Civil Defense

Taiwan

commentary
Waiting to Impale: Defending Taiwan with Artificial Reefs
Deterring a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is arguably the most important defense problem of the next few decades. Artificial reefs could help to deter China simply by waiting to impale any potential invasion force.
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May 10, 2023
RealClearDefense
Scott Savitz

Japan

commentary
Japan's Strategic Shift: Significant, but Implementation Hurdles May Await
Japan's new strategic documents appear to demonstrate a recognition in Tokyo that it must do more for its own defense in the face of unprecedented security challenges. The dedication of resources, pursuit of new capabilities, and overarching commitment to a more robust defense are all significant moves that represent landmark change by one of America's key allies.
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Jan 27, 2023
War on the Rocks
Jeffrey W. Hornung, Christopher B. Johnstone
Unmanned Maritime Vessels

commentary
Could Taiwan Defend with Uncrewed Surface Vessels?
Ukraine has demonstrated the ability of explosive uncrewed surface vessels to target ships. These weapons could play a role in preventing Chinese forces from successfully invading Taiwan in potential future scenarios.
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Jan 9, 2023
RealClearDefense
Scott Savitz
Taiwan

commentary
Ukraine War Is Motivating Taiwan to Better Secure Its Own Future
Russia's invasion of Ukraine is probably motivating Taiwan to better secure its own future versus China. But many of the challenges currently facing Taiwan, such as shortcomings in reservist training or lingering confusion over its military strategy, are difficult to fix, assuming they are even fixable.
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May 13, 2022
Nikkei Asia
Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman
Ukraine

commentary
What Kind of Resistance Can Ukraine Mount?
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has ordered general mobilization, and Ukrainians are already engaging in irregular warfare and preparing for a prolonged resistance. What might a comprehensive Ukrainian resistance entail? What is the potential effectiveness, and what are the risks? What support could the international community provide?
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Feb 28, 2022
Defense News
Stephen J. Flanagan, Marta Kepe @martakepe
Australia

commentary
The Definition of Mobilisation
In Australia, the prevailing view of mobilisation is that it is an activity associated with going to war. But it should also include preparing for, and where possible, preventing a range of potential hazards, as well as supporting subsequent recovery efforts.
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Oct 21, 2021
The Strategist
Joanne Nicholson, Marigold Black, et al.
Civil-Military Relations

commentary
Japanese Public Needs to Know SDF to Appreciate It
Although Japan does not call the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) a military, externally it is widely respected as a modern armed force fielding advanced defense capabilities. Given the threats facing Japan, it may benefit the Japanese public to better understand the value of the SDF as an armed force and the military cooperation that takes place with the United States.
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Feb 19, 2021
Stars and Stripes
Jeffrey W. Hornung
Norway

commentary
How Norway's Allies View Its Defense Challenges and Opportunities
Norway's Ministry of Defence will shortly publish its next Long Term Plan, which outlines how the Armed Forces, in tandem with other elements of government and society, can best address the threats to Norway. Other countries can learn from how Norway chooses to tackle emerging challenges, and can benefit from its lessons learned.
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Apr 16, 2020
Defense News
Stephen J. Flanagan, James Black
Japan

commentary
Japan's Invisible Hand
Shinzo Abe has cemented his position as Japan's prime minister for the next three years. Now he is expected to make a concerted push for revising the Constitution, which has not been amended since 1947. But the Japanese public is not convinced of the need to revise the Constitution, making his efforts likely to fail.
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Oct 10, 2018
The Japan Times
Jeffrey W. Hornung
France

commentary
Vive France's Defense of Its Jewish Citizens
France is not the problem when it comes to defending Jewish lives and Jewish rights. With a few exceptions, the French state and nation have been stalwart on these issues, if only because the French government has understood that those who strike at Jews usually are striking at values dear to France.
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Feb 13, 2015
U.S. News & World Report
Michael Shurkin
Terrorism Threat Assessment

commentary
Crowd-sourcing Our Security
Involvement can transform members of the public from helpless bystanders into active participants in their own defense, thereby reducing fear and alarm, writes Brian Michael Jenkins.
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May 13, 2013
The RAND Blog and GlobalSecurity.org
Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins

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Civil Defense

Waiting to Impale: Defending Taiwan with Artificial Reefs

Japan's Strategic Shift: Significant, but Implementation Hurdles May Await

Could Taiwan Defend with Uncrewed Surface Vessels?

Ukraine War Is Motivating Taiwan to Better Secure Its Own Future

What Kind of Resistance Can Ukraine Mount?

The Definition of Mobilisation

Japanese Public Needs to Know SDF to Appreciate It

How Norway's Allies View Its Defense Challenges and Opportunities

Japan's Invisible Hand

Vive France's Defense of Its Jewish Citizens

Crowd-sourcing Our Security

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