Commentary

Analysis Podcast thumbANALYSIS PODCAST: Assessing the Libya Campaign RUSI Director Professor Michael Clarke assesses the Libya military campaign after the fall of Qadhafi and the transition to a new Libyan government. He talks to Lizz Pearson and outlines RUSI's research into this intervention.
16 Nov 2011
wavyiranianflagthumbIran's Nuclear Ambitions: A Steady Crawl to Breakout Capability The International Atomic Energy Agency's latest report on Iran describes in unprecedented detail a country moving slowly towards a nuclear weapons option, rather than a bomb itself. This lack of a 'smoking gun' removes military response from the international community's toolbox of policy options. But this is no grounds for complacency.
15 Nov 2011
Mexico flag thumbThe Complex Triangle - Migration, Security and Environmental Change The operations of Mexican drug cartels and their spheres of influence could be severely impacted by future environmental changes and the resulting movement of people. Such events will present challenges, and even opportunities, for the most powerful cartels and their criminal networks.
11 Nov 2011
German Parliament ThumbFinancial Imperatives for Germany's Security and Defence Policy Countries across Europe are under severe pressure to reduce their budget deficits, Germany is no different. This fiscal tightening may fundamentally affect Germany's security and defence policy.
7 Nov 2011
Jordan PMThe challenges faced by Jordan's new Prime Minister The appointment of a new Prime Minister in Jordan could mean a more comprehensive implementation of much needed reforms. But divisions and tensions between domestic political factions could once again stall this process.
7 Nov 2011
Somali piratesThe MV Montecristo operation – a promising step in the right direction? UK naval forces have stepped up anti-piracy operations and the use of force in the Indian Ocean. This could, however, signal an escalation and lead to a more dangerous phase in the battle against Somali pirates.
2 Nov 2011
euroflagthumbThe Shape of Europe to Come Last week saw European leaders agree to a mega-deal with the aim of abating the huge crisis engulfing the continent. Yet much of the details appear to be smoke and mirrors with Europe inevitably facing decades of misery and decline.
1 Nov 2011
kingabdullahthumbThe Death of Crown Prince Sultan: What next for the House of Saud? The death of the long-serving Defence Minister ushers in a long-overdue process of succession. While there may be concerns over the role of the likely Crown Prince, Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, we should not expect a massive change in direction of Saudi policy in the region.
24 Oct 2011
scalesofjusticethumbSecrecy and Transparency: Striking the Balance The long awaited Green Paper on Justice and Security suggests the British Government wants to close a legal loophole to ensure sensitive intelligence material from abroad can be kept secret. But is this wise in an age when advancing technologies makes secrecy more difficult and at a time when the public appears to want greater openness?
25 Oct 2011
QadhafiWhat Qadhafi's death means The death of Colonel Qadhafi rids the world of a tyrant, but it is no milestone in the Arab Spring. To focus on the departed dictator is to miss the real story, and abstract notions of 'closure' won't magically translate into stable government.
21 Oct 2011
ahmedinejad abdullah thumbHas Iran Provided the Justification for War? Iran is accused of attempting to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador to the United States on American soil. It is the stuff of spy thrillers. If proved true, then both Saudi Arabia and the United States are well within their rights to declare war on Iran. Why would Iran embark on such an irrational action at a time of great internal and external vulnerability?
18 Oct 2011
wavyiranianflagthumbIran alleged Saudi plot promotes a dialogue of the deaf There are many questions remaining in the accusations that Iran planned to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador to the United States. Yet the consequences are real: the failed plot, regardless of its actuality, heightens Iran’s conspiratorial view of the international community, while further closing hope for dialogue.
18 Oct 2011
GuadalajaraMore than a game: the Pan American Games as a regeneration opportunity for Mexico From 14 October, Mexico will be hosting the Pan American Games, a major international sporting event. Security forces will be significantly challenged, but the lasting legacy may be an overall improvement in law and order in Mexico.
14 Oct 2011
al-Awlaki thumbVIDEO - Assessing the Legal Implications of Anwar al-Awlaki's Assassination Was the United States right to target one of its own citizens? What are are the implications for future drone attacks?
10 Oct 2011
Al-Shabaab SomaliaTime to Secure Somalia In the last few weeks, gangs based in Somalia kidnapped tourists visiting Kenya. Just a few days later, a massive suicide bomb ripped through Mogadishu, claiming dozens of lives and shattering the relative peace that had followed Shabaab's withdrawal. The events pose a fresh challenge to the Somali government's road map for security and development.
5 Oct 2011
Policeman outside No 10Wanted: Looking for Clarity and Coherence in the UK Counter-Terrorism Landscape It has been over a year since the Government published plans for future policing reform. A distinct absence of strategic thinking means those plans still lack clarity and coherence especially in the area of counter-terrorism.
3 Oct 2011
Royal Navy 2The implications of Royal Navy personnel cuts On Friday 30 September 2011, the Royal Navy announced large personnel cuts as part of the UK's Strategic Defence and Security Review. Dr Lee Willett analyses the implications.
7 Oct 2011
Turkey Flag 2Why Turkey will continue to remain a committed member of the Atlantic Alliance Throughout 2011, Turkish assertiveness in foreign policy has come to the fore, most recently in its dramatic diplomatic spat with Israel. This stance should not be mistaken for a re-orientation away from the Atlantic Alliance.
29 Sep 2011
Ed Miliband ThumbCold-cuts, Rehash and Fresh Ingredients: Labour's 'Ideas for Future UK Defence Procurement' The Labour Party’s emerging policies for future defence procurement represent a mix of new ideas for the future along with old concepts from the past. It is now the job of Labour to convert procurement 'ideas' into a detailed implementation plan.
27 Sep 2011
Pakistan flagA very special relationship: the US-Pakistan alliance darkens America's top military officer has accused Pakistan of helping to bomb a US embassy. US-Pakistan relations are about to enter a much darker phase.
26 Sep 2011
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