators, policy makers, and other stakeholders, as they consider how to elaborate the Paris Agreement in order to realize its potential to effectively address global climate change. Most authors were participants in a research workshop conducted by the Harvard Project on July 6, 2017, and the volume builds upon the discussions in that forum. Participants included twenty of the world's leading researchers focusing on market mechanisms and the Paris Agreement, coming from the disciplines of economics, political science, international relations, and law — and based in Europe, the Republic of Korea, and the United States.
Topic:: International Affairs and Global Political Economy
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4903. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Cyber Readiness at a Glance

Author:: Melissa Hathaway
Publication Date:: 09-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University
Abstract:: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Cyber Readiness at a Glance is the ninth study in a series of country reports assessing national-level preparedness for cyber risks based on the Cyber Readiness Index (CRI) 2.0 methodology. This report provides the most in-depth analysis to date of Saudi Arabia's current cyber security posture and its efforts to strengthen the country's security and resilience in the wake of significant cyber threats to the nation.
Topic:: International Security and Cybersecurity
Political Geography:: Saudi Arabia

4904. What’s Left of the Soviet Union Warsaw East European Review Editorial Discussion

Author:: Pawal Kowal and John S Micgiel
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for East European Studies, University of Warsaw
Abstract:: “All we have left of the Soviet Union are jokes...” I’d like to ask you all somewhat perversely, besides jokes, is there any good memory left behind from this empire? Did the Soviet Union leave anything good behind? I mean the Soviet Union not as the Soviet Union itself, but also as the whole region, in other words the Warsaw Pact countries, as well as other communist countries and parties in the world. So, we see the empire as Alexei Salmin, the Russian political scientist, views it – as a concentrated orb: the Russian Federation, around it the USSR, then the Warsaw Pact, followed by other communist countries and finally the Comintern, and after its dissolution, parties cooperating with the Kremlin from all over the world. So, we see the entire empire, not just the Soviet Union, and the question is this – did it leave anything good behind? Surely every empire leaves something good behind
Topic:: International Relations, International Affairs, and Geopolitics
Political Geography:: Poland

4905. Contemporary Russia: Authoritarian or Totalitarian?

Author:: Roman Bäcker
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for East European Studies, University of Warsaw
Abstract:: Questions regarding definitions of authoritarianism and totalitarianism date from the interwar period. This article draws on the classic approaches and argues that the definition of Juan Linz, with changes suggested by Roman Bäcker (2011), and may o er a solid base for understanding the location of each non-democratic regime on a continuum determined by two extreme ideal types: authoritarianism and totalitarianism. e former is de ned here by three essential features: bureaucratic sovereignty (or siloviki), social apathy and emotional mentality. e latter is identified by references to: state-party apparatus sovereignty, mass and forced mobilisation, and political gnosis. these categories are useful to deal with the research problem considering where Russia is on this continuum, after the annexation of Crimea. It requires, however, carrying out an in-depth analysis on three levels: sovereignty, social behaviour and social consciousness. is article aims to reveal how to identify and approach these analytical levels.
Topic:: International Affairs and Authoritarianism
Political Geography:: Russia

4906. Using Public Space in Kharkiv by Protesters in 2013-2014

Author:: Denys Kutsenko
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for East European Studies, University of Warsaw
Abstract:: The space of post-Soviet city centres used by protesters was especially analysed by Ukrainian and Russian scholars after the Orange Revolution, Euromaidan and Russian anti-election protests in 2011-2012. There were also works devoted to the Tahrir Square (Cairo, Egypt)1 and Taksim Square (Istanbul, Turkey)2, which appeared after Egyptian Revolution of 2011 and wave of demonstration and civil unrest in Instanbul in 2013. After protests in Russia and Ukraine city movements like coffee urbanism or hipster urbanism became more active and ideas of new urbanism spread with new strength.
Topic:: International Relations and International Security
Political Geography:: Ukraine

4907. President Putin’s Internet and “Information Warfare”

Author:: Kazimierz Wóycicki
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for East European Studies, University of Warsaw
Abstract:: The war that Russia is conducting against Ukraine today is not only related to breaking the post-World War II rules of engagement, but is also being run in a new way, which was to a certain degree unknown before. is phenomenon had been named “hybrid warfare”, initially mainly paying attention to the military aspect of the issue, symbolically represented by “little green men”. e focus of attention has been shifting to what military actions of hybrid-war are often accompanied by intense propaganda activities, with the Internet as the main tool. they are planned and carried out in Russia, possessing extensive resources in Russian literature on so-called “information warfare”.
Topic:: International Security and Cybersecurity
Political Geography:: Russia

4908. Communication of Ethnic Groups in the Public Space: the Case of Daugavpils

Author:: Vladislav Volkov and Oksana Ruzha
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for East European Studies, University of Warsaw
Abstract:: Interethnic communication is viewed as a form of social communication that happens “between people of different cultures”. Researchers associate the importance of studying such communication with the need to analyse the possibilities for mutual understanding of effective interaction between people of different cultures (Rogers, Hart, Miike 2002, p. 5, 7). Communication between people of different cultures can encompass a wide range of characteristics and goals – from the desire to put forward legitimate claims of ethnic identity to bias against other groups, from the establishment of associative relationships between groups prior to their dissociation (Kim 2006, p. 284, 291), from imposing the dominant culture’s standards and exclusion of non-dominant cultures from public life to the positive recognition of ethno-cultural minorities in the common cultural space (Young 1996, p. 29), etc.
Topic:: Ethnic Conflict and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Eastern Europe

4909. Public and Private Hate Speech in Poland

Author:: Grażyna Drzazga and Magda Stroińska
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for East European Studies, University of Warsaw
Abstract:: Words can be like tiny doses of arsenic: they are swallowed unnoticed, appear to have no e ect, and then after a little time the toxic reaction sets in after all,” wrote Victor Klemperer in his study of the language of the third Reich (Klemperer 1946/2000: 15-16). the importance of language for effective persuasion has been acknowledged by the teachers of rhetoric and orators since the age of antiquity. In modern times, there were both politicians who practiced deception through language for political or other gains, and also those who studied the effects of language-based manipulation. Among the most profound research on the mechanisms and effects of propaganda, one could name the writings of George Orwell, Friedrich Hayek, or Michał Głowiński. In this paper, we focus on one particularly disturbing aspect of propaganda: the use of hate speech. e reason for this choice of topic is the unprecedented explosion of populism all over the world, and the spread of perhaps its strongest weapon – hate through political and social fearmongering and use of what Klemperer referred to as ‘poisonous language’.
Topic:: Political Violence and Political stability
Political Geography:: Poland

4910. The Crimean Crisis through the Perspective of Russia-NATO relations

Author:: Richat Sabitov
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for East European Studies, University of Warsaw
Abstract:: Russian foreign policy and European security is continuing to receive special attention in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. An analysis of Russia- NATO relations is necessary to understand Moscow’s behaviour in the so-called “near abroad” – the territory of the former Soviet republics. It is, therefore, important to study Russia’s reaction to Ukrainian aspirations towards Europe and the implications it holds for the Crimean Peninsula’s status
Topic:: International Security and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Crimea

4911. How the Socialist Economy was destroyed in the USSR (One reason for the collapse of the country)

Author:: Rudolf Pikhola
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for East European Studies, University of Warsaw
Abstract:: On 25 September 1990, one of the rst meetings of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of Russia was held in the building of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR. e agenda consisted of the issue of ensuring the economic sovereignty of Russia in the USSR. Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Yuri Skokov, responsible for industrial policy, spoke with bitterness about his meeting with Minister of Metallurgy of the USSR Seraphim Baibakov: “We spoke to him about our sovereignty, and he said: ‘I’m sorry, but last year I became an owner of property and a legal successor of state property.’ Kolpakov became Krupp. Now he creates 10-15 companies, leaving a small management structure. It is presidential rule in the steel-casting complex.”
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: Russia

4912. Virtual Social Networks in Post-Soviet and Western Societies (Analysis based on Facebook, VK and Odnoklassniki)

Author:: Kateryna Nasonova
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for East European Studies, University of Warsaw
Abstract:: Nowadays virtual social networks have become the most frequently visited Internet resources. Although the Internet space exists as an open area of communication – overcoming linguistic, spatial and temporal barriers – certain internet products, like social networks, are gaining popularity in particular geographical areas. For example, Facebook, which is popular all over the world, failed to gain much of a foothold in countries of the former USSR. ere, the Facebook niche is dominated by such networks as VKontakte and Odnoklassniki. It shows that virtual social networks are a re ection of the community functioning in real-time, space and area. Social network users are not relieved of the burden of group, religious or ethnic identity, nor the ideology of the dominant society in the process of virtual communication. Such virtual activity becomes an expression of the system of coordinates and philosophical orientations that emerges during the process of socialization. Further, we can presume that the unpopularity of Facebook in former countries of the USSR is due to the impact of the post-Soviet mentality on the formation of virtual social networks, like VKontakte and Odnoklassniki. To con rm this thesis, we conducted a comparative analysis of three virtual social networks: VKontakte, Odnoklassniki and Facebook. these sites are quite similar in structure and function. However, they distinguish themselves from one another through the conceptual framework around which their user audience communication is built.
Topic:: International Affairs and Social Media
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4913. The Georgia-NATO Strategic Partnership and Regional Security – The Wales and Warsaw NATO Summits

Author:: Vakhtang Maisaia
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for East European Studies, University of Warsaw
Abstract:: he NATO Wales and Warsaw Summits held in 2014 and in 2016, were historic events due to the complex processes associated with them. The Summits have generated much discussion and are comprised of decisive issues and decisions. In the last Warsaw Summit, up to ten documents were adopted, including the final communique, which was for the first time quite “thick” for and more detailed, compared to previously adopted documents (about 139 items). For the first time in the last few decades, the European Union and NATO came to a consensus and adopted a common declaration, where they expressed their united position on common problems within the frameworks of Transatlantic security, and agreed on plans for further strategic cooperation (EU-NATO Joint Declaration 2016). Most importantly, the representatives of both organisations declared a common approach toward threats emanating from the East and South (i.e. Russia and ISIS). At this stage, the Alliance identi ed three geostrategic special regions for more active operations in the context of strategic defence and deterrence. ose regions became the main issue of the summit: the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea. NATO must boost its support for the Southern ank via crisis management capabilities and strengthened partnerships (Lorenz “NATO at a Critical Crossroads”, 11). In general, NATO has returned to a collective defence strategy. is is a new game where the South Caucasus is becoming a “red frontier” line between the main actors: NATO and Russia. It seems that the priorities of NATO and Russia in the region are evolving within the framework of the so-called “security dilemma”, where both parties are trying to build up their military capabilities and tools of political pressure on the countries of the region, competing with each other in various geostrategic dimensions. is includes intensive NATO military exercises in Georgia and implementation of the Comprehensive Assistance Package, as well as strengthening military potential in the territories of occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia, not to mention the establishment of a joint air defence system with Armenia, and strengthening the Caspian Flotilla by Russia.
Topic:: NATO, International Trade and Finance, and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4914. Forward

Author:: John S Micgiel and Pawel Kowal
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for East European Studies, University of Warsaw
Abstract:: Twenty- five years ago, we bade farewell to the Soviet Union, but after a quarter- century we still feel how much of its empire it left behind. It was not an “ordinary” empire because its essential feature was a totalitarian system. ideological pressure of Soviet Russia has changed the social structures of great swathes of the globe. e legacy of the USSR is a fascinating research topic, unfortunately today one rarely raised by researchers.
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: Russia

4915. Contributors

Author:: Pawel Kowal
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for East European Studies, University of Warsaw
Abstract:: List of contributors in latest review
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4916. Conference Report: Climate Change and Sustainable Investment in Natural Resources: From Consensus to Action

Author:: Columbia Centre on Sustainable Investment
Publication Date:: 03-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Abstract:: A conference report on CCSI’s Conference on “Climate Change and Sustainable Investment in Natural Resources: From Consensus to Action” is available here, and a shorter outcome document , which was disseminated at COP22, is available here. These documents summarize the discussions at the eleventh annual Columbia International Investment Conference, which took place on November 2-3, 2016, at Columbia University. The Conference offered a high-level opportunity to discuss how countries can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the Paris Agreement, while also advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, and in particular the important implications for the world’s approach to natural resource investments. It featured leaders from government, the private sector, civil society, and academia, and brought together nearly 400 participants. In the lead-up to the Conference, CCSI also published a Blog Series on the Earth Institute’s State of the Planet Blog.
Topic:: Climate Change and International Political Economy
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4917. Cambio climático y salud. Mayor impacto en los más vulnerables

Author:: Ana Belén Sanchez
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Fundación Alternativas
Abstract:: La Fundación Alternativas presenta un nuevo estudio: ¨Cambio climática y salud. Mayor impacto en los más vulnerables¨. Informe encargado y financiado por DKV y ECODES; ha sido elaborado por ana Belén Sánchez y Waleska Guerrero Lemus.
Topic:: Climate Change
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4918. Informe sobre sostenibilidad en España 2017

Author:: Ana Belén Sanchez
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Fundación Alternativas
Abstract:: Lo que este IIº Informe sobre sostenibilidad plantea es que conviene pasar a la acción, sin más demora, si queremos evitar situaciones catastróficas. Los datos son concluyentes. En 40 años hemos doblado las emisiones de carbono, dentro de unos años habrá más plásticos que peces en los mares, con la desaparición de miles de especies marinas; la energía sigue dependiendo de materias fósiles y 7 millones de personas mueren al año por contaminación. Los desórdenes atmosféricos se suceden, amenazando territorios y millones de personas. Es como si la madre naturaleza protestara ó castigara los despropósitos de sus descarriados hijos, los humanos.
Topic:: International Political Economy and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Spain

4919. The state of the European Union 2017: Relaunching Europe

Author:: Fundación Alternativas
Publication Date:: 06-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Fundación Alternativas
Abstract:: The year since the publication of our previous report in April 2016 has been nothing short of an annus horribilis for the European Union. The victory for Leave in the UK referendum was followed by the triumph of Donald Trump in the US elections and his stated support for the further weakening of the EU, an attitude that the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, has described as a threat. At the same time, there have been a number of significant events, both in Europe and elsewhere in the world, which we analyse in this 6th Report on the State of the EU, produced in partnership between Fundación Alternativas and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation
Topic:: International Political Economy and Brexit
Political Geography:: Europe

4920. VI Informe sobre El estado de la Unión Europea 2017: Relanzar Europa

Author:: Fundación Alternativas
Publication Date:: 05-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Fundación Alternativas
Abstract:: El periodo comprendido entre la publicación del anterior Informe –abril 2016– y el actual se podría calificar, sin exagerar, como el annus horribilis de la Unión Europea (UE). Al referendo británico que se inclinó por la ruptura con la Unión, el brexit, se ha sumado el triunfo de Donald Trump en las elecciones norteamericanas y su manifestado deseo de que se produzcan nuevos brexits. Una amenaza en palabras del presidente del Consejo Europeo Tusk. Entre medias se han sucedido muchos acontecimientos en la vida europea y global que se analizan en este VI Informe sobre el estado de la UE, producto de la colaboración de la Fundación Alternativas y de la Fundación Friedrich Ebert.
Topic:: International Political Economy and Brexit
Political Geography:: Europe

4921. The impact and consequences of Brexit on acquired rights of EU citizens living in the UK and British citizens living in the EU-27

Author:: Antonio Fernández Tomás
Publication Date:: 04-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Fundación Alternativas
Abstract:: La Fundación Alternativas presenta un nuevo estudio: ¨The impact and consequences of Brexit on acquired rights of EU citizens living in the UK and British citizens living in the EU-27¨. Informe encargado y financiado por el Parlamento Europeo, ha sido elaborado por Antonio Fernández Tomás y Diego López Garrido.
Topic:: International Political Economy and Brexit
Political Geography:: Europe

4922. Informe sobre el estado de la cultura en España 2017. Igualdad y diversidad en la Era Digital

Author:: Fundación Alternativas
Publication Date:: 05-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Fundación Alternativas
Abstract:: Un año más el Observatorio de Cultura y Comunicación de la Fundación Alternativas (OCC/FA) aborda la edición del Informe sobre el Estado de la Cultura en España (ICE 2017). En esta ocasión la publicación coincide con los inicios de una legislatura que ha llegado después de un largo año de incertidumbre. Estamos de nuevo ante una oportunidad, que esperamos esta vez se aproveche, de dar a la cultura en su institucionalidad el papel y el reconocimiento que merece. Estamos de acuerdo en que los cambios que está provocando la que ha venido a llamarse cuarta revolución industrial han comenzado a incidir en todos los aspectos de la sociedad, y que la cultura se está viendo afectada de manera clara. No obstante, si asumimos este periodo como una ocasión para dar respuestas adecuadas a los múltiples desafíos a los que nos enfrentamos, podremos salir airosos del momento disruptivo y seguir avanzando por la senda del progreso.
Topic:: Multiculturalism
Political Geography:: Spain

4923. Informe sobre la Democracia en España 2016

Author:: Rubén Ruiz-Rufino
Publication Date:: 02-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Fundación Alternativas
Abstract:: El Informe sobre la Democracia en España nació con el objetivo de analizar el funcionamiento de la democracia española y los desafíos derivados del afán por mejorar sus instituciones. En las distintas ediciones continúa proporcionando una información sobre acontecimientos y decisiones colectivas, de utilidad para el análisis, el debate social y la formación de la opinión pública. Para la realización del Informe sobre la Democracia en España (IDE 2016), el Laboratorio de la Fundación Alternativas designó un Consejo Asesor que, junto con el director del IDE, debatió su estructura y orientación a lo largo de varias sesiones, conoció los trabajos en curso y la propuesta de documento final. Un equipo de investigadores contratado por el Laboratorio llevó a cabo la recogida de la información, la elaboración de los datos relevantes y la redacción inicial de los diferentes capítulos que componen este IDE. La edición final correspondió a la dirección del mismo.
Topic:: International Affairs and Democracy
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4924. New challenges to Human Security: Environmental Change and Human Mobility

Author:: Georgetown University nstitute for the Study of Diplomacy
Publication Date:: 04-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University
Abstract:: Climate change and shifting weather patterns are not the Tinker Bells of science or of policy. Disbelief, or denial, or a suspension of research will not make melting icecaps, rising sea levels, desertification, and floods go away. There may be legitimate debate on the pace of these changes, or whether there is a meaningful difference between the degrees of global warming that will result in inconvenient, catastrophic, or apocalyptic scenarios. But the empirical data is there. There is change and it affects human security—whether food can be grown, if water is available, and which lands are likely to become uninhabitable. And these needs, along with other drivers, will influence where humans live—and whether they must abandon their homes. As people are forced to migrate simply to survive, we face the possibility of major shifts in human settlement patterns, along with increased competition for resources.
Topic:: Environment and Human Rights
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4925. "Your World My World"

Author:: Casimir A. Yost
Publication Date:: 04-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University
Abstract:: Let me join in welcoming you toWashington, DC, a city President Kennedy described as having “northern charm and southern efficiency.”I am not sure that in the intervening 60+ years Washington has become either more charming or more efficient..
Topic:: Diplomacy
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4926. Iraqi security forces and popular mobilization forces

Author:: Jessa Rose Dury-Agri, Omer Kassim, and Patrick Martin
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Institute for the Study of War
Abstract:: The liberation of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham’s (ISIS) urban holdings in Iraq was necessary but not sufficient to secure America’s vital national interests. ISIS has lost neither the will nor the capability to fight, even as it withdraws into desert hideouts and sleeper cell formations in November 2017. Rather, dispersed ISIS militants have begun an insurgent campaign in northern and western Iraq as some of its foreign fighters have returned to their home countries to serve in ISIS’s external operations network.
Topic:: Islam, War, and International Security
Political Geography:: Iraq and Middle East

4927. Ten Challenges of Brazilian Foreign Policy

Author:: Matias Spektor
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI)
Abstract:: Throughout its 18 years of existence, the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI) has established itself as one of Brazil’s most important centers for critical reflection on international relations. As a result of Brazil’s accession on the international stage in recent decades, Brazil now enjoys a position of appropriate prominence within the global scenario. As one of the most important international relations think-tanks in the country, CEBRI has an important mission to fulfill, and to shed light on the main contemporary global issues in an independent, nonpartisan and pluralistic way.
Topic:: International Relations
Political Geography:: Brazil

4928. Assessing and Redefining Policies towards Africa in a New Global Scenario: Intersecting Perspectives between Brazil and Morocco

Author:: CEBRI
Publication Date:: 07-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI)
Abstract:: In July, representatives from the public and private sectors, think tanks, and academia, discussed, over a day, themes common to Brazil and Africa, explored ways to bring the two regions together, and inaugurated, in practice, a new phase of inter-Atlantic interaction.
Topic:: International Political Economy and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Africa

4929. Might and Right in World Politics

Author:: Dr Jans Woischnik
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI)
Abstract:: In the last decade of the 20th century, when the Cold War came to an end, there was a growing understanding that International Law was consolidated as legitimation body for state actions. It was the beginning of a new peaceful world order, the world hoped that an old problem of geopolitics could finally be fully addressed by the International Law, a problem which the Athenian General Thucydides observed already more than 2000 years ago, according to which in the realm of the international, “the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must”. In this new world order right was supposed to finally come before might.
Topic:: International Relations and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4930. Meeting U.S. Deterrence Requirements

Author:: Robert Einhorn and Steven Pifer
Publication Date:: 09-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Brookings Institution
Abstract:: In conducting its Nuclear Posture Review, the Trump administration needs to consider how best to meet U.S. deterrence requirements in a changing security environment. Today’s most pressing challenges to U.S. deterrence goals come not from the threat of a massive nuclear attack against the U.S. homeland but from the possibility that nuclear-armed adversaries will use the threat of escalation to the nuclear level to act more aggressively in their regions and prevent the United States from coming to the defense of its allies and partners.
Topic:: International Security
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4931. Private sector cyber defence

Author:: Wyatt Hoffman and Ariel Levite
Publication Date:: 06-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Abstract:: The cyber revolution and ever-growing transfer of human activities into the virtual world are undermining the social contract between modern states and their citizens. Most governments are becoming unable and unwilling to protect citizens and private enterprises against numerous, sophisticated cyber predators seeking to disrupt, manipulate, or destroy their digital equities. Inevitably, states are focused on protecting governmental assets and national infrastructure, leaving themselves with modest residual capacity and resolve to underwrite other cybersecurity risks. Faced with this reality, private entities are reluctantly but increasingly complementing their passive cybersecurity practices with more assertive “active cyber defense” (ACD) measures. This approach carries substantial risks, but if guided by bounding principles and industry models, it also has the potential for long-term, cumulative benefits.
Topic:: International Affairs and Cybersecurity
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4932. The Summer of Our Discontent: Sects and Citizens in Lebanon and Iraq

Author:: Maha Yahya
Publication Date:: 06-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Abstract:: Lebanon’s and Iraq’s political systems are based on sectarian and ethnic power-sharing. In summer 2015, both countries faced popular protests demanding better governance. These protests began over poor service provision but escalated into opposition to the countries’ overarching power-sharing systems. These demonstrations were framed as nonsectarian, civic responses to deteriorating conditions and corrupt leadership. While protestors raised hopes that change was possible, their curtailment by the sectarian leadership underlined the challenges of political transformation in divided societies.
Topic:: International Relations and International Security
Political Geography:: Middle East

4933. The Geographic Trajectory of Conflict and Militancy in Tunisia

Author:: Anouar Boukhars
Publication Date:: 07-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Abstract:: More than six years after the revolution that ousted former president Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia’s border regions remain hotbeds of social discontent and agitation. Aggrieved youth increasingly express their anger through fiery protests, street violence, and in some cases violent extremism. In response to this ongoing social unrest and terrorism, the Tunisian government has developed hardline security policies, whose effects often exacerbate social tensions, political violence, and militancy. Breaking this vicious cycle requires Tunisia’s government to rethink its approach to the border regions.
Topic:: International Relations
Political Geography:: Tunisia

4934. Trumps National Security Strategy: A new brand of mercantilism

Author:: Salman Ahmed and Alexander Bick
Publication Date:: 08-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Abstract:: The sixteen national security strategies issued by presidents Ronald Reagan to Barack Obama reaffirmed U.S. leadership of a liberal international order, even as they acknowledged it enabled the rise of others and eroded U.S. economic dominance. President Donald Trump may decide that is no longer tenable. His forthcoming national security strategy will be closely scrutinized to understand what “America First” means for the U.S. role in the world and whether it represents a shift toward a narrower, neo-mercantile approach.
Topic:: International Political Economy
Political Geography:: America

4935. India’s Strategic Choices: China and the Balance of Power in Asia

Author:: Rajesh Rajagopalan
Publication Date:: 09-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Abstract:: India is a rising power, but its transformation is occurring in the shadow of China’s even more impressive ascent. Beijing’s influence will almost certainly continue to grow and has already upset Asia’s geopolitical balance. India must decide how to secure its interests in this unbalanced environment by choosing among six potential strategic options: staying unaligned, hedging, building indigenous military power, forming regional partnerships, aligning with China, or aligning with the United States. A closer alignment with Washington likely represents India’s best chance to counter China, while efforts to foster regional partnerships and cultivate domestic military capabilities, although insufficient by themselves, could play a complementary role.
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: India

4936. Are India-Pakistan Peace Talks Worth a Damn?

Author:: Ashley Tellis
Publication Date:: 09-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Abstract:: The international community’s routine call for continuous India-Pakistan dialogue is not only misguided but also counterproductive. This entreaty, which often follows major Pakistani-supported terrorist attacks in India, fails to recognize that the security competition between the two nations is not actually driven by discrete, negotiable differences. Rather, the discord is rooted in long-standing ideological, territorial, and power-political antagonisms that are fueled by Pakistan’s irredentism, its army’s desire to subvert India’s ascendency as a great power and exact revenge for past Indian military victories, and its aspirations to be treated on par with India despite their huge differences in capabilities, achievements, and prospects.
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: India

4937. When corruption is the operating system

Author:: Sarah Chayes
Publication Date:: 05-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Abstract:: In some five dozen countries worldwide, corruption can no longer be understood as merely the iniquitous doings of individuals. Rather, it is the operating system of sophisticated networks that cross sectoral and national boundaries in their drive to maximize returns for their members. Honduras offers a prime example of such intertwined, or “integrated,” transnational kleptocratic networks. This case thus illustrates core features of the way apparently open or chaotic economies are in reality structured worldwide—and some of the dynamics that are driving climate change, persistent inequality, and spiraling conflict.
Topic:: Corruption and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Honduras

4938. Envisioning the Future: Iranian and Saudi Perspectives on the Post-Oil Economy

Author:: Wael Abdul-Shafi
Publication Date:: 04-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: EastWest Institute
Abstract:: Falling oil and gas prices and shrinking demand across global energy markets pose enormous challenges for energy exporting countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia and lead to decreasing revenues from this sector. Despite differences in the structures of their respective national economies, both countries share common challenges in adapting to this new situation. High youth unemployment rates, an underrepresentation of women in the workforce, a public sector unable to absorb the high numbers of university graduates as well as environmental degradation and pollution, all constitute major problems for both countries and their economies. But, while solving many of these issues would ideally demand bilateral cooperation, a political climate of mutual mistrust and enmity currently inhibits such a process.
Topic:: International Political Economy and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Iran and Saudi Arabia

4939. Chinease Investment in Europe: A country level approach

Author:: Thomas Renard
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: EGMONT - The Royal Institute for International Relations
Abstract:: Belgium may not be China’s prime destination for investment in Europe, but as in other neighboring countries these investments are increasing in quality and quantity. Chinese investments are mostly welcomed and encouraged by the government, its agencies and the business community. However, a recent failed deal with EANDIS, a public energy company, has also raised some concerns about the economic and security implications of (some) Chinese investments. Belgian intelligence services, notably, argue for a bit of caution vis-à-vis China. While these two visions could be complementary, they remain held by distinct communities that seem reluctant to acknowledge and listen to one another. As a result, the Belgian response to China’s economic offensive remains overwhelmingly reactive and uncoordinated.
Topic:: International Political Economy
Political Geography:: China

4940. The Great Powers Have Their Ways

Author:: Sven Biscop
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: EGMONT - The Royal Institute for International Relations
Abstract:: How will the great powers behave? That is what determines the future world order – or the absence of order. Could it be that China and the EU have found an alternative for the old-fashioned grand strategies that Russia and the US are again pursuing
Topic:: International Relations and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4941. A World in Flux

Author:: Johan Verbeke
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: EGMONT - The Royal Institute for International Relations
Abstract:: Scholars and pundits alike have been qualifying our times as of “transition and turbulence”, “disorder” and “strategic unease”. Other concepts that recur in discussions on the present state of the world are ‘uncertainty’ and ‘unpredictability’. They all seem to point to a world in flux. Let’s see what that means.
Topic:: International Security
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4942. Strengthening Israel’s Foreign Service

Author:: Mitvim
Publication Date:: 09-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Mitvim: The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies
Abstract:: Israel’s Foreign Service needs improvement, as has become profoundly evident over the last few years. Israel’s foreign policy is not based on clear guiding principles, Israel lacks a full-time Foreign Minister, and responsibility for core foreign policy issues has been transferred from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to other governmental entities. This situation is detrimental diplomatically and to Israel’s national security and foreign relations
Topic:: International Security
Political Geography:: Israel

4943. Yearbook of Slovakia's Foreign Policy

Author:: Peter Brazani
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Slovak Foreign Policy Association
Abstract:: Tempora mutantur et nos mutamur in illis. As an old Latin adage has it, times change, and we change with them. The year 2017 was no different in that regard, and change continued to be the buzz word in the realm of international relations. Political trends became unpredictable and complex, sometimes even tectonic. It does not come easy to me to say that the world did not become a more stable and safer place last year. We saw turmoil and regional tensions, with the international community starting to lose consensus on some key issues previously understood as common interests. These changes are no longer situational. They are early warnings of new, long-term tendencies, stemming from protracted conflicts, social inequality, isolationism and lack of trust. Changing constants have placed new demands on our foreign policy, and on us as diplomats.
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: Slovakia

4944. Integration Without Membership: Potential and limits of Ukraine’s Association with the EU

Author:: Alexander Duleba
Publication Date:: 07-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Slovak Foreign Policy Association
Abstract:: Integration Without Membership: Potential and limits of Ukraine’s Association with the EU
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: Ukraine

4945. Ukraine and the Energy Union

Author:: Alexander Duleba
Publication Date:: 07-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Slovak Foreign Policy Association
Abstract:: Ukraine and the Energy Union
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: Eastern Europe

4946. Is there a Shared Transition Experience?

Author:: Miriam Lexmann, Zsuzsanna Végh, and Maja Bobić
Publication Date:: 07-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Slovak Foreign Policy Association
Abstract:: Is there a Shared transition Experience?
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: Eastern Europe

4947. Advocacy Strategy for the EU Integration of the Western Balkans

Author:: Ana Marjanović
Publication Date:: 01-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Slovak Foreign Policy Association
Abstract:: Advocacy Strategy for the EU Integration of the Western Balkans
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: Eastern Europe

4948. The Manchester Attack: Assessing Threats to Major Events and Soft Targets

Author:: The Soufan Group
Publication Date:: 05-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Soufan Group
Abstract:: From Paris to Istanbul, sports and entertainment venues, to include stadiums, convention centers and arenas – often easily accessed and filled with large groups of people – have become increasingly attractive targets. While there is a history of targeting stadiums around the world, the increased prevalence of these attacks, along with new tactics, may forecast future activity that requires both public and private sector stakeholders to examine existing efforts and implement new measures to enhance safety and security
Topic:: Intelligence and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Britain

4949. Beyond the Caliphate: Foreign fighters and the threat of returnees

Author:: Richard Barrett
Publication Date:: 10-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Soufan Group
Abstract:: As the so-called Islamic State (IS) loses territorial control of its caliphate, there is little doubt that the group or something similar will survive the worldwide campaign against it so long as the conditions that promoted its growth remain. Its appeal will outlast its demise, and while it will be hard to assess the specific threat posed by foreign fighters and returnees, they will present a challenge to many countries for years to come.
Topic:: International Affairs and Counter-terrorism
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4950. the EU's common security and defence policy after Brexit

Author:: Christine Nissen
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)
Abstract:: This week constitutes yet another step towards the materialization of an ‘EU defence union’. On 13 November the so-called ‘PESCO’ provision was launched, which allows groups of willing EU member states to make binding commitments to each other on security and defence. 23 EU member states immediately signed up to participate, and since then, Ireland and Portugal have also joined in, which means that the only hold outs are Malta, Denmark and the United Kingdom. At the European Council summit held on 14-15 December, EU leaders will welcome the PESCO initiative cementing their willingness to significantly strengthen the EU as a framework for European security and defence cooperation. This week, EU foreign ministers will adopt the decision establishing PESCO as well as unveil the first common projects, which will drive their engagement in the years to come. 17 concrete projects are now on the table, including an European Medical Command, the creation of a crisis response centre and a plan for increased military mobility.
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4951. U.S. Trade policy under Trump

Author:: Peter Gibbon and Jakob Vestergaard
Publication Date:: 07-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)
Abstract:: A few weeks ahead of the Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), to be held in Buenos Aires from 10 to 13 December, the international trade community is gripped with a mixture of angst, disbelief and despair. Although US President, Donald Trump, made radical statements during his presidential campaign – including the infamous statement that the “WTO is a disaster” [for the US] – few expected much of that to translate into actual policies when he was elected and appointed President. Yet, this is very much what has in fact happened over the past 10 months.
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: America

4952. New Thinking on Innovation

Author:: CIGI
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:: Innovation is at the centre of the current economic policy discourse in Canada. Innovation drives productivity and with it, standards of living. Innovation is the process of using ideas, typically in the form of intellectual property (IP), to offer new or improved products or services for the same or lower overall cost of production. This collection of essays, which were first published online in the spring of 2017, marshalls new thinking on innovation, and brings together a community of scholars and practitioners who offer fresh approaches to innovation in Canada, and Canada’s place in the world. The essays discuss the role that international trade plays in stimulating innovation, including the nature of trade agreements; consider domestic policy on innovation; and examine how global processes such as the World Trade Organization and the Group of Twenty might foster a climate in which the innovation strategies of smaller countries could be accommodated. An epilogue maps the key themes to emerge from the discussion and suggests a framework for an IP-centric innovation strategy. Rapid developments in technologies, often referred to as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, are upending established structures in every part of the economy and society. As in other facets of international negotiations, the starting point in efforts to bring order to and shape the current technology-fuelled environment for the global good is national policies and postures.
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4953. The Case for a WTO Climate Waiver

Author:: James Bacchus
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:: There is a looming collision between the rules frameworks of the two separate international institutions that have been created and entrusted with addressing trade and climate change. Links between trade and climate change can no longer be ignored by either the World Trade Organization (WTO) or the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Neither has considered the consequences of the trade restrictions that are likely to be part of many national measures enacted to address climate change, which will fall within the scope of the WTO Agreement and will surely lead to a lengthy WTO dispute settlement process. Such trade-restrictive national measures will be fed by domestic fears of “carbon leakage” and a loss of national competitiveness, and WTO disputes resulting from such measures will confront numerous unanswered legal questions due to an absence of relevant WTO jurisprudence. To minimize the political risks of such a collision to both the WTO and the COP, and to combine the most benefit for the climate with the least risk to trade, a WTO climate waiver is urgently needed. The adoption of a WTO climate waiver should be only the first of the ways in which WTO members revise and realign WTO rules in accordance with the objectives of sustainable development.
Topic:: Climate Change
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4954. 2017-18 Key Strategic Issues List

Author:: Todd E Col Key
Publication Date:: 07-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College
Abstract:: Today's global security environment remains volatile, uncertain, ano complex. Resurgent, revanchist, and unstable states, and radical terrorist organizations continue to challenge the international order, undermine peace and stability, and threaten U.S. interests. In the face of this, the United States Army remains America's combat force of decision. If the political leaders of the United States decide to deploy its Army, the Nation's opponents know they will be defeated. This certainty is the foundation of America's deterrent capability
Topic:: International Security
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4955. Armed Robotic Systems Emergence: Weapons Systems Life Cycles Analysis and New Strategic Realities

Author:: Dr. Robert J. Bunker
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College
Abstract:: Armed robotic systems—drones and droids—now emerging on the battlefield portend new strategic realities not only for U.S. forces but also for our allies and future potential belligerents. Numerous questions of immediate warfighting importance come to mind with the fielding of these drones and droids that are viewed as still being in their experimental and entrepreneurial stage of development. By drawing upon historical weapons systems life cycles case studies, focusing on the early 9th through the mid-16th-century knight, the mid-19th through the later 20th-century battleship, and the early 20th through the early 21st-century tank, the monograph provides military historical context related to their emergence, and better allows both for questions related to warfighting to be addressed, and policy recommendations related to them to be initially provided.
Topic:: International Security
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4956. Evaluation of the 2015 DoD Cyber Strategy: Mild Progress in a Complex and Dynamic Military Domain

Author:: Mr. Jeffrey L. Caton
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College
Abstract:: In 2011, the Department of Defense (DoD) released its Strategy for Operating in Cyberspace, which officially recognized cyberspace as an operational domain akin to the traditional military domains of land, sea, air, and space. This monograph examines the 2015 DoD Cyber Strategy to evaluate how well its five strategic goals and associated implementation objectives define an actionable strategy to achieve three primary missions in cyberspace: defend the DoD network, defend the United States and its interests, and develop cyber capabilities to support military operations. This monograph focuses on events and documents from the period of about 1 year before and 1 year after the 2015 strategy was released. This allows sufficient time to examine the key policies and guidance that influenced the development of the strategy as well as follow-on activities for the impacts from the strategy. This inquiry has five major sections that utilize different frameworks of analysis to assess the strategy:
Topic:: International Security
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4957. Closer Than You Think: The Implications of the Third Offset Strategy for the U.S. Army

Author:: Samuel R White Jr
Publication Date:: 10-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College
Abstract:: The Defense Innovation Initiative (DII), begun in November 2014 by former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, is intended to ensure U.S. military superiority throughout the 21st century. The DII seeks broad-based innovation across the spectrum of concepts, research and development, capabilities, leader development, wargaming, and business practices. An essential component of the DII is the Third Offset Strategy—a plan for overcoming (offsetting) adversary parity or advantage, reduced military force structure, and declining technological superiority in an era of great power competition. This study explored the implications for the Army of Third Offset innovations and breakthrough capabilities for the operating environment of 2035-2050. It focused less on debating the merits or feasibility of individual technologies and more on understanding the implications—the second and third order effects on the Army that must be anticipated ahead of the breakthrough.
Topic:: Science and Technology and Military Affairs
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4958. "Middle Neighborhoods: Action Agenda for a National Movement"

Author:: Paul C. Brophy, Pamela Puchalski, and Stephanie Sung
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: American Assembly at Columbia University
Abstract:: "Middle Neighborhoods: Action Agenda for a National Movement" is a report that summarizes discussions on policy, practice, and research, as well as priorities and recommendations for action following the meeting, held November 15-16, 2017 in Baltimore
Topic:: Social Movement and Domestic Politics
Political Geography:: America

4959. From Polar Sea to Straight Baselines: Arctic Policy in the Mulroney Era

Author:: Adam Lajeunesse and Robert Huebert
Publication Date:: 09-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies
Abstract:: In 1985, the government of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney announced the drawing of straight baselines around the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, defining the full extent of the country’s Arctic maritime sovereignty and enshrining that sovereignty in legislation for the first time. This decision was a reaction to the voyage of the US Coast Guard icebreaker Polar Sea through the Northwest Passage that summer, an expedition that both sparked a political crisis and led to years of negotiations between Canada and the United States to settle the precise status of the northern waters. This volume contains documents surrounding that policy shift and the subsequent negotiations, which students, academics, and policy makers can use to chart the development of Canadian policy and Canadian-American relations in the Arctic. From this, readers can gain a greater understanding – not only of Canadian history – but of the nature of Canadian Arctic policy, and why it exists in its present form.
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4960. Northern Skytrails: Perspectives on the Royal Canadian Air Force in the Arctic from the Pages of The Roundel, 1949-65

Author:: Richard Goette and P. Whitney Lackenbauer
Publication Date:: 09-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies
Abstract:: This volume examines the role of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in the Arctic through the pages of The Roundel, the service magazine that ran from 1949-65. Readers will gain a deeper appreciation of the air force’s efforts to develop a greater sense of Arctic “air-mindedness” in the early Cold War through articles explaining the history of the RCAF’s engagement in the Arctic and Subarctic, lessons observed during postwar operations, life at isolated stations, and roles in continental defence. Access to these insights (which span from resupply missions to social relations with host communities and indigenous peoples) remains important today, when the RCAF is being called upon to prepare to respond to safety and security challenges in an increasingly complex Arctic region.
Topic:: Cold War and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Canada

4961. Arctic Show Trial: The Trial of Alikomiak and Tatamigana, 1923

Author:: P. Whitney Lackenbauer and Kristopher Kinsinger
Publication Date:: 09-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies
Abstract:: This volume brings together archival documents and newspaper reports related to the landmark 1923 trial of Alikomiak and Tatamigana, the first Inuit tried and executed for murder under Canadian law. This show trial, designed by the federal government to show the Inuit that authorities would no longer tolerate acts of violence, was meant also to demonstrate Canada’s Arctic sovereignty to the world. The conviction and execution of Alikomiak and Tatamigana caused controversy at the time, and this volume encourages further discussion and debate about the legal aspects of the case, the media coverage of it, and the interactions between the legal cultures of Inuit and the Canadian state.
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: Canada

4962. Errors Exposed: Inuit Relocations to the High Arctic, 1953-1960

Author:: Shelagh Grant
Publication Date:: 09-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies
Abstract:: In 1953, the Government of Canada announced plans to resettle Inuit from areas of dwindling food resources to the High Arctic where game and fur animals were reported in abundant supply. That August, seven families from the Inukjuak (Port Harrison) area in northern Quebec and three families from Pond Inlet were resettled in communities at Resolute Bay on Cornwallis Island and at Grise Fiord, near the Craig Harbour police post on Ellesmere Island. This volume makes Shelagh Grant’s important interpretations and research on these controversial relocations available to the public and provides essential background to understand the Government of Canada’s 2010 official apology for the Inuit High Arctic relocation.
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: Arctic

4963. Turkey and the OIC: Greater Economic Cooperation, Opportunities and Challenges

Author:: Bilal Bağış and Çağlar Yurtseven
Publication Date:: 05-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Center for Strategic Research (CSR)
Abstract:: This paper aims to analyze potential future areas of greater cooperation between Turkey and the other OIC member economies. It then provides some specific policy recommendations. In particular, the paper aims to contribute to economic policymaking efforts in terms of the potential future areas of increased cooperation. Broadly speaking, the Muslim world has immense savings-holding accumulated over the past few decades. Human and physical capital potentials are extremely high. Yet, there are also huge economic disparities and extremely diverse demographic dynamics. This paper is built on the idea that a crucial strategy to boost economic development and social prosperity is an intense economic, financial and strategic integraton of the OIC members. In particular, countries with common historical, cultural and even religious backgrounds have much to gain from such specific collaboration efforts. In that line, this paper deals with opportunities and challenges regarding the strategic position of Turkey. It focuses on sectors in which Turkey has a comparative advantage within the OIC league. It further analyzes the reasons Turkey and the other OIC economies must cooperate and build stronger economic ties. The paper suggests that such a modern economic cooperation or a strategic union that is strengthened by historical, social and cultural roots is both inevitable and to the benefit of all parties.
Topic:: International Relations and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Turkey

4964. The UK's Foreign, Defence, and Security Policy After Brexit

Author:: Hugh Sandeman
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: LSE IDEAS
Abstract:: In November 2017 the Global Strategies Project at LSE IDEAS brought together a group of British politicians, senior officials, and other experts at Ditchley Park to discuss options for the UK’s foreign, defence, and security policy after Brexit. This report summarieses that discussion, which covered the UK’s future relations with Europe, the US, and China, as well as the relationship between policymakers and the British public.
Topic:: International Security
Political Geography:: Europe

4965. Enhancing Decision Making in Foreign and Security Policy

Author:: LSE Ideas
Publication Date:: 02-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: LSE IDEAS
Abstract:: In late 2016 thirty British politicians, officials and former officials, officers, and experts met to discuss ways in which the UK foreign policmaking leaves the country vulnerable to strategic errors.
Topic:: Security and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4966. Hybrid Warfare in the Middle East

Author:: LSE Ideas
Publication Date:: 02-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: LSE IDEAS
Abstract:: This report considers the hybrid warfare techniques of Daesh, Al Qaeda, the Taleban, and Iran, and makes specific suggestions on how the UK and other Western countries can better counter this threat. The report is sistilled from discussions with senior British officials, academics, and current practitioners in the media, strategic communications, and cyber security
Topic:: Security and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Middle East

4967. New Challenges, New Voices: Next Generation Viewpoints on Transatlantic Relations

Author:: LSE Ideas
Publication Date:: 02-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: LSE IDEAS
Abstract:: The future of the transatlantic relationship is rarely out of the headlines in Europe or North America. Despite the closeness, the relationship faces – as it has always done – new and familiar challenges.
Topic:: International Relations
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4968. The Pentagon’s Pivot: How Lead Users Are Transforming Defense Product Development

Author:: Adam Jay Harrison
Publication Date:: 02-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS), National Defense University
Abstract:: Historically, the Department of Defense (DOD) has relied on strategic forecasting to determine specifications for new military products. These specifications are codified in formal product requirements that drive new product development (NPD). The rapid rate of technology change combined with increasing uncertainty in the global security environment challenges the ability of DOD to make accurate longterm predictions about future military product needs. To improve the efficacy of capability development, many DOD agencies and the Defense Industrial Base are exploring NPD strategies based on the insights of lead users with direct exposure to emerging military-technology problems. This paper details emerging approaches to military NPD that incorporate lead users; that is, practitioners who experience and proactively solve needs ahead of the market.
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4969. Developing an Innovation- Based Ecosystem at the U.S. Department of Defense: Challenges and Opportunities

Author:: Adam Jay Harrison, Bharat Rao, and Bala Mulloth
Publication Date:: 02-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS), National Defense University
Abstract:: The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) is looking at new ways to spur entrepreneurship and innovation among its stakeholders and related constituencies.
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4970. China’s Future SSBN Command and Control Structure

Author:: David C. Logan
Publication Date:: 05-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS), National Defense University
Abstract:: China is developing its first credible sea-based nuclear forces. This emergent nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) force will pose unique challenges to a country that has favored tightly centralized control over its nuclear deterrent. The choices China makes about SSBN command and control will have important implications for strategic stability. Despite claims that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force will be responsible for all Chinese nuclear forces, Chinese SSBNs currently appear to be under the control of the PLA Navy. However, China may choose to revise its command and control structures as its SSBNs begin armed deterrent patrols. There are three broad command and control models, allocating varying degrees of authority to the PLA Navy or the Rocket Force.
Topic:: International Affairs
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4971. Pakistan Security Report 2016

Author:: Muhammad Amir Rana, Safdar Sial, Zia Ur Rehman, Shahzada Zulfiqar, Ershad Mahmud, and Tahir Khan
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS)
Abstract:: While militant attacks declined in 2016, militant groups continue to remain a potent threat, with many widening their scope, narrowing their ideology, and evolving within the new spaces. These threats will linger on for long, unless the state moves beyond the hard approaches. In 2016, as with the preceding years, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remained the major actor of instability in the country, carrying out 106 attacks. 2016 also saw rise of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, with 66 attacks. Part of JA’s relative rise owes to the weakening of the TTP’s operational capability. This reality of how militant dynamics evolve should not be lost upon policy makers, note PIPS’s 2016 security report. Overall, the report notes, there has been a decline of 28% in terrorist attacks in 2016: 441 terrorist attacks took place in 57 districts/regions across Pakistan, claiming 908 lives. While suicide bombings have been receding, the reports note, 50% of the attacks in 2016 were targeted killing or shooting.
Topic:: Security, Terrorism, Violent Extremism, and Countering Violent Extremism
Political Geography:: Pakistan

4972. Following the Money in Ghana: From the Grassroots to the Hallways of the IMF

Author:: Abdulkarim Mohammed
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Accountability Research Center (ARC), American University
Abstract:: Between 2011 and 2014, Ghana went from boasting the world’s fastest growing economy to requiring a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). While a global downturn in commodity prices precipitated the fall, a lack of accountability in how public finances have been managed has been at the heart of the problem. Fiscal indiscipline, fueled by a lack of oversight and rampant corruption, left the government unable to mount an effective response during lean economic times. Oxfam and its civil society partners in Ghana were worried that everyday Ghanaians would be left shouldering the burden of the economic crisis. Moreover, Ghanaians worried that their concerns and aspirations would not be represented in the high-level negotiations on the bailout between the Government of Ghana and the IMF. To address these concerns Oxfam and its partners coordinated a multi-level advocacy campaign. The campaign drew together a diverse coalition of civil society—from community activists to globally influential think tanks—able to represent and articulate local level concerns and project a united voice at the national and global levels. This novel approach proved highly successful in driving important changes in policy and practice that have enhanced accountability, fiscal responsibility, and citizens’ participation. The campaign not only contributed to improving the laws governing how public finances are managed in Ghana, but also helped to increase pro-poor spending and protect crucial social services.
Topic:: Civil Society, Corruption, Accountability, Social Services, Participation, IMF, Oversight, and Public Spending
Political Geography:: Africa and Ghana

4973. Women’s Peacebuilding Strategies Amidst Conflict: Lessons from Myanmar and Ukraine

Author:: Roslyn Warren, Anne Applebaum, Holly Fuhrman, and Briana Mawby
Publication Date:: 01-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS)
Abstract:: In both Myanmar and Ukraine, broad-based and inclusive peace is still a work in progress. Amidst these challenges, women are developing effective strategies to participate in peace and security mechanisms and to advance women’s rights. Based on field interviews with civil society leaders and government officials in Myanmar and Ukraine and a review of the literature, this study examines how women are building peace amidst ongoing conflicts. The study finds that, in both countries, women use a variety of strategies to advance peace and security. While national plans and formal peace processes have had mixed results for women, alternative steps – notably including informal relationships and utilizing other international frameworks and norms – can be highly effective for advancing women’s interests. Several findings emerge that have broader relevance for policymakers and practitioners seeking to advance women’s rights amidst ongoing conflict: Women can leverage regional and international standards and norms to advocate for women’s rights and peace. This is evident in Myanmar, where women promote frameworks such as CEDAW, UNSCR 1325, and the Beijing Platform for Action. In Ukraine, women additionally promote standards in line with EU gender equality policies as a way for peace process stakeholders to improve their international reputation.
Topic:: Security, Women, Conflict, and Peacebuilding
Political Geography:: Europe, Ukraine, Southeast Asia, and Myanmar

4974. Gender Training for Leaders: The Swedish Gender Coach Program

Author:: Louise Olsson and Annika Björkdahl
Publication Date:: 10-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS)
Abstract:: Dr. Louise Olsson and Capt. Anna Björsson, in “Gender Training for Leaders: The Swedish Gender Coach Program,” draw lessons from a program which aims to strengthen the ability of senior leaders in security, defense, and foreign affairs ministries to understand and ensure gender equality in their organizations. Senior leadership is instrumental both for creating demand for the organizational changes, and for ensuring an effective use of expert support functions, such as gender advisers. The authors detail the evolution and strengths of this program to offer best practices for leadership training programs in other security forces. They argue that such training must be designed to facilitate the leaders’ ownership of the process, and that key elements include: A parallel support structure, in which the person providing gender training has a similar level of seniority to the person receiving training, allows for potentially sensitive issues to be addressed more effectively; Strong leadership commitment, perseverance, institutionalization of practices, and education of personnel are required to build organizational capacity on gender equality.
Topic:: Leadership, Training, and Gender
Political Geography:: Sweden

4975. Policy Tensions Related to Gender and Peacekeeping: The Need for a Two-Level Game

Author:: Margaret Jenkins
Publication Date:: 10-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS)
Abstract:: Dr. Margaret Jenkins, in “Policy Tensions Related to Gender and Peacekeeping: The Need for a Two-Level Game,” critiques the assumptions that typically underlie gender mainstreaming initiatives in peace support operations to understand why progress has been slow. Jenkins argues that there has not been enough focus on the end-goals for gender mainstreaming – analysis of what a completely gender-mainstreamed peacekeeping operation would entail. She examines the tensions between common assumptions on the one hand, and policy and practice on the other, offering specific suggestions to bridge these gaps: Avoid gendered assumptions about how women behave. Advocates for women’s inclusion often make assumptions about the skills and characteristics women can bring to peace and security (e.g., women are better listeners than men, are more sensitive or caring, or are more attuned to the needs of women and children). However, these assumptions have not been fully corroborated; in particular, there is little evidence that the presence of women changes the attitudes of male peacekeepers or reduces sexual exploitation and abuse. Moreover, such assumptions may undermine longer- term gender equality goals. There needs to be more rigorous understanding of how men and women are treated on deployment, whether they have different roles, and whether these different roles have a different effect on the mission and its objectives. Gender mainstreaming should consider possible policy responses to current unequal gender pressures and norms (e.g., care responsibilities at home), while simultaneously working to transform these gender parameters to create truly gender mainstreamed peace support operations.
Topic:: Peacekeeping, Women, Norms, Equality, Inclusion, and Gender
Political Geography:: Global Focus

4976. Cooperative Connections: Connecting Female Artisan Home-Based Workers through Women’s Cooperatives in Jakarta, Indonesia

Author:: Andrew Walker
Publication Date:: 09-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS)
Abstract:: This study provides new evidence about the ways in which cooperatives can support women’s economic empowerment. Cooperatives can expand women’s access to small-scale finance, markets, and training, and can provide connections to social services. Formal institutions in the government and private sector can build on the cooperatives’ local networks to enable better outreach and deliver services. Cooperative Connections examines the extent to which these possibilities are being realized in Jakarta, Indonesia, in the case of female artisan home-based workers. In Indonesia, women’s labor force participation lags behind that of men by more than 30 percentage points. Most women who participate in the economy do so informally, and many of these informal workers produce goods at home as artisans. As elsewhere in the world, many home-based workers lack legal and social protection, and face challenges such as limited access to capital, intensive competition in low-value sectors, and difficulties balancing paid work with household work and child care. Past studies suggest that organizing into groups like cooperatives can provide informal workers greater voice and visibility, and increase prospects for artisans to expand their businesses, improve the quality of their products, and enable them to compete in external markets. We examine whether this is the case in Jakarta. Indonesia has more than 150,000 active cooperatives, with more than 6,000 in Jakarta alone. Cooperatives in Indonesia are extensively regulated and supported by the government, particularly the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises. Development partners like the International Labor Organization and civil society organizations are also active in this space. We assessed how cooperative membership in Jakarta supports women’s economic empowerment.
Topic:: Women, Labor Market, Workforce, and Cooperation
Political Geography:: Indonesia and Southeast Asia

4977. Inclusive Justice: How Women Shape Transitional Justice in Tunisia and Colombia

Author:: Roslyn Warren, Anne Applebaum, Briana Mawby, Holly Fuhrman, Rebecca Turkington, and Mayesha Alam
Publication Date:: 08-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS)
Abstract:: Most countries relapse into conflict within ten years of making peace. Building long-lasting peace requires recognizing and reconciling the deep-rooted causes of conflict and its impacts. Transitional justice can contribute to sustained peace through a set of processes and mechanisms that facilitate accountability and reconciliation after conflict or political change. Effectively addressing past wrongs to build sustainable peace means addressing the needs of all those involved. Women and men experience conflict differently – due to gender roles and social norms – and to succeed, transitional justice processes need to account for these differences. This study looks at how women shape transitional justice in Tunisia and Colombia – two very different contexts – and suggests why, and how, these cases provide valuable lessons for other nations undergoing political transition. Findings Both cases establish a high standard for women’s inclusion in transitional justice, described in “Inclusive Justice: How Women Shape Transitional Justice in Tunisia and Colombia.” Tunisian and Colombian women participated in official capacities early in each process. Female officials and women’s civil society organizations (CSOs) advocated for and gained formal recognition of specific harms that women faced under dictatorship in Tunisia and during civil war in Colombia. As a result, the definition of victimhood in Tunisia was expanded to include socio-economic harms (such as being barred from educational and employment opportunities); in Colombia, amnesty for the crime of sexual violence – prevalent in the decades-long conflict – was explicitly barred in the final peace agreement. In both cases, women’s leadership spurred inclusive mechanisms through which female victims could participate more fully in the process, and in greater numbers. Inclusive mechanisms can help to ensure lasting peace. The creation of specific structures, such as the Women’s Commission in Tunisia and the Gender Sub-Commission in Colombia, allowed more citizens to participate in the unfolding political transitions. This may both enable states to better address root causes of violence and confer legitimacy on their political agreements. In each case, women’s active and early participation as officials and in civil society helped make innovative and inclusive mechanisms possible.
Topic:: Women, Transitional Justice, Conflict, and Peace
Political Geography:: Colombia, South America, North Africa, and Tunisia

4978. Paraguay: Distribución del Gasto en Salud y Gastos de Bolsillo: Principales resultados

Author:: Gerardo Benítez
Publication Date:: 06-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centro de Análisis y Difusión de la Economía Paraguaya (CADEP)
Abstract:: El trabajo aborda la composición del gasto de bolsillo en salud de la población paraguaya, con el fin de proveer información precisa a los tomadores de decisiones en el marco de la elaboración de las políticas públicas. Para ello se emplea una metodología descriptiva de carácter cuantitativo a partir de los datos de la Encuesta Permanente de Hogares 2014. Complementariamente el trabajo busca dar a conocer la composición del sistema de salud, la estructura de financiamiento (pública y privada), así como la evolución de los principales indicadores sanitarios. Para el cálculo de los gastos en salud se utilizan datos de las cuentas nacionales en salud y datos del Banco Mundial. Esta monografía del Observatorio Fiscal y Presupuestario (OFIP) pertenece a la Serie de Profesionales Jóvenes
Topic:: Health, Public Policy, Survey, and Health Spending
Political Geography:: South America and Paraguay

4979. Análisis de la Eficiencia de las Empresas Públicas de Paraguay

Author:: Juan B. Cresta Arias
Publication Date:: 02-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centro de Análisis y Difusión de la Economía Paraguaya (CADEP)
Abstract:: Este trabajo tiene por objetivo realizar una revisión de la situación de las empresas públicas y sociedades anónimas con participación estatal, sobre todo desde un punto de vista de la productividad y eficiencia,tomando datos del periodo 2008-2015. La investigación se organiza de la siguiente manera: en primer lugar se revisa la importancia de las empresas públicas y sociedades con participación estatal dentro de la economía, su relevancia en la generación de empleo y de las inversiones. Luego, en la tercera sección se presenta un análisis de indicadores económico – financieros seleccionados, basados en información de los estados contables. Debido a que la información de estados contables puede resultar incompleta o parcial para describir la eficiencia de estas empresas, en la cuarta sección se revisa la evolución de la productividad de los factores utilizando una metodología basada en la contabilidad del crecimiento económico. Finalmente, el trabajo plantea las reflexiones finales.
Topic:: Business, Economic Growth, Productivity, Public Management, and Efficiency
Political Geography:: South America and Paraguay

4980. Monitoreo Fiscal Evolución de las Cuentas Públicas 2016

Author:: Fernando Ovando
Publication Date:: 03-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Centro de Análisis y Difusión de la Economía Paraguaya (CADEP)
Abstract:: El CADEP presenta el Monitoreo Fiscal Evolución de las Cuentas Públicas que consiste en un instrumento que busca la transparencia y el acceso a la información de las cuentas públicas para dar a conocer a todos los ciudadanos, los orígenes y asignaciones de los recursos públicos. Esto equivale, en términos sencillos, a conocer cuáles son los ingredientes de la torta fiscal y como se distribuye entre todos los invitados. En esta publicación se presenta la evolución de los ingresos tributarios, teniendo en cuenta los principales tipos de impuestos. Posteriormente, se desglosan los gastos de la administración central, entre los gastos operativos y las inversiones, para entender no solamente la evolución si no el peso total de los mismos dentro de la estructura presupuestaria.
Topic:: Budget, Fiscal Policy, Transparency, Public Spending, and Monitoring
Political Geography:: South America and Paraguay

4981. Women in Violent Extremism: Lessons learned from Kosovo

Author:: Rudina Jakupi and Vesë Kelmendi
Publication Date:: 01-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS)
Abstract:: The report, among others, finds that there are a set of push and pull factors that drive women from Kosovo to join these organizations. These motives include ideological factors, socio – economical factors, personal motives and the lure by the recruiters. While most of the women who have joined violent extremists organizations are seen as victims rather than perpatrors, it is also true that there are women who see joining the conflicts in Syria and Iraq as empowering. The purpose of this research is to shed light on the women from Kosovo who participate in violent extremists organizations and potential consequences deriving from their role. While the report will be solely focused on Kosovo, it will bring international knowledge in treating this phenomenon having in mind that Kosovo marks no general exception when compared to other countries. The goal is to particularly identify who these women are, why would they participate in these conflicts, and what is their role. Share
Topic:: Violent Extremism, Women, Radicalization, and Conflict
Political Geography:: Iraq, Eastern Europe, Kosovo, and Syria

4982. Kosovo Security Barometer: Trends of Perception Towards Kosovo's Foreign Policy and Dialogue with Serbia

Author:: Donika Emini
Publication Date:: 02-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS)
Abstract:: In general, the KSB targets a wide variety of actors interested in the public opinion trends in Kosovo in the field of security and justice. It targets the following stakeholders: policymakers in Kosovo as well as the western Balkans; the international organizations in Kosovo and their headquarters; local and international civil society organizations; academia and the media.
Topic:: Security, Foreign Policy, Public Opinion, and Justice
Political Geography:: Eastern Europe, Kosovo, and Serbia

4983. Reintegration of returning foreign fighters: What approach best suits Kosovo?

Author:: Arife Muji
Publication Date:: 05-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS)
Abstract:: Since Kosovo has no experience with dealing with returned foreign fighters, especially with programs aimed at the rehabilitation and reintegration of radicalized persons, this document fits into several models and experiences that have been adopted by some states. This report analysis models of the three study cases from: Germany, Danmark and Saudi Arabia. By analizing such models, KCSS offers and alternative programme separated in three phases: Rehabilitation, reintegration and post-prison phase.
Topic:: Violent Extremism, Foreign Fighters, Repatriation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration
Political Geography:: Eastern Europe, Kosovo, Germany, Denmark, and Saudi Arabia

4984. Kosovo Security Barometer: Citizens' perceptions on violent extremism

Author:: Mentor Vrajolli
Publication Date:: 07-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS)
Abstract:: The report measured citizens’ trust towards security institutions, underlining the importance of understanding the national experts to prevent and combat violent extremism. However, the results showed that only Kosovo Police gains sufficient trust while citizens’ trust towards the judicial bodies and the Government in general continues to bear extremely low trust. Finally, the report also underlined that when it comes to violent extremism, there is a low frequency of communication between citizens and respective municipal institutions. Likewise, it highlighted the potentially important role of media when it comes to developing the citizens’ mind-set regarding the violent extremism.
Topic:: Security, Public Opinion, Violent Extremism, Institutions, and Survey
Political Geography:: Eastern Europe and Kosovo

4985. Kosovo Risk assessment report since independence - February 2008 - June 2017

Author:: Shpend Kursani
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS)
Abstract:: Between 2012 and 2017, around 315 Kosovo citizens are reported to have travelled to conflict zones in Syria and Iraq. Of these, more than a third have already returned to Kosovo. Another third is believed to still be in the conflict areas, including dozens of non-combatants, among which there are many women and children, while around 60 individuals are believed to have already lost their lives. The number of more than 110 returnees and a similar number of potential returnees raise concerns about the possible risks that they carry for individual and collective security and freedoms in Kosovo, and beyond. According to the 2016 Kosovo Security Barometer (KSB), 75 percent of Kosovo’s citizens perceive the foreign fighter returnees as a threat, while more than 50 percent would not receive a returnee back into their communities.
Topic:: Security, Conflict, Foreign Fighters, and Threat Perception
Political Geography:: Eastern Europe and Kosovo

4986. New battlegrounds: Extremist groups' activity on social networks in Kosovo, Albania and FYROM

Author:: Vesë Kelmendi and Shpat Balaj
Publication Date:: 11-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS)
Abstract:: Online platforms are used extensively as a propaganda tool to convince young people to support the various groups fighting in Iraq and Syria. Many individuals outside of the conflict partake in propaganda efforts on social media, using their profiles to provide electronic support to ISIS and other extremist groups. An analysis of various profiles indicates that those engaged in the Syria conflict use their profile to disseminate information about the conflict, which can be used for propaganda. The typical feature observed across these profiles is the virtual association between them. Websites and profiles that share the online propaganda of extremist groups have been identified in Kosovo, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Albania. The distribution of this propaganda in the Albanian language by ISIS and other organizations has increased support for the so-called “Islamic State”.
Topic:: Violent Extremism, Radicalization, Islamic State, Conflict, and Social Networks
Political Geography:: Eastern Europe, Kosovo, and Albania

4987. Canaries in the Coal Mines: An analysis of spaces for LGBTI activism in Malawi

Author:: Philip Browne
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Other Foundation
Abstract:: The question of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) rights continues to be a point of struggle and strife, extending from the depths of Malawi’s political history. Since its independence in 1964, the twenty eight- year dictatorship of Kamuzu Banda enforced a strict national Christian morality which has been sustained to the present day. The experiences and challenges facing LGBTI people in Malawi are shaped by laws, policies and practices that are informed by prevailing social, religious and cultural norms, that in turn shape public discourse around sexual minorities as contrary to Malawi’s culture and morality. The public debate on homosexuality has been complex, unpredictable and contested, and provides a snapshot of the difficulties LGBTI people face. Anti-homosexuality discourse has largely been driven by religious and cultural chauvinism.
Topic:: Human Rights, LGBT+, Exclusion, and Activism
Political Geography:: Africa and Malawi

4988. Canaries in the Coal Mines: An analysis of spaces for LGBTI activism in Namibia

Author:: Finn Reagan
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Other Foundation
Abstract:: Namibia has experienced visible and tangible change on LGBTI human rights issues in recent years with a marked move away from the homophobia expressed by then head of state, Sam Nujoma, following independence. LGBTI people continue to experience severe levels of marginalization and social exclusion but are also clearly poised to make significant advances in the coming few years if a coherent national strategy can be consolidated by existing LGBTI organizations and their allies. Some sectors (such as health) have made significantly more gains than others (such as religion and education), and there has been a sea change of evolving public attitudes towards non-normative sexualities and genders. This broad shifting in social attitudes is due to several factors, including the efforts of LGBTI organizations. Since the early successes of the Rainbow Project, there is support for strategizing for progressive social change for LGBTI people within broader civil society. Allies in key state posts could be successfully engaged with for substantial change.
Topic:: Human Rights, LGBT+, Exclusion, and Activism
Political Geography:: Africa and Namibia

4989. Canaries in the Coal Mines: An analysis of spaces for LGBTI activism in Swaziland

Author:: Wendy Kessman
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Other Foundation
Abstract:: The recognition of the human rights of LGBTI people in Swaziland is still in its infancy. The LGBTI movement, born from a need to address social isolation and violence against LGBTI people, is currently in the midst of a reflective process of learning from past mistakes, and healing from losses, old and new.
Topic:: Human Rights, LGBT+, Exclusion, and Activism
Political Geography:: Africa and Swaziland

4990. Canaries in the Coal Mines: An analysis of spaces for LGBTI activism in southern Africa

Author:: Mark Gevisser
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Other Foundation
Abstract:: Like coal miners used caged canary birds, whose death was a warning sign of toxic gases in the mine tunnels, homosexual women and men, and transgender and intersex people in southern Africa are at the coalface of the multiple dangers in many of our societies today. How our societies treat lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people is symptomatic of the dangers facing all people who are excluded in some way or another in our societies, by those who have a grip on social, economic, and political power. To assess the depth and nature of social exclusion of LGBTI people across southern Africa and better understand how LGBTI groups are organizing to transform that reality, the Other Foundation commissioned studies of ten countries in southern Africa: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe participated in the development of the studies.
Topic:: Human Rights, LGBT+, Exclusion, and Activism
Political Geography:: Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Swaziland, Namibia, Mauritius, Botswana, Lesotho, and Southern Africa

4991. Canaries in the Coal Mines: An analysis of spaces for LGBTI activism in Zimbabwe

Author:: Tabona Shoko and Lilly Phiri
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Other Foundation
Abstract:: Zimbabwe’s history, colonial and postcolonial, has been violent and fraught with human rights infractions, including economic crises that have left the country and its people stripped of resources. In this fraught context, the violation of the human rights of sexual minorities who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex (LGBTI) is unsurprising.
Topic:: Human Rights, LGBT+, Exclusion, and Activism
Political Geography:: Africa and Zimbabwe

4992. Canaries in the Coal Mines: An analysis of spaces for LGBTI activism in Lesotho

Author:: Glenda Muzenda and Wendy Kessman
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Other Foundation
Abstract:: The quest to realizing LGBTI human rights in Lesotho has been marked by a mix of unique local successes, and challenges that are common to other countries in the region, painting a somewhat fragmented picture. Through engaging with rural communities, using media to spark conversations and change mindsets, to public health entry points linked to HIV/AIDS ‘key population’ funding, and supportive religious groups, the agenda for the full realization of LGBTI human rights has increased in profile across spaces in Lesotho.
Topic:: Human Rights, Media, LGBT+, Public Health, Exclusion, and Activism
Political Geography:: Africa and Lesotho

4993. Canaries in the Coal Mines: An analysis of spaces for LGBTI activism in Botswana

Author:: Glenda Muzenda
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Other Foundation
Abstract:: Botswana is no exception to dominant narratives against LGBTI human rights in Africa. The 2016 Afrobarometer report on Tolerance in Africa confirmed these views.1 Of citizens surveyed, only 43% said they would like, or would not mind, having a homosexual neighbour. Notwithstanding data showing current attitudes to LGBTI human rights as largely negative, the percentage of those not opposed to having homosexuals as neighbours, also points to a relatively high degree of acceptance by citizens in a country where same-sex sexual conduct is criminalized based on colonial-era British laws. The original law applied only to male persons, but in 1998 the government extended the ambit of the law to include women.
Topic:: Human Rights, LGBT+, Exclusion, and Activism
Political Geography:: Africa and Botswana

4994. Canaries in the Coal Mines: An analysis of spaces for LGBTI activism in Zambia

Author:: Lilly Phiri
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Other Foundation
Abstract:: This review provides an insight on the extent to which the human rights of lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people are respected and upheld in Zambia. It considers the socio-cultural and political realities in which LGBTI people find themselves, and the ways in which LGBTI groups and individuals manage to function in a homophobic context.
Topic:: Human Rights, LGBT+, Exclusion, and Activism
Political Geography:: Africa and Zambia

4995. Canaries in the Coal Mines: An analysis of spaces for LGBTI activism in Angola

Author:: Tahila Pimental
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Other Foundation
Abstract:: This overview of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) groups and allies in Angola looks at how LGBTI and civil society organizations (CSOs) work to advance the human rights of LGBTI people. It also provides an insight into the country context, including the legal environment, socio-cultural realities, the extent to which LGBTI people are in/excluded from society; and how this affects the human rights of LGBTI people.
Topic:: Human Rights, LGBT+, Exclusion, Civil Society Organizations, and Activism
Political Geography:: Africa and Angola

4996. Canaries in the Coal Mines: An analysis of spaces for LGBTI activism in Mauritius

Author:: Philip Browne
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Other Foundation
Abstract:: This report tracks the evolving experiences of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) human rights movement in Mauritius. It highlights factors that have led to disparate sexual minority groups transcending legislative barriers and sociocultural intolerance. It also engages with intersectional approaches to strengthening and expanding the struggle for LGBTI human rights and social recognition in Mauritius.
Topic:: Human Rights, LGBT+, Exclusion, and Activism
Political Geography:: Africa and Mauritius

4997. Canaries in the Coal Mines: An analysis of spaces for LGBTI activism in Mozambique

Author:: Tahila Pimental
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Other Foundation
Abstract:: This overview of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) groups and allies in Mozambique, explores LGBTI and civil society organizations that work to advance the human rights of LGBTI people, their strategies and implementation. It also considers Mozambique’s legal environment, considering key laws that directly and indirectly discriminate or violate the human rights of LGBTI persons, along with laws and policies that protect LGBTI people.
Topic:: Human Rights, LGBT+, Exclusion, and Activism
Political Geography:: Africa and Mozambique

4998. When Faith Does Violence: Re-imagining engagement between churches and LGBTI groups on homophobia in Africa

Author:: Gerald O. West, Kapya Kaoma, and Charlene van der Walt
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Other Foundation
Abstract:: This article offers reflection on work that has been done over the past decade or so in African contexts, across a number of continent-wide networks. Each of these networks has sought to construct safe and sacred places for dialogue with diversity, between African LGBTIQ Christians, African theological educators, and African church leadership. The emphasis of the article is on theological process rather than theological content. How we do theology resides at the centre of our current contestations around sexuality. Our starting point in terms of re-imagining engagement between churches and LGBTIQ groups on homophobia in Africa is the actual real presence of LGBTIQ people. Without these people there can be no re-imagining, there can only be violence. Diversity requires real diverse bodies.
Topic:: Religion, Christianity, LGBT+, Advocacy, Homophobia, and Activism
Political Geography:: Africa

4999. The Pink Rand: A Base for Corporate Engagement

Author:: Xhanti Payi
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Other Foundation
Abstract:: The pink Rand is a term which has gained momentum among marketers since the nineties. However, the concept has since grown to not just represent the spending power of the LGBTI community, but their influence across social circles and constructs as both a social grouping and economic segment.
Topic:: Economy, LGBT+, Diversity, Corporations, and Consumer Behavior
Political Geography:: Africa and South Africa

5000. Silent No Longer! Narratives of engagement between LGBTI groups and the churches in southern Africa

Author:: Masiiwa Ragies Gunda
Publication Date:: 12-2017
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: The Other Foundation
Abstract:: Southern Africa, like the rest of the African continent, is grappling with the increasingly visible reality of homosexual and bisexual women and men, as well as transgender and intersex people. Increasing numbers of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) organizations and openly LGBTI individuals populate both the public sphere and many people’s private lives. The struggle for equality and social inclusion of LGBTI citizens is intensifying in the region. Since the population remains deeply religious, religion plays a vital role in this struggle
Topic:: Human Rights, Religion, Discrimination, Christianity, LGBT+, Equality, and Inclusion
Political Geography:: Africa and Southern Africa

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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PRESS