In The News

Restrained by Economic Mesh

Nayan Chanda May 12, 2014
Many international observers had hoped that an era of territorial annexation ended in 1991 when the Gulf War forced Iraq to backtrack on Kuwait. But a decade later, Russia quickly disrupted and invaded Crimea and China installed an oil drilling rig in disputed waters close to Vietnam. “The muted response to Russia and China's aggressive actions seem to underscore that in an increasingly...

Why There Is No Stopping Boko Haram

Gayatri Chandrasekaran May 12, 2014
Law-abiding citizens are frustrated about extremism and acts of terrorism – including Boko Haram’s kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls in northern Nigeria as well as their violent attacks on towns and markets. The group’s aim is to establish a religious state in Nigeria and impose archaic rules. “A world that had become accustomed to news of the usual manifestations of terror from groups...

Polio’s Return After Near Eradication Prompts a Global Health Warning

Donald G. McNeil Jr. May 7, 2014
The spread of polio in Pakistan, Syria, Cameroon, Afghanistan, Iraq and Equatorial Guinea has prompted the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency and impose travel restrictions on the first three countries. “Just two years ago – after a 25-year campaign that vaccinated billions of children – the paralyzing virus was near eradication; now health officials say that goal...

Obama's Japan Visit and US-Japan-China Relations: A Missed Opportunity for Conflict Prevention

Mel Gurtov May 5, 2014
The quarrels between China and Japan over small islands in the East China Sea are reaching a dangerous level. Despite deep economic ties and trade, the two countries share a history of war and occupation. The islands are also associated with energy potential. US President Barack Obama missed an opportunity to ease tensions over the territorial dispute, explains Mel Gurtov, editor in chief of...

Don't Be a Menace to South (China Sea)

James Steinberg and Michael E. O'Hanlon May 2, 2014
The US pivot to Asia was designed to promote stability in a fast-growing region for trade and a constructive relationship with China, explain James Steinberg and Mike O’Hanlon for Foreign Policy. Competing territorial claims in the region could counter those efforts. The US has treaty obligations with Japan and the Philippines, but massive trade with China. The writers urge clarity on US resolve...

Sanctions Will Not Deter Russia

David R. Cameron May 1, 2014
Ukraine concedes that its eastern part is in pro-Russian hands, and Russian buildup along the border continues. Russia’s security concerns in Ukraine trump any discomfort over sanctions. Russia contends the removal of Ukraine’s corrupt president defied constitutional limits that allowed replacement only in the case of death, ill health or impeachment. An April 17 agreement signed by Russia, US...

When Flimsy States Don't Fail

Lawrence P. Markowitz April 30, 2014
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan rank among the most corrupt nations in the world with imminent collapse long anticipated. But regimes hang on: “the state’s ability to manage and manipulate competition over local resources to the benefit of the government and its security apparatus has been key,” writes Lawrence P. Markowitz for Foreign Affairs. Markowitz compares how the leaders of the two Central...