Pakistan’s Nuclear Weapons: how safe are they?
ISN, November 18, 2009
This brief discusses the safety and security of Pakistani nuclear facilities in the face of terrorism. It discusses US involvement in protecting the facilities and the steps Pakistan has taken to prevent their misuse or misappropriation.
On the Knife’s Edge: Yemen’s instability and the threat to American interests
ISN, November 20, 2009
This policy brief outlines the severity of Yemen's internal security challenges and offers several policy recommendations to improve regional stability and reduce the threat to US national interests. The authors argue that the deteriorating situation in Yemen, resulting from separatist and insurgent movements as well as a growing presence of al-Qaida demands immediate US attention. Otherwise, the authors argue, the likelihood of Yemen becoming a failed state will increase. The authors call for US commitment to a comprehensive engagement plan including diplomatic pressure, regional dialogue and economic incentives.
India: Defense in Mind
Lemonde Diplomatique, November 23, 2009
These two graphics display India’s defense mechanisms as they pertain to major sea routes, military bases, strategic chokepoints, and foreign force projection. The graphic also displays the Indian Diaspora, nuclear disposition, and areas of cultural/ethnic violence.
Iran’s Naval Forces: From Guerilla Warfare to a Modern Naval Strategy
Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), Fall 2009
A new report from the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence describes Iran’s naval order of battle, as well as the Iranian Navy’s history, strategic options, and favored tactics. The unclassified U.S. intelligence assessment was published on the Office of Naval Intelligence website, but last week it was abruptly withdrawn, along with another ONI report on China’s navy.
Energy and Geopolitics in China
CSIS Energy and National Security Program, November 23, 2009
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 Today, that surprise has been replaced by growing concern that the China of tomorrow may be in a position to challenge the United States not only for economic leadership but for political leadership as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. This report explores, among other issues, the limits to growth that currently confront China. The author analyzes how the country seeks to reduce its vulnerability deriving from its ever-increasing reliance on imports of oil, including the issue of diversity among sources of supply and how that supply moves to China. Threats to supply lines are examined and means to offset those threats are spelled out. In addition, the report considers China’s demographic dilemma—a population and declining birthrates—a challenge that may very well define China’s future.
Russia-Georgia Relations
ISN, November 23, 2009
This paper looks at the state of Georgian-Russian relations one year after the end of both countries' conflict. It reviews the findings of the EU war report, discusses Georgia's policy toward Russia and the disputed regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and examines the Georgians' attitudes to Russia. Subsequently, it presents the findings of related opinion polls.
Counter Ideology: Role of Media Relations
ISN, November 18, 2009
This commentary examines the importance of effective media relations for counter ideology groups and counter ideology work in Muslim communities. In it a group of journalists share their views on how self-help groups should relate to the media to forge greater cooperation in inoculating the public from extremist propaganda
Infostate of Africa 2009
Appfrica Labs, November 13, 2009
People often only see Africa from one perspective, here’s another. This infographic details some of the happenings over the past few years in regards to infrastructure improvement and capacity building in Africa, particularly in the area of the internet and cost. The sources are various reports from the International Monetary Fund, InternetWorldStats, the Millennium Development Goals, research papers, various websites, executive market research and more; compiling some fascinating facts about the continent’s ‘infostate’ (trends in information technology and communication).
The People’s Liberation Army Navy: a modern navy with Chinese characteristics
Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), November 2009
“China’s modernization efforts have principally focused on preparing for a Taiwan conflict, with a large portion directed at developing capabilities to deter, delay, and if necessary degrade potential U.S. military intervention,” the ONI report said. China has “developed the world’s only anti-ship ballistic missile,” which ONI said was “specifically designed to defeat U.S. carrier strike groups” in the event of military conflict over Taiwan.
Supplemental Reading:
The Congressional Research Service provided additional information in “China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities — Background and Issues for Congress” (pdf), updated October 21, 2009
Map of Multilateral Peace Operations Deployments
ISN, November 2009
This link offered by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) provides a map and estimates of the size and start date of multilateral peace operation deployments worldwide.
Exploring the Reach and Limitations of Iranian Power in the Middle East
RAND, November 2009
Following the U.S. invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, the Iranian threat to U.S. interests has taken on seemingly unprecedented qualities of aggressiveness and urgency. Added to its provocative positions on the nuclear program, support for non-state militants, and development of threatening military capabilities is the sense that Iran is trying to effect far-reaching changes on the regional and even global stage. Within this context, this report aims to provide policy planners with a new framework for anticipating and preparing for the strategic challenges Iran will present over the next ten to fifteen years. In an analysis grounded in the observation that although Iranian power projection is marked by strengths, it also has serious liabilities and limitations, this report assesses four critical areas — the
- Iranian regime's perception of itself as a regional and even global power,
- Iran's conventional military buildup and aspirations for asymmetric warfare,
- Its support to Islamist militant groups,
- and its appeal to Arab public opinion.
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