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The Afghan Papers
Committing Britain to War in Helmand, 2005-06Ten years after British troops entered Afghanistan, a new book dissects the strategic decisions that took the UK to war in Helmand.
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Commentary
Negotiating with the FARC: Laying the Foundations for Peace in Colombia?
Following weeks of rumoured negotiations, the Colombian government has now announced plans to begin peace talks with the FARC. This may help the Santos government to recover from its recent downturn in popularity, but prospects for a meaningful settlement will be hindered by the ability of the FARC's senior leadership to negotiate authoritatively on behalf of an increasingly fragmented organisation. 30 Aug 2012
Military or President: Who Calls the Shots in Egypt?
The relationship between President Morsi and the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) has always been under intense scrutiny. Morsi’s removal of SCAF’s leadership could have represented the beginnings of open conflict between the Morsi and SCAF, but the actual situation is far more complex. 24 Aug 2012
How will Mitt Romney Challenge President Obama on Foreign Policy?
Having secured the Republican Presidential nomination and selected Congressman Paul Ryan as his Vice-Presidential running mate, Mitt Romney has been sharpening his foreign policy argument against President Barack Obama, setting out a hawkish national security agenda. Yet apart from a difference of style, there seems to be no major difference between the two contenders. 23 Aug 2012
Antimicrobial resistance and healthcare resilience: a game changer for the 21st century?
The emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms is a concern for more than just the medical industry. It is forcing governments into greater collaboration, influencing immigration policy in the UK and is changing the way we think about domestic resilience. 23 Aug 2012
When History is Not Made: The End of Somalia's Transition
The news of Ethiopian Meles Zenawi's death may have eclipsed the inauguration of Somalia's new parliament - an event the UN has called a 'watershed moment' in Somalia's history. But with political and security challenges still unaddressed in Somalia, the end of the transition may turn out to be forgettable for other reasons too. 21 Aug 2012
Olympic Medals for the Military
The last minute military boost to Olympic security allowed the Armed Forces to be seen as a normal and average part of a relaxed and self-confident British society. The Chiefs should bottle that spirit for the difficult years to come, and politicians should realise that this was a one-off service.21 Aug 2012
The Resignation of Kofi Annan: The End of the Diplomatic Road?
Kofi Annan's Peace Plan for Syria was doomed from the start as none of the actors were prepared to take it seriously. His resignation means the stage is now set for a dénouement to this bloody civil war, spurred on by outside support.6 Aug 2012
Summer 2012 tensions rise in the Gulf
Never a tranquil region at the best of times, the Gulf is shaping up for a difficult and tense summer and autumn. A series of domestic issues have become regional concerns due at least partly to the unrest caused by the Arab Spring. 2 Aug 2012
G4S and London 2012: Choosing your partners wisely?
The inability of private security firm G4S to adequately resource Olympic security provides a salient lesson for Government: know your partner's strengths and weaknesses and formalise a tighter control mechanism through which to hold its counterpart directly accountable.
26 Jul 2012
London 2012: A Glittering Legacy?
Despite the Olympic Charter's commitment to internationalism and neutrality, the history of the Olympic Games reveals that what happens both on and off the field is shaped by political considerations. 26 Jul 2012
SYRIA CRISIS BRIEFING: A Collision Course for Intervention
The Syrian crisis took a decisive new turn on 25 July. President Bashar al-Assad’s own future is now significantly less relevant to whatever will happen next in the country and external intervention, in some form, is now significantly more likely. In this Briefing, experts detail the risks and challenges of intervention in Syria. Our contributors delve further into the internal andexternal aspects of this conflict, offering a sobering assessment ofthe prospects for Syria and the region. 25 Jul 2012
VIDEO: Air Power at the Farnborough International Airshow 2012
Professor Trevor Taylor, head of RUSI's Defence, Industries and Societies Programme gives an analysts' perspective of the Farnborough International Airshow and the technology show cased there.26 Jul 2012
Bloody days ahead as the Assad regime is decapitated
A bomb attack killing close Assad officials now begs the question of when, not whether the Assad regime will fall from power. For now, the counterattacks by the regime indicates a worrying outlook for a post-Assad Syria.19 Jul 2012
Germany’s Defence Industrial Policy Dilemma
Germany has historically restricted defence exports in fear of contributing to international insecurity. Now, recent steps to reform restrictions on defence exports has once more fuelled a debate that goes to the heart of Germany's political consciousness, while highlighting one of Germany's fundamental defence industrial policy dilemmas.19 Jul 2012
VIDEO: The Defence Industry at the Farnborough International Airshow
Professor Trevor Taylor, head of RUSI's Defence, Industries and Society Programme, assesses the importance of the Farnborough International Airshow to the defence and aerospace industries.26 Jul 2012
The Long and Winding Road: Army 2020
Size is not everything as the British Army announces reductions in personnel. Though sheer quantity is certainly not irrelevant, the numbers in the Regular Army are rather less important than the structure, training and equipment that it embraces.9 Jul 2012
And the Poppies Fell in Soho - The Unveiling of the Bomber Command Memorial
Even though there were glitches at the unveiling ceremony of the Bomber Command Memorial, it was no less moving. After sixty years of campaigning for this remembrance of fallen comrades, this bit of human frailty made it quietly, comically, magnificent.28 Jun 2012
From Drugs to Gold: Colombia's Drug Barons Diversify
Increasing pressure from anti-drug trafficking activities are forcing Colombia's illegally armed groups to diversify their traditional income streams. Against this backdrop, revenue generated through other sectors, such as gold mining, could begin to rival the drug trade as a leading driver of regional insecurity.25 Jun 2012
Why a Presidential 'Win' for Ahmed Shafiq Might Re-Energise the Egyptian Revolution
A win for Ahmed Shafiq as Egyptian President will be seen as a last desperate attempt by the remnants of the Mubarak regime to cling on to power. It may also re-energise the Egyptian revolution as the Muslim Brotherhood re-aligns itself with protestors, rather than the establishment.22 Jun 2012
Saudi Succession after the Death of Crown Prince Nayef
The death of Saudi Crown Prince Nayef and the quick installation of his full brother Salman in the role highlights once again that the country's leadership still rests with the first generation of Saudi rulers. This is done to manage a delicate status quo, putting off real questions of succession for the next generation of the House of Saud.19 Jun 2012
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