The independent resource on global security

Backgrounders

Eurasian Economic Union policies and practice in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s experience as a member of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) from mid-2015 to late 2016 has been largely frustrating, alhtough any analysis is complicated by the regional economic and political shocks during this time.

Trends in multilateral peace operations—new SIPRI data

On the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, SIPRI is releasing new data on multilateral peace operations active in 2016. This backgrounder explores the trends identified by the new data.

The EU: Pondering strategic engagement with China's Belt and Road Initiative

The EU has so far reacted hesitantly to China's Belt and Road Initiative amid concerns over transparency, feasability and sustainability. However, it risks being left behind as China takes a stronger lead in shaping the Eurasian landscape.

The status of Chinese–Russian energy cooperation in the Arctic

On the day of the 10th Arctic Council Ministerial meeting, this backgrounder looks at the status of Chinese–Russian cooperation in the Arctic.

The Silk Road Economic Belt: How does it interact with Eurasian security dynamics?

China's ambitious Silk Road Economic Belt aims to provide critical infrastructure across Eurasia. How does this interact with security dynamics in Central and South Asian states?

Monitoring military expenditure

SIPRI provides the only long-term, historically consistent series of military expenditure data with global coverage available today. This topical backgrounder looks at how and why SIPRI invests time in this endeavour.

Lessons from Mali's local elections

After four successive adjournments, Mali held local elections on 20 November 2016. The elections did not occur without incident, however, with several Malian participants in the new SIPRI–CONASCIPAL project reporting violence and intimidation tactics in their local regions.

The state of peace operations: An interview with Lakhdar Brahimi

SIPRI Governing Board member Ambassador Lakhdar Brahimi gives his views on the current state of UN peace operations, the recent HIPPO report and prospects for the future.

'Unfinished business' on the anniversary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

On the 20th anniversary of the opening for signature of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said 'this is not a celebration. It is a stark reminder of the work that remains.'

North Korea's fifth nuclear test

North Korea's fifth nuclear test shows that the current policy of sanctions, name-calling and exhortations is not working.