The independent resource on global security

Essays

Neglect of the Afghan private sector could further destabilize the country

Richard Ghiasy

The Afghan Government is largely preoccupied with the country's security situation. However, it cannot afford to neglect the economy, of which the private sector is a fundamental part.

Refugees: links in the chain of disaster and response

Dan Smith

Refugees’ humanitarian needs have generated toxic politics in the EU, with yesterday’s uncertain summit the most recent evidence of that, and a response that is widely deemed inadequate. But the critics have not been able to offer a better alternative.

Mali Peace Accord: Actors, issues and their representation

Dr Gaudence Nyirabikali

After a long process of dialogue and negotiation, a new peace accord has finally been concluded between the Malian Government and two coalitions of armed groups: the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) and the Platform of armed groups (the Platform).

Tensions in the South China Sea: the nuclear dimension

Mathieu Duchâtel and Eugenia Kazakova

In the sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea, there is an often overlooked strategic interest pursued by China: the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) quest for a credible undersea nuclear deterrent.

The 2015 NPT Review Conference: setting the record straight

Tariq Rauf

The lack of agreement at the 2015 Review Conference of the 1968 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weaponsis a big setback for nuclear disarmament.

From ‘Statebuilding’ to ‘Stakebuilding’

Dr Gary Milante

If peacebuilding is a process for promoting inclusivity, is stakebuilding a process for creating joint ownership?

Small arms control in Europe: time for an integrated strategy

Dr Lina Grip

Although small arms control has been an issue on the humanitarian arms control agenda for a long time, small arms manufacturers and civilian consumers have enjoyed a relatively liberal market in large parts of the world.

Russia and the Arctic: an end to cooperation?

The recent increase in Russia’s military activities in the Arctic have raised concerns over whether the Arctic can continue to be a ‘zone of peace and cooperation’ in the foreseeable future.

Non-interference limits China’s role in the fight against Islamic State

Oliver Bräuner and Daha Park

Will China be forced to become more active in the fight against ISIS to protect its citizens and economic interests in Iraq?

Russia as a strategic challenge for the European Union

Dr Ian Anthony

The current pattern of Russian behaviour has been labelled inconsistent with the norms, values and laws that make up the European security order—to the point where EU leaders stress that relations with Russia cannot be ‘business as usual’.