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October 6, 2008 | US, EU, Russia: Not a Zero-Sum Game

Francisco J. Ruiz: It is time to examine relations between Russia, the US, and the EU. With emerging global threats, there are areas in which these three can cooperate in defense and security. All three actors must change their policies enabling more collaboration on these issues.

November 18, 2008 | "The Remaking of NATO"

One of Obama’s most trying tasks as president will be to redefine NATO, which lacks “a clear mission” and has “outlived its original purpose.” ++ The thorny issue of Ukrainian and Georgian accession will need to be negotiated with other NATO members. ++ NATO’s mission in Afghanistan is an “out-of-area conflict,” allowing members to decide what role,

October 21, 2008 | Climate Change Threatens Security

Climate change “is not a traditional problem of national security, but one related to our collective security in a fragile and increasingly interdependent world.” ++ The European Commission recently released a report saying that climate change is indeed an international security issue. ++ The growing scarcity of water will increase migration, and the struggle for resources will breed conflict. ++

August 25, 2008 | Create a United Nonaligned Caucasus

The conflict in South Ossetia is one of many explosive ethnic disputes in the region. ++ These are especially dangerous because of the absence of a superior security pact. ++ Therefore, the best way to enhance the security situation would be if the European Union, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the US agreed on a pact which would create a nonaligned and neutral Caucasus. ++ This would

April 10, 2008 | Global Food Crisis - Security and Environmental Issues

Hunger Riots like in Egypt have potential to destabilize weak governments. Prices of all staple food have risen 80% in three years, and 33 countries are facing unrest because of the price rises. ++ The US, Europe, Japan and other rich countries will need to provide funds. ++ To prevent worsening of climate change agriculture industry needs to double its food production, using less water than

March 17, 2008 | NATO Needs a New Strategic Concept

To remain a relevant alliance, NATO needs to adapt to both changes in the international order and evolving threats. ++ NATO requires a comprehensive approach, enhanced coordination with other civilian actors, and cooperation with the UN and the EU. ++ Jaap de Hoop Scheffer speaking at the German Marshall Fund Brussels Forum expects NATO to provide real results by accurately scanning the strategic

March 17, 2008 | US Decline is Bad for Japan

War in Iraq might decrease US ability to preserve peace in East Asia - a serious concern for Japan. ++ Japan relies on the Middle East for 90 percent of its oil - stability in the region is vital. ++ North Korea will never dismantle nuclear weapons without US influence. ++ Japan should maintain close relationship with US - decline in US power is not in Japan’s national interest.

December 24, 2007 | NATO Marks New Stage in Civil-Military Cooperation

Improved cooperation between NATO and other organizations is necessary in view of new security requirements, says David Yost, professor at the US Naval Postgraduate School.

A more productive joint performance is needed to work towards common goals such as preventing failed states becoming safe havens for terrorists. Yost therefore welcomes the comprehensive civil-military approach endorsed by

July 31, 2007 | ISN on Installing a Permanent European Security Council After Reform Treaty

When its Reform Treaty is finally ratified, the EU should consider installing a permanent European Security Council, suggests James Roger, Director of Operations for the Henry Jackson Society in Cambridge. Writing for ISN Security Watch, Roger suggests that a council comprised of civil as well as military experts should update the European Security Strategy annually or bi-annually, act as a

July 6, 2007 | Connors and Blumenthal Report on How Solar Flashlights Light the Way in Africa

Mark Bent, a former foreign service officer and Texas oilman, joined forces with international organisations, NGOs and corporate benefactors to develop and distribute over 30,000 solar-powered flashlights to villages and refugee camps in Africa. The flashlights — which provide up to 7 hours of light on a daily solar charge and last about 3 years — serve a multitude of purposes ranging from

April 25, 2007 | Joseph Nye on Soft Power After Iraq

America has a “profound misunderstanding of the nature of power in world politics,” says Harvard professor Joseph S. Nye. Power is distributed at three levels: unipolar military relations among states, multipolar economic relations, and transnational issues outside the control of governments. The most urgent challenges faced by the US today, such as the Iraq war, global climate change, pandemics,

April 12, 2007 | Wenger and Bonin: Biohazard Protection Should be Integrated and International

A comprehensive “all-hazard” approach, incorporating all involved international agencies, is necessary to protect the world’s population from biological harm, argue Andreas Wenger and Sergio Bonin of the Center for Security Studies in Zurich. Their ETH security policy analysis examines the rising risk of biohazards resulting from increased global mobility, rapid advancement in scientific