2012-12-18 by Richard Weitz In several comprehensive dialogue sessions on China-U.S. relations held at the Chinese Embassy and various Washington think tanks, several themes emerged, focused primarily on the Southeast countries of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). According to U.S. officials, their Chinese counterparts are communicating two messages -- and…
2012-12-17 By Murielle Delaporte The same way preserving minimum strategic stocks and oil reserves nationwide was one of the numerous Cold War challenges in the West, establishing a minimum guard against the 21st century threat, i.e. cyber vulnerability, is on its way to becoming conventional wisdom as an unavoidable security requirement.…
2012-12-17 by Richard Weitz The limitations on domestic sources drive the PRC into a broader global acquisition system. And their quest to procure global uranium is significant for several reasons. First, it provides insight into the development of China’s energy resources, as securing uranium is symptomatic of its decision to invest…
2012-12-15 By Richard Weitz North Korea’s successful December 13 satellite launch surprised many observers by the rapidity of its progress, repeating the unpleasant surprise in 1998, when the DPRK first sought to launch a long-run missile. What is remarkable is how well this launch performed compared to the spectacular failure…
2012-12-15 The Marines having working on shaping ways to provide energy at the "tip of the spear" which can tap new and innovative methods. Recently, Marines from Combat Logistics Regiment-15 installed several Ground Renewable Expeditionary Energy Network Systems [GREENS] at several locations throughout Regional Command (Southwest) to improve the communications reliability of…
The recent interview with the NORTHCOM/NORAD Commander has highlighted the importance of evolving capabilities for Arctic Operations. He has signed recent agreements as well with the Canadians to this effect as well. http://defense.aol.com/2012/12/14/america-allies-and-the-arctic-northcom-commander-talks-polar-st/ https://sldinfo.com/u-s-canada-expand-arctic-cooperation-military-training/ But how capable is the US Navy today to contribute to this effort? Not very according…
2012-12-14 by Richard Weitz On November 15, 2012, U.S. Defense Secretary Panetta signed a joint vision statement with Thailand’s Defense Minister Sukampol Suwannathat, affirming and renewing the Thai-U.S. military partnership. The joint vision statement highlight four areas of future bilateral defense cooperation: regional security in Southeast Asia; supporting stability in the…
2012-12-14 by Kenneth Maxwell Brazil's military has been flexing its muscles recently. But major problems remain in shaping effective capabilities and an effective role within Brazilian foreign and security policies. Nonetheless, Brazil is redefining the role of its armed forces and making major decisions on the procurement of new equipment in the…
