Brookings: Programs - Foreign Policy

China on the World Stage: Climate Change, Regional Blocs and Resource Investment

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:00:00 GMT

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November 30, 2009, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

The world and China’s place in it have transformed over the past year in response to pressure from the most severe global financial crisis in decades. While the economic crisis accelerated China’s emergence as a global superpower, it has yet to fully assess the consequences of its new position on the world stage. On November 30, Brookings and the Australian National University will co-host a discussion on China’s emerging position as a global power.

U.S.-Russian Arms Control in the 1990s: Experiences and Lessons Learned

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:00:00 GMT

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November 24, 2009, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

The issue of strategic nuclear arms reductions now tops the U.S.-Russia agenda, particularly as the countries strive to conclude a new nuclear arms agreement to replace the Strategic Arms Reductions Treaty, which expires on December 5. On November 24, the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings will host Ambassador Mamedov for a conversation on the experiences and lessons learned from U.S.-Russian arms control efforts in the 1990s.

Intra-Party Democracy in China: Should We Take It Seriously?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Cheng Li examines the concept of "intra-Party democracy," which China's leaders have recently characterized as the lifeblood of the Chinese Communist Party, and as crucial to its continued primacy. Li argues that intra-party democracy is important for institutionalizing the new rules and norms of Chinese elite politics, and that it is an experiment which will have profound implications for China's political future.

Fiscal Policy Rules and Latin America: Lessons from the Crisis

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fiscal policy has been mentioned as a key driver of the resilience that many large Latin American countries have seen during the global financial crisis. Mauricio Cárdenas and José Tessada examine Chile's fiscal rules and caution that a comprehensive fiscal strategy cannot focus solely on the short- and medium-term evolution of fiscal policy.

Obama Shows Commitment to Asia

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On the heels of President Obama's recent trip to Asia, Michael Fullilove reassures Australians about the United States' commitment to the Asia-Pacific, saying that they should take the president at face value when he says "Asia and the United States are not separated by this great ocean; we are bound by it."

Vision for Victory in Afghanistan - Part II

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On a recent weeklong visit to Afghanistan sponsored by the U.S. military, Michael O'Hanlon met with Afghan and U.S. officials whose assessments partially countered the current general outlook on the country's status and future. O'Hanlon's visit left him with guarded optimism about U.S. prospects for creating a safe and stable Afghanistan.

Palin and Prejean Are Surprisingly Similar

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove comments on the new autobiographies by Sarah Palin, the former Republican vice-presidential candidate, and Carrie Prejean, the former California beauty pageant contestant. Despite the surprising similarities between these two conservative women and their books, Fullilove argues that, while Prejean's book may not be of great consequence, Palin's prominence in the Republican party makes her book an important read.

Afghanistan Victory Crucial for President Obama

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In an interview with IBA News, Bruce Riedel discusses President Barack Obama's policy in Afghanistan, emphasizing that victory against Al Qaeda and the Taliban is crucial not only for the stability of Afghanistan itself, but also for Pakistan and the entire Islamic world.

Vision for Victory in Afghanistan - Part I

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Video Game Veterans and the New American Politics

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

According to Peter Singer, video games have become an effective recruiting tool for the military, and gaming technology has been used in everything from battle training to dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. However, while creating a new generation of soldiers primed for the fast-pace of modern warfare, Singer cautions that these games may also be desensitizing young people to the realities of war.

Police Reform a Reason for Hope in Afghanistan

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Lost in the ongoing Afghanistan debate is a promising effort to foster reform in building the Afghan police force, writes Michael O'Hanlon. Just back from a trip to the country, O'Hanlon notes several areas in which new efforts are encouraging and draws on lessons learned from reforms that occurred coincident with the 2007 surge in Iraq.

Shooting Up : Counterinsurgency and the War on Drugs

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Felbab-Brown draws on interviews and fieldwork in some of the world's most dangerous regions to explain how belligerent groups have become involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities, including kidnapping, extortion, and smuggling.

The U.S.-Israel Partnership: Can New Governments Overcome Old Challenges?

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:30:00 GMT

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November 14, 2009, 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM
November 16, 2009, 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

On November 14-16, 2009, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings brought together top Israeli and American policymakers, journalists, and members of the public and private sectors to Jerusalem for discussions on the most critical issues in the Middle East.

Building Bridges between China and the United States

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:07:00 GMT

As part of a multi-nation Asia trip that began last week, President Obama, now in China, met with Chinese Premier Hu Jintao to foster greater understanding and cooperation between the U.S. and China. Kenneth Lieberthal discusses the importance of the meeting between the two leaders.

Colombia's Increasing Hemispheric Isolation

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In recent months, Colombia has experienced increased isolation from its neighbors in the Western Hemisphere, due to border and military disputes, refusals to cooperate on economic and political fronts and disenchantment with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe. Diana Negroponte examines the reasons for this isolation, and possible remedies the Obama administration may apply.

Previewing President Obama's Trip to Asia and the APEC Forum

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:35:00 GMT

As President Obama prepares for his trip to China and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Singapore, Richard Bush says that the APEC meetings will help the United States fortify its relationships with Asian countries.

Taiwan's Economy: Recovery with Chinese Characteristics

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In the inaugural installment of CNAPS’s Taiwan-U.S. Quarterly Analysis series, Terry Cooke explores the causes and effects of Taiwan’s pursuit of economic normalization with China. Articles in this series will be written by leading experts on the U.S.-Taiwan relationship and will contain in-depth analysis of bilateral and multilateral policy challenges for Taipei and Washington.

The China Awaiting President Obama

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As President Obama prepared for his first visit to China, expectations were high for growth in the U.S.-China relationship. In this Northeast Asia Commentary written prior to the president's visit, Nonresident Senior Fellow David Shambaugh analyzes today’s political and economic landscape in China. Shambaugh currently serves as a Senior Visiting Fulbright Scholar at the Institute of World Economics and Politics, a division of the China Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing.

The Hidden People of North Korea: Everyday Life in the Hermit Kingdom

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

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November 10, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

On November 10, Brookings Nonresident Senior Fellow Kongdan Oh and Ralph Hassig, adjunct associate professor of psychology at the University of Maryland University College, discussed their new book The Hidden People of North Korea: Everyday Life in the Hermit Kingdom (Rowman & Littlefield, 2009). For decades, the people of North Korea have lived in extreme isolation under a closed and repressive regime, where individual rights are restricted and the regime exercises complete control over the political class and legal systems.

Humanitarian Response Index 2009: Clarifying Donor Priorities

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:00:00 GMT

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November 10, 2009, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Every year, humanitarian crises threaten the lives and livelihoods of over 250 million people worldwide, and donor governments must make the best use of their resources, knowledge and capabilities to respond to these challenges. On November 10, the Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement will host the launch of the Development Assistance Research Associates Humanitarian Response Index 2009, which helps donor governments ensure that humanitarian assistance has the greatest possible impact for people suffering the effects of crises and disasters.

Convergence and Divergence in Taiwan's U.S. Policy

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In this CNAPS Working Paper, Liu Shih-chung examines the fluctuations in Taiwan-U.S. relations during 2004-2008. While outlining developments in the bilateral relationship, Liu provides an insider’s view of different influences on Taiwan’s policy-making process including the leadership, the bureaucracy, other internal political forces, and external actors such as China and the United States.

Can President Obama Pull a Cairo-Speech Moment in China?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama's maiden trip to China was his first face-to-face opportunity to shape U.S.-China relations. In this preview of the president's visit, Cheng Li and Jordan Lee examined new openings for Obama to press Beijing on harder questions, and the fine line he would have to walk between respect for China and pulling all his punches, while reflecting candidly on American ideals.

Around the Halls: 20 Years After the Berlin Wall Fell

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

November 9 marks the twenty-year anniversary of the opening of the Berlin Wall. With protests in the week prior totaling over one million, refugees were allowed to exit directly through crossing points between East Berlin and West Berlin and all along the border. In the days and weeks to follow the Wall would continue to fall, leading the way for Germany’s reunification. Experts from around the halls of Brookings respond to this historic anniversary.

National Dialogue and State-Building in the Middle East

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:00:00 GMT

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November 09, 2009, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

On November 9, the Brookings Doha Center hosted a policy discussion with H.E. Mohamad Chatah, the Lebanese minister of finance, H.E. Ghassan Khatib, director of the Palestinian Government Media Center, and H.E. Ayad Al Samarrai, speaker of the Iraqi Parliament on the project of inclusive national dialogue and state-building in Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, and Iraq. The speakers examined past and current nationally-driven conflict resolution efforts.

China’s Changing Views of America: Insights and Obstacles

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:00:00 GMT

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November 09, 2009, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

The efforts of China's America-watching community over the past 30 years, and their effect on China's perception of the United States, have been crucial to a constructive relationship between the two countries. On November 9, the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings and the U.S.-China Education Trust co-hosted a discussion on China’s changing views of America.

Political Polarization in Latin America

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One of the values measured in the 2005 World Values Survey was political ideology. Mauricio Cárdenas discusses the concept of political cohesion in Latin America and how ideology and political polarization can impact economic growth.

Obama Goes to Asia: Understanding the President’s Trip

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:00:00 GMT

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November 06, 2009, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

In mid-November, President Barack Obama began his first trip to Asia as president with a visit to Tokyo. He also traveled to China, South Korea and Singapore, where took part in meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Prior to the president's trip, the Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies and the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings hosted a discussion of President Obama’s trip and the issues he was likely to face.

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Previewing President Obama's First Trip to China

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

China’s continued ascension presents policy challenges for both Beijing and Washington. President Barack Obama will make his first trip to China from November 15-18, where he will address a multitude of issues ranging from climate change to trade and the economy to military ties between the two nations. On November 4, Kenneth Lieberthal took questions in a live web chat with Politico senior editor Fred Barbash about President Obama's first trip to China.

The Iran Hostage Crisis: 30 Years Later

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Three decades after Iran seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, igniting a 14-month hostage crisis, Suzanne Maloney examines the current state of power in the Islamic Republic. Maloney says that the recent demonstrations in Iran are an extension of the country's unanswered conversation of legitimate ruling authority, and that responses by hard-liners indicate a belief that any reform would beget revolution.

The Scouting Report: Previewing President Obama's First Trip to China

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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November 04, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

China’s continued ascension presents policy challenges for both Beijing and Washington. President Barack Obama made his first trip to China from November 15-18. Kenneth Lieberthal and Fred Barbash, Politico's senior editor, took questions about the president’s trip to China in this edition of the Scouting Report.

Designing a Cap-and-Trade System for the United States

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:30:00 GMT

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November 04, 2009, 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

As attention to U.S. climate legislation has been increasing on Capitol Hill, Brookings hosted a discussion on a new series of papers on U.S. climate policy design. These papers acknowledge the complexity inherent in climate policy; explain the fundamental challenges involved in addressing a particular set of design features; and suggest a credible path forward, calling attention to tradeoffs where they exist.

The Role of Humanitarians in Government: Perspectives on Advocacy and Impact

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

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November 04, 2009, 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

On November 4, the Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement hosted Eric Schwartz, assistant secretary of state for population, refugees and migration, to discuss the challenges of implementing humanitarian programs and affecting policy in government.

Obama un an après: le difficile accouchement de la nouvelle Amérique

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On the first anniversary of President Obama's victory, Justin Vaïsse explains the delay in enacting major domestic reform by pointing out the continuing partisan polarization and the importance of checks and balances, especially the power of the Senate.

Election Boycotts Don't Work

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Matthew Frankel compares Abdullah Abdullah's withdrawal from Afghanistan's runoff election to other electoral boycotts over the years. Based on independent research of 100 boycotts since 1990, Frankel concludes that they rarely work and often fracture the party involved.

Transferring Environmentally Sound Technologies in an Intellectual Property-Friendly Framework

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In December, the 15th Conference of Parties will attempt to reach an agreement on new international climate change and emissions regulations. Charles Ebinger and Govinda Avasarala note that any agreement is likely to use a plethora of technologies which many nations do not have access to, and they propose solutions to the intellectual property rights issues involved.

U.S. Options in Afghanistan and the Karzai Brothers

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hamid Karzai was declared the winner of the presidential vote in Afghanistan on November 2 and he was quickly warned that he must crack down on rampant corruption. Vanda Felbab-Brown joined several other experts to discuss what should be done about President Karzai's brother, Wali Karzai, who has been linked to Afghanistan's narcotics trade.

Towards a Post-American Europe: A Power Audit of EU-U.S. Relations

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Jeremy Shapiro and Nick Witney examine transatlantic relations in what they call a "post-American world" that is witnessing increasingly redistributed power. Shapiro and Witney argue that the real threat to the transatlantic relationship comes not from the remaking of America's global strategy, but from European governments' failure to come to terms with how the world is changing.

The European Union’s Eastern Partnership, Energy Security and U.S.-EU Cooperation

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:30:00 GMT

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November 02, 2009, 1:30 PM to 5:45 PM

On November 2, the Center on United States and Europe and the Energy Security Initiative at Brookings co-hosted a conference on the European Union’s Eastern Partnership with the Embassy of Poland, the Delegation of the European Commission, the Embassy of Sweden and the Heinrich Boll Foundation. The Frontiers of Europe conference discussed the Eastern Partnership’s potential—and the challenges it will face—in achieving its stated goals of promoting democratic values and good governance; strengthening energy security; and fostering stability and economic development.

CNO Admiral Gary Roughead: The Future of Unmanned Naval Technologies

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:30:00 GMT

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November 02, 2009, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

On November 2, the 21st Century Defense Initiative at Brookings hosted Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gary Roughead. Admiral Roughead discussed the U.S. Navy’s use of new technologies, and its development and integration of unmanned systems into the current and future Navy force structure.

Abdullah's Withdrawal from the Runoff Election in Afghanistan

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon discusses Abdullah Abdullah's withdrawal from Afghanistan's presidential election runoff that was scheduled for November 7. O'Hanlon argues that while Afghan President Karzai can now be viewed as legitimate, although tainted, he is hardly out of the woods.

Nuclear Renaissance and the U.S.-Japan Alliance: Finding New Markets and Preventing Proliferation

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

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October 30, 2009, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

On October 30, the Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies at Brookings and the Slavic Research Center at Hokkaido University hosted experts from Japan and the United States for a conference looking at nuclear energy and nuclear nonproliferation. Topics included trends in international nuclear markets, the U.S. approach to nuclear energy and the future of nuclear nonproliferation.

A Revolution Once More: Unmanned Systems and the Middle East

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Amidst growing use of robotics in warfare, Peter Singer explores the future of unmanned systems in the Middle East and South Asia. Singer concludes that while the United States remains -- and likely will remain -- the top developer of such technology, it is only a matter of time before other nations begin deploying robotics in large numbers.

Can Civil Society Help Bridge Divides between the United States and a Diverse Muslim World?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr presents research on past efforts to bridge the gap between the United States and a diverse Muslim world. In a wide survey of various initiatives, many of which developed post-9/11, Amr attempts to evaluate the level of success that different programs have experienced so far. Amr then offers several recommendations on ways civil society can be the most effective in bringing people together for meaningful dialogue and progress.

The Role of the Military in Climate Change and Security

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMT

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October 29, 2009, 3:00 PM to 5:15 PM

On October 29, the Energy Security Initiative at Brookings, the Institute for Environmental Security, CNA, E3G and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars hosted a discussion on the real dangers for conflicts and disputes resulting from resource shortages, water rights and natural disasters.

Narco-belligerents Across the Globe: Lessons from Colombia for Afghanistan?

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Increased insecurity in Afghanistan and the sense that the counterinsurgency is not being won have left many looking for comparisons that can shape future policy. Vanda Felbab-Brown examines similarities between the counternarcotics and counterinsurgency efforts in Colombia to draw conclusions on how to reverse recent trends in Afghanistan.

The United Nations Denounces the U.S. Embargo on Cuba … Again

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For the 18th year in a row, the United Nations General Assembly unequivocally calls for the end of the U.S. embargo against Cuba. Ted Piccone examines the long-running dispute between the international community and the United States and offers suggestions for the future of U.S.-Cuba relations.

President Obama and the Smart Grid

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Charles Ebinger and Lea Rosenbohm say President Obama's decision to use $3.4 billion dollars of stimulus money to begin developing a smart grid is a welcome development. Ebinger and Rosenbohm look to how the smart grid will help benefit providers and consumers while noting additional steps that will be required moving forward.

The Global Economic Crisis of 2008: What Happened? What’s Next?

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:00:00 GMT

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October 27, 2009, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

On October 27, the Brookings Doha Center hosted a luncheon with Glenn H. Hutchins, co-founder and co-chief executive of Silver Lake Partners, and a trustee of the Brookings Institution, on the build-up to the global financial crisis, highlighting the important policy implications of the global recession. Hady Amr, director of the Brookings Doha Center, moderated the discussion which was attended by leading members of Qatar’s business and academic communities.

After Kim Jong-il: Can We Hope for Better Human Rights Protection in North Korea?

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:30:00 GMT

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October 27, 2009, 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM

On October 27, the Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies hosted a presentation by Kim Kwangjin of his report on North Korean succession and human rights issues. Mr. Kim defected from North Korea in 2003, and was previously manager of North Korea’s Northeast Asia Bank in Singapore and representative of the Korea National Insurance Corporation. This discussion also featured Roberta Cohen of Brookings and Bruce Klingner of the Heritage Foundation.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, U.S. President Obama and the Baghdad Bombings

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kenneth Pollack says the massive bombings in Baghdad on October 25 that killed over 150 people are a problem for both Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki and U.S. President Obama. Pollack concludes the bombing calls Maliki's claims of keeping Iraq secure into question while also bringing forward the idea that U.S. troops may need to return to Baghdad – despite previous U.S. plans – back into consideration.

The Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Since 2004 there have been encouraging trends related to internal displacement. Walter Kälin notes that the use of the Guiding Principles as the relevant framework for protecting IDPs and the development of national and regional laws and policies on internal displacement have been positive trends. However, despite such positive trends, the challenges presented by climate change, the disregard for civilian populations in conflict zones, a shrinking humanitarian space, and protracted displacement situations still remain unchanged.

U.S. Industry and Cap-and-Trade: Designing Provisions to Maintain Domestic Competitiveness and Mitigate Emissions Leakage

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A number of climate policy observers and U.S. policymakers have expressed concerns about the implications of climate policy for the U.S. industrial base. In this paper, Carolyn Fischer and Richard Morgenstern show that specific concerns about industrial competitiveness and emissions leakage could be realistically addressed in the context of a cap-and-trade system without unduly distorting the incentives that are essential to realizing an economically efficient outcome.

Jean Pisani-Ferry on the Transatlantic Economy After the Global Financial Crisis

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:00:00 GMT

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October 26, 2009, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

On October 26, the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings hosted Jean Pisani-Ferry, a leading French economist, to deliver the Sixth Annual Raymond Aron Lecture. Mr. Pisani-Ferry assessed the impact of the global financial crisis on the closely intertwined economies of Europe and the United States, and their influence on the world economy.

Equity and Efficiency in Cap-And-Trade: Effectively Managing the Emissions Allowance Supply

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A cap-and-trade system of the sort envisioned by the current generation of Congressional proposals would create a new market in carbon allowances worth potentially hundreds of billions of dollars. In this paper, Adele Morris discusses the likely distributional implications of a U.S. cap-and-trade system and how policymakers could manage these implications by altering the way in which allowances or allowance revenues are distributed throughout the broader economy.

Bruxelles: è il momento di fare in fretta

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Lisbon Treaty has raised many questions regarding governance of the European Union. Federiga Bindi explains why she believes European Council will use its October meeting to choose the new European Commission.

Climate Change and Latin America: The Long Way to Copenhagen

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Only a few regions in the world are more affected by climate change than Latin America. However the region lacks a common perspective and will not be heard in the U.S. Congress or in international deliberations in Copenhagen unless it unifies as a strong voice. Mauricio Cárdenas proposes a formal subgroup of several Latin American countries for cooperation on climate change and points to specific commitments they should consider.

An African Solution to Internal Displacement: AU Leaders Agree to Landmark Convention

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Decades of armed conflict, natural disasters and climate change, have given rise to sizable populations of internally displaced persons (IDPs) throughout Africa. On October 23, African heads of state and government signed a legally binding convention on internal displacement, which as Andrew Solomon notes, demonstrates their commitment to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of IDPs, to facilitate durable solutions and to ensure that millions of people are no longer excluded from society as a whole.

African Union Convention on Protection and Assistance for Internally Displaced Persons in Africa

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Forced displacement is a devastating experience that often takes years or even decades to recover from. Africa hosts the worlds largest population of internally displaced persons and, as Walter Kälin points out, has taken the initiative to go beyond the existing state of law by creating the first binding international law on internally displaced persons.

U.S. Counternarcotics Strategy in Afghanistan

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In testimony before the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, Vanda Felbab-Brown discussed how narcotics production influences the security, political, and economic developments in Afghanistan. Felbab-Brown also examined the effectiveness of policies to mitigate these effects and offered recommendations for the future of U.S. policy on the issue.

Pakistan's Punjab: Bruce Riedel on the New Jihadists

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Political violence in Pakistan is at its highest level in decades, with insurgent attacks on the rise and intensive government clashes with the Taliban in the country’s western provinces. In recent weeks in particular, attacks by Punjabi militant groups have increased dramatically. Bruce Riedel spoke with Newsweek's Andrew Bast and outlined this increasingly precarious situation in Pakistan as well as the prospects for future stability.

Same Rules, New Dimensions For Mongolia's National Security: Adapting to the New Geo-Economic Environment

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Since its peaceful Democratic Revolution in the early 1990s, Mongolia’s national security strategy has evolved through three phases and is now entering a fourth. Munkh-Ochir Dorjjugder writes that the theme of balancing external actors to ensure sovereignty and security remains the same, but that Mongolia is now adding economic and human elements to its approach to security.

Vice President Biden Travels to Central Europe

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Vice President Biden left Washington early on October 20 for a quick trip to Central Europe, where he will reassure the region of continued U.S. interest and support. Steven Pifer examines the concerns of several NATO member states and offers suggestions for the future of U.S. engagement in the area.

How to Steal from Our Troops: The Annual Defense Budget Raid

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While the United States faces budget deficits and economic challenge of a scale not seen in decades, earmarks and wasteful "pork" continue to be built into defense policy bills. Peter Singer explains why, especially during a time of war and economic crisis, this wasteful behavior can hurt defense priorities while funding unneeded projects.

Make American Resources Conditional on Afghan Progress

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Congressional leaders and the Obama administration discussing "intermediate options" in Afghanistan, but could such an approach prove successful? Michael O’Hanlon and Stephen Solarz offer insight into what middle-ground steps General Stanley McChrystal is already taking and explain how an active U.S.-Afghan partnership is essential to providing security, safety and success in Afghanistan.

A Response to Ken Lieberthal's Report on the Intelligence Community

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Federal Executive Fellow Matthew Frankel explores Ken Lieberthal's recent report, "The U.S. Intelligence Community and Foreign Policy: Getting Analysis Right." While Frankel argues the paper makes excellent points throughout, he examines several which he feels deserve rebuttal.

Latin America: Time for Reform, Not for Complacency

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Latin America, a region that has faced both challenges and opportunities during the financial crisis, has had more economic growth than other areas of the world. Mauricio Cárdenas discusses the forces behind this economic success and the need for the region to seize this crisis as an opportunity to make important reforms to solve longstanding problems.

Three Keys to Understanding Japan’s New Diplomacy

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The election of the new DPJ government is thought by many to herald a new approach to foreign policy in Tokyo. Former CNAPS Visiting Fellow Keiko Iizuka identifies and explains three keys to help understand the diplomacy that the Hatoyama government will conduct.

Assessing the President’s Policy Options in Afghanistan

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:00:00 GMT

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October 16, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

President Obama's decision on whether to send more troops to Afghanistan is being portrayed as the most momentous of his young presidency. On October 16, Brookings hosted a discussion of the president's policy options for Afghanistan, drawing on experts with a diverse range of views.

Obama’s Nobel Can Help Him Win a Bigger Prize

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove explores possible explanations as to why President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, despite only being elected nine months prior. Fullilove contends that, while the award may be somewhat premature, it can make it harder for the world not to help should Obama ask for it.

A Proposal for a "Bosworth Process" with North Korea: Denuclearization and Beyond

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

After months of provocations by North Korea, conditions are now developing that should allow the U.S. Special Envoy, Stephen Bosworth, to visit Pyongyang. In this paper, Brookings Visiting Fellow Sun-won Park calls for a "Bosworth Process," a plan to achieve not only denuclearization of the Korean peninsula but also to bring North Korea into the international community in a far-sighted and peaceful way.

La politica estera italiana tra sostanza e apparenza

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Federiga Bindi discusses Italy's role in shaping today's climate for international relations in the future.

Intolerance and Censorship in the Arab World

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Cynthia Schneider and Nadia Oweidat write that the Arab world is rich in literature examining all aspects of Arab life and advocating a vision of a multi-cultural society that respects human rights. Rather than manufacturing its own messages, Schneider and Oweidat believe the United States should support a return to standards of critical thinking that once characterized the Arab world.

America's Image Rebounds

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Over recent years, politicians and analysts inside and outside the United States contended that America’s popularity was in terminal decline. Michael Fullilove and Fergus Hanson explore new public opinion data showing quite the opposite – a quick return to a positive image of the United States around the world.

Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama’s 2009 Nobel Peace Prize immediately triggered strong reactions worldwide. Hady Amr and Steven Barnes write that the prize presents President Obama an opportunity to build on his recent efforts to foster dialogue between America and people of all faiths around the globe.

Pakistan: The Next Nuclear Nightmare?

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Riedel says this weekend’s attack on the army headquarters in Rawalpindi, the military center of Pakistan, underscores the volatility and fragility in the world’s second largest Muslim country. Riedel argues that the United States must encourage Pakistan too keep moving against extremists while assuring them we will not abandon the fight in the region.

Turkish-Armenian Traumas

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Recent reminders have shown Turkey and Armenia to be two traumatized regions in which reconciliation will be difficult. Ömer Taşpınar believes that in order for Armenia to have Western options, it will need Turkey's help, and external conditions between the nations will relieve the weight of historical issues.

It's All or Nothing in Afghanistan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the Afghanistan strategy debate continues, Vanda Felbab-Brown says policymakers should not be fooled by options that lie “in the middle” of a beefed-up counterinsurgency mission and a scaled-back counterterrorism operation. Felbab-Brown believes the United States and NATO must decide how important the stakes are, and either properly resource the current mission or cut losses now rather than later.

Secretary Clinton in Moscow

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visits Moscow this week to meet with her counterpart, Foreign Minister Lavrov. Steven Pifer previews the major issues at the top of their agenda: arms control, the broader Middle East and the work of the U.S.-Russia presidential commission.

The European Union, Lisbon and the Office Hunt

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Lisbon Treaty finally secured Irish ratification on October 2, but there are still many obstacles to overcome before the EU can put Lisbon into action. The treaty is not yet fully ratified and many key details, including the selection of leaders to fill the High Representative and EU President posts, remain unresolved. Federiga Bindi explains why Lisbon is important, and describes the intricate negotiation process the EU will undergo in coming months.

Should President Obama Send More Troops to Afghanistan?

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon joined Bob Shieffer, and guests on Face the Nation, to discuss the current and future U.S. strategy in Afghanistan. O'Hanlon focused on the growth of the Taliban as grounds to back additional troop increases for the counterinsurgency mission and argued the counterterrorism strategy advocated by some has already been tried and did not work.

President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Martin Indyk says President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize should be seen as an acknowledgment of the promise his presidency holds for a new era of international cooperation. But Indyk also notes that Obama is still left with numerous foreign policy challenges requiring tangible progress.

The Danger of Delay in Afghan Policymaking

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While President Barack Obama and his advisers complete a study on U.S. operations in Afghanistan, Bruce Riedel warns of the consequences of delaying new action. Riedel says it is vital for the administration to avoid lengthy delays in deciding on a course of action in its planning for the Af-Pak war theater.

Opportunities for U.S.-ROK Alliance Cooperation: New Issues on the Agenda

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 08, 2009, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

On October 8, the Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies at Brookings hosted an event featuring contributors from A Roadmap for Expanding U.S.-ROK Alliance Cooperation, produced by the Center for U.S.-Korea Policy at the Asia Foundation. At the event, the contributors presented their findings on expanding the U.S.-ROK alliance to cover such newly-emerging issues as pandemics and biological threats, counter-terrorism, and space cooperation.

Future U.S. Defense Needs in a High Technology Present

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, October 7, Peter W. Singer and Fred Barbash answered your questions about defense in a high-tech world during a live web chat.

Obama’s China Trip: Forging Middle Class Ties

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Prior to President Obama's visit to Beijing in November, Cheng Li and Jordan Lee wrote that the president should recognize that China is becoming a middle class country like the United States. Li and Lee believe focusing on China’s middle class may be a way to find more common ground in U.S.-China relations that will become more important as time goes on.

The Scouting Report: Future U.S. Defense Needs in a High Technology Present

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 07, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

New technology and modes of warfare are changing our understanding of national security and defense capabilities. On Wednesday, October 7, Peter W. Singer and Fred Barbash answered questions about defense issues in a high-tech world, including: current U.S. defense needs; defense energy security; and future priorities such as robotic warfare on the ground, in the air and from space.

States of Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Iraq remains between peace and war while the situation in Afghanistan still appears to be deteriorating, and Pakistan is doing better than Afghanistan but more progress is needed. Jason Campbell, Michael O'Hanlon and Jeremy Shapiro examine leading metrics from all three countries to assess how well the counterinsurgency and stabilization operations are faring.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal: A General Within Bounds in Afghanistan

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, has come under fire for making public comments about the war. Michael O'Hanlon writes that while McChrystal was indeed too blunt, the criticism goes too far because McChrystal critiqued an option – scaling back to a counterterrorism mission – directly at odds with the current policy.

Velvet Revolutions from Prague to Tehran: What, if Anything, Should We Do about Them?

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 06, 2009, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

As we approach the twentieth anniversary of Czechoslovakia’s Velvet Revolution, countries such as Iran, Russia, China and Cuba are trying to learn how to prevent similar "velvet revolutions" in their own countries. On October 6, the Brookings Institution hosted a discussion on the challenges and opportunities posed by nonviolent civic movements for political change around the world.

The European Union’s Destiny After the Irish Vote on the Lisbon Treaty

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 05, 2009, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

The Irish recently ratified the Lisbon Treaty, a far-reaching reorganization of the European Union (EU). On October 5, the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings and the Heinrich Böll Foundation hosted a panel of experts to discuss the expected changes in the European Union and the implications for the United States.

The Afghanistan and Pakistan Indexes and Assessments of U.S. Policies in the Region

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 05, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Afghanistan and Pakistan have challenged President Obama since he took office, as questions persist about the success of U.S. policies in the region. On October 5, Brookings hosted the launch of a new Pakistan Index with a discussion on the state of the Afghanistan mission and the effort to address extremist activities in Pakistan.

Taiwan: The DPP’s Future Lies in Itself, Not in the KMT

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) recent landslide victory in Yunlin County’s legislative by-election has several implications for Taiwanese politics, writes Shih-chung Liu. He argues that while the victory is significant, a strengthened policy of reaching out to the world community and refining the party’s policies on future cross-strait and international relations is of utmost importance.

Natural Disasters: Thinking Beyond Immediate Response

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The tragic earthquake in Sumatra, the tsunami in Samoa and the typhoon that hit the Philippines are just the latest in an increasing number of natural disasters. Last year alone natural disasters affected over 200 million people, killing 16,000 and displacing close to 50 million. Elizabeth Ferris evaluates the international capacity to respond to major disasters and argues that more should be done to reduce their impact.

The Iran Talks in Geneva: Too Soon to Tell

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kenneth Pollack says recent discussions between the P5-plus-one and Iran were not earth-shaking, with several questions remaining unanswered in the aftermath. However, Pollack does find it interesting that the Iranians demonstrated some willingness to compromise on small interests and there was no attempt to grandstand at the meeting.

Iran Gives Nod to Inspections, More Nuclear Talks

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Iran has agreed to a second round of discussions over its disputed nuclear program following a meeting in Geneva with diplomats from the United States and other world powers. Suzanne Maloney joined PBS' NewsHour to discuss how this week's talks were a positive step and what to expect from future engagement between the United States and Iran.

Transnational Drug Enterprises: Threats to Global Stability and U.S. National Security

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In testimony before the House Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Vanda-Felbab Brown discussed illicit economies, organized crime, and their impact on U.S. and global security. Felbab-Brown concluded by offering recommendations for counternarcotics strategies as well as other measures local and foreign governments can take to address the issues.

How to Measure the War in Afghanistan and Iraq

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Correctly sizing the military force and tracking results on the ground are key to success in counterinsurgency and stabilization missions, write Jason Campbell, Michael O'Hanlon, and Jeremy Shapiro. To determine how the U.S. strategy is working, they assess a range of indicators to measure progress in Afghanistan and relate them to lessons learned from the conflict in Iraq.

Arab Citizens of Israel: What Do They Think?

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 01, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

On October 1, Shibley Telhami, Saban Center nonresident senior fellow and Anwar Sadat professor for peace and development at the University of Maryland, presented results of the 2009 University of Maryland/Zogby International opinion poll, conducted in August 2009, that surveyed Israeli Arabs and Palestinian public opinion.

Paradox and Perception : Measuring Quality of Life in Latin America

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Paradox and Perception greatly improves our understanding of the determinants of well-being in Latin America based on a broad "quality of life" concept that challenges some standard assumptions in economics, including those about the relationship between happiness and income.

No Big Blank Checks for Afghanistan

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon says an apparent gap has emerged between the military leadership in Afghanistan and President Obama's advisers who have growing doubts about the mission there. Though additional troops may be needed, O'Hanlon believes it is it is sensible to tie a commitment of more resources to the Afghanistan government doing more and addressing corruption within their country.