Latest Insights
Foreign aid and strategic competition in the South Pacific
On February 26, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck 35 kilometres underneath the Southern Highlands in Papua New Guinea, causing at least fifty deaths. An Australian Air Force plane carrying relief supplies landed five days later amid criticism that aid had been too slow to arrive.
Chapter Review: Russian military reform and lessons learned in Ukraine
In a chapter of the Jamestown Foundation’s upcoming book on Russia’s Armed Forces, Roger McDermott argues that the ongoing process of military reform in Russia is closely informed by the conflict in eastern Ukraine. While the Kremlin still denies its direct involvement, McDermott argues that publicly available information is sufficient to decipher the lessons that Russia’s Armed Forces have learned in Donbass.
India’s choice between nationalism and influence
The government of India’s attempt to rewrite history to promote Hindu nationalism is only the latest in a series of domestic actions which could have major international consequences and undermine India’s ability to balance China’s growing power.
The Week Ahead: 26-31 March 2018
Egyptian President likely to be reelected. Presidential election tensions heat up in Sierra Leone. Negotiations to form a government in Italy drag out. All in the Week Ahead.
Russia’s privatised military: a move away from Statism?
Benjamin Marsh considers the extent to which private contractor encroachment into a previously protected strategic sector is indicative of a broader shift away from statism in Russia.
50 years after the Battle of Karameh, Jordan faces new uncertainty
Fifty years ago, an armed confrontation between Israel, Jordan, and Palestinian guerrillas created a new phase of Middle East diplomacy and conflicts. What does the battle’s legacy tell us about Jordan and its place in the troubled region today?
Jihadism’s staying power in North Africa
The North Africa-based al-Qaeda affiliate AQIM has recently undertaken a variety of organizational reforms apparently aimed at centralizing the group’s decision-making and control. These reforms will likely help make it
The firing of Rex Tillerson and the future of US diplomacy
After Rex Tillerson was abruptly fired last week, all eyes are on new appointee Mike Pompeo. Trump and Pompeo are aligned on many issues, and the Iran deal in particular is at risk under the new Secretary of State. But there is still scope for Pompeo to assert himself on North Korea and Trump’s unconventional diplomacy.
The political fallout from the Fujimori pardon
Few political developments, in Latin America’s democratic life, have been as unexpected and controversial as Peru’s former president, Alberto Fujimori, receiving a presidential pardon. Having served less than half his sentence – 25 years for serious human rights violations that include killings, kidnapping, and torture, in addition to corruption and bribery – the now infamous Christmas pardon has placed Peru’s rule of law and presidential legitimacy under intense scrutiny.
The Week Ahead: 18 – 24 March 2018
Impeachment proceedings begin against Peruvian President Kuczynski. UK sanctions against Russia likely to escalate. US tariffs expected to take effect. All in the Week Ahead
