CSIS: Publication Feed

Policy Brief Number 5: Kazakhstan and the OSCE Human Dimension

bbocka — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

This policy brief focuses on the challenges to the OSCE Human Dimension and the challenges to Kazakhstan as Chairman-in-Office of the organization in 2010.

CSIS Trilateral Track 2 Nuclear Dialogues Consensus Statement

cjones — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Providing leadership in this difficult political context will require the United States, the United Kingdom and France to achieve unprecedented levels of cooperation and collaboration.

Iraq: Security Trends

amausner — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Iraq has made significant progress in defeating the insurgency and improving its security. The level of violence in Iraq is sharply lower than the levels that peaked in 2007.

Energy and Geopolitics in China

jdunton — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The world was surprised when China emerged in 2004 as a major importer and consumer of oil. Today, that surprise has been replaced by growing concern that the China of tomorrow may be in a position to challenge the United States not only for economic leadership but for political leadership as well.

Issues in International Political Economy - November 2009 - Number 119 - The Cost of Questionable Policies

adyne — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Until Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election, it was taken for granted that no African-American could become president of the United States. Any great talent in that population group, about 13.5 percent of Americans, was discarded for the top position in the country. The situation has changed, and the United States is surely better for it.

President Obama's Trip to Korea

sherry — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Q1: What are the key defense issues?

Middle East Notes and Comment: House of the Rising Son

mDziuban — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

It is a strange kind of republic in which presidents serve for life. It is an even stranger one in which rulers inherit power from their fathers. Yet, that is the direction in which the Arab Republic of Egypt is going.

The MAGAI™ Construct and the Northern Distribution Network

jdunton — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The United States is pouring massive resources and risking precious lives of its soldiers in its efforts to stabilize Afghanistan, a part of the world most Americans could not identify on a map before 9/11. President Barack Obama has already increased the U.S. force presence considerably and is deliberating further increases in what may be the most portentous decision of his presidency.

PacNet #74 - Not Too Fast with China

dfernandez — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

BEIJING – With President Barack Obama making his first trip to China, it is vital that the two countries have a clear understanding of what they expect from each other. Failure to reconcile expectations could derail a partnership that is increasingly critical to the management of pressing global issues.

The Afghan Narcotics Industry

ian — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Afghanistan has greatly increased its production of opium since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. In 2001 the national production of opium was negligible; however following 2001 it grew exponentially until it reached its peak in 2007, producing quantities of opium that far exceeded the production levels of the past three decades.

The Afghan Narcotics Industry: Extended Summary

ian — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Global Health Interventions for U.S. Food and Drug Safety

jdunton — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

In 2007, a series of high-profile scandals involving contaminated blood thinner, toxic toothpaste, and melamine-laced pet food demonstrated the threat that unsafe food and drug imports pose to U.S. public health and international trade. Contaminated and adulterated products have sickened and killed U.S. consumers, fueled protectionism, raised business costs, and destabilized markets.

The European Approach to Global Health

jdunton — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The advent of the Obama administration offers an important opportunity to launch a serious dialogue on strengthening transatlantic collaboration on global health issues. This dialogue will require high-level commitment and engagement from both Europe and the United States. And it will naturally emanate from each side’s internal processes and strategic approach to global health.

PacNet #73A - Consensus Based on Mutual Respect and Equality: the Cornerstone of “Strategic Reassurance”

dfernandez — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Recently, Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, in an address at the Center for a New American Security, called on China to provide “strategic reassurance” that its intentions were peaceful. Many Chinese argue this term is an important test balloon to establish a new principle for the Obama administration’s approach to Sino-U.S. relations.

Iran's Nuclear Negotiations and the West

pfrank — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

During the past seven years of negotiations between the Western powers and Iran, Iran has persistently claimed that its uranium enrichment and heavy water reactor facilities are aimed at producing nuclear fuel for power generation. The Western powers, however, suspect that the program is intended to develop nuclear weapons.

PacNet #73 - China Trip: State of Play and Expectations

dfernandez — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

As President Obama’s Asia trip begins, it is useful to look at how the table is set for the most complex relationship an American president must manage:

Water and Agriculture: Implications for Development and Growth

jdunton — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

At a time of mounting population pressures, environmental declines, and growing demand for water, the Paul H.

Wider Europe, Fall 2009

bbocka — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The first issue of the Wider Europe publication from the Lavrentis Lavrentiadis Chair in Southeast European Studies features articles by:

Janusz Bugajski

The United States and Korea Leading beyond the Storm

pfrank — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

For the United States and Korea, the global economic crisis was not just a sea change, but a tsunami. Nations riveted just weeks earlier by issues like terrorism and proliferation were consumed by talk of economic collapse and unprecedented fiscal and monetary actions seeking to avoid a second Great Depression.

Transnational Threats Update October 2009 - Vol. 7, No. 8

bfriedman — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The Transnational Threats Update is produced by the Transnational Threats Project and provides monthly reports and analysis on terrorism, drug trafficking, organized crime, money laundering, and arms trafficking. The newsletter draws on several U.S.

APEC Nations Heads of State Pronouncer Sheet

ian — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

ASEAN Secretariat: Dr. Surin Pitsuwan (SIR-in PIT-soo-ahn)

Australia: Kevin Rudd

Brunei: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddualah (Sul-tan BOWL-kee-ah) or simply (Sultan of BREW-nigh)

Canada: Stephen Harper

Chile: Michelle Bachelet (Mee-shell Bah-shell-let (hard L))

Commentary on the Augustine Committee Report on the Future of Human Space Exploration

pfrank — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

After many months of speculation, numerous meetings, articles, and suggestions, the Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee (aka the Augustine Committee) has released its reports providing options to the administration for consideration in plotting the course of human exploration through the rest of the decade and beyond.

Terrorism and WMD: The Link with the War in Afghanistan

pfrank — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

In the aftermath of the devastating 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States, terrorist groups and networks are now exploring new means to cause greater destruction and disruption for the purpose of capturing world attention and news coverage.

U.S.-ASEAN Summit: President Obama Engages Southeast Asia

sherry — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

On November 15, 2009, President Obama will meet the 10 leads of the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the first ever U.S.-ASEAN Summit. ASEAN includes Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Together, these countries include two U.S.

First Election in Independent Kosovo

pfrank — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Q1: Kosovo is on the eve of its first elections as a sovereign state. What does this mean for the new country?

APEC Singapore: Obama's Debut in Asia

sherry — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

President Obama will make his inaugural visit to Asia later this month. The focal point of his trip is the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting in Singapore on November 13–15, 2009. He will also visit Japan, China, and Korea in the course of his nine-day trip.

President Obama’s Trip to Asia

pfrank — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

President Obama makes his first trip to Asia to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Singapore this month. The president will begin his trip in Tokyo on November 12 and 13 and then travel to Singapore for the APEC meeting that runs from the 13th to 15th. From Singapore he will travel to China from the 15th to the 18th and finally visit Seoul on the 18th and 19th.

Significant Cyber Events Since 2006

sherry — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

A list of significant cyber events since 2006.

President Obama's Trip to APEC and Asia: The Impact on America's Trade and Economic Leadership

sherry — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Q1: What is the importance of APEC in the global economy?

Issues & Insights Vol. 09 - No. 20

dfernandez — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Though the national and strategic interests of the two nations can be very different, participants at the latest U.S.-China Strategic Dialogue pursued the same goal, with the same motivations.

Hemisphere Highlights, Volume IX, Issue 9 - November 2009

HCarrington — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

A backlog of immigrants seeking refugee status in Canada forced the Canadian government to announce new immigration reform. President Calderón dissolved the state-run electric company Luz y Fuerza, sparking political controversy in Mexico.

PacNet #72 - Is China Ready to Challenge the Dollar?

dfernandez — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

In the wake of the global financial crisis much has been written about the extent to which the United States can continue to play its role as the world’s predominant economic power and whether the emerging BRIC economies, particularly China, are poised to challenge the current financial and economic architecture. In recent months, speculation has focused on the future of the U.S.

DIIG Current Issues No. 17: Contracting for Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan

gsanders — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. government has spent $153B in 2008 dollars on contracts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and their neighborhoods since fiscal year (FY) 2001, according to the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). In June 2009, 194,000 contractors were working for the U.S. government in Iraq and Afghanistan, compared to 190,000 U.S. troops. At least 1,200 contractors have been killed in the two wars.

What’s at Stake in the KORUS FTA

RMatzkin-Bridger — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

President Obama is headed to Asia in a week. It is imperative that he begin to lay the groundwork for passage of the KORUS FTA. The agreement signed by the Bush administration in June 2007, still awaits passage of implementing legislation by the Congress. The administration has not supported the agreement because of concerns over trade issues regarding beef and automobiles.&nb

PacNet #71A - Risky Business: U.S. Pressure Over Okinawa Base Could Poison the Alliance

dfernandez — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

When the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), led by Hatoyama Yukio, scored a landslide victory over the long-ruling Liberal Democrat Party (LDP), many U.S. observers saw potential for a very productive synergy with the Obama administration.

Afghan National Security Forces: Shaping Host Country Forces as Part of Armed Nation Building

sherry — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

How to Use Host Country Forces to Win a War – And Lose One

PacNet #71 - Question for Tokyo: Remember ANZUS?

dfernandez — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The headlines associated with Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ recent visit to Japan notwithstanding, relations between Washington and Tokyo are not as strained as they may appear . . . at least not yet. But there is no question that improper handling of a number of sensitive issues before, or worse yet during President Obama’s scheduled Nov.

Mrs. Merkel Comes to Washington (Again): The State of U.S.-German Relations

sherry — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Q1: Why is German chancellor Angela Merkel in Washington today?

Issues & Insights Vol. 09 - No. 19

dfernandez — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S.-Japan security alliance is an integral part of U.S. engagement with Asia, especially in the face of new and diffuse threats, and both Japan and the U.S. state the alliance is central to their national security. However, doubts continue to plague the alliance with each side questioning the other’s commitment.

DIIG Current Issues No. 16: Wrestling with Complexity in Defense Programs

jhofbauer — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

In recent years, defense programs are more ambitious than any previously attempted. They promise unprecedented capability through integrating groundbreaking technologies into network-centric systems-of-systems, such as the Army’s Future Combat System (FCS) and the Coast Guard’s Integrated Deepwater System (IDS).

President Obama’s Trip to Asia

pfrank — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Election Season Ends: The Politics and Drama Surrounding Afghanistan's Runoff Poll

sherry — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Q1: Why did lead contender Abdullah Abdullah quit the runoff?

The Afghan Decision

ian — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

If Abdullah’s decision to withdraw from a second round of voting holds, President Obama must then make a decision that will define his presidency. President Obama will have to take personal responsibility for the outcome of the war in Afghanistan, betting his historical reputation and second term on the outcome.

South Asia Monitor: Pakistan: Avoiding Economic Disaster - November 1, 2009

udukkipati — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Pakistan is at an economic crossroads. The global financial crisis and the terrorist insurgency, coupled with long-term underfunding of the social sectors, reduced Pakistan's economic growth to 2 percent in 2008-2009. Rising food prices and electricity shortages have made economic problems a major focus for popular discontent. U.S.

Freeman Report October 2009 - vol. 7, no. 10

xlu — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Japan-U.S.-China strategic triangle is carefully watched across East Asia as the touchstone for regional peace and stability. A U.S.-Japan alliance that overtly seeks to contain China risks a dangerous scramble for Cold War style alignments across the region. A U.S.-China relationship that is too close risks marginalizing Japan and the other middle and small powers with her.

Afghan National Security Forces

amausner — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Afghan National Security forces: Forging the Right Key to Victory

Resolution of Political Impasse in Honduras

ian — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Q1: Is the political impasse in Honduras resolved?

H1N1: Slipping on a Slippery Disease

pfrank — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The unusual clinical characteristics of the H1N1 virus and the uncertainties about H1N1 vaccine production have brought home powerfully the unpredictability—the “slippery” nature—of influenza virus and the vaccines designed to reduce its disease burden.

PacNet #70A - Can ASEAN Learn about Human Rights from Africa?

dfernandez — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Even before its birth this past weekend at the 15th ASEAN Summit in Cha-am, Thailand, many commentators expressed disappointment with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR). Human rights activists allege that ASEAN stripped the commission of any “teeth” in order to appease perennial human rights violators, such as Burma.

Iraq: Creating a Strategic Partnership

amausner — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The recent bombings in Iraq have shown that the Iraq War is scarcely over. The insurgency is still capable of major bombings and efforts to renew ethnic and sectarian conflict. Iraq faces other internal challenges like tensions between Arabs and Kurds, and is years away from achieving lasting security and stability.