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50461. The Future of the CFE Treaty

Author:
Jeffrey D. McCausland
Publication Date:
07-2009
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
EastWest Institute
Abstract:
The future of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, widely considered to be the cornerstone of European security, was thrown into stark question when the Russian Federation announced in December 2007 that it would suspend its participation in the treaty. The 1990 treaty, considered the most ambitious and far ranging conventional arms control treaty in history, established limits on the numbers of conventional military hardware deployed in Europe, required substantial reductions in conventional arsenals, and created an intrusive regime of inspections and verification. In many ways, the treaty changed the face of European security by establishing new, cooperative political-military relationships.
Topic:
Peace Studies, Treaties and Agreements, and Weapons of Mass Destruction
Political Geography:
Russia and Europe

50462. Euro-Atlantic Security: One Vision, Three Paths

Author:
Piin-Fen Kok
Publication Date:
06-2009
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
EastWest Institute
Abstract:
The Euro-Atlantic security scene is characterized by a loss of mutual confidence, renewed tensions, and serious disagreements regarding not only practices but principles. Those trends, if not corrected, will produce negative strategic consequences for the security of Europe. New opportunities have emerged today for rethinking the security situation in the Euro-Atlantic region, for strengthening confidence, changing mutual relations, and, if need be, institutions. A basis for this can be found in the hopes for improved U.S.- Russian relations expressed by U.S. President Barack Obama, in the initiative by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on reforming the European security architecture, as well as in the process of elaboration of the new NATO strategic concept.
Topic:
International Relations, NATO, and International Security
Political Geography:
Russia, United States, and Europe

50463. Countering Violent Extremism: The Fate of the Tamil Tigers

Author:
S. Azmat Hassan
Publication Date:
05-2009
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
EastWest Institute
Abstract:
Extremism in every form is a major concern for the global community. Though the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (also known as LTTE, or more commonly, as the Tamil Tigers) do not share the same religious motivations as the violent extremist groups that tend to garner the most interest today, they merit much greater attention from the international community. Their longevity, success, and tactics – their revival of suicide bombing in particular – render them a formidable foe. The protracted conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE offers several important lessons regarding effective strategies for combating violent extremism. These lessons hold – and indeed are all the more relevant – in the face of the recent military gains of government forces over the LTTE.
Topic:
Political Violence, Ethnic Conflict, Terrorism, and Armed Struggle
Political Geography:
South Asia

50464. The Pivotal Relationship: How Obama Should Engage China

Author:
Liu Xuecheng and Robert Oxnam
Publication Date:
02-2009
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
EastWest Institute
Abstract:
Young and charismatic Barack Obama won a historic victory in the U.S. presidential election. This victory has sparked an international frenzy filled with hope and expectations. Obama, who ran on a platform of “change,” has vowed to rebuild U.S. national power, reshape its international image, and renew its global leadership. However, he will face daunting internal and external challenges—fighting the disastrous financial crisis and economic recession, bringing the war on terror to an end, and coping with emerging powers, including China. What relevance does his victory have for U.S. policy toward China? Will Obama's China policy be one of change or continuity? What would we expect from the Obama administration in cultivating the future course for a China-U.S. constructive and cooperative partnership? These questions are the real concerns of the Chinese people as political power changes hands in the United States.
Topic:
Bilateral Relations
Political Geography:
United States and China

50465. Enhancing Enforcement on Poaching of Turtles by Foreign Fishing Vessels: The Way Forward for Malaysia

Author:
Cheryl Rita Kaur
Publication Date:
12-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
Turtles are vital for the health of the marine and coastal ecosystems. Where green turtles graze on seagrass and algae, the sea bottom habitat is healthier and more productive, hence commercially important species such as shrimps, lobster, and fish thrive. This translates to better sea harvest, boosting the income of the fishing industry. Besides that, by depositing their eggs on the shore, turtles transport vital nutrients from the ocean to nutrient-poor coastal and inshore areas.
Topic:
Environment, International Trade and Finance, Maritime Commerce, and Natural Resources
Political Geography:
Malaysia and Southeast Asia

50466. Ship Recycling Convention 2009

Author:
Capt. Rakish Suppiah
Publication Date:
11-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
The new convention on recycling of ships will provide regulations for the design , construction, operation and preparation of ships so as to facilitate safe and environmentally sound recycling , without comprising the safety and operational efficiency of ships.
Topic:
Industrial Policy, International Trade and Finance, and Maritime Commerce
Political Geography:
Southeast Asia

50467. Hunt, Board and Pay: The future of the Marine War Risk Policy to cover the acts of piracy

Author:
Capt. Rakish Suppiah
Publication Date:
11-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
A contract of insurance must impose an obligation upon the insurer to indemnify the assured in the event of a loss from an insured risk provided that other contractual provisions have been fulfilled. In other words, there must be a legally enforceable agreement in order to properly refer to it as a 'contract'. Accepting that the contract between a member and his club is a contract of insurance, a further issue to consider is whether the contract of insurance amounts to a contract of marine insurance.
Topic:
International Trade and Finance, War, Maritime Commerce, and Law
Political Geography:
Southeast Asia

50468. National Single Window: Towards More Efficient Trade And Greater Trade Volumes

Author:
Nazery Khalid
Publication Date:
10-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
The implementation of National Single Window (NSW) as an electronic trade platform augurs well with Malaysia\'s intention to provide the infrastructures and processes to facilitate more efficient trade and generate bigger trade volumes. This commentary argues in favour of conducting trade in an online environment using this platform to enhance the efficiency of the trade supply chain and to increase Malaysia\'s trade competitiveness. It also provides several recommendations to ensure smooth and successful implementation of the NSW.
Topic:
International Trade and Finance, Maritime Commerce, and Infrastructure
Political Geography:
Malaysia and Southeast Asia

50469. A Bridge Too Far? An Analysis Of The Proposed Bridge Across The Straits Of Malacca From A Maritime Perspective

Author:
Nazery Khalid, Ibrahim Hj Mohamed, and Rakish Suppiah
Publication Date:
10-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
The proposal to build a bridge across the Straits o f Malacca will have significant impacts on the shipping, environment and trade dynamics in the sea lane. This commentary discusses the potential repercussions of this megaproject from th e maritime perspective.
Topic:
Development, Environment, International Trade and Finance, Maritime Commerce, and Infrastructure
Political Geography:
Southeast Asia

50470. Ship Financing: Surviving The Stress Test

Author:
Nazery Khalid
Publication Date:
09-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
The Wall Street meltdown has had a massive domino effect on major industries worldwide. The ensuing financial crisis cuts deep and wide across the global economy. It has clipped the wings of growth of many business activities and industry.
Topic:
Economics, International Trade and Finance, Maritime Commerce, and Financial Crisis
Political Geography:
Malaysia