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- Author: Niklas Helwig
- Publication Date: 06-2018
- Content Type: Policy Brief
- Institution: Finnish Institute of International Affairs
- Abstract: Tensions in the transatlantic partnership are spurring the German debate on how to prepare for the possibility of a post-Atlantic Europe. Germany has renewed its focus on the EU’s security and defence policy. This includes long-term initiatives to improve European operational readiness, as well as recognition of the EU mutual assistance clause in the doctrine of the German armed forces. However, efforts by German politicians to convince the public of the need for a greater international engagement face difficulties as Germans see the threat as negligible and eye the military with suspicion. The challenge for Berlin remains to step up the ambition for European defence cooperation, while avoiding new fault lines among EU members.
- Topic: International Relations, International Affairs
- Political Geography: Germany
- Author: Jussi Lassila
- Publication Date: 04-2018
- Content Type: Policy Brief
- Institution: Finnish Institute of International Affairs
- Abstract: The Kremlin has cast a cloud over the horizon for millions of Russian citizens. People do not perceive the forthcoming pension reform as a necessary measure for sustaining economic and social stability. Rather, it has ignited a collective sense of anger among the people that they have been cast adrift by the elite
- Topic: International Relations, International Affairs
- Political Geography: Russia
- Author: Emma Hakala
- Publication Date: 08-2018
- Content Type: Policy Brief
- Institution: Finnish Institute of International Affairs
- Abstract: As climate change progresses, it will have impacts on global politics, creating both new vulnerabilities and opportunities. Geoeconomics provides a useful analytical framework for the political implications of climate change as it shifts the focus from military force to economic means of exerting power. This working paper looks at the geoeconomics of climate change in the case of India. It examines the ways in which India has used climate policies to gain leverage and contain threats regionally and globally. Due to its emerging power status and high vulnerability to climate impacts, India holds a key position in the global fight against climate change. The paper argues that India has incorporated geostrategic uses of climate change into a wider shift in its foreign policy. Globally, it has chosen a cooperative strategy to emphasise its responsibility through diplomacy and sustainable energy investments, contributing to its role as a global power and to its influence in partner countries. Yet a similar geoeconomic climate policy has not been applied in its regional relations. The Indian case shows how climate change can lead to both competitive and cooperative geostrategies.
- Topic: International Relations
- Political Geography: India
104. Xi Jinping thought and China’s future foreign policy: Multipolarity with Chinese characteristics
- Author: Jyrki Kallio
- Publication Date: 08-2018
- Content Type: Policy Brief
- Institution: Finnish Institute of International Affairs
- Abstract: Xi Jinping Thought is aimed at guiding China both domestically and internationally. The goal is China’s national rejuvenation, which will break the global dominance of Western civilization. The revival must allegedly be led by a strong ideology guided by a strong and charismatic leader: Xi Jinping. Based on the ancient Chinese ideal of “great unity under Heaven”, Xi’s long-term goal for China is the creation of a “community of a common destiny for Mankind”. So far, this idea has no concrete manifestations on the global scale. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China is building a regional community of common destiny in Central and Southeast Asia. This is both an indirect challenge to the existing “Western” system, and a step in delineating China’s sphere of influence.
- Topic: International Affairs
- Political Geography: China
- Author: Katja Cruetz
- Publication Date: 08-2018
- Content Type: Policy Brief
- Institution: Finnish Institute of International Affairs
- Abstract: The International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Responsibility to Protect (RtoP) principle both seek to respond to mass atrocities. They are products of the heyday of the international liberal order, which allowed the formation of projects based upon interference in the internal affairs of states in order to protect populations from atrocity crimes. The changing international system with the redistribution of power between states has affected these projects by bringing uncontroversial activities to the fore in order to secure state acceptance. Consensus on the RtoP extends to the primacy of the state in protection of its populations, while actions of the international community going beyond assistance and capacity-building are contested, particularly highly coercive ones such as military intervention. Alongside its judicial task of trying perpetrators of international crimes, the ICC has focused on positive complementarity whereby national capabilities are enhanced. It has also engaged in symbolic activities, such as highlighting certain international crimes.
- Topic: International Affairs
- Political Geography: Global Focus
106. The sustainability of the questionable US presidency: The Trump era might last longer than expected
- Author: Mika Aaltola
- Publication Date: 08-2018
- Content Type: Policy Brief
- Institution: Finnish Institute of International Affairs
- Abstract: The 2020 US presidential election could be a close call with a narrow margin of victory. Many key factors underlying Donald Trump’s 2016 electoral success are still active and might suffice to win over a very polarized electorate in an extremely ugly election.
- Topic: International Affairs, Democracy
- Political Geography: America
107. Complex Humanitarian Emergencies and Disaster Management in Bangladesh: the 2017 Rohingya Exodus
- Author: Alistair D. B. Cook, Foo Yen Ne
- Publication Date: 07-2018
- Content Type: Policy Brief
- Institution: S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies
- Abstract: The exposure to natural hazards has prompted Bangladesh to institutionalize disaster management and coordination. This report examines Bangladesh’s established disaster management structures and the role of key actors through reviewing existing literature from international organisations, academia, and think tanks, followed by interviews with key disaster management stakeholders in Bangladesh from the end of February to the beginning of March 2018. In analysing the response to the 2017 Rohingya Exodus, this report aims to identify lessons learnt and factors which may impede effective disaster management and coordination between different actors with some operating outside their traditional mandated area of natural hazards to govern a complex humanitarian emergency.
- Topic: International Relations, Human Rights
- Political Geography: Bangladesh
- Publication Date: 05-2018
- Content Type: Policy Brief
- Institution: S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies
- Abstract: Human activities, technology and climate change drive changes to our environmental landscape and societal order. Marine microplastics arising from woeful human use of plastics threaten marine ecology. Excessive consumption of fossil fuels disrupts weather systems and consequently undermines food security. Unequal access between the “haves and have nots” aggravates food insecurity. Without meaningful intervention, annual deaths from food-borne diseases (FBDs) caused by anti-microbial resistant (AMR) bacteria will reach 10 million in 2050. Human displacement continues unabated across state lines as humanitarian crises require fresh responses. Ubiquitous use of information and communications technologies (ICTs) has created a new landscape where cyber-threats target both hardware and software and where truth has become its latest victim. Moreover, social media has been weaponized to breed intolerance. The Annual Conference of the Consortium of Non-Traditional Security (NTS) in Asia held in Singapore recently examined responses to these uncertainties, if not threats to humanity, arising from key disruptions. This report captures the responses and hopes touted by experts at the Conference with the view of providing policy makers and invested scholars interested in such developments with some recommendations towards building resilience within and across states.
- Topic: International Relations, International Affairs
- Political Geography: Asia
- Author: Jose Ma, Luis Montesclaros, Mely Caballero-Anthony
- Publication Date: 04-2018
- Content Type: Policy Brief
- Institution: S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies
- Abstract: As Southeast Asian economies become deeply integrated, there are concerns as to whether movement of people through labour migration should be part of this integration. While labour migration offers benefits especially in addressing labour shortage in countries with shrinking working age population, for countries at different levels of economic development, opening up the labour markets presents disadvantages to locals facing more job competition and falling wages. This paper re-examines this debate by analysing a number of factors that have allowed states to maintain their competitiveness and improve wages. By comparing the experiences of a number of countries that have seen rising wages with those countries that saw falling wages with labour migration, and using a statistical (two-sample difference of means) test, this preliminary study shows that labour migration by itself is neither boon nor bane. A more nuanced view is needed, as labour migration’s impacts on wages hinge on the nature of institutional support provided by governments in helping firms to be internationally competitive.
- Topic: Migration, International Affairs
- Political Geography: Global Focus
- Author: Vishalini Chandara Sagar, Alistair D. B. Cook, Tamara Nair, Foo Yen Ne
- Publication Date: 03-2018
- Content Type: Policy Brief
- Institution: S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies
- Abstract: Over the past fifteen years, Timor Leste has made noteworthy gains in national development in general but continues to experience significant exposure during natural disasters like prolonged droughts and flooding in particular. Yet there is little documented evidence of these disasters and their impact on human security in Timor Leste. The challenges facing the country are considerable, and low institutional capacity makes it difficult for the government to increase resilience to slow onset disasters. This report explores how current structures, mechanisms and institutions in the country have been organised for emergencies and how disaster response operations have been conducted thus far. Data was collected by conducting in-depth interviews with relevant personnel from government agencies, international aid agencies and local non-state actors. This was supplemented by document analyses of major reports and literature surrounding disaster preparedness in the country. The findings reveal that there are three key strategies that need further development: enhancing institutional capacity, strengthening coordination mechanisms and evaluating current emergency response plans. Further research should include conducting a comprehensive needs assessment, mapping the localised response structures, and the contextualising of human insecurities in the country.
- Topic: Disaster Relief, International Affairs
- Political Geography: Timor-Leste
- Publication Date: 02-2018
- Content Type: Video
- Institution: Al Jazeera
- Abstract: For democracies to flourish and succeed, voters need accurate information on which to base their decisions; to weigh up the relative merits of proposed policy A over proposed policy B, to judge whether this candidate is more trustworthy or reliable than that one, or that these promises are more likely to be kept than those. But recent elections, most notably that of Donald Trump as US President, have highlighted the dangers to this process posed by those using social media and the internet to spread malevolent propaganda and fake news.
- Topic: Corruption, Democracy, Post Truth Politics
- Political Geography: Global Focus
- Author: Eswar Prasad
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Video
- Institution: The Brookings Institution
- Abstract: Brookings Senior Fellow Eswar Prasad unpacks the impact of the new steel and aluminum tariffs proposed by the Trump administration. He explains that the new tariffs have undermined America’s leadership as proponents of free trade and will decrease America’s economic influence across the globe.
- Topic: International Political Economy
- Political Geography: America
- Author: Mara Karlin
- Publication Date: 03-2018
- Content Type: Video
- Institution: The Brookings Institution
- Abstract: Brookings Nonresident Senior Fellow Mara Karlin unpacks the roles of the wide array of actors in the Syrian military and humanitarian crisis as it continues and grows more complicated every day. She explains that the United States must clearly define its prime objectives in the Middle East as it becomes increasingly clear that the Bashar Assad regime will stay in power and that ISIS is on its way to complete military defeat.
- Topic: International Affairs, War Crimes
- Political Geography: Syria
- Publication Date: 02-2018
- Content Type: Video
- Institution: The Brookings Institution
- Abstract: On February 7, David Frum joined a panel of experts at Brookings to discuss the burgeoning threats to democratic institutions in the Trump era.
- Topic: International Affairs, Democracy
- Political Geography: America
- Publication Date: 06-2018
- Content Type: Video
- Institution: Atlantic Council
- Abstract: Please join us on Tuesday, June 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for a tour of the world’s most innovative places and a discussion on what today’s technology trends mean for the future security and prosperity of the United States. During this event, we will launch a new report: The Global Innovation Sweepstakes: A Quest to Win the Future. The Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, in partnership with Qualcomm, embarked on a global tour of technology hubs to determine which ones are at the cutting edges of tech-based innovation—and which are at risk of falling behind. Our researchers visited nearly a dozen countries and spoke with almost two hundred experts. Will China overtake the United States? Can Europe rise to the challenge? Why are small states often the most innovative? This new report seeks to answer these questions—and others raised by the unfolding technological revolution. It also provides policy recommendations for research and development, skills training, technology transfer, diversity, education, and more.
- Topic: International Political Economy, Science and Technology, International Affairs
- Political Geography: Global Focus
- Publication Date: 08-2018
- Content Type: Video
- Institution: Middle East Institute, Columbia University
- Abstract: Three months after Iraq held its latest parliamentary elections the results are still being counted. Meanwhile political parties are jockeying for power and Iraqi citizens are taking to the streets to protest the government’s handling of services and the economy. Dr. Abbas Kadhim, senior fellow at Johns Hopkins SAIS, Omar Al-Nidawi, Iraq director for Gryphon Partners, and Dr. Randa Slim, director of MEI’s Program on Conflict Resolution and Track II Dialogues, join host Paul Salem to discuss the situation.
- Topic: International Affairs
- Political Geography: Iraq
- Publication Date: 09-2018
- Content Type: Video
- Institution: The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
- Abstract: Earlier this month, the Trump administration issued sanctions against Turkey for its continued detention of American pastor Andrew Brunson. Ties between the two governments have been under strain for years, but the latest incident has seemingly touched off the most severe crisis in recent memory, including a plunge in Turkish economic indicators. As the historic dispute unfolds, what are the future prospects and pitfalls for the bilateral relationship?
- Topic: International Security, International Affairs
- Political Geography: Turkey
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Economic structure, Charts and tables, Annual indicators
- Political Geography: Togo
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Politics, Summary, Political structure
- Political Geography: Togo
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Outlook
- Political Geography: Guinea-Bissau
- Publication Date: 02-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Economic structure, Charts and tables, Annual indicators
- Political Geography: Djibouti
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Outlook
- Political Geography: Bermuda
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Economic structure, Charts and tables, Monthly trends charts
- Political Geography: Zimbabwe
- Publication Date: 02-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Economic structure, Charts and tables, Monthly trends charts
- Political Geography: Cameroon
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Outlook
- Political Geography: Guyana
- Publication Date: 02-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Politics, Summary, Political structure
- Political Geography: Djibouti
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Politics, Summary, Political structure
- Political Geography: Zimbabwe
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Outlook
- Political Geography: Bahamas
- Publication Date: 02-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Outlook
- Political Geography: Trinidad and Tobago
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Outlook
- Political Geography: Armenia
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Outlook
- Political Geography: Mauritania
- Publication Date: 02-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Politics, Summary, Political structure
- Political Geography: Cameroon
- Publication Date: 02-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Outlook
- Political Geography: North Korea
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Outlook
- Political Geography: Togo
- Publication Date: 02-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Outlook
- Political Geography: Albania
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Summary, Economy, Background, Fact sheet
- Political Geography: Estonia
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Outlook
- Political Geography: Senegal
- Publication Date: 02-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Politics, Summary, Political structure
- Political Geography: Paraguay
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Economic structure, Charts and tables, Monthly trends charts
- Political Geography: Senegal
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Summary, Economy, Background, Fact sheet
- Political Geography: Cyprus
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Outlook
- Political Geography: Equatorial Guinea
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Economic structure, Charts and tables, Annual indicators
- Political Geography: Iceland
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Politics, Summary, Political structure
- Political Geography: Tonga
- Publication Date: 02-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Outlook
- Political Geography: Malta
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Outlook
- Political Geography: El Salvador
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Politics, Summary, Political structure
- Political Geography: Guyana
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Economic structure, Charts and tables, Annual indicators
- Political Geography: Bermuda
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Economy, Economic structure, Charts and tables, Monthly trends charts
- Political Geography: Armenia
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Politics, Summary, Political structure
- Political Geography: Puerto Rico
- Publication Date: 01-2018
- Content Type: Country Data and Maps
- Institution: Economist Intelligence Unit
- Abstract: No abstract is available.
- Topic: Politics, Summary, Political structure
- Political Geography: El Salvador