2018

Security Cooperation

commentary
'Zero-sum' Approach to Defence and Security During Brexit Negotiations Risks a Less Secure UK and EU
It is in the interest of neither the UK nor the EU to have a 'zero sum' approach to defense and security during Brexit negotiations. Both sides have plenty to lose if it turns into a 'messy divorce.'
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Apr 4, 2018
UK Ministry of Defence's 2018 Defence Suppliers Guidebook
Alexandra Hall, James Black
Military Tactics

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China Welcomes Its Newest Armed Force: The Coast Guard
China's recent move to transfer responsibility for the China Coast Guard to the People's Armed Police will have major symbolic implications for China's presence in disputed waters. It can no longer claim its presence in the South China Sea is purely civilian in nature.
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Apr 4, 2018
War on the Rocks
Lyle J. Morris
Arms Proliferation and Control

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Iran: The Nuclear Agreement Will Survive, at Least for Now
A U.S. unilateral withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal does not necessarily mean the deal will collapse. But a broader collapse of the agreement along with the imposition of harsh sanctions in the coming months could sharply escalate tensions with Iran.
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Apr 4, 2018
The Hill
Richard C. Baffa
Russia

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Moscow Is Going Too Far
Russia has become more daring with the West with its retaliatory expulsions and may face a high price. An angered West could turn from expulsions to economic countermeasures.
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Apr 3, 2018
The Hill
William Courtney @courtneywmh
Suicide

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Comparing Suicide Rates: Making an Apples to Apples Comparison
As the national suicide rate continues to rise, an increasing number of stakeholders are looking within their own communities and asking: “Do we have a suicide problem?” It's a difficult question to answer.
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Apr 2, 2018
The Injury Control Research Center for Suicide Prevention
Rajeev Ramchand @RRamchand
Turkey

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What's Turkey Trying to Achieve in Syria?
Turkish President Erdoğan is attempting to cement his political legitimacy among Syrian Sunnis by portraying himself as their savior. If the United States withdraws from Syria after the mission to defeat ISIS is complete, it will essentially be ceding the advantage to Erdoğan, who can continue pushing his agenda.
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Apr 2, 2018
The National Interest
Ahmet S. Yayla, Colin P. Clarke
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China's Strengthening of Communist Party Rule Is Not Just a Power Grab
Strengthening the leadership role of the Communist Party and removing term limits for President Xi Jinping have raised fears about increasingly authoritarian Chinese politics. While repression may well increase, boosting the party’s influence also increases the chance of badly needed reforms concerning governance and the economy.
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Apr 2, 2018
World Politics Review
Timothy R. Heath
Ballistic Missiles

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Hypersonic Missiles: A New Proliferation Challenge
Within 10 years, hypersonic missiles are likely to be deployed and offered on the international market. But there is time for action by states that do not want hypersonic missiles to flourish in their neighborhoods. It is time to move toward heading off this threat while it is still possible to do so.
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Mar 29, 2018
Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
Richard H. Speier
Security Cooperation

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European Security Cooperation Should Remain Comprehensive—Especially After Brexit
During Brexit negotiations, it could be tempting for the UK and EU to use certain security structures as 'bargaining chips'. However, it is in no one's interests for both sides to adopt a 'zero-sum' approach to security discussions.
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Mar 28, 2018
Euractiv
Sarah Grand-Clement
Gender Integration in the Military

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On RAND's Research Findings Regarding Transgender Military Personnel Policy
In September 2015, the Department of Defense asked RAND to initiate a study on the implications of allowing transgender personnel to serve openly. Since its publication, the research has been widely viewed as the most comprehensive and authoritative analysis on this topic. RAND stands by the study's research approach, analysis, and findings.
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Mar 27, 2018
The RAND Blog
Agnes Gereben Schaefer
Nuclear Deterrence

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What Does Japan Think of the Iran Nuclear Deal?
What is Tokyo's view of the Iran nuclear deal and how has Tokyo responded to the U.S. threat to withdraw from it? What role is Japan, the world's third-largest economy, a major U.S. ally, and the only country ever to be attacked with nuclear weapons, likely to play in attempting to preserve, improve, or scrap the deal?
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Mar 26, 2018
The Diplomat
Scott W. Harold
Nuclear Deterrence

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Red Glare: The Origin and Implications of Russia's 'New' Nuclear Weapons
Why would Russia, which has over 1,500 deployed strategic nuclear warheads that can be delivered from existing ballistic and cruise missiles, invest in new, exotic systems? The answer is deeply rooted in modern Russian and Soviet history.
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Mar 26, 2018
War on the Rocks
Austin Long
Vietnam

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Vietnam's Remarkable Month of Balancing Against China in the South China Sea
Vietnam in March very publicly engaged in a string of activities to strengthen deterrence against China in the South China Sea. But Hanoi's push to deepen external defense ties with states that can help its cause will not necessarily translate into greater risk-taking in the region.
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Mar 26, 2018
The Diplomat
Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman
School Security

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How Can the U.S. Do a Better Job of Keeping Kids Safe at School?
Many proposals to improve school safety promote the use of technology, such as metal detectors and video cameras. How effective are these devices? The evidence is mixed.
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Mar 26, 2018
Fox News Channel
Rajeev Ramchand @RRamchand, Jessica Saunders, et al.
commentary
Online Voting: The Solution to Declining Political Engagement?
The potential benefits of online voting merit a conversation across Europe about its increased use in elections. But the evidence is mixed on whether online voting actually helps increase voter turnout.
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Mar 23, 2018
E!Sharp
Katherine Stewart, Jirka Taylor