2018

China
commentary
China's Endgame: The Path Towards Global Leadership
Timothy R. Heath
Jan 5, 2018
Lawfare
The coming years are likely to see a deepening contest between the U.S. and China in the diplomatic, economic, cyber, and information domains, even as the risks of major war remain low. In its 19th CCP Congress report, Beijing articulated for the first time an ambition to contend for global leadership.
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commentary
Economic Multilateralism and Regionalism
Ali Wyne
Jan 5, 2018
The Diplomat
The trend toward economic multilateralism and regionalism is accelerating. Japan finalized a free-trade agreement with the EU that will encompass some 600 million people and 30 percent of GWP. The U.S. has benefited from bilateral agreements, but would do well to revisit its posture toward multilateral and regional currents.
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Threat Assessment
commentary
Where Is Assad Getting His Fighters from? (It's Not Just Lebanon and Iraq)
Colin P. Clarke, Phillip Smyth
Jan 4, 2018
The National Interest
The Assad regime's defense against insurgents in Syria's ongoing civil war is being provided by forces imported from Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as Lebanon and Iraq. Most of these fighters are being trained and equipped by Iran. Could this network of foreign fighters help Iran establish a greater presence beyond the Middle East?
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International Diplomacy
commentary
China's Reluctance on Sanctions Enforcement in North Korea
Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman
Jan 4, 2018
The Hill
It's fair to question whether Beijing intends to fully enforce sanctions against the Kim Jong Un regime because such actions tend to undermine China's approach in North Korea. Beijing likely seeks to prevent the collapse of the North Korean regime to ensure that neither a spillover of refugees nor a reunified pro-U.S. Korea emerges on its doorstep.
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Autonomous Vehicles
commentary
Autonomous Vehicles: Terrorist Threat or Security Opportunity?
James Black
Jan 3, 2018
The Cipher Brief
Terrorist groups that track developments in technology could be considering using self-driving cars in place of suicide bombers or for ramming attacks. But autonomous vehicle capabilities offer a range of potential benefits to law enforcement and security operations, too.
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Childhood Development
essay
High-Quality Early Childhood Programs Can Change Lives
Jan 3, 2018
The most comprehensive look to date at the benefits of early childhood education found that 102 of 115 programs improved at least one outcome for children beyond a statistical doubt. And the economic and social benefits continue to pay dividends, sometimes well into adulthood.
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International Diplomacy
commentary
Jerusalem Embassy Move Sparks Turkey-Israel War of Words
Shira Efron
Jan 2, 2018
The Cipher Brief
President Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital has exacerbated tensions between Turkey and Israel. Economic interests had provided incentives for thawing relations in June 2016, but separating economic interests from political differences is harder today given the mistrust between Ankara and Jerusalem.
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