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2. Environmental Challenges in a Conflictive Environment
- Author:
- Wael Abdul-Shafi and Jan Hanrath
- Publication Date:
- 09-2018
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- The repercussions of climate change and environmental challenges pose enormous risks to Iran and Saudi Arabia alike. While there are differences in geography and climate in both countries, they also have many environmental challenges in common. Problems such as sand and dust storms or diminishing water resources are border-crossing phenomena that no country can deal with alone; therefore, cooperation is key. At this point in time, however, willingness to cooperate is utterly lacking in a region marked by geo-strategic rivalries, ongoing military conflicts and deep-rooted mutual distrust between regional rivals, and between Saudi Arabia and Iran in particular.
- Topic:
- Environment and International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
3. Afghan Narcotrafficking: A Joint Policy Assessment
- Author:
- Tony Bricktua
- Publication Date:
- 08-2017
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- The EastWest Institute (EWI) has released Afghan Narcotrafficking: A Joint Policy Assessment, the sixth and final report from the institute’s Joint U.S.-Russia Working Group on Afghan Narcotrafficking, which provides a comprehensive and updated assessment of the Afghan drug trade and the role that both the United States and Russia might be able to play in countering this shared threat.
- Topic:
- International Affairs and Narcotics Trafficking
- Political Geography:
- Afghanistan
4. Afghan Narcotrafficking: Illicit Financial Flows
- Author:
- Tony Bricktua
- Publication Date:
- 06-2017
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- The EastWest Institute (EWI) today announced the launch of its latest report, Afghan Narcotrafficking: Illicit Financial Flows. The fifth in a six-part series, this report has been developed to assist policymakers and scholars to better comprehend the nature of illicit flows of goods and services from and into Afghanistan and their relation to drug smuggling. The report provides a comprehensive review and analysis of the opiate trafficking economy as well as recommendations and strategies to counter, control and reduce the supply-side of opiate narcotics around the world.
- Topic:
- International Political Economy and Narcotics Trafficking
- Political Geography:
- Afghanistan
5. Dialogue on U.S.-China Infrastructure Cooperation
- Author:
- Natalie Pretzer-Lin
- Publication Date:
- 03-2017
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- On March 13, 2017, the EastWest Institute (EWI), in concert with the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), convened the first ever conference on prospects for infrastructure cooperation between the United States and China. This conference, held in Beijing, brought together a U.S. delegation comprising investment and infrastructure experts—some of whom have advised the Trump administration on infrastructure—with Chinese counterparts from a number of private sector and state-owned enterprises. Discussion throughout the conference focused on the policy priorities of the Trump Administration; the Trump administration’s vision for the development of U.S. infrastructure; the current state of U.S.-China relations; and opportunities, challenges and recommendations for U.S.-China infrastructure cooperation.
- Topic:
- International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- China and America
6. Central Asian Security: Two Recommendations for International Action
- Author:
- Jacqueline McLaren Miller
- Publication Date:
- 04-2010
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- An Experts' Group on Euro-Atlantic Security, convened by the East West Institute as part of a larger Euro-Atlantic Security Initiative, is pleased to offer its first series of policy recommendations—an international Central Asian security initiative. Given the Kazakh chair-in-office of the OSCE, this is an opportune time to engage in concrete issues in the region.
- Topic:
- Security, Political Violence, Ethnic Conflict, and Terrorism
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Central Asia
7. A Draft Convention on Illicit Trade in Precious Metals and Precious Gems
- Author:
- Jonas Hartelius
- Publication Date:
- 02-2009
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- Precious metals and gemstones have long been valued for their aesthetic properties and ability to retain (or increase) their value. Many precious metals today are also used in the manufacture of high technology commodities. Their high value makes precious metals and precious gems attractive to criminals. They have several functions in the criminal economy: They are attractive goods for theft and other forms of criminal acquisition, calling for special protection on the part of the owners and governments. They can be used for re-circulating stolen goods, including jewelry, antiques, and works of art, through fragmentation, smelting, and other forms of destruction or transformation. Such processes reduce or even destroy the commercial or cultural value of the material, but they also increase the difficulties for police and other authorities to trace the material and bring criminals to justice. They can be used for transporting and transferring valuables outside regular channels and thus finance war, civil conflicts, terrorism, and other forms of dangerous crime. They can be used to hide criminal assets and thus make recovery more difficult. They can be used for tax evasion through smuggling, hiding of assets, etc. The full extent or value of criminal activities with precious metals and precious gems has not been fully investigated. It can safely be assumed, however, that the criminal market in these goods is considerable.
- Topic:
- Globalization, International Law, International Trade and Finance, Treaties and Agreements, and United Nations
- Political Geography:
- United States
8. WSC 5: Protecting People, Economies, and Infrastructure
- Author:
- Christine Lynch, Devon Tucker, Michael Harvey, and Jacqueline McLaren Miller
- Publication Date:
- 02-2009
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- Drawing on a diverse array of opinions from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, the EastWest Institute's Fifth Worldwide Security Conference brought together specialists from the spheres of policy, academia, and civil society. Participants addressed a variety of issues on the contemporary global security landscape. These ranged from specific security threats (whether illicit trade, the targeting of critical infrastructure or cyber crime) to the role of interested actors (such as business, NGOs, and media), as well as a focus on potential strategies to counter terrorism and extremism (either in terms of constructing global cooperative architectures or, more controversially, the possibility of opening dialogue with the terrorists). A variety of policy recommendations emerged from each session—detailed in the main body of the report—but there were several recurring themes binding the debate together and animating the core arguments of proceedings as a whole. These policy recommendations were not necessarily consensus recommendations but reflected a wide range of debated policy prescriptions.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Security, Economics, Education, Globalization, Human Rights, International Security, and Political Theory
- Political Geography:
- Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America
9. Obama, Hillary Clinton, and China: Be Strategic, Be Green
- Author:
- Liu Xuecheng and Robert Oxnam
- Publication Date:
- 02-2009
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- Young and charismatic Barack Obama won a historic victory in the U.S. presidential election. This victory has sparked an international frenzy filled with hope and expectations. Obama, who ran on a platform of “change,” has vowed to rebuild U.S. national power, reshape its international image, and renew its global leadership. However, he will face daunting internal and external challenges—fighting the disastrous financial crisis and economic recession, bringing the war on terror to an end, and coping with emerging powers, including China. What relevance does his victory have for U.S. policy toward China? Will Obama's China policy be one of change or continuity? What would we expect from the Obama administration in cultivating the future course for a China-U.S. constructive and cooperative partnership? These questions are the real concerns of the Chinese people as political power changes hands in the United States.
- Topic:
- Conflict Prevention, Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, and International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- United States and China
10. The Security of Pakistan's Nuclear Facilities
- Author:
- Ken Berry
- Publication Date:
- 02-2008
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- International concern over the security of Pakistan's nuclear facilities has significantly increased with recent turmoil there. But how justified is this concern? Pakistan carries out a full range of activities relating to nuclear weapons: from mining and milling raw materials; through the production of heavy water, tritium, highly enriched uranium and plutonium; to weaponization. It also has an advanced missile program. Yet little is actually known about the security of all these facilities, apart from the fact that they are guarded by a specially trained force of 10,000 separate from, but under the control of, the military.
- Topic:
- Security
- Political Geography:
- Pakistan
11. Narcoterrorism
- Author:
- Jonas Hartelius
- Publication Date:
- 03-2008
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- The concept of “narcoterrorism” was introduced in 1983 by the Peruvian President Belaunde Terry to designate terrorist-like attacks against his country's drug enforcement police. Drug criminals utilized methods from political assailants to influence the politics of the country by causing terror and obstructing justice. Later, ideology-driven terrorist organizations took up illegal drug trade as a source of income.
- Topic:
- Terrorism
12. A Day in the Future - Accelerating Solutions to Security Threats
- Author:
- Leland Russell and Greg Austin
- Publication Date:
- 02-2008
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- The security environment of the future will be shaped by transnational threats evolving from wars, violent extremism, natural disasters, pandemics, and unaddressed systemic problems—including poverty, organized crime, and environmental degradation. Technology will remain a force-multiplier for violent extremists, not only for higher levels of lethality, but for propaganda dissemination. Real-time, global communication will exacerbate the psychological impact of potential threats and the aftermath of incidents.
13. Countering Violent Extremism: Beyond Words
- Author:
- Amy Zalman
- Publication Date:
- 05-2008
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- The last seven years have seen leading Americans falter in their communications about violent extremists and the communities believed to be fostering them. Policymakers, journalists, and community leaders have reached an impasse in crafting a common understanding of how to describe the link between religion and violent extremism, both from a factual point of view and in terms of what might be effective in undermining the appeal of extremist movements. This paper begins at this impasse. It reviews the choices to be made about language and rhetoric in U.S. public discourse as elements of a necessarily broader communications strategy to counter violent extremism. It takes account of how these choices flow through the global media, especially Arabic outlets. It concludes with a call to go beyond debates about the words themselves and to implement a holistic approach to communication that comprehends both the contemporary media environment and the cultural and political landscape of conflict. Communication cannot be composed merely of canny use of media, nor only of a well-crafted message. In the 21st century media environment, words shape actions, actions beget words, and both are in perpetual, dynamic relationship.
- Political Geography:
- America
14. Metal Fingerprint: Countering Illicit Trade in Precious Metals and Gemstones
- Author:
- Alexander Perelygin, Vladimir Ivanov, and Albert Selin
- Publication Date:
- 05-2008
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- International efforts to disrupt terrorist and organized crime networks must pay special attention to how these networks are financed. Global trade in precious metals and gemstones has become a significant source of financing for both organized crime and terrorist groups. As the demand for materials bearing precious metals and stones continues to grow, criminal and terrorist networks will exploit weak national and international monitoring of the trade to finance activities that threaten us all. Public-private partnerships offer a real chance of increasing transparency and monitoring in the trade of precious metals and gemstones, thus undermining the financial foundation of global terrorist networks.
15. Clean Coal: U.S.-China Cooperation in Energy Security
- Author:
- David Wendt
- Publication Date:
- 05-2008
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- As major consumers of the world's energy resources, the United States and China are in dire need of secure energy solutions that can keep pace with their large appetites for energy. Enter coal. Both countries possess abundant coal reserves measured in the hundreds of billions of tons. But the approach to coal policy has been one of favoring cheap extraction rather than taking into serious consideration the societal costs of coal. For the United States, coal represents a major source of electrical power—and a major source of pollution. In China, the accessibility of coal has overtaken the environmental and health arguments against its widespread use. China uses more coal than the United States and European Union combined. The damaging side effects of coal mining and consumption have been overlooked in the face of easy availability and undeveloped or less accessible alternatives. In the current context of global energy uncertainty, coal has been forgiven much.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Energy Policy, Environment, Treaties and Agreements, and International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- United States and China
16. Energy Interests and Alliances: China, America and Africa
- Author:
- Danila Bochkarev, Angelica Austin, and Willem van der Geest
- Publication Date:
- 08-2008
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- In the strategic policy communities of both the United States and China, there has been a knee-jerk blurring between competition in commerce between U.S. and Chinese energy firms and the potential for strategic competition by one country to deny resources to the other. A senior State Department official has described this sort of reaction as “exaggerated”. But the suspicion is there and it is ill-founded. It serves the interests of neither country. On the contrary, as this EWI Policy Paper suggests, energy security can become a rallying point in an otherwise difficult relationship. The two countries are now intensifying their interest and activities not just in each other's domestic energy sector but also in each other's role in a system of global energy security.
- Topic:
- Emerging Markets, Energy Policy, Political Economy, and Treaties and Agreements
- Political Geography:
- Africa, United States, and China
17. NUCLEAR FUEL BANKS: Moscow, Washington to Lead on "Mergers"
- Author:
- Danila Bochkarev
- Publication Date:
- 07-2008
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- The United States and Russia are still the giants of nuclear power, accounting for more than half the world's enriched uranium production. Twenty-five percent of the world's nuclear power plants are found in the United States and half of those power plants use Russian uranium. Russian nuclear fuel now constitutes 10 percent of the U.S. power generation mix. The interdependence arising from existing trade in nuclear fuel points toward a natural partnership.
- Topic:
- International Cooperation, National Security, Nuclear Weapons, Treaties and Agreements, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and International Security
- Political Geography:
- Russia and United States
18. Countering Violent Extremism: Videopower and Cyberspace
- Author:
- J. Rami Mroz
- Publication Date:
- 02-2008
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- The development of global communications technology, in this case digitial video and cyberspace, has diminished the importance of geographic proximity for violent extremists. It is now possible for them to communicate instantly with supporters (or potential supporters) in nearly all parts of the world. Violent extremists are limited far more by their access, or their supporter's access to, technology than by geography. The characteristics of the Internet, its potential anonymity, however temporary, and its high speed, create problems in developing counter-strategies. Violent extremists use these mediums in very similar ways regardless of culture, beliefs, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.
- Topic:
- Security, Political Violence, Science and Technology, and Terrorism
19. PROTECT! People, Economies and Infrastructure
- Author:
- Saleem Vaillancourt and William Boyd
- Publication Date:
- 06-2007
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- “Do you feel more secure today than you did one year ago?” At the beginning of the East West Institute's 4th Worldwide Security Conference (WSC4), held on February 22-24, 2007 in Brussels, most attendees gave a pessimistic reaction to this straw poll. Two themes were central to the conference. Firstly, that at the core of counter-terrorism is the essential task of not allowing terrorist violence to dictate the nature and function of our society; and secondly, that terrorism is illegitimate and criminal. Terrorism cannot damage our liberties and rights, and it is a crime, not a war. Are we winning the long-term struggle against current terrorist groups and movements? The conference said no. Are the terrorists winning the propaganda war? The conference said yes.
- Topic:
- Security, International Cooperation, and Terrorism
- Political Geography:
- Brussels
20. PROTECT! Building a Global Network to Combat Terrorists
- Author:
- Greg Austin, Stephen Sullivan, Christine Lynch, and Daniel Bautista
- Publication Date:
- 06-2007
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- The EastWest Institute's 4th Worldwide Security Conference brought attention to two unfortunate realities. More than half of the 600 public officials and private sector participants, all of them involved in some way in counter-terrorism, felt that we are far from winning the long-term struggle against terrorism. Secondly, there was majority support for the view that terrorists are winning the propaganda war.
- Topic:
- Security, International Cooperation, and Terrorism
21. New Russia, New Ally: A Bilateral Security Agenda Beyond 2008
- Author:
- Greg Austin, Simon Saradzhyan, Daniel Bautista, and Jeff Procak
- Publication Date:
- 06-2007
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- Russia and the US agree on many more security issues than cause dispute between them. Neither expects war or major conflict with the other as an act of deliberate policy. The two states agree they are not military enemies. They have no military strategic interests of a bilateral nature that are fundamentally antagonistic.
- Topic:
- Conflict Prevention and International Cooperation
- Political Geography:
- Russia, United States, Europe, and Asia
22. US, Russia Need to Work Together, Opinion pieces
- Author:
- Jeff Procak
- Publication Date:
- 05-2007
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- At month's end, Sens. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., and Minority Whip Trent Lott, R-Miss., will lead a U.S.-Russia Inter parliamentary Group is one of the few open channels for a broad dialogue by the two countries on the state of the badly frayed relationship. The visit, therefore, on the heels of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's recent meetings in Moscow, presents an important opportunity for the United States and Russia to pull back from an emerging pattern of unnecessary and possibly dangerous disputation.
- Topic:
- Conflict Prevention and International Cooperation
- Political Geography:
- Russia, United States, Europe, and Asia
23. PROTECT! Civilians and Civil Rights in Counter-Terrorist Operations
- Author:
- Greg Austin and Aisha Sabadia
- Publication Date:
- 04-2007
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- In their efforts to defeat well-organized and well-armed terrorist groups, state agencies face difficult choices about how much force to use and how to distinguish between possible terrorists and the civilian populations amongst which they operate clandestinely. Terrorists lack scruples about locating themselves in or launching their operations from civilian areas.
- Topic:
- Conflict Prevention, Human Rights, International Cooperation, and Terrorism
24. Preventing Nuclear Terrorism: The Moscow - Washington Alliance
- Author:
- Ken Berry
- Publication Date:
- 02-2007
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- The United States and Russia have the biggest responsibility for countering nuclear terrorism because together they account for the overwhelming share of global nuclear materials, expertise and weapons. The two countries also have between them the most substantial capacities in counter-terrorism intelligence and response. There is little to separate the two in their policies against nuclear terrorism. Where there are differences in approach on some aspects of nuclear proliferation, the two countries have accepted an obligation as the pre-eminent nuclear powers to try to narrow their differences. The international community cannot defeat nuclear terrorism or limit it without an active and vigorous alliance between Washington and Moscow.
- Topic:
- Arms Control and Proliferation, Development, International Cooperation, and Terrorism
- Political Geography:
- Russia, United States, Washington, and Moscow
25. Engaging India: Ambassador Ortwin Hennig's visit to Delhi and Mumbai
- Author:
- Sahiba Trivedi
- Publication Date:
- 01-2007
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- Ambassador Ortwin Hennig is the Vice President and the Head of Conflict Prevention Program of the East West Institute at Brussels. His previous assignments include the Commissioner for Civilian Crisis Prevention, Conflict Resolution and Post-Conflict Peace Building in the German Government; diplomatic postings in Afghanistan, Russia, German Representation at the European Commission and the OSCE in Vienna. He has also served the Office of the German Federal President as a Foreign Policy Advisor. Ambassador Hennig is an alumnus of the NATO Defense College in Rome having specialized in arms control and security policy matters.
- Topic:
- Conflict Resolution, International Relations, and Development
- Political Geography:
- Afghanistan, Russia, India, Asia, Germany, and Vienna
26. Energy Sovereignty and Security
- Author:
- Greg Austin and Danila Bochkarev
- Publication Date:
- 01-2007
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- Energy security has re-surfaced as a headline issue in the policy councils of Europe and the Americas in a way not seen since the 1970s. On the one hand, some leaders believe that there is a new energy rivalry with ominous geopolitical overtones, and they look at Russia and China with suspicion in this regard. On the other hand, at a more commercial level, there has been rising uncertainty about oil supply and demand, because of political instability in the Persian Gulf and rampant consumption in the major industrial countries and emerging economies. Price volatility, long a feature of the oil market, reached levels not seen for some years, leading to fresh concerns about 'peak oil'.
- Topic:
- Development, Energy Policy, Globalization, and Nationalism
- Political Geography:
- Russia, China, America, and Europe
27. Advancing a Constructive Agenda for US-Russia Relations: Insights and Recommendations from Leading Experts
- Author:
- Jeff Procak
- Publication Date:
- 04-2007
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- On April 25, 2007, the EastWest Institute, together with the Kennan Institute, organized in Washington DC a two-hour roundtable discussion on the current state and outlook for US-Russia relations. The roundtable used President Putin's speech presented to the 43rd Conference on Security Policy in Munich on February 10, 2007 as a point of reference. The purpose of this gathering was to examine strategies and approaches to reverse the significant decline in Russian-American relations over the last several years. The seminar was attended by 20 prominent experts from the US and Russia, including foreign policy advisors, representatives of the academic, business, and NGO communities, and mass media. Topics discussed included the most important issues on the US-Russia geostrategic agenda: arms control and nuclear non- proliferation, international energy, Russia's WTO accession, trade and economic cooperation, mutual perceptions and role of the media.
- Topic:
- International Relations and Security
- Political Geography:
- Russia, United States, Europe, Washington, and Asia
28. VISA POLICIES IN SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE: A HINDRANCE OR A STEPPING STONE TO EUROPEAN INTEGRATION?
- Author:
- Martin Baldwin-Edwards
- Publication Date:
- 10-2006
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- South Eastern Europe (SEE) has been under great pressure from the European Union (EU) to modernize and improve its border management, while simultaneously trying to facilitate cross-border flows and good neighborly relations in the region. The forthcoming accession to the EU of two countries from the region, Bulgaria and Romania, and recently opened negotiations for the accession of two more, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, have the potential to damage both cross-border flows and regional stability. One of the principal factors influencing this potential is the requirement for acceding countries to implement the Schengen regime – in particular, the so-called “black list” of countries whose nationals require visas to enter the Schengen area. At this time, from the Balkan region only Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania are not on the “black list”.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Foreign Policy, and Regional Cooperation
- Political Geography:
- Europe, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Balkans, Romania, Macedonia, and Croatia
29. Ways Forward for Conflict Prevention and Development in GPKT
- Author:
- Andrew Sherriff
- Publication Date:
- 07-2005
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- Violent conflict primarily between ethnic Albanian armed groups and Serbian and Macedonian security forces has been a feature of the recent history of Kosovo, southern Serbia and fYR Macedonia and also the municipalities of Gjilan/Gnjilane, Kumanovo and Presevo. Violent conflict has also indirectly affected the municipality of Trgoviste.
- Topic:
- Conflict Prevention, Security, and Regional Cooperation
- Political Geography:
- Kosovo, Balkans, Macedonia, and Albania
30. Securing Europe and Its Neighbours
- Author:
- John Edwin Mroz
- Publication Date:
- 09-2005
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- Europe's policy makers currently face two key challenges: finding new methods for governments to work better together, and identifying new ways for businesses and civil society to protect the continent's citizens, infrastructure and economies from the threat of terrorism. The terrorist attacks in Madrid on 11 March 2004 and London on 7 July 2005 were vivid reminders that not enough has been done.
- Topic:
- Civil Society, Government, and Terrorism
- Political Geography:
- Europe and London
31. Local Government Gender Mechanisms in the GPKT Micro-region
- Author:
- Kristina Hadzi-Vasileva
- Publication Date:
- 07-2005
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- The areas constituting the GPKT micro-region (fYR Macedonia,1 Serbia and Kosovo) belong to some of the least developed countries in Europe. Transition to market economies has been delayed because of armed conflicts, exclusion from the international community during periods of conflict, as well as the slow process of privatization (in the case of fYR Macedonia and Serbia). Despite the fact they once used to be a part of a single country, the current connection between these areas is unfortunately their characterization of political instability and weak institutions, problems compounded by the common struggle to transform their respective economies.
- Topic:
- Economics, Gender Issues, and Government
- Political Geography:
- Europe, Kosovo, Serbia, and Macedonia
32. Border Management in the Kosovo-Southern Serbia-fYR Macedonia Vortex: a Local Perspective
- Author:
- Henry Bolton
- Publication Date:
- 03-2005
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- The impositions of firstly, the international border between the fYR Macedonia and Yugoslavia in 1992, and secondly the conversion of Kosovo's Administrative Boundary Line (the ABL), between the province of Kosovo and the Republic of Serbia, into a de-facto border in 1999, have had significant impacts on the social and economic lives of the predominantly ethnic Albanian border communities of Kosovo, Serbia and fYR Macedonia within the GPKT (Gjilan/Gnjilane-Presevo-Kumanovo-Trgoviste) micro-region. The situation in the past, whereby the people of the micro-region could travel and interact freely, whether socially or commercially, has changed. Now people wishing to cross from one side of the GPKT micro-region to another, say Gjilan/Gnjiilane to Kumanovo, must cross what are, in effect, two policed and guarded borders, complete with passport checks and customs inspections.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Economics, and Government
- Political Geography:
- Eastern Europe, Kosovo, Yugoslavia, and Macedonia
33. Addressing the Threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction: A moment of opportunity for the EU?
- Author:
- Ian Anthony
- Publication Date:
- 04-2003
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- A free market that controlled the number and type of arms available to states and to non-state actors on the basis of their financial means and technological capacity would breed insecurity and stimulate un-necessary military spending. Rules are needed to regulate military capacities, but questions abound. What kinds of rules are needed? How should these rules be applied? As is the case with the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), these rules could apply equally to all parties, and be universal and uniform in their application.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Human Welfare, and Weapons of Mass Destruction
- Political Geography:
- Europe
34. Turkey's Bold Step Into the Future: Will the EU Meet the Challenge?
- Author:
- Adam S. Albion
- Publication Date:
- 12-2002
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- The triumph of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Turkey's November 3 national election represents a significant opportunity to demonstrate both to the West and the Muslim world that it is possible for a democratic, Islamic party to effectively lead a modern secular state. Such a demonstration of the compatibility of Islam and democracy could produce a catalytic and strategically important effect among moderate Muslims throughout the world. The AKP seems to have recognized the importance of this opportunity by pledging to continue with much-needed political and economic reforms and EU integration efforts. The EU and the West must not let this opportunity pass them by; they must continue to encourage Turkey on its path to economic and political reform by establishing a concrete timeline towards EU membership and by helping Turkey to overcome its current financial crisis. Rejection by the West at this critical juncture could have very damaging effects, not only for Turkey, but for the viability of moderate Islamic parties throughout the Muslim world.
- Topic:
- Economics and Religion
- Political Geography:
- Europe, Turkey, and Middle East
35. Russia's Maternal and Infant Health Crisis: Socio-Economic Implications and the Path Forward
- Author:
- Stephen M. Massey
- Publication Date:
- 12-2002
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- Today, fewer than one in three Russian newborns is healthy, disease rates among Russian children are surging, and shrinking access to quality family planning and prenatal care has worsened the state of women's reproductive health across Russia. The health of Russia's infants and children is especially significant given the country's shrinking population and the mounting problems of infectious disease, rural poverty, illegal narcotics, and alcohol abuse – all contributing factors to poor birth outcomes. The long-term economic impact of unhealthy children born in the past decade is already a serious limiting factor to Russia's emergence as a strong economic partner and international actor. Many infant deaths and childhood illnesses could be prevented with expanded investments in infrastructure and education, improved access to quality care, and reform of Russia's healthcare sector – each of which is too costly for Russia to finance on its own. Untapped opportunities also exist for collaboration between Russian, European, and American civic groups, healthcare experts, scientists, and policy leaders that would have a positive impact on maternal and child health in Russia and beyond.
- Topic:
- Economics, Human Welfare, and International Cooperation
- Political Geography:
- Russia, Europe, and Asia
36. The Federal Option for Afghanistan
- Author:
- Henry E. Hale
- Publication Date:
- 11-2002
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- The future security and stability of Russia, Central Asia, and the Caucasus–all struggling to deal with the simultaneous forces of terrorism, crime, narcotics, poverty, and disease–require a successful political and economic transformation in Afghanistan. A federal system was rejected in favor of aunitary state structure for Afghanistan, but the government of Hamid Karzai has faced great difficulty extending central authority much beyond Kabul. New questions about state-building there and elsewhere in the region should compel policymakers to reconsider federalism among a range of options for how best to organize this complex and diverse society. Although critics charge that a federal solution to state organization enhances social cleavages and fosters instability, federalism could be aviable and effective option if constructed to minimize the power and influence of the demographically dominant group.
- Topic:
- Security
- Political Geography:
- Afghanistan, Russia, Europe, Central Asia, Caucasus, Asia, and Kabul
37. Transatlantic Energy Security and the Caspian Basin: Moving Towards a Common Agenda
- Author:
- Adam N. Stulberg and Hendrik Cosijn
- Publication Date:
- 08-2002
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- Once considered an impediment to stable development and a catalyst for a new “Great Game,” Caspian energy may play a stabilizing role in world markets and geopolitics after all. With the West's growing dependence on hydrocarbon imports, growing tensions in the Middle East, and Moscow's emergence as a major player in 21st century energy politics, the Caspian region is poised to become a focal point for cooperation between the United States, Europe, and Russia. Policymakers in Washington, Brussels, and Moscow share a common interest in preventing the Caspian Basin from lapsing into another Persian Gulf, where windfalls in oil revenues have fueled instability and extremism. They also recognize that efforts to extract and export Caspian energy must advance regional development and stability. Thus far, however, shared interests have not yielded real transatlantic partnership on Caspian energy issues. Different strategic orientations and preferred approaches for unlocking Caspian energy threaten to mar prospects for broadening and deepening transatlantic cooperation in the region. To date, the U.S., Europe, and Russia have pursued parochial interests in the Caspian Basin without much regard for each other. The time is ripe for American, European, and Russian policymakers to take stock of the burgeoning confluence of interests, mount a concerted effort to prevent backsliding, and cement a common agenda by forging a trilateral dialogue on Caspian energy issue.
- Topic:
- Security and Energy Policy
- Political Geography:
- Russia, United States, Europe, Washington, Asia, and Moscow
38. The United States, Europe, and Russia: Toward a Global Energy Security Policy
- Author:
- David L. Goldwyn
- Publication Date:
- 08-2002
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- Together, the United States, Europe, and Russia can help to diversify the global energy supply by creating a Global Strategic Petroleum Reserve (GSPR) filled largely with oil from Russia and other states in the Caspian Basin. Such a move would mitigate U.S. and European dependence on Middle East oil and help to stabilize world oil prices. Other important beneficiaries of a GSPR would be the Asia-Pacific economies outside the OECD that currently lack strategic reserves. A GSPR offering access to China and other Asian economies would help anchor these states in an important, positive-sum arrangement that highlights shared energy security interests with Russia and the West. If managed responsibly, creating the GSPR will not antagonize OPEC countries, which themselves benefit from stable energy markets. Moreover, developing the GSPR will encourage the reform and modernization of Russian and other transition countries' energy economies and give real substance to collaboration on energy issues between Russia, the EU, and the U.S. If coupled with close collaboration on Caspian energy development, the creation of a GSPR would make U.S. and EU energy ties with Russia and its neighbors sources of substantial, long-term strength.
- Topic:
- Security and Energy Policy
- Political Geography:
- Russia, United States, Europe, Middle East, and Asia
39. Ukraine and the West: Policies for Progress
- Author:
- Oleksandr Pavliuk and John E. Tedstrom
- Publication Date:
- 07-2002
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- A limited window of opportunity has opened to advance democratization, the rule of law, and market economics in Ukraine. This unique situation is the result of economic growth since 2000, strong voter support for reformers in the March 2002 parliamentary elections, and a rearrangement of the strategic landscape since September 11, including positive shifts in Western relations with Russia. How Ukrainian leaders make use of this opportunity will have serious implications for Ukraine's integration with European and Euro-Atlantic institutions. To achieve success, Ukraine will have to deliver on substantive domestic reforms and demonstrate a genuine openness to integration. Leadership from the West is equally imperative; clear indications of the West's desire to see Ukraine succeed at home and in European integration will have a strong positive influence at the grassroots, which will in turn be decisive in the 2004 presidential elections. By contrast, if the West disengages now or fails to formulate a clear concept of its relations with Ukraine, voters will be less likely to support presidential candidates who advocate a European choice and the domestic change it requires. As a result, the likelihood that non-reformers will prevail in the 2004 presidential elections would increase, thereby jeopardizing Ukraine's long-term stability and its contributions to regional and global security.
- Topic:
- NATO, Democratization, and Economics
- Political Geography:
- Ukraine and Eastern Europe
40. Reconceptualizing NATO
- Author:
- István Gyarmati and Christopher Walker
- Publication Date:
- 07-2002
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- With the NATO summit in Prague less than six months away, leaders on both sides of the Atlantic must quickly construct a new vision for the Alliance. Making NATO relevant for the 21st century requires developing a realistic plan for restructuring forces and re-examining long-held assumptions. NATO leaders must strike a course that recognizes a dramatically changed international landscape. Terrorism, organized crime, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related technologies, and militant fundamentalism have risen to the top of most threat assessments. NATO has not yet made the adjustments necessary to meet these new threats. Political and commercial rifts between the United States and Europe are growing wider, and the technology and capabilities gap between America and its allies draws into question the relevance of European militaries. At the same time, the Alliance is poised to invite a set of new members – possibly as many as seven – to join its ranks. Policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic thus face the daunting challenge of meeting the commitment of enlarging the Alliance while simultaneously transforming it.
- Topic:
- Defense Policy, NATO, International Cooperation, and Terrorism
- Political Geography:
- Russia, America, Europe, and Asia
41. Russia's Southern Regions: Threats and Opportunities
- Author:
- Robert Orttung
- Publication Date:
- 06-2002
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- Instability in Russia's southern regions poses a threat to the continuation of the country's overall political and economic reform, and to regional stability in Central Eurasia. These regions, which already possess Russia's most fragile local economics, face a variety of problems emanating from the weak and failing states to their immediate south. Most visibly, there is the threat of terrorism, an increasing flow of illegal narcotics from producers in Afghanistan, an influx of contraband goods that wipe out Russian jobs, and illegal immigration. With few resources and extensive corruption among key officials, Russia's southern regions are poorly equipped to deal with these problems. Developing mutually beneficial trade links between Russia's southern regions and its neighbors in Central Asia, China, and Mongolia can mitigate instability and economic stagnation in this region, help to rebuild regional economies, generate income, and better enable governments to provide security and basic human services to their people. The West can support these developments as well as help combat organized crime, target corruption, and improve border security.
- Topic:
- Security, Economics, International Cooperation, and Terrorism
- Political Geography:
- Afghanistan, Russia, China, Europe, Mongolia, and Asia